November, 2020

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Current Affairs [PDF] - November 1-30, 2020
Last Updated: December 23, 2020
नननननननन नननन
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Contents
November 2, 2020
1. Fifteenth Finance Commission to submit its report on 9th November.
2. Strategic Policy and Facilitation Bureau- to be set up by AYUSH ministry and Invest India.
3. BRICS Business Forum held virtually.
4. World’s strongest storm- super typhoon Goni hits the Philippines.
5. Draft rules for Industrial Relations Code- To be implemented by April, 2021.
6. IISc and Indian Oil join hands for Hydrogen Generation Technology.
7. Who is a star campaigner?
8. Public Affairs Index-2020.
9. How did GST collection hits 8-month high in October 2020?
10. UNESCO included Panna in “World network of Biosphere Reserves”.
11. Mansar Lake Development Plan in J&K inaugurated.
November 3, 2020
12. Fortified Rice Distribution Scheme- launched in Chhattisgarh.
13. IIT Madras developed “IITM COVID Game” to raise awareness.
14. INS AIRAVAT reached Port Sudan under Mission Sagar II.
15. Centre releases Rs 2,200 crores to 15 states for improving Air Quality measures.
16. IREDA signs MoU with MNRE to set key targets for 2020-2021.
17. Highlights of Ganga Utsav, 2020.
18. Portugal’s Duarte Pacheco elected as new President of Inter Parliamentary Union.
19. India’s First Solar Powered Miniature Train Launched in Kerala.
20. Kerala launched Accelerator for Electronics technologies (ACE) to boost start-ups.
21. Tamil Nadu grants 100% vehicle tax waiver to EVs.
22. Foundation stone of Indo-Israeli Centre of Excellence for Vegetables Protected Cultivation.
November 4, 2020
23. US approves sale of armed drones to Taiwan.
24. Australia to join Malabar naval exercise.
25. India and GCC Troika hold annual Political Dialogue.
26. US Elections underway: How does it matter to India?
27. UNGA adopts two India sponsored Nuclear disarmament resolutions.
28. SARS-Cov-2 can not penetrate through Cornea of Eyes, says study.
29. Cabinet Approves Rs 1810 crore investment proposal on Luhri Hydro Power Project.
30. Union Cabinet approved MoU between India and Spain in Astronomy.
31. 13th Urban Mobility India Conference, 2020 to be held on November 9.
32. 6 women led startups win COVID-19 Shri Shakti Challenge.
November 5, 2020
33. Union Cabinet approved MoU between India and UK in ICT.
34. MoU between India and UK in Medical Product Regulation got cabinet approval.
35. India and Israel: MoU in Health and Medicine approved.
36. Prasar Bharti Signed MoU to launch education TV channels.
37. Tourist Facilitation Centre inaugurated in Kerala under PRASAD SCHEME.
38. PM Modi to chair virtual roundtable conference today.
39. Centre constituted committee to review guidelines on Television Rating Agency.
40. Advanced Version of Pinaka Rocket test fired successfully.
41. CARAT Joint Naval Exercise – held by Bangladesh and US.
42. Climate change- US officially withdraws from Paris agreement.
43. West Bengal announces initiatives for refugee, SC and ST people.
44. Kerala withdraws general consent accorded to CBI to probe cases.
45. ECI organizes International Virtual Election Visitors Programme.
November 6, 2020
46. Interpol created cybercrime-related communication services.
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47. Tripura issues warning against hunting of Amur Falcons.
48. Bangladesh signs MoU with Serum Institute of India (SII) for COVID-19 Vaccine.
49. India hosts 5th Joint Working Group on Coal between India and Indonesia.
50. PM Modi and Italian PM to hold Bilateral Summit.
51. What is the recent issue involving the Kartarpur Gurudwara?
52. Highlights of First India and Nordic-Baltic Conclave.
53. RBI announced co-lending scheme for banks, NBFCs for priority sector.
54. Highlights of the India-OPEC Energy Dialogue.
November 7, 2020
55. China successfully launched 13 satellites with a single rocket.
56. Great Barrier Reef : 500 metre high Coral Reef discovered in Australia.
57. ISRO to launch all-weather earth observation satellite.
58. WhatsApp Pay feature approved by NPCI.
59. Ro-Pax service between Hazira-Ghogha in Gujarat to be flagged off by PM Modi.
60. Gov Tech-Thon 2020.
61. Tamil Nadu tops the ‘Best State’ Category under the National Water Awards 2019.
62. IMD to provide predictions for Malaria outbreak from next monsoon.
63. 5 years of One Rank One Pension Scheme.
November 9, 2020
64. UAE announced major relaxations in Islamic Personal Laws.
65. Joe Biden elected as 46th US President- What does it mean to India?
66. Kamala Harris becomes first female Vice President of US.
67. Denmark to kill minks to contain spread of coronavirus.
68. Atal Innovation Mission- Sirius Innovation Programme 3.0
69. Uttarakhand Day is being observed today.
70. US President Joe Biden announced a 12 member COVID-19 task force.
71. Prime Minister Modi inaugurates development projects in Varanasi.
72. United Nation: 9 million people risk displacement from conflict in Ethiopia.
73. Ministry of Shipping is now ‘Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways’
74. Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana extended.
November 10, 2020

75. Anti-Satellite Missile system model inaugurated at DRDO.
76. Nirmala Sitharaman attends first BRICS Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ Meet
77. PM Modi will address the virtual SCO summit today.
78. World Science Day for Peace and Development – On November 10.
79. India welcomes Sudan’s removal from State Sponsors of Terrorism List.
80. Govt approved 21 projects under Integrated Cold Chain & Value Addition scheme.
81. Nepal President releases special anthology on Mahatma Gandhi.
82. India and Maldives Signed 4 Agreements-Key Facts
83. Australia- India Water Centre Inaugurated by IIT Guwahati
84. Ministry of Power Mandated for all DISCOMs to Comply Energy Conservation Act , 2001
85. DRDO developed a Fire Detection and Suppression System
86. FASTag Made Mandatory From 1st January 2021
November 11, 2020

87. World’s First CRISPR CaS-9 Based Diagnostic Tool
88. Armenia and Azerbaijan Sign Russia-Brokered Peace Deal
89. IBSA Report on ‘Deepening Cooperation in IBSA’ Launched
90. India Gifts Horses and Mine Detection Dogs to Bangladesh Army
91. Hunar Haat Event to Restart After Seven Months
92. Haryana Passed ‘Right to Recall Panchayat Member’ Bill
93. Himachal Pradesh’s Law Against Religious Conversion
94. Digital News Portals, Online Films and Content Providers brought under I&B Ministry
95. Food Coalition Launched by United Nations – To Prevent COVID-19 Food Crisis
96. Cabinet Approved PLI Scheme to 10 Key Sectors
97. National Database of Unorganised Sector
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November 12, 2020

98. 50% Air Transportation Subsidy for Fruits and Vegetables from North Eastern and Himalayan States
99. Public Service Broadcasting Day being observed on November 12.
100. IFSCA approved Draft Banking Regulations at IFSC
101. Fifth Scorpene Submarine ‘Vagir’- Launched by Indian Navy
102. Highlights of Economic Stimulus Package 4.0
103. Vaccine COVISHIELD Completes Enrolment of Phase 3 Clinical Trials
104. India to Enter into Recession- Q2 GDP Shrank to 8.6%
105. What is Sarna Code? – Passed in the Jharkhand Assembly
106. IRCTC to Start ‘Bharat Darshan Yatra’
November 13, 2020

107. J&K Launched e-Auction Portal to Promote ‘Kashmir Saffron’
108. India Aided 50 Metric Tons of Food Aid to Djibouti
109. IPPB Launched Doorstep Service to Submit Digital Life Certificate
110. UK Accused China of Breaking its International Treaty Obligations
111. PM Modi Extended USD 1 Million Aid to COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund
112. PUBG Corporation to Launch New Game for India
113. Madhya Pradesh Launched Roadmap to ‘Aatma Nirbhar Madhya Pradesh’
114. National Rail and Transportation Institute Launched Seven Academic Programs
115. WHO to Set Up a Traditional Medicine Centre in India
116. China Started Constructing Rail Line up on Arunachal Pradesh Border
117. China Launched World’s First 6G Experimental Satellite
November 16, 2020

118. 15 Asia-Pacific Countries Signed RCEP Trade Deal
119. Government Notified Draft Rules under the Code on Social Security
120. Lonar Lake and Sur Sarovar Declared as Ramsar Sites
121. “Jeevan Seva App”- Launched by Delhi Government
122. PM Modi to Unveil ‘Statue of Peace’
123. QRSAM Missile System Test Fired by DRDO
124. SpaceX Crew Dragon Launched 4 Astronauts to Space Station
125. UAE Extends 10-Year “Golden Visa” Eligibility to Several Professions
126. National Press Day is being observed on November 16
127. International Day for Tolerance on November 16
November 17, 2020

128. Second phase of Malabar Exercise begins in Northern Arabian Sea
129. 12th BRICS Summit to be Held Today
130. BRICS STI Declaration 2020 Adopted
131. Bharat Biotech begins Phase III Trials of COVAXIN
132. WPI Increased to 8-months High
133. Report on Vital Statistics of India based on the Civil Registration System
134. DIPAM Collaborates with World Bank for Advisory Services
135. “Mooh Band Rakho” Campaign Launched by HDFC Bank
136. Delhi Ranked 62 in the World’s Best Cities List
137. ADB Allocates USD 20 mn to Help Developing Members to get COVID-19
138. PM Modi to address the 3rd Annual Bloomberg New Economy Forum
139. Australia and Japan Agree to Historic Defence Pact
November 18, 2020

140. APEC Economies Affirm Free and Open Trade & Investment
141. Test Phase Of New Retail Payment Products Begins Under RBI’s Regulatory Sandbox
142. L&T Delivered Booster Segment for Gaganyaan Launch Vehicle to ISRO
143. Environment Ministry Launched Action Plan for Vulture Conservation
144. BRICS Nations adopt New Counter-Terrorism Strategy
145. Russian PM Approved Order to begin Governance Reform
146. Kris Gopalakrishnan- First Chairperson of Reserve Bank Innovation Hub
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147. Dominic Thiem Defeated Rafael Nadal at the ATP Finals
148. UN Launches “Team Halo” to Tackle Misinformation Around COVID-19 Vaccines
149. ‘Cow Cabinet’ to be Constituted in Madhya Pradesh to Conserve Cows
150. USA Announced to Reduce Troops in Afghanistan and Iraq
151. World’s Last Known White Giraffe Fixed With a GPS Tracking Device
152. Asia’s First Solar Powered Textile Mill to be Set up in Maharashtra
November 19, 2020

153. Greenland’s Largest Glacier- Expected to Melt Faster than Expected
154. IBBI Amends Regulations to Expedite Liquidation Process
155. World Toilet Day Being Observed on November 19
156. First Stand-alone Summit between India and Luxembourg
157. What is Chapare virus?
158. Supreme Court Ruling: State’s Consent Must for Centre to Extend CBI Jurisdiction
159. GoI and NDB Sign Agreement for USD 500 Million
160. India ranks 77 in Global Bribery Risk Matrix of TRACE
November 21, 2020

161. GoI Sanctioned Rs 3,971 Crores for Micro-Irrigation Projects
162. IMO Recognized IRNSS as Component of World Wide Radio Navigation System
163. Operation Warp Speed
164. Madhya Pradesh Religious Freedom Bill, 2020
165. What is Quadripartite Bru Settlement Agreement?
166. Education Minister Launched Lilavati Award-2020
167. Why Lakshmi Vilas Bank Ltd (LVB) put under Moratorium?
168. ‘Tristan da Cunha’ island created Marine Protection Zone
169. What is Leonid Meteor Shower?
170. What is Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine?
171. World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Day- Observed on November 18
172. Who was Francis Xavier?
November 23, 2020

173. Highlights of the 15th G20 Summit
174. What is Seismic Survey Campaign?
175. Maharashtra- Maha Awas Yojana Launched
176. US-Taiwan Pact on to Establish Annual Economic Talks for 5 years
177. UNICEF to Ship 2 billion Covid-19 Vaccines to Poor Nations in 2021
178. SIMBEX-20: India – Singapore Bilateral Maritime Exercise Begins Today
179. 2nd edition of SITMEX-20 held in Andaman Sea
180. Tamil Nadu banned Online Games
181. 4th Global Conference on Criminal Finances and Cryptocurrencies
182. NGT Directs States and UTs to Designate Nodal Agency to Protect Water Bodies
183. Malaysia Hosted the Leaders’ Summit of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
184. India will host G-20 Summit in 2023
November 24, 2020

185. Technical Committee of Jal Jeevan Mission recommends ‘Five Technologies’
186. China Launched Chang’e-5 Mission to Collect Moon Samples
187. International Version of UMANG Application Launched
188. Martyrdom Day of Guru Tegh Bahadur being observed today
189. India-EU Consultations on Disarmament & Non-Proliferation matters
190. Cyclone Nivar
191. India-Madagascar to Sign Pacts to Strengthen Ties
192. Pilibhit Tiger Reserve gets TX2 Global Award for Doubling Tiger Population
193. AAI commenced Aviation Awareness Week 2020
194. 46 online ATAL Faculty Development Programmes (FDPs) inaugurated
November 25, 2020

195. All India Presiding Officers’ Conference to be Inaugurated in Kevadia, Gujarat
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196. RE-Invest 2020
197. Agriculture Minister Launched “Sahakar Pragya”
198. India-Myanmar: 7th Joint Trade Committee meeting held
199. UP Passed Ordinance to ban Unlawful Religious Conversions for Marriage
200. India to Launch Phase-IV of High Impact Community Development Projects in Afghanistan
201. India Test-Fires Land-Attack Version Of BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile
202. What is Sustainable Development Goals(SDG) Investor Map?
203. India-US extend MoU for Cooperation on Nuclear Energy
204. NITI Aayog sets Panel To Study Feasibility Of Hyperloop Technology In India
November 26, 2020

205. Cabinet approves Merger of Lakshmi Vilas Bank With DBS India
206. Cabinet approved Rs 6,000 Crore Infusion into NIIF Debt Platform
207. MoU between BRICS Nations on Sports and Physical Culture approved
208. National Portal for Transgender Persons Launched
209. November 26: Constitution Day of India
210. PM Modi chaired 33rd PRAGATI Interaction
211. UN Released 25 Million Dollar funds for Women-Led Organizations
212. UK allocates Funds for Counter Terrorism Operations Centre
213. UP Government approved the Ganga Expressway Project
214. Indian Railway Launched Digitized Online Human Resource Management System
215. Football Legend Diego Maradona Passed Away
November 27, 2020

216. NITI Aayog released ‘Mitigation and Management of Covid-19: Practices from India’s States and UTs’
217. Recognition of Archery Association of India Restored
218. Honey FPO Programme inaugurated by Agriculture Minister
219. India-Finland Relation: MOU signed for Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation
220. Draft Merchant Shipping Bill, 2020
221. India to host 19th SCO Heads of Government Meet
222. West Bengal Expanded the ‘Swasthya Sathi’ Health Scheme
223. Scotland became First Country to Make Sanitary Products Free
224. France Resumes Digital Tax on Facebook & Amazon
225. UAE to become First Arab Gulf Country to Generate Electricity from Coal
November 28, 2020

226. What is filecoin? How does it work?
227. Key Facts about Mission Covid Suraksha
228. What is Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVin)?
229. What is Bank Moratorium?
230. What is Servitisation?
231. Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 Vaccine Error
232. Pomodoro Technique and why is it good for productivity?
233. What is Green Hydrogen?
234. What is Whatsapp OTP Scam?
235. What is Karvy Stock Broking Case?
November 30, 2020

236. What is Technical Recession?
237. Dry Swab-Direct RT-PCR Test Method
238. Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) Accorded IEEE’s Milestone Status
239. Why Mission COVID Suraksha has been Launched?
240. Hualong One: China’s First Nuclear Reactor
241. What is a Beaver Moon?
242. Why Iran Passed Bill To Boost Nuclear Activity?
243. SCO Online International Exhibition on Shared Buddhist Heritage commenced today
244. What is ARTPARK?
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November 2, 2020
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1. Fifteenth Finance Commission to submit its report on 9th November.
The Fifteenth Finance Commission (FC) has finalised its report on fund devolution from
the Centre to States three years after it was constituted. The FC has finalised the norms
for five years counting from 2021-22 to 2025-26.
1. Highlights
 The panel has constituted certain recommendations and it will submit the report to the
President.
 After that, report will be tabled by the Finance Minister in the Parliament stating what action
has been taken on the recommendations.
2. Recommendations
3. Finance Commission (FC)

The FC has been constitutionally created body that stands at the centre of fiscal
federalism. It has been constituted as per Article 280 of the constitution as a quasi-
judicial body. The commission is constituted by the President of India every 5 years as
considered necessary by the President. The first FC was set up in 1951 and there have
been fifteen FC so far. The panel make recommendations on the distribution of net
proceeds of taxes between Centre – states and among states. The primary functions of
the FC include:
4. 15th Finance Commission

The Fifteenth FC was constituted on 27 November 2017. It is being headed by the
chairman NK Singh. It has been constituted in the backdrop of abolition of Planning
Commission, distinction between Plan and non-Plan expenditure and introduction of the
goods and services tax (GST). The NK Singh panel had first submitted report in 2019 on
the government’s requested just for the year 2020-21. The 2019 report had reduced the
State’s share of the divisible tax pool from 42%, to 41%. The panel had stated creation
of the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh as the reason for reduction.
2. Strategic Policy and Facilitation Bureau- to be set up by AYUSH

ministry and Invest India.
The Ministry of AYUSH and Invest India has planned to set up “Strategic Policy and
Facilitation Bureau (SPFB)”. The bureau will facilitate systematic growth of AYUSH sector.
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1. Strategic Policy and Facilitation Bureau
The Bureau will make AYUSH systems future ready. It would support the AYUSH ministry
to make strategic and policy making initiatives in order to initiate the growth and
investment of the AYUSH sector. Invest India and the Ministry of AYUSH will jointly define
the short- and long-term targets. The Bureau would also be deploying trained experts in
order to implement and execute the plans of the ministry. The SPFB is of great
significance at the time of Covid-19 pandemic which is leaving indelible imprints in the
health-seeking behaviors of people around the world.
2. Functions of SPFB
SPFB undertakes the following activities or functions:
3. Invest India
Invest India is the National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency. It is a non-
profit organization constituted under the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion
(DIPP). It is also associated with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and
Industry (FICCI) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
4. Functions of Invest India

Invest India highlights the state-specific and sector-specific information to foreign
investors and assists Indian investors to provide information about investment
opportunities across the world.
3. BRICS Business Forum held virtually.
The BRICS Business forum was held through video conference on October 28, 2020. The
forum jointly reviewed its joint work for the previous years, discussed the current
business issues and discussed the path for the future.
1. Highlights
 The council has achieved a certain success and positive performance since its establishment.
This year the meeting has been different amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Pandemic has made
the BRICS countries to turn the disease-climate into a platform in order to search for new
drivers of trade and economic growth.
 This meeting was chaired by the head of the Russian chapter of the BRICS Business Council
and President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation Sergey
Katyrin from Moscow.
 The forum was held jointly by the support of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian
Federation, Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation and Ministry of
Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation.
 The sessions of the BRICS council were held under understated themes:
“COVID-19 and the economic development of the BRICS countries: problems and actions” and
“Challenges and opportunities for sustainable development: pathways to a green economy.”
 “COVID-19 and the economic development of the BRICS countries: problems and actions” and
 “Challenges and opportunities for sustainable development: pathways to a green economy.”
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 The former session discussed the agenda for action on climate change and to find ways to
sustain economic, industrial and energy development while the later session hold discussions
on reducing carbon emissions.
2. BRICS Business Council

The BRICS Business Council was launched in 2013 BRICS Summit at Durban. The primary
task of the council is to increase or broaden trade and investment among the member
countries such as Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
3. Significance
This year meeting is significant in the light of ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The world
economy has fall into recession because of several lockdowns. Global GDP is shrinking
and thus the international trade, investment and demand for key exports has also
declined. The global value chains has disrupted and financial markets is also disturbed.
Thus to deal with such situation, the forum becomes important.
4. Objective of the council

The BRICS governments will support businesses in each of the member nations in every
possible way. In this context, the BRICS Business Forum and Business Council are
essential for devising effective solutions to support micro, small and medium-sized
enterprises.
4. World’s strongest storm- super typhoon Goni hits the Philippines.
Tyophoon Goni hit the eastern part of the Philippines on November 1, 2020. The typhoon
is being considered as the world’s strongest storm so far this year. It has bring
“catastrophic violent winds” and thus is being the hardest landfall on record.
1. Highlights
 Super Typhoon Goni first hit land over Catanduanes province and then pummeled Albay.
 The storm is moving westward with an speed of 25 kilometers per hour.
 The previous strong typhoon was Super Typhoons Meranti of 2016 and Haiyan 2013.
 Goni’s attained the maximum wind speed of 310 kilometers per hour. However, it has
weakened to 215 kilometers per hour.
 About 347,000 people have been evacuated.
2. Damages
Typhoon Goni would damage more than 928,000 hectares of land which is planted with
rice and 58,431 hectares of corn. It would also create severe losses to Coconut, rice and
corn plantations. The storm risk the life of 50 million people.
3. Typhoons in Philippines
The Philippines is highly disaster-prone. An average of 20 cyclones pass through it every
year. In 2013 typhoon Haiyan hit which was one of the strongest typhoons recorded. It
had killed more than 6,300 people.
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4. About Typhoon Goni
It is known as Super Typhoon Rollyin the Philippines. It is a weakening tropical cyclone
that made landfall in the country as an extremely powerful Category 5–equivalent super
typhoon. It is the19th named storm, 9th typhoon, and 2nd super typhoon of the 2020 in
the Pacific. Goni was originated on October 26, 2020 as a tropical depression southwest
of Guam. On October 27, it was named as Tropical Storm Goni. But on October 28, it was
intensified over the Philippine Sea, and became a Category 5–equivalent super typhoon.
5. Catanduanes
Catanduanes is an island province located on the Luzon island in the Philippines. It is the
12th-largest Island of the country. Virac is its capital. The island province lies to the east
of Camarines Sur across the Maqueda Channel. The province comprise of the
Catanduanes Island, Panay Island, Lete Island, Palumbanes group of islands and other
minor islets and rocks. The province is home to mollusk fossil sites. It is the second
oldest ammonite site in Philippine.
5. Draft rules for Industrial Relations Code- To be implemented by April,

2021.
The Ministry of Labour have notified the draft rules for the Industrial Relations Code,
2020. These rules have to be implemented by April, 2021.
1. Background
The Ministry of Labour and Employment introduced four Bills in September 2019 in order
to consolidate 29 central laws. These bill were introduced to regulate and consolidate
laws on Wages, Industrial Relations, Social Security and Occupational Safety, Health &
Working Conditions.
2. Industrial Relations Code, 2020

 The code states that the industrial establishments with up to 300 workers will not require a
standing order on conditions of employment and rules of conduct for workmen. The new
provision for standing order will be applicable on industrial establishment with 300 or more
than 300 workers.
 The code also introduced new conditions to carry out a legal strike. It has added a provision
of arbitration proceedings for workers before going on a legal strike. It states, no person
shall go on strike without a 60-day notice, during the pendency of proceedings before a
Tribunal or a National Industrial Tribunal and sixty days after proceedings are concluded.
 The code also include provision of re-skilling fund for training of workers of an amount equal
to 15 days that has been last drawn by the worker.
 The code has kept out the eminent institutes related to defence and space such as DRDO and
ISRO out of its purview.
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3. Need of the reform?
The central government stated that there are over 100 state and 40 central laws that
regulate the various aspects of labour such as resolution of industrial disputes, working
conditions, social security and wages. So, the Second National Commission on Labour
(2002) had found existing legislation complex. It also highlighted some of the archaic
provisions and inconsistent definitions. Thus, for the ease of compliance and to ensure
uniformity in labour laws it has recommended the consolidation of existing laws.
4. Who regulate the labour?

Labour is categorized under the Concurrent List of the Constitution. Thus, both
Parliament and state legislatures can make regulating labour laws.
6. IISc and Indian Oil join hands for Hydrogen Generation Technology.
The IISc and the Indian Oil Corporation Research and Development Centre have signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop Hydrogen Generation Technology
based on biomass gasification. It will be developed in order to produce Fuel Cell Grade
Hydrogen at an affordable price.
1. Key Facts
The technology that is being developed under the MoU will provide clean energy option,
The clean energy in turn will address the challenge of biomass waste. The technology
will be demonstrated at the Indian Oil Research and Development Centre at Faridabad.
The hydrogen generated from this demonstration plant will be used to power fuel cell
buses.
2. What is Biomass Gasification?

It is a process converting the biomass to hydrogen and other products. The process does
not involves combustion rather it is done with the help of steam, heat and oxygen. The
technology was first developed by IISc to produce hydrogen rich synthetic gas from
biomass. Later, hydrogen was separated from the synthetic gas.
3. Hydrogen
Hydrogen is most abundantly found in universe. 90% of the atoms in the universe are
made of hydrogen. The most abundant compound of hydrogen is Water. Hydrogen is
mostly bonded to oxygen in water and carbon in live or dead fossilised biomass on the
Earth. Hydrogen is a zero-emission fuel which is used as fuel for space craft propulsion.
Water is the only by-product if hydrogen fuel. Thus, hydrogen fuel is 100% clean.
Hydrogen can be stored in gaseous or liquid form. In gaseous form, it is stored in high
pressure tank while in liquid form, it is stored at cryogenic temperatures.
4. Benefits of Hydrogen
Hydrogen in renewable, non-toxic and environment friendly. It produces more energy
per unit of fuel than diesel and gas. It is used as fuel in rockets. It does not occur in
deposits like fossil fuels. However, the fuel is expensive to produce and is highly
flammable.
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7. Who is a star campaigner?
The Election Commission (EC) of India, recently revoked the status of a star campaigner
for his part on a congress leader Kamal Nath in the ongoing Assembly by-polls in the
State of Madhya Pradesh. On that context, The leader moved to the supreme court
against the EC.
1. Highlights
The election commision revoked the status because of repeated violation of the Model
Code of Conduct (MCC) by him. Further, he completely disregarded the advisory that
was issued to him. The leader had violated the norms regarding the expenditure. It is the
usual business that the expenditure of star campaigners’ events, travel and stay is borne
by the party. It is not added to the candidate’s spending, which is limited.
2. Who is a Star campaigner?

Star campaigner are the people nominated by parties to campaign in a given set of
constituencies. They are usually the prominent and popular faces within the party. The
EC of India has not provided any specific definition of a “star campaigner”. A recognised
political party can have maximum of 40 star campaigners while an unrecognised but
registered political party can at maximum have 20 star campaigners. The list of star
campaigners is communicated to the Chief Electoral Officer and Election Commission
within a week from the date of notification of an election.
3. Who borne the expenditure by Star campaigner?

The expenditure on rally and travel by the star campaigner is borne by the candidate in
following manner:
4. Provisions related to star campaigner status

Section 77(1) of the Representation of People Act, 1951 contains the Guidelines for Star
Campaigners. It is issued by the Election Commission, from time to time. The guidelines
make selection or revocation of ‘star campaigners’ the special rights of the political
party.
8. Public Affairs Index-2020.
The Public Affairs Index-2020 has been released recently by the Public Affairs Centre.
The States such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Goa have emerged as the best governed
States.
1. Highlights
The states have been ranked on governance performance on the basis of a composite
index. The composite index was prepared in the context of sustainable development
defined by the three pillars including the equity, growth and sustainability.
2. Key Findings
 The State of Kerala topped the index.
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 Kerala is followed by Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka that bagged the second,
third and fourth rank respectively.
 Uttar Pradesh, Odisha and Bihar stood at the bottom of the ranking.
 Goa ranked first in the small states category. Goa is followed by Meghalaya and Himachal
Pradesh.
 The worst performers in the index Manipur, Delhi and Uttarakhand. These three states
received negative points.
 Chandigarh bagged at the top position in the category of Union Territories. Chandigarh is
followed by Puducherry and Lakshadweep.
 Among the Union Territories, Dadra and Nagar Haveli; Andaman and Nicobar; Jammu and
Kashmir were the worst performers.
3. Recommendations by the report

The report recommended that there must be synergies between all the three pillars-
equity, growth and sustainability from the perspective of development.
4. Public Affairs Centre (PAC)

The Public Affairs Centre (PAC) is a data driven not-for-profit research think tank. The
PAC is situated in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The think-tank works to improve the quality of
governance in India. It conducts research activities in two major fields including the
public policy and participatory governance.
9. How did GST collection hits 8-month high in October 2020?
The Union Ministry of Finance recently notified total amount of GST revenue collected in
the month of October stands around Rs 1, 05, 155 crore. The collected revenue is an 8-
month high figure.
1. Highlights
 Out of the total collected GST revenue, CGST accounts for Rs 19, 193 crore, SGST accounts
for Rs 25, 411 crore, and IGST accounts Rs 52, 540 crore.
 Aprat from that, Rs 23, 375 crore were collected on import of goods.
 Total Cess collection is Rs 8, 011 crore, while
 Rs 932 crore were collected on import of goods.
 Total number of GSTR-3B Returns filed for October month is 80 lakh.
 Total revenue collected in October 2020 after regular settlement amounts to Rs 44, 285 crore
for CGST and Rs 44, 839 crore for SGST.
 GST revenues collected in October 2020 is 10 percent higher than the GST revenues earned
in October 2019.
 This is the first time in the current financial year that the gross GST revenue collection
crossed Rs 1 lakh crore.
2. What does this show?

The GST revenue growth in October shows a positive growth trajectory when compared
to the previous months. The positive growth trajectory clearly shows that the Indian
economy is following the recovery path that was hit hard after the national lockdown
was imposed amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The lockdown had forced the economy to
come to a standstill in the first quarter the current fiscal year.
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3. Background
While the battle against the COVID-19 is still going on, the government is gradually
opening up the economy side-by-side. As a result, the economy has shown a positive
growth trajectory. In the reopening guidelines of September, Union Home Ministry had
allowed the opening of almost all activities outside the containment zones. The Ministry
also allowed the reopening of cinema halls and theatres outside containment zones in its
October guidelines.
10. UNESCO included Panna in “World network of Biosphere Reserves”.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has
recently included the Panna National Park of Madhya Pradesh under its “World network
of Biosphere reserves”. Apart from the Panna National Park, Fuvahmulahand Addu Atoll
of Maldives has also been included under the list this year.
1. Highlights
 Panna National park was included under the list as a biosphere reserve by the Union Ministry
of Environment and Forest.
 UNESCO has also described the National Park as a critical tiger habitat and has highlighted
that the park is home to the World Heritage site of Khajuraho temples.
2. Panna National Park

The national park is located in Panna and Chhatarpur districts of Madhya Pradesh. It is
spread over an area of 542.67 km square. The park was declared as the 22nd Tiger
reserve of India and 5th in Madhya Pradesh in the year 1993. It was designated as a
Biosphere Reserve on 25 August 2011. Trees like Sal, crocodile bark, Arjun, jamun, etc.
are present in the park. Among the animals tiger, leopard, chital, chinkara, nilgai,
sambhar and sloth bear are found in the park. It is also the home to more than 200
species of birds such as bar-headed goose, honey buzzard, headed parakeet, king
vulture, blossom- changeable hawk-eagle and Indian vulture. The park was declared as
one of the Tiger reserves of India in 1994-95.
3. Concerns
There is a concerns regarding the controversial Ken-Betwa River linking project. The
Government of India along with Government of Madhya Pradesh and Government of
Uttar Pradesh have planned to link the Ken River with the Betwa River. This also
comprises the construction of 283km long Daudhan Dam. The project is aimed at
transferring the excess water from Ken basin to Betwa basin. Though, the project would
provide water access to the drought prone region of Bundelkhand. But, construction will
cause the outpouring of 400 hectares of Panna Tiger reserve. Activists fear that this will
affect the population of tigers in the region.
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4. Benefits of inclusion in World Network of Biosphere Reserves?
The World Network of Biosphere Reserves consists of a dynamic and interactive network
of sites of excellence. It helps in the integration of people and nature for sustainable
development. It tries to integrate both through participatory dialogue, knowledge
sharing, poverty reduction and human well-being improvements. It also contributes to
the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
11. Mansar Lake Development Plan in J&K inaugurated.
The Union Minister of Development of the North Eastern Region, Shri Jitendra Singh ,
inaugurated the Mansar Lake Development Plan in Jammu and Kashmir on November 1,
2020.
1. Key Facts
The government’s plan is to attract more than 20 lakh tourists every year. Through this
project, the government is expected to generate 1.15 crores of employment. Further,
the project is expected to generate Rs 800 crores of revenue.
2. Government’s Plan
The government plans to rejuvenate and renovate the lake on the lines of Ganga river
cleaning project. Apart from the Lake Mansar, River Devika of Jammu and Kashmir will
also to be renovated and rejuvenated. Both of these projects will be implemented at a
cost of Rs 200 crores.
3. Recent Developments in Jammu and Kashmir region

Some of the recent developmental activities implemented in Jammu and Kashmir region
include-
4. Why development of J&K is significant?

The developmental activities that are being done in the Jammu-Kashmir region is
significant in the aftermath of the removal of special status as provided under Article
370 of the constitution. The article has now been down away with. Further, this region
alone contributes to 7% of GDP in the tourism sector. It plays a major role in the
collection of revenue by the Union Territory. Thus, to fetch more tourists in the region, it
needs to be developed.
5. Mansar Lake
The lake is a designated Ramsar Convention site located in Jammu region. It was
designated as a Ramsar site in 2005. It is a natural freshwater lake where fishing is the
major activity.
November 3, 2020
_____________________________________________________________________________
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12. Fortified Rice Distribution Scheme- launched in Chhattisgarh.
The State Government of Chhattisgrah launched the Fortified Rice Distribution Scheme
on the occasion of Statehood Day celebrations on November 1, 2020.
1. Highlights
On the occasion of the statehood day, the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh also
inaugurated the understated schemes:
2. Fortified Rice Distribution Scheme

The scheme was launched in order to reduce malnutrition and anaemia in the state. The
fortified rice will be distributed through fair price shops, under the scheme.
3. Fortified rice
The rice comprises Vitamin-B12, iron and folic acid in it which helps to control
malnutrition and anaemia.
4. Swami Atmanand Government English Medium School Scheme

The Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh also inaugurated Swami Atmanand Government
English Medium School Scheme worth Rs 130 crore. Under this scheme, 52 English
medium schools will be started. These schools will provide online education facilities. It
will also comprise of computer and science lab, state-of-the-art library and lab.
5. Mukhyamantri Sahari Slum Swathya Yojana

It is an urban slum health Yojana. The scheme will provide free health checks,
counselling, medicines and treatment to the people in slums. They will also be provided
with family planning counselling, resources and family planning measures.
6. Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana

This scheme was launched in order to ensure minimum income availability to the
farmers of the state. It brings more land areas under cultivation. Financial aid is also
transferred to the farmers’ accounts directly under this scheme.
13. IIT Madras developed “IITM COVID Game” to raise awareness.
The Indian Institute of Technology, Madras has developed “IITM COVID Game” in order to
raise awareness on the COVID-19 virus amongst children.
1. IITM COVID Game

This Game is a browser-based software which can be played on any device. The game
has been launched in 12 different Indian languages including Sanskrit, Tamil, Oriya,
Kannada, Marathi, Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Assamese and Punjabi.
The game is focused on a character who encounters the right things such as washing
hands and wearing masks that are necessary in order to contain the COVID-29 spread.
Further, the character encounters the things that needs to be avoided amid the
pandemic including hugs and handshakes. The character gets points on every right thing
he does. This game is available on IITM website for free of cost.
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2. Significance
The Games comprise of the healthy practices and a positive social behaviour which will
influence peoples’ action in order to keep themselves and the world safe.
3. Other games
 The Corona Fighters’ Awareness Video Game: This web-based game was launched by Union
Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan. The game was designed in order to influence the players to use
masks and practice healthy eating apart from washing hands regularly.
 World’s first COVID-19 Game: The world’s first COVID-19 game was launched by a professor
at the University of Hertfordshire, Richard Wiseman. The game is titled as “Can You Save the
World?”
4. How GOI is fight against COVID-19?

The government of India (GOI) has taken several measures in order to contain the
disease on case by case basis. The ministry is launched several guidelines not only for
containing the spread of the diseases but to tackle with the other associated problems
as well. For Instance, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare recently issued
guidelines to manage mental illness amid the COVID-19. To prevent and treat the CPVID-
19, AYUSH Standard Treatment Protocol was launched and to study the trends of the
virus, Sero Survey is being conducted in phases across the country. Further, Dr V K Paul
Committee was set up which was a National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for
COVID-19. The committee works on vaccine administration, conceptualization and
implementation mechanisms for creating digital infrastructure in order to deliver COVID-
19 vaccine. GoI have planed to use EVIN for storing the COVID-19 vaccine that will also
make the distribution of vaccine easy.
14. INS AIRAVAT reached Port Sudan under Mission Sagar II.
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Airavat reached the Port Sudan on November 2, 2020. The
Ship reached the port under Phase II of the Mission Sagar.
1. Highlights
 INS Airavat carried a consignment of 100 tonnes of food aid to Sudan.
 This was the part of India’s assistance programe under Mission Sagar.
 Under the Mission Sagar, India has been providing assistance to its friendly foreign countries
in order to help them overcome COVID-19 pandemic and other natural calamities.
 In phase II of Mission Sagar, INS Ship Airavat will be delivering food aid to Djibouti, South
Sudan and Eritrea apart from Sudan.
 This mission is being implemented in joint coordination with the Ministries of External Affairs
and Ministry of Defence.
2. Background
Under the first phase of Mission Sagar India deployed INS Kesari. The Ship carried food
aid and medicines to countries including Comoros, Madagascar, Seychelles, Mauritius
and Maldives.
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3. Mission SAGAR
The Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) mission was launched in 2015
under the strategic vision of Indian Ocean Region. Under this doctrine, India is aimed at
strengthening its economic and security cooperation with its maritime neighbours. India
seeks to safeguard national interests in the Indian Ocean Region. Under this doctrine,
India wants to ensure that the Indian Ocean Region becomes collaborative, inclusive and
comply with the international laws. Mission SAGAR become more significant because it
further comply with the other policies of India including Project Sagarmala, Project
Mausam, Act East Policy, focus on Blue Economy and India as a net security provider.
4. Project Sagarmala
This project was launched to develop ports around the coasts of India. This, in turn,
seeks to promote port led development across 7,500 km long coastline of the country.
Under the project, expansion of inland waterways, rail, road and coastal services is being
done under the aegis of The Ministry of Shipping.
5. Project Mausam
It is a cultural and economic project launched by the Indian Ministry of Culture and
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The project is aimed at connecting the 39 countries
bordering the Indian Ocean in order to rebuild maritime and economic connections. It
also bring together the historical and archaeological researchers for recording the
diversity of economic, cultural, and religious interactions between countries.
15. Centre releases Rs 2,200 crores to 15 states for improving Air

Quality measures.
The Government of India have released Rs 2,200 crores to 15 states on November 2,

2020. The fund was released to the states in order for them to improve the Air Quality
Measures. These measures have to be executed in more than million plus cities.
1. Highlights
The fund has been released on the recommendations of the Fifteenth Finance
Commission. It will help states to undertake air quality measures and capacity building
among local bodies. The amount has been released to states Including Maharashtra,
Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Rajasthan,
West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Out of total RS 2,200 crores Rs 202.5 crores
to Gujarat , Rs 396.5 crores has been released to Maharashtra, Rs 357 crores to UP, and
Rs 209.5 crores to West Bengal.
2. Background
The Fifteenth Finance Commission was constituted in 2017 and it will now submit its
report after three years. The commision has created a report for the fiscal years 2020-21
to 2025-26 and will submit the report to The President Ram Nath Kovind on November 9,
2020. The Fifteenth Finance Commission in its report for the fiscal year 2020-21 had
recommended a grant of Rs 4,400 crores in order to improve the air quality in 50 million
plus cities.
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3. How air quality is monitored?
In order to combat the air pollution, the government had launched a National Air
Pollution Control Programme. The Programme has been partnered with several think
tanks and premier educational institutions including IITs, IIITs and NITs in order to meet
its objectives. Under this program, a network of 984 Air Quality monitoring stations has
been set up in order to monitor the air quality on regular basis. Out of these stations,
779 are manual stations and 205 are continuous monitoring stations. They have been
set up across 500 cities. However, the station infrastructure is very low which needs to
be improved.
16. IREDA signs MoU with MNRE to set key targets for 2020-2021.
The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) Limited and the Ministry of
New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on
November 2, 2020 in order to set key targets for the year 2020-21.
1. Highlights
 Under the MoU, the Government of India (GOI) has set a revenue target of Rs 2,406 crore
from the renewable energy industry.
 The IREDA has financed more than 2,700 renewable energy projects in India till November 2,
2020.
 The total loan disbursement for these projects stands at Rs 57,000 crores.
 Through these projects, IREDA has helped in adding 17,259 MW of green power to the
country.
2. India’s renewable energy sector

India is one of leading producer of the energy from renewable sources. India’s total
energy generation capacity is 373 GW out of which, 135 GW ( 36.17%) is from
renewable sources. India has signed the Paris Agreement under which it has committed
to achieving 40% of its total electricity generation from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.
Further, India aims at generating 57% of the total electricity capacity from renewable
sources by 2027 in Central Electricity Authority’s strategy blueprint. As per this
blueprint, India aims to generate 275 GW from renewable energy, 72 GW from
hydroelectricity, 15 GW from nuclear energy and 100 GW from other zero emission
sources. The GoI has also targeted for installing Rooftop Solar Projects(RTP) of 40 GW by
2022. In that line, India recently launched a green window programme.
3. Green Window
The Green Window programme was launched in January 2020 and is being implemented
by IREDA. Under this, green banks and other public entities will be set up that will work
to bring clean energy financing into the mainstream. This will increase the finances
being provided to the green energy companies. Further, these institutes will adopt
innovative new tools as are adopted in countries like Malaysia, UK, Japan, Australia and
US. The Green Window seeks to serve the unserved segments of renewable energy.
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4. IREDA
It was set up in 1987. IREDA is the leading non-banking financial institution dedicated to
clean energy expansion in India.
17. Highlights of Ganga Utsav, 2020.
The Ganga Utsav begun virtually on November 2, 2020. The festival will be concluded
on November 4, 2020. Ganga Utsav is being organised by the National Mission for Clean
Ganga and the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
1. Highlights
The Ganga Utsav is being celebrated and observed in the light of 12th anniversary of
declaring River Ganges as National river. This year, as a part of the celebration, The
Ganga Task Force conducted afforestation drives with NCC cadets.
2. The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)

NMCG was implemented by the National Council for Rejuvenation, Protection and
Management of River Ganga on August 12, 2011 under the Societies Registration
Act,1860 as a registered society. This programe under the National Ganga Council is
supported by the State level Programme Management Groups (SPMGs) in the state such
as Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal. This initiative was
started by the Government of India to address the pollution of river Ganga by providing
financial and technical assistance.
3. Other Initiatives for Clean Ganga

Some other major initiatives undertaken by the Government of India include:
4. River Ganges
The River Ganges is the longest river of India flowing along the 2,510 km of valleys,
mountains and plains. The River originates in Gangotri Glacier in the name River
Bhagirathi. River Bhagirathi joins the Alaknanda River at Devprayag in Uttarakhand and
becomes the River Ganges. The major tributaries of Ganga river include Yamuna,
Gandak, Kali, Ghagra, Son and RamGanga. This holy river drains 11 states including the
Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya
Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar and West Bengal. The Ganges joins River Brahmaputra before
draining into the Bay of Bengal. The river is known as River Padma in Bangladesh.
18. Portugal’s Duarte Pacheco elected as new President of Inter

Parliamentary Union.
Duarte Pacheco has been elected as the new President of Inter Parliamentary Union on
November 2, 2020. He has been elected as President of the union for the period of 2020
and 2023. The former president of the Inter Parliamentary Union was Mexican MP
Gabriela Cuevas Barron.
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1. Highlights
The 206th session of the Inter Parliamentary Union began on November 1, 2020. In the
session, India was represented by the Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla. The session was
attended by the Officers from 144 parliaments . The session was led by the India’s Lok
Sabha speaker Om Birla. At the session, Pakistani Senate Chairman Sanjirani lost badly
to the Portuguese candidate. Also, India had opposed the candidature of Pakistan in the
Union.
2. Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU)

The Inter Parliamentary Union was established in 1889. The primary purpose of the
establishment of the union is to promote democratic governance, cooperation and
accountability. The parliamentary Union has played a major role in establishing United
Nations, Permanent Court of Arbitration and League of Nations. The Slogan of the union
is “For Democracy, For Everyone”. The IPU comprises a Governing Council, Assembly,
Executive Committee, IPU President and a Secretariat. There are six Geo Political Groups
of IPU namely Africa, Eurasia, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Arab Group and Twelve Plus.
India belongs to the Asia-Pacific group.
3. Significance of IPU
The IPU played a significant role during the World War. In between the two world wars,
IPU had intensified its work for the peaceful settlement of international disputes. It also
codified the social and humanitarian policies, economic questions , colonial problems
and intellectual relations.
19. India’s First Solar Powered Miniature Train Launched in Kerala.
India’s first solar energy powered miniature train was inaugurated by the Chief Minister
Pinarayi Vijayan on November 2, 2020. It has been inaugurated at the Veli Tourist Village
in Kerala.
1. Highlights
 The train was part of a string of projects and around Rs 60 crore were taken up in order to
elevate the facilities at the panoramic destination to international standards.
 On same day, the Chief Minister also dedicated an “Urban Park” and a swimming pool at the
eco-friendly tourist village.
 The tourist village is located on the outskirts where the Veli Lake meets up with the Arabian
Sea.
2. The miniature rail

The miniature rail comprises of all the features that a fully- equipped rail system had. It
includes a tunnel, station, and a ticket office. It has three bogies which can
accommodate around 45 people at a time. The train is eco-friendly and solar-powered.
The 2.5 km miniature railway will enable visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature. Total cost
of this first of its kind project in India is Rs ten crore. The train will generate solar
energy. The surplus energy generated by the system will be transferred to the Kerala
State Electricity Board’s grid.
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3. Solar powered Train in India
Indian Railways had launched its first solar-powered DEMU (diesel electrical multiple
unit) train from the Safdarjung railway station in Delhi on July 14, 2017. The train ran
from Sarai Rohilla in Delhi to Farukh Nagar in Haryana. The train had a total of 16 solar
panels producing 300 Wp. The solar panels were manufactured under ‘Make in India’
initiative. This was the first time in the world that solar panels were used as grid in
railways.
20. Kerala launched Accelerator for Electronics technologies (ACE) to

boost start-ups.
Kerala has launched a state- of-the-art Accelerator for Electronics Technologies (ACE) on
November 2, 2020. The technology is expected to boost the southern state’s startups
that are striving to scale up as sustainable enterprises.
1. Highlights
 The development of ACE was a joint initiative of Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) and Centre for
Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC).
 The ACE seeks to develop itself as a leading accelerator in the country’s electronics
technologies.
 ACE will nurture the development of high-tech startups in electronics and allied disciplines.
 The ACE was inaugurated by the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
 The accelerator would be complementary to the KSUM- supported incubator in the field of
electronics technologies that have been established in Kochi.
2. Monitoring
The CADC will be the mentor of the startups for a specific period the startups. CADC will
be providing the startups the access to the new facility’s physical and intellectual
infrastructure. CADC has also mandated to facilitate software infrastructure that will
support the research and development of high-end electronic systems, tools and
services.
3. Significance
The ACE would provide 1,000 direct employment opportunities. The accelerator would
also be “highly beneficial” to young entrepreneurs. It will enable them to steady their
ventures. It would further help software infrastructure to earn support for research and
development of high-end electronic systems, tools and services. This would further
strenghten the Kerala’s plan to double the space for IT firms.
4. Kerala’s IT climate
The state bags the reputation of owning the best IT climate in India. This was also
demonstrated even during COVID times.
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21. Tamil Nadu grants 100% vehicle tax waiver to EVs.
Tamil Nadu Government has notified that is will grant 100 percent motor vehicle tax
exemption for battery-operated vehicles or the Electric Vehicles (EVs).
1. Highlights
 The State Government’s order came after careful examination.
 State will grant 100 percent tax exemption on all the transport and non-transport vehicles.
 It further included the incentives such as 100 percent GST reimbursement and 50 per cent
capital subsidy in order to attract investments.
 This step was taken by the government in order to boost the EV system in Tamil Nadu.
 Apart from that, Tamil Nadu has also planned to set up the country’s first park exclusively for
the electric vehicle production eco-system.
 The state has targeted to invest about Rs 50,000 crore in the EV segment.
2. Significance of the move

With this move, the state government seeks to attract Rs 50,000 crore investment. It will
further create 150,000 jobs in the state.
3. Background
The Tamil Nadu government had announced a comprehensive EV policy in 2019. Under
it, the government planned to give incentives and subsidies for both supply side and
demand side in order to promote the use of Evs. The policy covers the EV ecosystem
along with incentives to EV charging stations developers. It also tap the components
including battery and cell manufacturing, electric motors, EV powertrains and battery
management.
4. Automobile environment of the State

The state of Tamil Nadu accounts for 35 percent of the country’s auto component
production. It accounts for around 30 percent of four-wheeler manufacturing. Further,
the state is home for 20 OEMs that covers all auto segments. The state has a total
installed production capacity to produce 1.71 million passenger vehicles and 4.82 million
two-wheelers yearly.
22. Foundation stone of Indo-Israeli Centre of Excellence for Vegetables

Protected Cultivation.
The Chief Minister of Assam, Sabananda Sonowal, had laid down the foundation stone of
Indo-Israeli Centre of Excellence for vegetables Protected Cultivation on November 2,
2020. The centre of excellence has to be established in Khetri in the outskirts of
Guwahati, Assam.
1. Highlights
This centre will be providing exposure to the latest Israeli technologies to the farmers of
the state. It would help farmers in maximising their production. It will provide a major
boost to agricultural and horticultural production in Assam. The primary aim of the
establishment of centre is to double farmers’ income in the region. This would double
the income by infusing technology in agribusiness, agriculture and food processing.
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2. Significance of Assam
The state of Assam has undergone substantial improvement in road, air and river
connectivity in the recent times. The state is also becoming a promising destination for
the trade, travel, cultural exchange, commerce and tourism. This in turn has become a
gateway to ASEAN and South East Asia under the Act East Policy.
3. Indo-Israel cooperation
The Centres of Excellence under India-Israel cooperation has been established across the
states of Haryana, Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Punjab, Tamil Nadu,
Mizoram, Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Further, both the countries had signed
India-Israel Action Plan in 2006. The action plan was launched in three phases:
November 4, 2020
_____________________________________________________________________________
23. US approves sale of armed drones to Taiwan.
The US State Department approved the sale of four sophisticated armed drones to
Taiwan on November 3, 2020. This is the latest approval in a series of arms transfer to
the island nation.
1. Highlights
 The US State Department approved $600 million sales of unmanned MQ-9 Reaper drones to
Taiwan.
 The drones would help in improving the defences of Taiwan.
 It will bolstering intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities of Taiwan.
 The sale of the drones would further boost the Taiwan’s efforts to modernize its armed forces
and to maintain a credible defensive capability.
 It would also assist the nation in maintaining political stability, military balance, and progress
there.
 USA would be supplying four drones.
2. Significance
The drones would come with ground stations and associated surveillance and
communications equipment. It is the first such sale after the Trump administration eased
the US policy to restrict the export of drone technology.
3. China’s reaction
The sales have angered China because china considers Taiwan as a renegade province.
China continuously threaten to bring the self-governing Taiwan under its control even if
it has to force. On the other hand, Taiwan heavily rely on US for its security and US
remains its main ally.
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4. About MQ-9 Reaper drones
The drones have been made by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. The drones are
sometimes called as Predator B. It is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) which is capable
of remotely controlled or autonomous flight operations. The drone is the first hunter-
killer UAV that have been designed for long-endurance and high-altitude surveillance.
This drone has a 950-shaft-horsepower turboprop engine which allows the drone to carry
15 times more ordnance payload.
24. Australia to join Malabar naval exercise.
Australia is all set to join Malabar naval exercise involving India, US and Japan. Australian
Defence Minister Linda Reynolds highlighted that the Malabar drill is a milestone
opportunity for the Australian Defence Force.
1. Highlights
The Malabar Naval exercise showcases the deep trust between four Indo-Pacific
democracies namely, India, US, Japan and Australia. The exercise also highlights the
shared will of these countries to work together on common security interests.
2. Annual Naval Exercise Malabar-2020

This year, the exercise is expected to be held in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian
Sea. The exercise has been planned on the format of a ‘non-contact-at sea’. The
exercise seeks to further strengthen the coordination between the Navies of the four
countries.
3. India’s Reaction
The Indian Defence Ministry said, India seeks to increase cooperation with other
countries in the maritime security domain, In order to further boost the cooperation with
Australia, Malabar 2020 will observe the participation of the Australian Navy. The nations
participating in the Exercise Malabar-2020 are engaging with each other in order to
enhance safety and security in the maritime domain. These nations support free, open
and inclusive Indo-Pacific together, however, the countries are committed to a rules
based international order.
4. Malabar exercise
The Malabar exercise is an annual exercise between the navies of India, Japan, and the
U.S. The exercise is held alternately in the Indian ocean and Pacific Oceans. The exercise
was started in the year 1992 as a bilateral exercise between India and the U.S. Japan
was included in 2015 after which the exercise got expanded into trilateral format with
the inclusion of Japan in 2015.
25. India and GCC Troika hold annual Political Dialogue.
India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Troika held their annual Political Dialogue
on November 3, 2020 in virtual mode.
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1. Highlights
The Indian Delegation was led by the External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar while, the
GCC was represented at the Troika-level by Secretary General of GCC, Minister of
Foreign Affairs, Bahrain and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, UAE. Representatives
from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar also participated in the dialogue.
2. About the dialogue

The leaders from India and GCC held a detailed review of their ties. They appreciated the
upward trajectory that their ties is witnessing since last few years. The leaders showed
their satisfaction over close cooperation between India and GCC countries even during
the Covid-19 pandemic.
3. India-GCC during Covid-19

India ensured that the supply chains from India to the Gulf are not disrupted amid the
lockdowns during the pandemic. The GCC countries took care of the large Indian
diaspora in their countries. India ensured the return of Indian health professionals to
GCC countries, supply of medicines and essential items during the pandemic. Both the
countries established a stainable travel bubble arrangements between them. Apart from
that, the GCC welcomed India’s inclusion to United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as a
non-permanent member from January 2021.
4. Road Ahead
India and The GCC agreed to continue their commitment so as to reform the multilateral
institutions. Both the sides agreed to work together to address challenges including
Covid-19 pandemic, Terrorism, climate change and sustainable development.
5. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

It is a regional intergovernmental political and economic union. The council comprise of
all Arab states of the Persian Gulf namely, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia,
and the United Arab Emirates. Iraq is not the part of council. The Charter to establish the
GCC was signed on 25 May 1981.
26. US Elections underway: How does it matter to India?
The 59th US Presidential Election is under voting in the United States of America. This
year’s election is witnessing a great voter turnout. As of now, 100 million votes have
already been cast through mail ballots and in-person advanced voting.
1. How does US Presidential election matter to India?

The relationship with the United States of America (USA) is important and crucial for
India more than any other bilateral relation. USA is economically, strategically and
socially significant to India. So, the American Presidents make a real difference to
bilateral ties in the fields of trade, immigration policies, and other strategic issues.
Further, the mainstream political opinion favours stronger relations between the two
countries. The Indian diaspora in the US is amongst the successful expatriate
communities. Though, their political preferences differs but they favour a closer bonding
between the two countries.
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2. India-US Relation
The India-US relationship is the most important bilateral ties for India. It has grown and
strengthen in the recent years in order to counter China. The relation have become
multi-faceted that covers the cooperation in areas including trade, defence, security,
education, science and technology, space technology, environment and health.
3. How the election’s outcome will impact India-China relation?

Both the contestant seeking President’s position in America, Joe Biden and Donald
Trump , recognises the grave threat the country face from China. However, they might
response to it differently. The Trump administration is willing to aggressively counter
China while Biden might follow a policy of containment along with engagement. In that
light, India’s China policy would need to be customised to the US’s response so as to
coordinate with USA.
27. UNGA adopts two India sponsored Nuclear disarmament resolutions.
The First Committee of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the two
resolutions on November 3, 2020. These resolutions were sponsored by India on nuclear
disarmament.
1. Highlights
 The resolutions that have been sponsored by India include ‘Reducing Nuclear Danger’ and
‘Convention on Prohibition of the Use of Nuclear Weapons’.
 These resolutions show India’s commitment to achieve the goal of nuclear disarmament.
 One of the committee of the UNGA deals with the issue of disarmament. This very first
committee works in close cooperation with the Geneva-based Conference on Disarmament
and UN Disarmament Commission.
 While, the two other bodies of the UNGA deal with the nuclear issues.
2. Resolution on Prohibition of the Use of Nuclear Weapons

The resolution of the Convention on Prohibition to Use the Nuclear Weapons was
initiated and tabled to UNGA by India in 1982. This resolution comprises of the provision
of calling for the Conference on Disarmament. The call for conference is put forward in
order to start negotiations on an international convention prohibiting the threat to use
or use of nuclear weapons under any circumstances. The resolution by India has also
been backed by the majority of United Nations members. The primary aim of the
resolution is that this legally and universally binding agreement would generate the
necessary political will globally that will eliminate the use of nuclear weapons
completely.
3. Resolution for Reducing Nuclear Danger

The resolution on reducing the nuclear danger was tabled in 1998. This resolution was
put forward with the primary focus on accidental use or unintentional use of the nuclear
weapons. It also underlines the need for a review of nuclear doctrines. The resolution
further ask for strict steps so as to reduce risks through de-targeting of the nuclear
weapons.
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28. SARS-Cov-2 can not penetrate through Cornea of Eyes, says study.
The researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis in their recent
study have reported that, the novel coronavirus can not penetrate through eye’s cornea.
The findings were published in the journal Cell Reports.
1. Highlights
 The study further says that, the herpes simplex virus though can infect the cornea and
spread to other parts of the body in patients with weak immune systems.
 Researchers noted that, though Zika virus has been found in tears and corneal tissue. But,
COVID-19 causing virus called SARS-CoV-2 can not replicate in the human cornea.
 However researchers have not yet determine whether other tissue around cornea, like tear
ducts and the conjunctiva, are vulnerable to the virus or not.
2. Coronaviruses
Corona Viruses are a group of RNA viruses. It cause diseases in mammals and birds.
They cause respiratory tract infections in humans and birds. Mild illnesses in humans
causes the common cold while lethal varieties can cause SARS, MERS, and COVID-19. In
cows and pigs they are responsible to cause diarrhea. There are no vaccines or antiviral
drugs available to prevent or treat human coronavirus infections.
3. Coronaviruses subfamily- Orthocoronavirinae

Corona belongs to the subfamily- Orthocoronavirinae in the family of Coronaviridae.
They are enveloped viruses that contains a positive-sense single-stranded RNA genome.
4. Background
The earliest reports of a coronavirus infection dates back to 1920s. Then, an acute
respiratory infection of domesticated chickens reported in North America. However,
Human coronaviruses were discovered in the 1960s.
5. How the viruses Transmit?

Coronaviruses primarily target the epithelial cells. These viruses are transmitted from
one host to another host either by an aerosol, fomite, or fecal-oral route. Human
coronaviruses infect the cells of the respiratory tract while animal coronaviruses infect
the cells of the digestive tract. Fir instance, SARS coronavirus transmit through aerosol
and infect the human cells of the lungs by binding to the angiotensin-converting enzyme
2 (ACE2) receptor.
29. Cabinet Approves Rs 1810 crore investment proposal on Luhri Hydro

Power Project.
The Union Cabinet , chaired by PM Modi, approved the proposal for investing Rs 1810
crore to the 210 MW of Luhri Stage I Hydro Power Project. The proposal was accepted on
November 4, 2020.
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1. Highlights
The hydro power project would be constructed on River Sutlej. It would be generating
758.2 million units of electricity annually. The project will be implemented by the Sutlej
Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited in Build-Own-Operate-Maintain mode. A Memorandum of
Understanding was signed between Government of Himachal Pradesh and Sutlej Jal
Vidyut Nigam Limited in order to implement the project during the event “Rising
Himachal”. The project is also being supported by Government if India that will provide a
grant of Rs 66.19 crores for the project development.
2. Rising Himachal event

The event was a Global Investors’ Meet organized in November 2019. It was a flagship
business event. The Global Meet showcased the investment opportunities and policy &
regulatory environment in 8 focus sectors. The purpose was to boost manufacturing and
employment generation in Himalayan State. The 8 focus sectors include-
3. The Sutlej River

It is the longest of the five rivers flowing through the crossroads region of Punjab in
northern India and Pakistan. The River is also known as Satadree. River Satlej is the is
easternmost tributary of the Indus River. On this river, the bharka dam is built in order to
provide irrigation and other facilities to the adjoining areas. The waters of the Sutlej is
used by India as per the Indus Waters Treaty between India and Pakistan. Most of its
water is diverted to India so as to irrigation canals in India. The drainage basin of the
river mainly lies in the state of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir and
Haryana.
30. Union Cabinet approved MoU between India and Spain in Astronomy.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Spain on November 4, 2020.
The MoU will facilitate scientific and technical collaborations between the two countries
in the field of Astronomy.
1. Highlights
The MoU had been signed between the Instituto de Astrofiscia de Canarias of Spain and
the Indian Institute of Astrophysics. Under the MoU activities such as New Technologies,
New Scientific results, Joint Scientific Projects and Capacity building would be concluded
in the field of Astronomy. The activities would be concluded through increased scientific
interaction and training between the countries. Further, the MoU would open up the joint
research training, projects, programmes, seminars and conferences to all scientists
under the programme.
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2. India-Spain Relation
The diplomatic relation between India -Spain was established in 1956. However, the
relation gained its momentum after the establishment of democracy in Spain in 1978.
Spanish Embassy was opened in New Delhi in 1956. Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II was
appointed as the first Ambassador of India to Spain in 1965. Prime Minister P. V.
Narasimha Rao was the first prime minister that visited Spain in 1992. Later, in 2017
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Visited Spain.
3. Economic Relation
Among the European Union, Spain is the 7th largest trade partner of India. The trade
between both the countries in 2017-18 stood at US$ 5.66 billion. India´s exports to Spain
grew by 16.65%. India´s top exports to Spain include textiles, iron, Steel, organic
chemicals, seafood, automobiles and leather. While, India imports mechanical
appliances, electrical machinery, chemicals, plastic and mineral fuels from Spain.
Further, Spain is the 15th largest investor in India. Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat,
Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka are the major states for Spanish investments in India.
Whereas, Indian investment in Spain stands at around US$ 900 million.
4. Other cooperation
Currently, a Joint Programme of Cooperation in S&T in going on that was signed in 2009.
A Science, Technology and Innovation Steering Committee Meeting between the two
countries was also held in September 2017. There are further ongoing innovation driven
joint R&D projects in sectors including bio pesticides, bio-economy, biosensors, waste-
to-energy, e-health and flexible electronics. Also, a MoU on cooperation in Organ
transplants was also signed recently.
31. 13th Urban Mobility India Conference, 2020 to be held on November

9.
The 13th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference will be organized by the Ministry of
Housing and Urban Affairs on November 9, 2020.
1. Highlights
The theme will be organised this year on the theme of “Emerging Trends in Urban
Mobility” . The event would focus on the innovative measures taken at national and
international level so as to address the challenges posed by Covid-19 pandemic. It also
seeks to provide accessible and convenient transport to the people. The Ministry
organizes an annual international Conference-cum-Exhibition on Urban Mobility India
which is also known as UMI, under the National Urban Transport Policy (NUTP), 2006.
The objective of the conference is to provide information about the latest and best urban
transport practices being followed globally to the officials of the cities.
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2. Background
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India had issued the National
Urban Transport Policy (NUTP), 2006. The main objective of the policy is to ensure safe,
affordable, comfortable, quick, reliable and sustainable access to jobs, education,
recreation and such other needs within the cities of the residents. This objective of the
policy will be achieved-
32. 6 women led startups win COVID-19 Shri Shakti Challenge.
Six women led startups have won the COVID-19 Shri Shakti Challenge. The challenge
was organised jointly by MyGov and UN Women in April 2020.
1. Highlights
The challenge was organised with an objective of encouraging and involving women led
startups to come up with innovative solutions. The innovative solutions were to help in
fighting against COVID-19.
2. COVID-19 Shri Shakti Challenge

This unique challenge was hosted on the Innovate platform of MyGov. The challenge
called for applications from women led startups. It had also called the startups who have
solutions to address issues being faced by a number of women. The Challenge was
implemented in two stages- Ideation stage and Proof of Concept (PoC) Stage.
3. Winners
Top 3 winners are:
November 5, 2020
_____________________________________________________________________________
33. Union Cabinet approved MoU between India and UK in ICT.
The Union Cabinet chaired by PM Modi has approved the Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) between India and United Kingdom (UK) on November 4, 2020. The MoU was
signed in Information Communication Technologies and Telecommunications (ICT)
sector.
1. Highlights
The MoU was signed between Department of Digital, Media and sports of UK and Ministry
of Communications of India. The MoU seeks to strengthen bilateral cooperation between
the two countries in the field of telecommunications. Under the MoU, understated areas
of cooperation were identified:
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2. Significance of MoU
The signed MoU focuses on things that were already included under the agenda of
cooperation between both the countries. Despite that, the MoU is significant because it
is aimed and open several opportunities for India post Brexit. The policies and
approaches of UK had been changed post Brexit. Along with that, UK government has
also changed its terms and conditions for signing any agreement with a foreign country.
3. What has changed post Brexit?

The United Kingdom had left the European Union on January 31, 2020 and currently
undergoing a “transition period” till December 31, 2020. Thus, most of the pre-departure
arrangements will end in December. After that, the UK will be leaving the EU’s Single
Market and Customs Union. UK will then be implementing an independent trade policy.
New customs formalities and regulatory controls will be introduced between UK and EU.
The EU will bring more red tape and longer delivery times. UK and EU citizens will no
longer have the right to move, work and settle in each other’s territories. The countries
would be initiating new restrictions on travel. EU nationals will no longer be given
preferential treatment in order to attract skilled workers. Further, UK seeks a free trade
deal with maximum independence from EU rules.
34. MoU between India and UK in Medical Product Regulation got

cabinet approval.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and UK in the field of medical
product regulation on November 4, 2020.
1. MoU on medical product regulation

The MoU was signed between United Kingdom Medicines and Healthcare Products
Regulatory Agency and Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) of India.
The MoU seeks to establish cooperation on medical products registration. The deals
under the cooperation between the countries include:
2. India- UK Relation
UK is India’s 18th largest trading partner while India is the fourth largest foreign investor
in the UK. UK is the third largest investor in India after Mauritius and Singapore. Areas of
cooperation among both the countries include:
35. India and Israel: MoU in Health and Medicine approved.
The Union Cabinet chaired by PM Modi approved the Memorandum of Understanding on

November 4, 2020 between India and Israel in the field of Health and Medicine.
1. Highlights
The MoU between India and Israel include following provisions:
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2. India-Israel health cooperation
India and Israel also cooperate in fight against the tuberculosis. Both the countries are
working to deploy medical imaging using the Artificial Intelligence all over India so as to
increase Tuberculosis screening capabilities in rural areas. In the line, the Health Net
Global of Apollo hospitals and Zebra Medical vision of Israel will receive 4.9 million USD
from India-Israel Industrial Research and Development and Technological Innovation
Fund. Further, Israel supplied advanced medical equipment to India in order to fight
COVID-19. In return, India supplied five tonnes of medicines including
Hydroxychloroquine there. In order to develop rapid testing solutions, a special team of
defence experts and researchers arrived from Israel to join hands with Indian
researchers. The researchers from both the countries cooperated in order to develop a
COVID-19 testing kit that gives results in less than 30 seconds.
36. Prasar Bharti Signed MoU to launch education TV channels.
The Prasar Bharati and Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and
Geo-Informatics signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on November 4, 2020.
As per the MoU, all the 51 DTH education channels will be available to all DD Fresh Dish
viewers as DD co-branded channels.
1. Highlights
The 51 DTH educational channels include- Swayamprabha, E-Vidya for Class 1 to 12,
DigiShala and Vande Gujarat. These channels would provide quality educational
programmes to the rural and remote households. The services from these channels
would be available free of cost to all the viewers 24/7. The channels would help the
government of India (GOI) to achieve the target of providing “Education to all”.
2. SWAYAM
The Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds (SWAYAM) scheme was
launched in 2017. It was launched by the Ministry of Human Resource Development
(which has now been named as Ministry of Education). The web provides an integrated
platform and portal for online courses. The primary aim of SWAYAM is to ensure that
every student gets access to best quality education at affordable cost in the country.
3. SWAYAM Prabha DTH TV

The SWAYAM Prabha scheme is being implemented by the Ministry of education. The
scheme provides 32 high quality education channels in the remote households. These
channel streamline the curriculum-based course content. The scheme was mainly
launched in order to make quality learning resources available to remote areas where
providing internet is still a challenge. The DTH channels uses GSAT-15 satellite in order
to telecast the courses under the programme.
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4. DigiShala TV Channel
DigiShala TV channel was launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information
Technology. The channel was launched to promote cashless transactions. The channel
raise awareness among the citizens about the digital payment ecosystem, processes and
benefits. This satellite based channel is managed by Door darshan and is made available
through GSAT15 satellite. The channel empowers citizens to use digital payment options
such as UPI, e-wallets, USSD and Aadhaar-enabled payment system and cards step by
step.
37. Tourist Facilitation Centre inaugurated in Kerala under PRASAD

SCHEME.
The Union Minister of State (I/C) for Tourism and Culture Shri Prahlad Singh Patel
inaugurated the “Tourist Facilitation Centre” at Guruvayur, Kerala on November 4, 2020.
The facilitation centre was constructed under the PRASAD Scheme by the Ministry of
Tourism.
1. Highlights
 The Tourist Facilitation centre was constructed at a cost of Rs 11.57 crores.
 It has been constructed under the “Development of Guruvayur” project of PRASHAD scheme.
 For the project, around 45.36 crores were allocated.
 The facilitation centre also comprises the components such as CCTV Network infrastructure,
multi-level car parking and tourist amenities centre.
2. PRASAD Scheme
The Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) scheme was
launched in 2015. The scheme has been aimed at developing the infrastructure like
entry points, last mile connectivity, eco-friendly modes of transport, ATM and Money
exchanges, interpretation centres including other basic tourism facilities. The scheme
focuses on infrastructural developments at the pilgrimage sites. Apart from that, the
Ministry of Tourism also undertook several infrastructure related developmental
activities at Buddhist sites across the country. The developments are being undertaken
under the PRASAD scheme and Swadesh Darshan Scheme. Under the PRASAD scheme ,
the ministry identified 30 infrastructural development projects such as development of
Ajanta, Ellora and Bodhgaya. The PRASAD scheme also identifies understated cities for
the infrastructure development:
3. Swadesh Darshan Scheme

It is a scheme by the Ministry of Tourism under Government of India. It aims to promote,
develop and boost the potential of tourism in India. It is a central sector scheme and
100% funded by Central Government of India. The scheme focuses on theme-based
tourism. Each theme is called a “circuit”. IT includes following circuits:
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38. PM Modi to chair virtual roundtable conference today.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a virtual global investor roundtable conference
on November 5, 2020.
1. Highlights
The conference would provide an opportunity to the leading global investors and Indian
business leaders to engage with senior policy makers. The leaders could further
accelerate the growth of the international investments in the country.
2. Virtual Global Investor Roundtable (VGIR)

The conference is being organised by the Ministry of Finance and the National
Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF). The conference is an dialogue between
leading global institutional investors, Indian business leaders and decision makers from
the government of India. The roundtable will include participation from 20 of the world’s
largest pension and sovereign wealth funds. It will also focus on discussions around
India’s economic and investment outlook, structural reforms. It will also took forward the
government’s vision for the path to a USD 5 trillion economy. The event will further
provide an opportunity to the leading global investors and Indian business leaders so as
to engage to further accelerate the growth of international investments in India. The
conference would also provide an occasion to all the stakeholders to build a strong
partnerships and to establish engagement with international institutional investors who
seeks to increase their Indian investments.
3. Global institutional investors

They will represent key regions such as US, Europe, Canada, Korea, Middle East, Japan,
Australia, and Singapore.
39. Centre constituted committee to review guidelines on Television

Rating Agency.
The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has constituted a four-member committee so

as to review the guidelines on television rating agencies. The committee would be
headed by Shashi Shekhar Vempati, the CEO of Prasar Bharati. Other members of the
committee include- Dr. Shalabh, Professor of Statistics from IIT Kanpur, Rajkumar
Upadhyay, Executive Director of C-Dot and Professor Pulak Ghosh of the Decision
Sciences Centre for Public Policy.
1. Background
This decision was taken by the minitry after the Mumbai police investigations that
reveals that some news channels had tampered with the Television Rating Point (TRP).
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2. Highlights
The Ministry have said that the guidelines were issued after detailed analysis by the
parliamentary committee. It was also issues based on the recommendations of the
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). These guidelines have been in operation
since some years. But, a committee has been constituted to have a fresh look to comply
with the recent recommendations of TRAI, for the technological advancements and to
further strengthen the procedures for a credible and transparent rating system.
3. What the committee would do?

The committee would be carrying out an appraisal of the existing system. It will also be
examining the TRAI recommendations that will be notified from time to time. Apart from
that, It will look after the overall industry scenario and address the needs of the
stakeholders.
4. Television Rating Points (TRPS)

TRPs provide the data about the number of people, socio-economic categories of the
people, channels these people watch and the number of times or hours or days or even
a weeks people have watched any particular channel. India follows the international
standard of one minute for doing the analysis. The data is made public every week.
However, the system does not survey the entire country. But, the data analysis is based
on what 45,000 households are watching.
40. Advanced Version of Pinaka Rocket test fired successfully.
The Defence Research Development Organization test fired the advanced version of
Pinaka rocket successfully on November 5, 2020. The rocket was test fired from
Chandipur, Odisha.
1. Highlights
The enhanced version of the Pinaka has been launched in order to achieve longer range
as compared to the earlier version. The latest version would replace the current version
of Pinaka Mk-1 system that has been deployed along the line of control and the line of
actual control at India-Pakistan and India-China borders.
2. Pinaka Rocket
Pinaka is a multi-barrel rocket launcher system called the Shiva’s bow. It can fire 12
rockets in 44 seconds. Single battery of Pinaka system comprise of six launch vehicles.
These rocket systems are accompanied by command post that are linked with network-
based systems and radar. Single battery of Pinaka can neutralize an area of 1 km.
3. About the Test

In the recent test, total of six rockets were launched. These rockets were manufactured
by the Economic Explosives Limited, Nagpur. DRDO had transferred the technology to
the manufacturer in order to manufacture the rockets. The test was being tracked by
instruments like Electro-Optical Tracking System and radar.
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4. How the latest rocket is different?
The Pinaka Mark-1, that the Indian Army currently use, has a range of 38 km. While, the
tested version of the rocket, enhanced Pinaka Mark-1, has a firing range of 45 km.
However, the Pinaka Mk-II has a range of 60 km and the Guided Pinaka system has a
range of 75 km. Further, the Guided Pinaka also comprise of an integrated control,
navigation and guidance system. It is guided by the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite
System (IRNSS).
41. CARAT Joint Naval Exercise – held by Bangladesh and US.
The Navies of Bangladesh and United States held a joint Naval Exercise called CARAT on
November 4, 2020. CARAT is the abbreviation for the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and
Training. The bilateral exercise was held at Chittagong, Bangladesh.
1. Highlights
The CARAT exercise historically involves the people-to-people interactions, several
professional exchanges, community relations project, Subject Matter Expert exchanges
and various social events. But, this year, certain events will be held virtually amid the
COVID-19. The virtual events include Maritime Domain Awareness, Replenishment at Sea
training, legal regulations at sea and aviation best practices of Unmanned Aerial
Vehicles (UAVs). This year, the exercise is being supported by United Nations Office of
Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Bali Process Regional Support Office for the very first
time. The CARAT exercise held in Bangladesh was the second exercise this year. Earlier,
CARAT-Brunei was held in South China sea between October 5 to October 9, 2020.
2. Role of UNODC
The United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime ( UNODC) will provide education on
technical assistance to combat maritime crime and smuggling of migrants to the navies.
3. CARAT Exercise
The Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) is a series of annual bilateral
naval exercise. It is conducted by the US Pacific fleet with countries including
Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Brunei, Philippines, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and
Singapore. The Primary focus of the exercise is on the ASEAN members. However, it also
held exercises with non-ASEAN members like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The CARAT
exercise is held with objectives of enhancing regional cooperation, building friendships
and strengthening the professional skills.
42. Climate change- US officially withdraws from Paris agreement.
The United States has become the first nation in the world to officially withdraw from the
Paris climate agreement on November 4, 2020.
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1. Highlights
President Trump had announced the move to quit the Paris-Climate deal in June 2017.
But UN this decision came into effect from November 4, 2020, the day after the US
election was held.
2. Paris Climate deal

The Paris climate deal was drafted in 2015 in order to strengthen the global response
towards the threat of climate change. The deal is aimed at keeping the global
temperature rise for this century below 2 degree Celsius above the pre-industrial levels.
It also seeks to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degree Celsius.
3. Why it took three years to withdraw?

The delay in the withdrawal is because of the complex rules made under the Paris
agreement so that future US President Could not withdraw from the deal. The complex
rules were made in the light that previous attempts to put together a global pact on
climate change had failed because of internal US politics. The Clinton administration
could not secure Senate backing for the Kyoto Protocol of 1997. So, President Obama’s
negotiators ensured that it would take time for the US to get out in case there was a
change in leadership.
4. What will be the impact of withdrawal?

The biggest and the most powerful economy of the world, US, represents around 15% of
global greenhouse gas emissions. SO, the powerful economy withdrawing from the deal
on a global solution to a global problem raises questions of trust.
43. West Bengal announces initiatives for refugee, SC and ST people.
The West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a number of initiatives for
the refugees, Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe population on November 4, 2020 .
The schemes include land pattas and setting up of cultural and development boardsin
the state.
1. Highlights
 The initiatives is meant for all the refugees living across state. CM announces to provide
around 1,25,000 land pattas to the population in the state. Out of these, State Government
would also provide 25,000 land pattas to the refugees.
 Matua Development Board had newly constituted for which Rs 10 cores has been allocated.
Matuas have been referred to as the Dalit refuges from Bangladesh. These populations are
spread over 50 Assembly seats in West Bengal.
 Further, the government have created a development and cultural boards for the three ST
communities in the state. The three ST communities are- Bauri (Dhule), Majhis and Bagdis.
This board is being constituted in order to preserve their cultural heritage.
 Also, a community hall will be constructed for the Chau dancers of Purulia.
 Dhokra artists would be brought under the Swastiya Sathi Scheme.
 Also, Loans will be facilitated to two lakh people through cooperative banks in order to buy
two wheelers.
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2. Swastiya Sathi Scheme
The Swastiya Sathi Scheme was launched in 2016. The scheme has benefited around 50
lakh families since it has been launched. The scheme provides health insurance of up to
Rs 1.5 lakh per annum. The scheme covers the diseases like cancer, cardiothoracic
surgeries, neuro surgeries, blood disorders and liver disorders. The scheme is entirely
funded by the State Government of West Bengal.
44. Kerala withdraws general consent accorded to CBI to probe cases.
The Left-ruled Kerala State has decided to withdraw the general consent given to the
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe cases on November 4, 2020. With this
decision the state joined a list of non-BJP ruled states such as Maharashtra and West
Bengal to have similar move.
1. Highlights
 Kerala became the fifth state after Maharashtra, West Bengal, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh to
withdraw the general consent.
 The decision to withdraw general consent was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief
Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
2. What is the general consent accorded to CBI?

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is governed by the Delhi Special Police
Establishment Act. Under this act, the consent of a state government becomes
mandatory to conduct an investigation in that state. CBI has jurisdiction only over
central government departments and employees. It can investigate a case involving
state government employees in a given state only after getting the consent from the
state government.
3. When CBI needs the Consent?

The CBI usually needs the General consent to seamlessly conduct its investigation into
cases of corruption against central government employees in the concerned states.
Almost all the states have given this general consent.
4. What this withdrawal mean?

After the withdrawal, the CBI would not be able to register any fresh case involving a
central government official or any private person working in the states. In order to
conduct the investigations, the CBI would have to get the case-specific consent. It
means, the CBI officers would lose all powers of a police officer after they will enter the
state. They would enjoy their powers only after state government will allow them.
45. ECI organizes International Virtual Election Visitors Programme.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is organizing a three-day International Virtual

Election Visitors Programme. The virtual programme is meant for Foreign Election
Management Bodies and Organizations. The conference started on November 5, 2020. It
is being organised in the context of the ongoing Bihar Legislative Assembly Elections.
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1. Highlights
 Earlier, the ECI had organised the International Election Visitor Programmes during 2014 Lok
Sabha elections, elections of a few State Assemblies in February-March 2017 and Lok Sabha
Elections of 2019.
 The keynote address at the inaugural session was delivered by Chief Election Commissioner
Sunil Arora.
2. Why this time has been chosen?

Bihar has an electorate of over 72 million. It is one of the largest electorate in the world
to vote so far in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, the ongoing assembly election
of Bihar provides an opportunity to share the best practices and experience with the
world about the conduct of the poll process during the pandemic.
3. Participants
Delegates from over 40 countries including- Afghanistan, Australia, Malawi, Bangladesh,
Indonesia, Cambodia, Maldives, Moldova, Mauritius, Mongolia, Nepal, Philippines,
Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Zambia are participating in the
conference. Apart from that, three international organizations namely, International
IDEA, International Foundation of Electoral Systems and Association of World Election
Bodies have also been invited to participate.
4. About the Programme

Today an online briefing session was held to provide to the participants an overview of
the large canvas of Indian electoral process. It also briefed about the new initiatives
taken by Election Commission on voter facilitation, transparency and accessibility of
electoral system.
November 6, 2020
_____________________________________________________________________________
46. Interpol created cybercrime-related communication services.
The International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) has created two secure and
flexible services in order to facilitate cybercrime related communication to the law
enforcement agencies and other stakeholders. The creation of services would ensure
more effective and coordinated action on the basis of timely intelligence.
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1. What was the need?
Cybercrime has become most prolific forms of transnational crime. Many cyberthreats
like malware, Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) and ransomware are emerging and
bringing new challenges to law enforcement agencies. The agencies face the challenge
of including large volumes of data, cross-border investigations and new areas of
technical knowledge. In that light, police agencies need to share information and
knowledge with their counterparts across the world in order to develop a timely and
intelligence-based response. Therefore, these two services have been created. The two
services are: The Cybercrime Knowledge Exchange Workspace and The Cybercrime
Collaborative Platform Techniques.
2. Cybercrime Knowledge Exchange workspace

The workspace handles the general and non-police information. This exchange
workspace is open to all relevant users including the law enforcement agencies,
governments, international organisations and cybersecurity industry experts so as to
exchange non-police operational information on cybercrime. This workspace is a
dynamic communication channel enabling users around the world so as to discuss the
latest cybercrime trends, prevention strategies, detection technologies and investigation
techniques globally.
3. Cybercrime Collaborative Platform-Operation

The platform assists the law enforcement agencies in their operations. It provides access
restricted to the operational stakeholders only.
4. Significance
The system will create an international network of subject matter experts so as to share
knowledge and experience in the field of cybercrimes.
47. Tripura issues warning against hunting of Amur Falcons.
As the winter has onset, migratory birds including the Amur falcons are being observed
around the lakes and water bodies in massive numbers. But, despite several restrictions,
many birds are poached yearly. In that line, the State of Tripura has issued warning
against the hunting of Amur Falcons.
1. Highlights
 The Forest division has issued an order so as to tell the general public that the migratory
birds along with the Amur falcons are lined below the Wildlife Protection Act,1972.
 The order was issued in the light of hunting of the number of Amur falcons in the Mon district.
 Nagaland had also notified the order against the wasting of the birds.
 It stated hunting, trapping, killing and promoting of the hen might result in three years of
imprisonment and a high-quality of ₹25,000.
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2. Amur falcons
Amur falcons are the longest travelling raptors of the World. They start travelling as the
winters onset. The raptors breed in southeastern Siberia and northern China and fly
1000’s of miles to India and then over the Indian Ocean to southern Africa before making
their return journey to Mongolia and Siberia. In total, the birds travel a distance of
22,000-kilometres which is one of the longest amongst all avian species. The birds have
got their name from the Amur River. The Amur River forms the border between Russia
and China.
3. Sites in India
These migratory birds stopover the Doyang Lake in Nagaland during their annual
migration. Thus, Nagaland is also called as the Falcon Capital of the World.
4. IUCN status
The birds have been given the “least concern” status under the International Union for
Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. The species has been protected under the Indian
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and the Convention on Migratory Species.
48. Bangladesh signs MoU with Serum Institute of India (SII) for COVID-
19 Vaccine.
The Government of Bangladesh have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

with the Serum Institute of India on November 5, 2020. The MoU has been signed for the
priority delivery of 3 crore COVID-19 vaccine called COVISHIELD doses to Bangladesh.
The COVISHIELD Vaccines has been developed by AstraZeneca and University of Oxford.
As per the MoU, initially 1.5 crore people will be vaccinated and each person would be
given two doses.
1. Vaccines in India
In India, three COVID-19 vaccines are currently undergoing the trial. The three vaccines
are- Russian Vaccine called Sputnik V, Oxford University Vaccine called COVISHIED and
the COVAXIN that has been developed by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and
Bharat Biotech.
2. COVAX Facility
India has been made a part of the COVAX Facility by the Global Alliance for Vaccines
(GAVI). This facility is aimed at making the COVID-19 vaccines to all the countries. The
primary objective of the facility is to avoid the vaccine nationalism.
3. COVID-19 Vaccines Distribution

The distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine will be based on or influenced by three factors
like convenience, confidence and complacency. Convenience means the physical
availability or proximity of the vaccine to all the nations. Recently, a study was
conducted by Lancet. The study stated that wealthy nations have already secured more
than 2 billion doses by the advance purchase agreements. This might lead to scarcity of
vaccine in the developing countries like India. The COVAX facility seeks to avoid this.
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4. How the vaccines would be stored?
The Government of India has planned to store COVID-19 vaccine using the Electronic
Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVIN). The GoI will use the real time tracking using eVIN.
It is an indigenously developed system that digitises the vaccines stocks and monitors
the temperature of the cold chain.
49. India hosts 5th Joint Working Group on Coal between India and
Indonesia.
The India-Indonesia fifth joint working group on coal was held on November 5, 2020. The
meeting was held virtually.
1. Highlights
In the meeting, both the countries discussed the Indian Coal Policy reforms, commercial
mining of coal in India and the about the coal exploration.
2. Why this conference was held?

India is looking for the opportunities to import more coal from Indonesia. India is looking
for new opportunities in the light that the coal prices in world market is declining at rapid
rate. So, India plans to replace the coal imports destinations with Indonesia. However,
India does not want to increase overall coal imports.
3. Why India choose Indonesia?

The coal prices in Indonesia have fallen significantly in September 2020 amid the Covid-
19 pandemic. The price of the coal there have been declining since March 2020. Further,
Indonesia is the third largest coal producer in the world. The coal from Indonesia
accounts to 40% of world coal exports.
4. Why Indonesia agreed to the deal?

Currently, China is one of the main and biggest coal importer from Indonesia. But,
because of the pandemic, China’s economy has declined. Reason being this, Indonesia
has been suffering.
5. India’s coal production

India have the fourth largest coal reserves in the world. Despite this, India imports more
than 250 million tonnes of coal from other countries. To decrease the dependency, the
Government of India recently opened the coal mines to the private sector. This will help
in boosting the domestic production.
6. Coal Import
Currently, South Africa is the largest coal supplier to India, South Africa is followed by
Australia. As of now, India has imported 128.7 million tonnes of coal out of which, 50.4
million tonnes were imported from Indonesia.
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50. PM Modi and Italian PM to hold Bilateral Summit.
The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, will held a virtual bilateral summit with his
Italian counterpart, Giuseppe Conte on November 6, 2020. During the virtual summit,
both the leaders would sign 15 pacts in the field of trade, energy, ship building and
culture.
1. Highlights
The summit will explore possibilities of Italian investments in India. The primary focus
will be on investments in defence. Both the countries will also discuss about hosting the
G20 summit. Italy have agreed to host G20 summit in 2021 after India requested. This
summit is preceding the Indo Italian High-Level Dialogue.
2. Indo Italian High-Level Dialogue

During the high-level dialogue, the Italian firm Fincantieri had agreed to enhanced it
presence in India. The long-standing partnership of the firm with the Cochin Shipyard
Limited (CSL) of Government of India was further strengthened. Both the firm signed a
memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the basis of –
3. India Italy Relation

The Diplomatic relations between the India and Italy was established in 1947. Indian
Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru became the first PM that visited Italy in 1953. Following
that, President Oscar Luigi Scalfaro became the first Italian head of state to visit India in
February 1995. This relation was took forward by the Narendra Modi led government
also. In the line, Italy is the fifth largest trading partner of India among the European
Union countries after Germany, Belgium, UK and France. The bilateral trade between
India and Italy stands at 9.52 billion Euros as of 2019. More than 600 large Italian
companies are active and investing in India. These companies cover the sectors
including textiles, infrastructure, fashion garments, automotive components, chemicals,
insurance and energy confectionery.
51. What is the recent issue involving the Kartarpur Gurudwara?
Recently, the Pakistan government decided to transfer the management and

administrative control of the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur from a Sikh body to a
trust under the Evacuee Trust Property Board which is a non-Sikh body. The Gurudwara
was managed by Pakistan Sikh Gurudwara Prabhandhak Committee (PSGPC) until now.
This decision of Pakistan was highly criticized by India. India has termed the move
against the spirit of the Kartarpur Corridor. However, PSGPC have claimed that there is
no change in the administration of Gurdwara Darbar Sahib.
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1. Redevelopment of Gurudwara
The Gurdwara Darbar Sahib got Pakistan government’s attention in early 90s. Pakistan
paid attention to it following a Jatha of Sikh pilgrims from India who highlighted its
historical and spiritual importance. So, the Pakistani government restored the main
building of the gurdwara in 2004. Later, a demand to construct a visa-free corridor to the
gurdwara was raised. Following the moment, Kartarpur Corridor was opened in 2019
with visa-free travel for Indian pilgrims to the shrine.
2. Gurdwara Darbar Sahib

The Gurdwara Darbar Sahib is also Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib. It is located in Pakistan’s
Narowal district across river Ravi. The Gurudwara is about five kilometres from the Dera
Baba Nanak shrine in Indian Punjab.
3. Significance
The Gurudwara has a historical importance. As per the historians the first Sikh Guru,
Guru Nanak Dev, had arrived in Kartarpur between 1520 and 1522. They believe that,
Guru Nanak Dev had spent the last 18 years of his life there. As per them, In Kartarpur
Guru had laid the foundations of a Sikh religion. Further, the final resting place of Guru
Nanak stands the gurdwara.
52. Highlights of First India and Nordic-Baltic Conclave.
The first India-Nordic-Baltic Conclave was held virtually on November 5, 2020. The
conclave was represented by External Affairs Minister S Jai Shankar from Indian Side.
1. Highlights
The Conclave was hosted by Ministry of External Affairs and Confederation of Indian
Industry jointly. The primary focus of the Conclave was on Artificial Intelligence, clean
technologies, renewable energies, supply chain logistics and block chain led
transformation.
2. About Nordic-Baltic
The Nordic Baltic includes eight countries namely, Norway, Estonia, Denmark, Sweden,
Finland, Latvia, Iceland and Lithuania. Among these eight countries, Latvia, Lithuania
and Estonia are the Baltic countries. These three fast growing economies are located in
the Baltic sea. While the countries like Norway, Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Iceland
are called the Nordic countries.
3. Significance of Baltic Countries

 Lithuania- It has got high expertise in LASER technology. The LASER related products forms
the important part of Lithuania’s trade with India.
 Latvia – It is geopolitically important to India. The country is linked with the “The Amber Way”
which was earlier used to transport amber from the coastal regions of Baltic Sea and North
Sea to the Mediterranean Sea in ancient time. Further, Latvia connects the Baltic region with
the rest of Europe, Russia and Central Asia. Thus, the country makes the Indian exports reach
these markets easily.
 Estonia- The country is home to NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence. Thus,
it could help India in the field of cyber security.
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4. Significance of Nordic Countries
India’s trade with the Nordic countries stands at around USD 5.3 billion as of 2017. Also,
the Cumulative Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to India stands at USD 2.5 billion. India
and Nordic countries could cooperate in the fields of Innovation, R&D, Economical and
technological advancement and in Fishing sector from storing, to refrigerating, to
marketing and to exporting.
53. RBI announced co-lending scheme for banks, NBFCs for priority
sector.
The Reserve Bank of India on announced a Co-Lending Model (CLM) scheme on

November 5, 2020. Under the Co-Lending Model, banks and Non Banking Financial
Company (NBFC) can provide loans to the priority sector borrowers based on a prior
agreement.
1. Co-Lending Model (CLM)

The CLM is an improvement over the co-origination of loan scheme that was announced
by the RBI in September 2018. CLM seeks to provide greater flexibility to the lending
institutions. Under the CLM norms, banks will have the permission to co-lend with all
registered NBFCs based on a prior agreement. The co-lending banks will take their share
of the individual loans on a back-to-back basis. But, the NBFCs will be required to retain
a minimum of 20% share of the individual loans.
2. Aim
The primary focus of the scheme is to improve the flow of credit to the unserved and
underserved sector of the economy. It also seeks to make available funds to the ultimate
beneficiary at an affordable cost.
3. Co-origination of loan scheme

Co-Origination means a form of loan participation where two or more lenders lend
money to a borrower. The Reserve bank of India had announced the scheme in
September 2018. Under this scheme, all scheduled commercial banks, excluding the
regional rural banks and small finance banks, can engage with the non-banking financial
companies in order to co-originate loans to create priority sector assets. In order to do
this, banks and NBFC required to open a common account to pull the respective loans
contributions. The main purpose of the scheme is to use ground-level reach of NBFCs in
helping the scheduled banks to reach priority sector lending targets.
54. Highlights of the India-OPEC Energy Dialogue.
The fourth high level meeting of India-OPEC Energy Dialogue was held virtually on
November 5, 2020. From India side, the dialogue was represented by the Oil Minister
Dharmendra Pradhan. The dialogue is held since 2015.
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1. Highlights
On the occasion, India put forward the issue of assessing the disruption of oil supply that
has been induced amid the COVID-19 pandemic. India urged the Organization of the
Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to address the anomalies that is prevalent in
differential crude oil prices. Currently, the prices for the crude oil is fixed by the OPEC
members for different regions.
2. Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries(OPEC)

OPEC is an intergovernmental organization comprising of 13 nations. The organization
was founded on 14 September 1960 in Baghdad. The first five members that founded
the organization include- Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela. OPEC has been
headquartered in Vienna, Austria though Austria is not an OPEC member state. The
current OPEC members include- Algeria, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Iraq, Kuwait,
Iran, Libya, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, Saudi Arabia , United Arab Emirates and
Venezuela. Ecuador, Indonesia and Qatar are the countries that left the grouping. The
most recent being Qatar that withdrew in 2019.
3. OPEC+
OPEC+ grouping was formed in 2016 with the addition of 10 additional oil exporting
countries led by Russia. These countries had cooperated in fixing the global crude oil
prices by agreeing to production quotas. OPEC+ countries encourage excess capital
investment in the global oil sector rather than encouraging cheaper oil production at
lower capital investment. The 10 members include- Russia, Azerbaijan, Brunei, Bahrain,
Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Oman, Mexico, South Sudan and Sudan.
November 7, 2020
_____________________________________________________________________________
55. China successfully launched 13 satellites with a single rocket.
China successfully launched 13 satellites with a single rocket on November 6, 2020 from
the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Centre, China. Out of these 13 satellites, 10 satellites were
from Argentina.
1. Highlights
The satellites were launched with the Long March 6 carrier rocket. For the Long March
rocket, this was the 351st satellite launch in the series. Further, the launch included the
biggest ever launch of foreign satellites by any country. China has been launching
several satellites from foreign countries into space including the satellites from its close
ally, Pakistan.
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2. China’s Space programmes
The space programmes of the China have mostly been launched to counter the space
programmes of Russia and the United States (US). China had launched its first ever
rocket in 1960. Currently, China have launched 363 satellites. However, China is still
behind the US in number of operational satellites. Russia is at the third position with its
169 operational satellites. The most recent launched satellite of China is Beidou which
was launched on June 23, 2020. It is an operational satellite navigational system of the
Chinese. With this navigational system, China’s dependence on USA for GPS system has
ended completely. Further, China have planned to construct a permanent Chinese
space Station by 2022. It has also launched Tianwen-1 in July 2020 which is a mars
mission of China. The spacecraft will arrive to Mars in 2021.
3. Where does India stand?

India began its space journey in 1963. India was initially leaned on foreign partners like
France and China. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) built India’s first
satellite, Aryabhata, named after the mathematician Aryabhata, This satellite was
launched by the Soviet Union on 19 April 1975. Satellite Rohini was the first satellite that
was placed in orbit by Indian-made launch vehicle, called SLV-3.
56. Great Barrier Reef : 500 metre high Coral Reef discovered in
Australia.
The scientists have discovered a 500 metre high coral reef in the Great Barrier Reef of
Australia. This is the first Coral Reef that has been discovered in 120 years. The
discovered reef is taller than the Empire State Building of the United States.
1. Highlights
The reef has been discovered by the Australian Scientists from the Schmidt Ocean
Institute. The scientists discovered the reef while they were on an exploration in the
Falkor vessel around Australia. The team of scientists were conducting underwater
mapping of the Great Barrier Reef Seafloor.
2. About the Discovered reef

The newly discovered blade like reef have a base of 1.5 km. Out of total length, only 40
metres of the reef is under the sea surface. This reef is an addition to seven other tall
detached reefs of the world including the Raine Island. The marine ecosystem found on
the top of the reefs are more vibrant than the rest of the ecosystem.
3. Detached reefs
The reefs that are bedded on the ocean floor and does not make a part of the main body
of the Reef (Great Barrier Reef, in this case) are called as the Detached reefs. Till now,
there have been eight detached reef that has been discovered.
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4. Significance
The newly discovered detached reef has great potential for the new species to evolve
there. The reason for this is, because there is a lot of deep water in between the
discovered reef and the next coral community. From the ecosystem, various new
species have already been discovered. One of the discovered specie is a 45-metre long
Siphonophore. Siphonophore is a colonial organism that comprise of zooids.
5. Zooids
Zooids are the multicellular organisms. This organism allow the colony to float,
reproduce and move through water.
57. ISRO to launch all-weather earth observation satellite.
The latest all-weather earth observation satellite of India , called EOS-01 , will be
launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on November 7, 2020. The
satellite will be launched using the workhorse rocket PSLV-C49.
1. Highlights
 This is the 51st flight by the satellite.
 The satellite would also carry Nine other customer satellites into space by the rocket.
 It will launched from the first launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota in
Andhra Pradesh.
 This will be India’s first mission from her launch pad at Sriharikota in the year 2020.
2. EOS-01
The Earth Observation Satellite, EOS-01, has been equipped with the synthetic aperture
radar of an enviable resolution. The prominent applications of the satellite is include in
the fields of agriculture, forestry and disaster management support. The operational life
of the satellite will be of five years and it will operate to provide crucial data.
3. Earth observation satellites

These are the satellites that are equipped with remote sensing technology. Earth
observation means gathering of information about Earth’s physical, chemical and
biological systems. Many such earth observation satellites have been employed in the
sun-synchronous orbit. Some of the satellites launched by ISRO include RESOURCESAT-
2, CARTOSAT-1, 2, 2A, 2B, RISAT-1, RISAT-2, OCEANSAT-2, Megha-Tropiques, SARAL and
SCATSAT-1 and INSAT-3DR.
4. RISAT-2BR1
This is the peer satellite and the previous mission by ISRO that was laucnched from the
national spaceport in December 2019.
5. Nine Customer Satellites

These satellites are being launched under a commercial agreement with NewSpace India
Limited (NSIL) of Department of Space.
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6. NewSpace India Limited (NSIL)
It was incorporated in 2019 under the administrative control of Department of Space
(DOS). The organisation is the commercial arm of ISRO. The primary function of the
organisation is to enable the Indian industries to take up high technology space related
activities. Production of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and Small Satellite Launch
Vehicle (SSLV) through industry are the major business area of NSIL.
58. WhatsApp Pay feature approved by NPCI.
National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI) has approved the WhatsApp messaging
app to enter the UPI market in India on November 6, 2020. For this, a new feature of
WhatsApp called “WhatsApp Pay” was launched.
1. Highlights
To launch this feature and to link it with the UPI, WhatsApp has partnered with five
banks such as ICICI Bank, Indian Bank, Axis Bank, HDFC Bank and the State Bank of
India. Jio Payment Bank has also been included under the system. Using the feature,
anyone can now send and receive money through WhatsApp using the UPI supported
application. The money would be held in the bank account. This messaging platform will
just act as a medium to help transfer the money to other people. The payment feature
is powered by UPI. For the security purpose, there would be a person pin verification for
every transaction. However, the launch of WhatsApp Pay feature was delayed because it
had to comply with the data localisation norms that were introduced by the Reserve
Bank of India.
2. Payment plan
The NPCI allowed the WhatsApp to expand its user base in a phased manner. Initially the
service would be available to 2 crore WhatsApp users out of more than 40 crore users of
the country. The reason of this is that, NPCI has capped the payments to 30% on total
payment volumes pf the transaction done on every third-party payments application.
3. Concerns
This new feature might hurt the Flipkart owned PhonePe and Google’s GPay payment
gateways that holds the command of the 83% of market share.
59. Ro-Pax service between Hazira-Ghogha in Gujarat to be flagged off

by PM Modi.
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to inaugurate the Ro-Pax terminal at Hazira
on November 8, 2020. He will also flag off Ro-Pax service between Hazira and Ghogha in
Gujarat through video conferencing.
1. Highlights
This is a big step that takes forward the Prime Minister’s vision of harnessing waterways
and integrating them with the India’s economic development. During the event, Prime
Minister will also interact with local users of the service.
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2. Hazira-Ghogha Ro-Pax ferry service
This ferry service would be working as a gateway towards South Gujarat and Saurashtra
region. The ferry service seeks to reduce the distance between Ghogha and Hazira to 90
Kilometres from earlier 370 kilometres.
3. Significance
The reduced travel time will lead to savings of fuel approximately by 9000 litres per day.
It will also be beneficial to the environment as it will reduce the CO2 emission by
approximately 24 million tonnes per day. Further, it will provide an impetus to the
tourism industry by easing the access to the Saurashtra region. Apart from that, it will
also create new job opportunities.
4. Other benefits
After the Ferry service would start, the port sector, furniture and fertilizer industries in
Saurashtra and Kutch region will get a big economic boost. Eco-tourism and religious-
tourism in Gujarat in Porbandar, Somnath, Dwarka and Palitana region would grow
exponentially. The enhanced connectivity through will also lead to increased inflow of
tourists in the famous Asiatic lion wildlife sanctuary at Gir.
5. Ghogha Region
Ghogha is town in Bhavnagar district of Gujarat. The town is situated on the mid-western
bank of the Gulf of Khambhat. It is also known as Gogo. Gogo was an important historical
commercial port on the Arabian Sea . It is also a famous fishing hamlet.
6. Hazira Region
Hazira is a transshipment port in the Surat City. The town is the west most end of Surat.
It is one of the major ports and an industrial hub of India. The town is locted on the bank
of the Tapti River.. It is a centre for health tourism.
60. Gov Tech-Thon 2020.
A 36 hours pan-India virtual hackathon, called the Gov-Tech-Thon 2020 was organized
by IEEE, National Informatics Centre (NIC) and Oracle, under the Ministry of Electronics
and Information Technology (MeitY). The hackathon was concluded successfully on
November 1, 2020. Over 1300 aspirants forming 390 teams registered under the
hackathon. Under the hackathon, five problem statements were provided by 3 central
Government Ministries namely, Ministry of Road Transport , Ministry of Agriculture and
Farmers’ Welfare, and Highway and Ministry of Education.
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1. Highlights
Under the hackathon, the first position was secured by FitForFuture team from Robert
Bosch Engineering and Business Solutions Private Limited. The organisation
demonstrated an innovative solution prototype for automating vehicle fitness checks.
Second position was secured by HackDemons of Indian Institute of Information
Technology Vadodara. It received the position for providing secure solution to deliver
unsupervised tests. The third prize was secured by Orange team from PES University
Bengaluru for providing a unique solution for seed certification using BlockChain
technology.
2. Challenges
Under the hackathon, understated five challenges seek innovative solutions-
61. Tamil Nadu tops the ‘Best State’ Category under the National Water
Awards 2019.
The Tamil Nadu government has topped the ‘best state’ category under the National
Water Awards 2019. In total, the state of Tamil Nadu has won seven prizes in different
categories.
1. Highlights
 The awards will be presented on November 11 and 12.
 Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Union Minister for Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat,
Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti Rattan Lal Kataria and Union Minister of Environment
Prakash Javadekar would be present during the award presentation ceremony.
 PWD Secretary K Manivasan will receive the first prize in the National Water Awards on the
behalf of Tamil Nadu government.
2. ‘Revival of River’ category

Under this category of award, Vellore and Karur districts received the first and second
prizes.
3. ‘Water Conservation’ at the national level

Under this category, Perambalur district received the second prize.
4. Best Urban Local Body Category

Under this category, Madurai Corporation won the second prize. It took the water
conservation efforts. In the year 2019, Madurai district had won the first prize for
rejuvenating and creating new waterbodies.
5. Water Warriors category

Under this category, Manikandan, Coimbatore and Sakthinathan Ganapathy Pandian of
Anna University received the first and second prizes.
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6. National Water Awards 2019
During the National Water Awards ceremony, 98 awards will be presented in 16 different
categories including Best State, Best District, Best Urban Local Body, Best Village
Panchayat, Best Research or Innovation or New Technology, Best TV show, Best
Newspaper, Best Education or Mass Awareness effort, Best School, Best Institution or
RWA or Religious Organisation, Best Industry, Best Water Regulatory Authority, Best
NGO, Best Water Warrior, Best Water User Association, and Best Industry for CSR
Activity. These categories are further divided into sub-categories in different zones of the
country.
62. IMD to provide predictions for Malaria outbreak from next monsoon.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) announced on November 7, 2020 that it will
be forecast for the Malaria outbreak from next year’s monsoon.
1. Highlights
The Indian Meteorological Department also announced that India will ramp up its high
performance computing facility. Under the new and updated performance computing
facility, existing capacity of 10 petaflop will be increased to 40 petaflops. Recently a
report was released by NCAER called “estimating the economic benefits of investment in
monsoon mission and high performance computing facilities“. The report highlighted
that the investment in high-performance computing facilities will bring 50 times more
benefits and profits.
2. Background
The Indian Meteorological Department recently conducted the study on the phenomenon
of occurrence of malaria and its relation with rainfall in the city of Nagpur. The same
phenomenon would be applied to other cities as well.

In India, the number of cases of malaria stood at 2.08 million in 2008. By 2018, it has
declined to 4 lakhs. The National Health portal highlights that India is the only country
that have showed progress among other hardest hit Malaria countries. But, still, India
accounts for 85% of global Malaria burden, as per the world Malaria report. Further, as
per the National Health portal reports, majority of malarial cases are from the central
and Eastern part of the countries. The reason behind this is that these States have dense
forests, tribal areas and hilly regions. The states including Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra,
Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram reports higher
cases of Malaria. These areas also accounts for heavy rainfall. So, the prediction by the
IMD would help in taking preventive measures in the states.
63. 5 years of One Rank One Pension Scheme.
The one rank one pension scheme of armed forces has completed 5 years of successful
journey in 2020. The scheme was redefined in the year 2015. The Government of India
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has disbursed Rs 42,700 crores to more than 20.6 lakh ex-servicemen till now ever since
the scheme was launched.
1. One rank One pension scheme

Under this scheme, every retired personnel of the Indian Army gets the same amount of
pension irrespective of the date the personnel gets retired. The scheme was launched
and is in practice since 1947. However, in 1973 the Indira Gandhi government
terminated the scheme after 26 years. The scheme was relaunched in 2008 and ran till
2014. On 30th May 2015, the Modi Government again redefined the scheme. Under the
scheme, currently uniform pension is given to the retiring defence personnel irrespective
of their rank and the length of their service. The pension given under the scheme is
equivalent to the 50% of their last drawn salary. Under the current scheme, the Armed
personnel who retired on or after June 30, 2014 are covered.
2. Concerns
The major concerns of the veterans is surrounding the premature retirees. The one rank
one pension system is revised every five years. But the veteran wanted it to be revised
every one to two years. Also, the army personals usually gets retired at the age of 35 as
opposed to civilian who can continue in service till the age 60. There also exists the
possibilities that the other uniformed personnel such as the state police forces and the
Paramilitary forces will demand for one rank one pension system.
November 9, 2020
_____________________________________________________________________________
64. UAE announced major relaxations in Islamic Personal Laws.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced major changes in its Islamic laws. The
country has decided to loose the restrictions on alcohol, to allow cohabitate unmarried
couples and to loose criminalization of honour killings.
1. Highlights
The new rule allows Muslims to drink alcoholic beverages freely. Earlier, the people
required license to purchase and transport liquor and to have alcohol at homes. Now, the
rule has scrapped penalties for alcohol consumption, sale an possession for people aged
21 and above. Further, in a recent move, the Government has also liberalized the laws
that protect the honour crimes in UAE. The UAE government has relaxed the law that
supported a tribal custom under which a male may evade prosecution.
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2. What does it signifies?
The amendments into the laws have broadened the personal freedoms. It signifies the
changing profile of a country that seeks to present itself as a skyscraper-studded
destination for Western tourists. This also reflect the efforts of the Emirates’ rulers so as
to maintain pace with a rapidly changing society. These amendments would permit
foreigners to avoid Islamic Shariah courts on issues involving marriage, divorce and
inheritance.
3. Background
The background of the amendment lies into US-brokered deal to normalize relations
between the UAE and Israel. The normalized relation is expected to bring huge number
of Israeli tourists and investment.
4. Why UAE has relaxed the norms?

UAE’s economy has greatly affected amid the COVID-19 pandemic. As per the
International Monetary Fund, the economy of the country will contract by 3.5% in the
year 2020. Therefore, UAE has been taking every step and relaxing the norms to boost
its economic growth. It will ease the lifestyle of the foreigners who are supposed to be
the major contributors of the economy of the country.
65. Joe Biden elected as 46th US President- What does it mean to India?
Joe Biden was declared the winner of US Election, 2020 on November 7, 2020. He will
become the 46th President of the United States after beating Donald Trump. He has
become the oldest man ever to be elected to the White House.
1. Joe Biden
The 46th President has been formerly the 47th vice president of the United States
serving from 2009 to 2017. He was also a U.S. Senator from Delaware for the year 1973
to 2009. In the year 1988 to 2008 he ran as a Democratic candidate for president. In the
line, he won the Democratic nomination in 2020.
2. Joe Biden’s take on India

When Biden was Vice President in the Obama’s administration, he had played a key role
to strengthen the India-US relations. In 2006 he had also announced that his primary
dream is to establish a closest relation with India in 2020. When Joe Bidden was a
senator, Obama hesitated to support the Indo-US nuclear deal but Biden openly
declared his support to the deal. He worked with the Democrats and Republicans for the
approval of the deal.
3. Biden’s take on India-US Defence Relation

The Obama-Biden administration had given India as Major Defence Partner status. The
status had made it easier for India and US to share advanced and critical technologies. In
order to strengthened the Indian Defence System largely. Further, In 2016, India and
USA signed the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA). The
agreement lead to the initiation for deeper military cooperation.
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4. Biden on Immigration and Visas for Indians
India was highly concerned about the Immigration and Visas policies during the Trump’s
administration. Biden had promised during the campaign to increase the number of visas
offered for work based immigration. He also promised to reform the temporary visa
system and to support family based immigration.
5. Biden on CAA and NRC

Biden was highly disappointed with India’s steps towards National Register Citizens and
the Citizenship (amendment) act.
66. Kamala Harris becomes first female Vice President of US.
Kamala Harris has become the first female, Black and Asian American Vice President of
the United States on November 7, 2020. She will also be the first woman in the history to
hold the office of Vice President.
1. Highlights
 She is also the nation’s first Black and Asian American vice president in history.
 She was born to immigrant parents from India and Jamaica.
 Harris has become the first Black person ever to be elected to the second-highest office in the
United States.
2. Significance of her elevation

Kamala Harris’ elevation to vice presidency has made a huge difference to Joe Biden’s
Presidential campaign. She has become a major game-changer for the Democrats. When
Joe Biden chose Harris as Vice President, it was a jubilant moment for many black
women across the country and to the women in general including the Asian-Americans
women.
3. Kamala Harris
Kamala Devi Harris was born to Shyamala Gopalan who was a biologist from Tamil Nadu,
India and Donald J. Harris who was an economics professor from British Jamaica. Kamala
Harris was born in Oakland, California on October 20, 1964. Her parents got divorced
when Harris was seven. So she and her sister, Maya, were largely raised by their mother.
She graduated from Howard University and the Hastings College of Law. She started her
career as a deputy district attorney of the Alameda County, California in 1990. Later, in
1998, She was recruited as an assistant district attorney. Further, in 2003, she was
elected as district attorney of San Francisco. She was elected as Attorney General of
California in 2010 and was re-elected in 2014. In the 2016 Senate Election, she is the
second African American woman and the first South Asian American serving the United
States Senate. Kamala Harris is married to attorney Douglas Emhoff.
67. Denmark to kill minks to contain spread of coronavirus.
Denmark has decided to kill all the minks in the country in order to contain the spread of
mutated coronavirus to humans. There are around 15 million of minks in Denmark. This
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decision was made public by the Denmark’s President Mette Frederiksen on November
4, 2020.
1. Highlights
As per the statement of Denmark’s Health Minister Magnus Heunicke, genomic analysis
revealed that almost 400 human COVID-19 infection cases in northern Denmark were
related to mink farms. The cases almost amounts to half of total cases in the country.
Statens Serum Institute of Denmark also highlighted in its report that around 5 percent
of all human infections involve the new mutated variation of the virus.
2. Concern
The new mutated variation of the virus has been observed in Denmark. It has emerged a
cause of concern because 12 infected people showed less ability to produce antibodies.
This might reduce the potential effectiveness of a vaccine among the people.
3. Impact
In Denmark, there are around 15 million minks. Minks in about 207 farm out of 1,000
farms have tested positive for the coronavirus. These 1000 farms produces around 40
percent of the world’s mink pelts. Further, Denmark is one of the largest producers of fur
in the world. Majority of the fur is exported to China and Hong Kong. Thus, this cycle
would highly be impacted with the decision of killing Minks. Though the Denmark
government have planed to compensate the mink farmers. But, lost lives can not be
compensated and it might be difficult for the industry to survive.
68. Atal Innovation Mission- Sirius Innovation Programme 3.0
The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and Scientific International Research in Unique
Terrestrial Station (Sirius), Russia have recently launched ‘AIM–Sirius Innovation
Programme 3.0’. It is a 14-day virtual programme for Indian and Russian school
children.
1. Background
This programme is jointly held between AIM and SIRIUS on the basis of a Memorandum
of Understanding signed during PM Modi’s visit to Russia in 2018. In the year 2019,
an Indian delegation of 25 students and 5 teachers visited the Sirius Centre, Russia for a
7-day research-based programme. The team had created 8 different innovations in the
areas of remote earth sensing, clean energy, biological and genetic research, data
analytics and frontier technologies, drones and robotics.
2. Highlights
The programme is being held between November 7, 2020 and November 21, 2020. This
year, around 48 students and 16 educators will participate in the programme. The
students would develop innovations from the field of block chain, artificial intelligence
and machine learning.
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3. AIM–Sirius programme
This is the first Indo-Russian bilateral youth innovation initiative. The programme seeks
to develop web-based and mobile-based technological solutions for both the countries.
This year’s event comprise of the best Russian students from the Sirius Centre and the
best Indian students and ATL in-charges from the top 150 teams of the 2019 ATL
Marathon. Mentors from the industry and academia will work closely with the teams. The
programme will create 8 virtual products and mobile applications that will address global
challenges in the covid-19 pandemic situation. The application will cover the areas
including culture, distance education, health and well-being, applied cognitive science,
chemistry, sports, fitness, games training, , artificial intelligence and digital financial
assets.
69. Uttarakhand Day is being observed today.
The Uttarakhand Day is celebrated on November 9 every year. The day is also known as
Uttarakhand Divas or Uttarakhand State Foundation Day.
1. Highlights
On the occasion the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Trivendra Singh Rawat, will
inaugurate hot air balloon festival in Mussorie. Apart from that, the state will also
organize Majestic Uttarakhand photo exhibitions and Heal with Wheels.
2. History of Uttarakhand
The demand for the creation of Uttarakhand as a separate state of Uttarakhand arose in
the year 1897. The demand for a separate state turned into a full fledged mass
movement in 1994. The movement lead to the formation of the Uttarakhand state in
2000.
3. Uttarakhand
The state is also known as the ‘Land of Gods’ or ‘Dev Bhumi. The state was earlier
named as ‘Uttaranchal’ when it was formed. But in 2007, state was renamed to
Uttarakhand. The high court of the state is located in Nainital. Rivers like Ganga, Kali,
Yamuna and Tons are originated in the state. Out of total state, 86% area is
mountainous while 65% of the area is covered by forest. The state is home to Bengal
Tiger at the Jim Corbett National park. Some other national parks and wildlife sanctuaries
in the State include: Nanda Devi Biosphere, Govind National Park, Rajaji National Park,
Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, Gangotri National Park, Govind Wild Life Sanctuary, Asan
Wildlife Sanctuary and Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary.
4. Flora
Around 18,000 plant species have been recognised in Uttarakhand. Out of these, 1,800
plants have medicinal value. Local traditional healers in the state still uses these herbs
for curing the diseases as per the traditional Ayurvedic text books.
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70. US President Joe Biden announced a 12 member COVID-19 task
force.
The newly elected President of United States, Joe Biden, has announced to set up a task
force for COVID-19. President Biden made this announcement during his victory speech
in Wilmington, Delaware.
1. COVID-19 Task Force

The task force will be headed by physician Vivek Murthy. He was also earlier appointed
as the Surgeon General under the Presidency of Barack Obama. The 12 members task
force has been set up at a time when the US has been witnessing a hugr record number
of Coronavirus cases. The task force will be co-chaired by, along with Vivek Murthy, :
2. Functions of COVID-19 Task Force

The 12-member task force will work to effectively response the COVID-19 pandemic. The
pandemic has already infected millions of US citizens and has damaged the economy of
the nation to the core. The task force would also be working to control the Coronavirus
pandemic. It will convert his Coronavirus fighting plan into an action blueprint. The task
force will built the coronavirus fighting plan on the bedrock of science.
3. What Vivek Murthy has suggested?

Vivek Murthy has always suggested for a science-based approach so as to tackle the
COVID-19 pandemic. He has cautioned several times against the politics and politicians
tackling and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. He had also been highlighting the
faults in the Trump’s government in dealing with the vaccine approval. He also criticized
Trump’s statement on overruling the FDA guidance for the approval of the vaccine. In
August 2020, Vivek Murthy also raised questions on the rush for an emergency approval
of the vaccine in US.
71. Prime Minister Modi inaugurates development projects in Varanasi.
Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, virtually Inaugurated and laid down the foundation stone
of various development projects in his parliamentary constituency, Varanasi. The total
cost of the development projects is Rs. 614 crores.
1. Highlights
On the occasion, the Prime Minister also interacted with the beneficiaries of these
development projects. Around 1500 people participated in the program through
virtually. The programme was also displayed live at 6 places in Varanasi as arranged by
the state government. While inaugurating the developmental projects, Modi ji also
urged the citizens to be ‘vocal for local’ on this Diwali. He urged people to promote
indigenously made items apart from diyas.
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2. Developmental projects
PM Modi highlighted that, the connectivity to Varanasi has improved and there are now a
total of 48 flights to Varanasi. This has resulted into increased number of people visiting
the place. He highlighted that, increased number of tourists would be taken care and
would be facilitating by a tourist plaza at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
3. Projects that were inaugurated

 Sarnath light and sound show
 105 Anganwadi Kendras
 102 Gau Ashray Kendras
 Up-gradation of Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital, Ramnagar
 Sewerage related works
 A housing complex for the players in Sampurnanand Stadium
 Varanasi City Smart lighting work
 Infrastructure facilities for the conservation and protection of cows
 Multipurpose seed storehouse
 Agriculture Produce warehouse of 100 MT
 IPDS Phase 2.
4. Projects for which Foundation stone was laid

 Redevelopment of Dashashwamedh Ghat and Khidkiya Ghat
 Barracks for PAC Police Force
 Repair work of roads in Varanasi
 Development of tourist places
 Redevelopment of certain wards of Kashi
 Parking facility and the redevelopment of the park in Beniya Bagh
 Up-gradation of the multi-purpose hall in Girija Devi Sanskritik Sankul
5. Beneficiaries
Prime Minister also interacted with the beneficiaries while inaugurating and laying the
foundation stone. One of beneficiary was a famous basketball player Prashant Singh. He
also interacted with the businessman from Varanasi and suggested to maintain
cleanliness in the premises in order to provide better services in the industrial areas.
72. United Nation: 9 million people risk displacement from conflict in

Ethiopia.
United Nations warned on November 8, 2020 that nine million people risk displacement
from the escalating conflict that has triggered in Tigray region of Ethiopia.
1. Highlights
United Nations highlighted that that Ethiopian government’s declaration of a state of
emergency is blocking the food and other aid in the region. The U.N. Office for the
Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA ) in a report stated that the clashes between
federal troops and Tigrayan forces had broken out at the eight locations in the region.
The OCHA report further highlighted that the clashes have disrupted food supply for the
600000 people in Tigray and other support to another 1 million people.
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2. What is the issue?
The Tigray region of Ethiopia faces the issue of Tigray military intervention. The military
intervention is an ongoing military raid. The raid had began in November 2020. The civil
conflict between the regional authorities and the federal government laid down the
foundation of this ongoing war.
3. Why this war began?

After the Ethiopian Civil War ended in 1991, Ethiopia became a dominant-party state.
The Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) was then ruling the
state. EPRDF party was the coalition of ethnic-based parties whose founding member
was the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). The TPLF used to be part of Ethiopia’s
governing coalition until its 2019. Later, the Tensions between the government and the
TPLF escalated in the aftermath of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed accused the Tigray
regional authorities of undermining his authority. In September 2020, Tigray authorities
saw the refusal to recognise the 2020 election for the Tigray parliament. The day prior to
the TPLF’s alleged attack on a military camp, the federal parliament of Ethiopia
suggested to designate the TPLF as a terrorist organization. In the line, the Ethiopian
National Defense Force launched a military operation against Tigray People’s Liberation
Front on November 4, 2020.
4. The Tigray Region

It is the northernmost of the nine regions of Ethiopia. The region is the homeland of
Tigrayan, Irob and Kunama peoples. It is also known as Region 1 as per the federal
constitution. The largest city called Mekelle is the capital of Tigray. Tigray is the 5th
largest by area, 5th most populous, and 5th most densely populated region of the 9
Regional States in Ethiopia. It is bordered by Eritrea, Sudan, the Amhara Region and the
Afar Region.
73. Ministry of Shipping is now ‘Ministry of Ports, Shipping and

Waterways’
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi has renamed the Ministry of Shipping to “Ministry of
Ports, Shipping and Waterways”. The change in the nomenclature was announced by the
PM Modi at the inaugural virtual event of Ro-Pax terminal at Surat’s Hazira.
1. Highlights
Prime Minister, while renaming of Ministry of Shipping, highlighted how in most of the
developed nations the Ministry of Shipping handles waterways and ports. This is why
now in India, Ports and waterways are being added to the Ministry of Shipping. He
further highlighted that as the name of the ministry have clarity, there will be more
clarity in the way the ministry would be working. Mansukh L. Mandaviya who is the
Union Minister of Shipping presently would continue to be the minister of the new named
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. On the occasion, RO-Pax ferry service was
also flagged off.
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2. Ro-Pax ferry Service
This is the ferry service between Hazira and Ghogha. It will reduce the distance between
the two terminal from 370 km to 90 km by seat route. Also, It will reduce the journey
time to 3-4 hours from 10-12 hours earlier.
3. Recent amendments in the Ministry

Till November 2000, there was only one ministry called “Ministry of Surface Transport”.
On November 17, 2000, the “Ministry of Surface Transport” was divided into two new
ministries namely, the Ministry of Shipping and the Ministry of Road Transport and
Highways. Again On October 2, 2004, the bifurcated ministries were merged and
renamed as “Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways”. The ministry then
comprises two departments namely, “Department of Road transport and Highways” and
“Department of Shipping”. Later, in 2009, Ministry of Shipping was again established by
dividing the two departments into separate ministries. Now, on November 8, 2020 the
“Ministry of Shipping” has been renamed as “Ministry of Ports, Shipping and
Waterways”.
74. Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana extended.
The ESIC has extended the Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana from July 2020 to June
2021.
1. Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana

The ESI Corporation had launched this scheme in July 2019. Under the scheme, if an
Insured Person (IP) is rendered unemployed, the government provides relief to the
extent of 25% of the average per day earning. The earning is counted for the previous
four contribution periods. The relief is provided to the maximum of 90 days of
unemployment once in lifetime.
2. Conditions
The relief is provided to the insured persons under following conditions:
November 10, 2020
_____________________________________________________________________________
75. Anti-Satellite Missile system model inaugurated at DRDO.
The Defence Minister if India, Shri Raj Nath Singh, inaugurated an anti-Satellite Missile
System at Defence Research Development Organization (DRDO) headquarter at New
Delhi on November 9, 2020. The DRDO had successfully conducted the test of anti-
satellite missile at Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha.
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1. Anti-Satellite Weapon (ASAT system)
The ASAT weapon of system was designed in order to destroy satellites for military
purposes. However, system has not been used in the warfare yet. The countries that
posses and demonstrated the ASAT technologies include India, China, US and Russia.
2. ASAT Test in India

India conducted the test of Anti-Satellite weapon in 2019 under the “Operation Shakti”.
The test used the interceptor called Prithvi Defence Vehicle Mark II for its successful
operation. This interceptor was developed under the Indian Ballistic Missile Programme.
Prithvi Defence Vehicle Mark II was a modified anti-ballistic missile and was developed
under Project XSV-1. The missile successfully fired a test satellite at 283 kilometres in
the low earth orbit. The Target Satellite for the test was Microsat-R. It was built for
military purpose. However, the ASAT test was criticized for creating space debris.
3. Indian Ballistic Missile Programme

This programme was introduced to counter the ballistic missile threat from China and
Pakistan. Under the programme, the development of anti-ballistic missiles began in
1999. In phase 1 of the programme, some 40 private and public companies were
involved in the development of the ASAT system. DRDO floating test range was
developed to test the missile in phase 2 of the programme.
4. Floating Test Range

The floating test range is a ship designed and developed by DRDO. The ship serves as a
testing range for the missiles. It has been equipped with Electro-optical missile tracking
system, telemetry systems and S-band radars. It carries the missile control centre,
launch pad and the launch control centre.
76. Nirmala Sitharaman attends first BRICS Finance Ministers and

Central Bank Governors’ Meet
The finance minister of India, Nirmala Sitharaman, attended first BRICS Finance Ministers
and Central Bank Governors’ meet on November 9, 2020.
1. Highlights
During the meeting, the finance ministers involved the discussions on the outcomes of
the G20 Saudi Presidency in 2020. They also discussed about creating a digital platform
in order to encourage the infrastructure investments and expansion of the membership
of the New Development Bank. During the meeting, the finance minister highlighted how
the BRICS members have played an important role to ensure that the concerns of
developing economies are properly addressed through various initiatives. The finance
ministers further observed that BRICS members have delivered significant initiatives in
at the G20 Action Plan to respond against the COVID-19 in 2020. The leaders also
highlighted that G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative have ensured immediate
support. They also discussed to expand the membership of New Development Bank.
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2. New Development Bank
The New Development Bank (NDB) was formerly called as the BRICS Development Bank.
It is a multilateral development bank that was established by the BRICS states namely,
Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The Bank support the public or private
projects through loans, guarantees, equity participation and other financial instruments.
The bank also cooperate with the international organizations and other financial entities.
The bank is currently headquartered in BRICS Tower in Shanghai. The first regional
office was set up at Johannesburg, South Africa. The New Development Bank was set up
in 2014 at the Fortaleza summit.
77. PM Modi will address the virtual SCO summit today.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the Indian delegation to the 20th Summit of SCO
Council of Heads of States on November 10, 2020. The meeting will be chaired by
Russian President Vladimir Putin.
1. Highlights
The meeting will be attended by heads of all the 8 Member States including Russia,
China, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The meeting
would also be attended by the heads of 4 Observer States namely, Iran, Afghanistan,
Belarus and Mongolia. Leaders of the Member States will address the summit. This is the
first SCO Summit being held in virtual format. Further, this is the third meeting that India
will be participating as full member.
2. Agenda of the meeting

The Executive Director of the SCO Regional Anti-terrorist Structure (SCO RATS) will make
his interventions during the meeting. The Summit will end after adopting the Moscow
Declaration. Further, the meeting would comprise of thw SCO Statements on issues
including the Commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of World War II, Digital Economy,
Countering the Drug Threat, Countering the Spread of Terrorism Including on the
Internet and COVID-19.
3. About the Summit

The SCO Summit of Heads of State is the main body of the organization. This main body
sets forth the Agenda and the main directions for the organization for the next year. The
body deals with all the main activities of the organization comprising the political,
security, trade, economic and cultural.
4. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

The SCO is also known as the Shanghai Pact. It is a Eurasian political, economic, and
security alliance. The establishment of the organisation was announced on 15 June 2001
in Shanghai, China. The organisation came into effect on 19 September 2003. India was
granted observer status of SCO in 2005. Later on June 9, 2017, India and Pakistan joined
SCO as full members at a summit in Astana, Kazakhstan.
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78. World Science Day for Peace and Development – On November 10.
The World Science Day for Peace and Development is celebrated every year on
November 10. The day is celebrated in order to ensure that citizens are kept well
informed about the developments of science. It also raise the awareness about how
scientists play in broadening the understanding of the citizens in making societies more
sustainable. This year the day is celebrated under the theme: Science for and with
Society. Also, the primary focus of the day is on “Science for and with Society in dealing
with the global pandemic”.
1. Highlights
The day was first proclaimed in 2001 by UNESCO. It is being celebrated by the United
Nations since 2002. The primary objectives of the day include:
2. First World Science Day for Peace and Development

The first World Science Day for Peace and Development was celebrated by United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on November 10,
2002. In the celebration, governmental organisation, intergovernmental organisation,
non-governmental organisations, UNESCO National Commissions, scientific and research
institutions, professional associations, media, science teachers and schools took their
participation.
3. Science and COVID-19

A collaborative relationship between scientists, policymakers and scientific research
including potential vaccines must be shared universally in the ongoing COVID-19
situation. It has been observed by the scientists that to respond against the COVID-19
better use of science and technology is required.
79. India welcomes Sudan’s removal from State Sponsors of Terrorism

List.
Sudan was removed from the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism on November 9, 2020.
India has welcomed the removal of Sudan from the list. Apart from that, India also
welcomed the normalisation of Sudan’s relations with Israel.
1. Highlights
India highlighted that its relations with Sudan are historic, special and forged based on
the shared values and close people-to-people contacts. India also congratulated the
Transitional Government and the people of Sudan upon signing of the Juba Peace
Agreement.
2. Sudan-Israel ties
Sudan recently normalised its ties with the Israel. In doing so, it has become the third
Arab nation after UAE and Bahrain that have normalised the relations with Israel. Sudan
have agreed to recognise Israel and normalise ties. The deal of normalising ties between
both the countries was initiated by the help of US President Donald Trump.
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3. Peace Deal
The US President had initiated the peace deal between the two nations on October 23,
2020. In the US-led peace deal, Israel and Sudan discussed the opening up of economic
and trade relations. The primary focus was given on agriculture. However, the official
diplomatic ties would be established in future.
4. Sudan’s removal from Terrorism List

The decision of removing Sudan from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism is taken in
the backdrop of Sudan’s normalisation of ties with Israel in October 2020. The former
President of US, Trump, had announced on October 19, 2020 that he will remove Sudan
from the terrorism list after Sudan deposit USD335 million as pledged to pay in
compensation. Sudan paid the compensation amount as decided.
80. Govt approved 21 projects under Integrated Cold Chain & Value
Addition scheme.
The inter-Ministerial Approval Committee meeting that was chaired by Minister for Food
Processing Industries, Narendra Singh Tomar, has approved 21 projects on November 9,
2020.
1. Highlights
Under the Scheme for Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition, the government has
leveraged the investment worth rupees 443 crore. It was further supported with a grant
of rupees 189 crore.
2. Beneficiary
The launched projects will benefit the farmers and consumers. These projects will
generate employment for nearly 12 thousand 600 people, Further, it will benefit over
two lakh farmers.
3. Covered Areas
The 21 projects are spread across states including Andhra Pradesh, Himanchal Pradesh,
Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, Punjab, Nagaland, Telangana, Uttarakhand, and
Uttar Pradesh.
4. Aim
The Scheme for Integrated Cold Chain and Value addition infrastructure is aimed at
reducing the post-harvest losses of horticulture and non-horticulture produce. It will also
provide remunerative price to farmers.
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5. Other projects
Apart from that, 8 more projects were also approved that will leverage the investment of
worth rupees 62 crore. It will also be supported by the grant of rupees 15 crore under
the Backward and Forward Linkages (BFL) Scheme. These projects would be generating
the employment for nearly 2500 people. The primary objective of the scheme is to
provide effective and seamless backward and forward integration for the processed food
industry. The forward and backward integration would be provided by plugging the gaps
in the supply chain. The supply chain would look after the availability of raw material and
linkages with the market.
6. Scheme for Integrated Cold Chain and Value addition infrastructure

The primary objective of the scheme is to provide integrated cold chain and preservation
infrastructure facilities without any break. It will integrate the facilities from the farm
gate to the consumer. The scheme covers the creation of infrastructure facility along the
entire supply chain including the pre-cooling, weighing, grading, sorting, waxing facilities
at farm level. The integrated cold chain project is being set up by the Partnership Firms,
Companies, Corporations, Cooperatives, Self Help Groups (SHGs) and Farmer Producer
Organizations (FPOs).
81. Nepal President releases special anthology on Mahatma Gandhi.
The President of Nepal, Bidhya Devi Bhandari, has released a special anthology on
Mahatma Gandhi- ‘My understanding about Gandhi’ or the “Maile Bujheko Gandhi” was
released at a special function at Rashtrapati Bhawan in Kathmandu on November 9,
2020. The anthology was launched during a ceremony at Kathmandu. Indian
Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra was also present on the occasion.
1. Highlights
The book was brought out by the Embassy of India along with the BP Koirala India-Nepal
Foundation. It was done to share the values of the Mahatma’s universal teachings with
Nepali people. The publication pf the anthology was done with a hope to bring the youth
of Nepal closer to Mahatma Gandhi. This pictorial anthology in the Nepalese language
has been released to celebrate 151st Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. It will also
mark the two years long celebrations of ‘150 years of Mahatma’.
2. 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi

150th year of Gandhian anniversary was celebrated in the year 2019. On the occasion,
the central government had given the call of “Swachhta Hi Sewa”. The 150th birth
anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi was also celebrated in Dhaka in the year 2019. The High
Commission of India had organised a bi-Cycle Rally at the Dhaka University campus on
the occasion. The bi-cycle rally was inaugurated by Riva Ganguly Das, the High
Commissioner of India and Professor Md Akhtaruzzaman, the Vice Chancellor of Dhaka
University .
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3. Gandhi’s views on Sanitation
Gandhi ji not only took forward the struggle for India’s independence but also led a
continuous struggle for sanitation, cleanliness, and efficient management of all
categories of wastes. In his book called ‘Guide to London’, Gandhi jo quote- “Cleanliness
is next to godliness”. He also developed a movement in South Africa to destroy the twin
‘evils’ of ‘Untouchability’ and ‘insanitation’. To raise the awareness, he did the
scavenging himself.
82. India and Maldives Signed 4 Agreements-Key Facts
India and Maldives signed four agreements on November 9, 2020. One of the signed
agreement include- USD 100 million grant for a connectivity project. Foreign secretary
Harsh Shringla and the Maldivian leadership by Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed discussed on
areas and way in order to boost economic recovery that has been widely affected amid
the Covid-19 pandemic.
1. Highlights
Both sides signed four memorandums of understanding (MoUs). These are as follows:
2. Background
The signed MoU makes the part of India’s commitment to provide a five-pronged
package that include air, sea, intra-island and telecommunications to help the country
deal with the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The five packages include-
83. Australia- India Water Centre Inaugurated by IIT Guwahati
Australia-India Water Centre was inaugurated by IIT Guwahati virtually through a

Webinar on November 6, 2020. in view of the pandemic situation. Dignitaries that
virtually attending the event include Dan Tehan who is the Minister for Education –
Government of Australia, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat who is the minister of Jal Shakti
Ministry, Indian High Commissioner to Australia, Australian High Commissioner to India.
1. Areas of Discussion
Both the sides discussed the water issues and challenges of India and Australia. They
also shared many common elements such as natural extremes of floods and droughts, to
increase competition for water between urban, peri-urban and rural sectors and the
increased threats to water security from climate change. The countries also discussed
the increased pressures because of over-exploitation and water quality degradation of
surface and groundwater resources.
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2. Background
India and Australia recently discussed the challenges in June 2020 at the virtual summit
of the Prime Ministers of Australia and India and stated that “Water security is a critical
challenge for both countries. Both the countries then decided to deepen the policy and
technical cooperation on mutually agreed activities so as to improve water management
and sustainable economic development. In the line, a number of universities, research
organisations and business partners from Australia and India committed to establish the
Australia India Water Centres (AIWC).
3. MoU for Australia India Water Centre

The signed MoU attempts to establish an understanding of cooperation for the Australia
India Water Centre (AIWC) between both the countries. These water centre will enable
the partners from both the sides to explore opportunities and create synergy for a
longer-term collaboration in the arena of research and education. The proposed
activities under the MoU include- to develop longer-term collaboration in water research,
capacity building and knowledge and technology transfer. The MoU particularly focusing
on water and food security, safe drinking water supplies, water-energy-food nexus, river
health, water for liveable cities and other related aspects. It will be developed by tools
and techniques to tackle future water and food security challenges.
84. Ministry of Power Mandated for all DISCOMs to Comply Energy

Conservation Act , 2001
The Ministry of Power, Government of India has issued a notification to include all the
Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) under the Energy Conservation (EC) Act
2001.
1. Key Highlights
The notification and new norm was formulated in consultation with the Bureau of Energy
Efficiency (BEE). After this, all the DISCOMs that are having issued distribution licenses
by State or Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission under the Electricity Act, 2003 will
be notified as Designated Consumers (DCs). Earlier, only those DISCOMs were covered
as DCs whose annual energy losses were equal to or above 1000 MU.
2. Benefits
This decision by the Ministry of Power would facilitate Energy Accounting and Auditing as
the mandatory activity for all the DISCOMs. This will lead to the actions to reduce the
losses and to increase profitability of DISCOMs. These amendments would help DISCOMs
to monitor their performance parameters. It would further bring in transparency in the
Distribution sector through professional inputs. The move is expected to improve the
financial state of the DISCOMs.
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3. Energy Conservation Act 2001
The Energy Conservation Act of 2001 empowers the government to specify norms and
standards of energy efficiency. These needs to be followed by different industries , who
are mentioned in the schedule to the Act, in their use of power. This Act empowers the
state governments so as to enforce the provisions as prescribed under the act. It also
establishes the Bureau of Energy Efficiency under the central government that specify
qualifications and certification procedures for energy auditors and managers.
4. Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2010

The Act expanded the scope of energy conservation norms for buildings. It also
tightened the applicability of energy efficiency norms for appliances and equipment.
The amended act provides a framework that trades the savings on energy use between
energy efficient industries and those whose consumption of energy is more than the
prescribed limits. The act further increases the penalties for offences. The appeals are
heard by the Electricity Appellate Tribunal set up under the Electricity Act, 2003.
85. DRDO developed a Fire Detection and Suppression System
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed fire
detection and suppression system for the passenger buses. This newly developed
technology can detect fire in buses in less than 30 seconds. It has also the capability of
extinguishing the fire in 60 Seconds.
1. Highlights
The technology has been developed by the Centre for fire explosive and environment
safety of DRDO in Delhi. The system consist of a water tank having a capacity of 80
litres. It also contains a network of tubing with 16 atomizers and 6.8 kilograms of
Nitrogen cylinder. The installed nitrogen cylinder is pressurized to 200 bar. The system
also comprise of an aerosol generator with which the fire suppression can be achieved
within 5 seconds. This fire detection and suppression system has been developed as a
defence spin off Technology. The system has been specially developed for sleeper
coaches and school buses.

A survey conducted by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in 2019 published a
report called “Road accidents in India, 2018” highlights that around 1,51,417 deaths
occurred in India because of road accidents. The report further states that the number of
road accidents has increased by 2.4 % as compared to 2017. So, the newly developed
system by the DRDO is aimed at preventing such fire induced accidents.
3. Aerosol Fire Suppression

The newly developed “fire detection and suppression system” works on the aerosol fire
suppression concept. Under this aerosol fire suppression, combination of gases, matter
and microparticles are used to flood the region affected by the fire. These particles
remove oxygen and disturbs the chain reaction responsible for causing the fire.
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86. FASTag Made Mandatory From 1st January 2021
The Union Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has made FASTag mandatory from 1st
of January 2021. The provisions would be applicable to old vehicles as well that has been
sold before 1st December, 2017. This would be applicable through the amendments in
Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), 1989.
1. Highlights
As per Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, the FASTag was made mandatory for all
registration of new four wheeled Vehicles since 1st December 2017. It further mandates
the renewal of fitness certificate. It would be done after the fitment of FASTag for the
Transport Vehicles. The steps for ensuring the availability of FASTag are also being
formalised at multiple channels through physical locations and online mechanisms.
2. Significance
This is a major step for ensuring 100 percent payment of fees at Toll Plazas through the
Electronic Means only. The vehicles will pass seamlessly through the Fee Plazas and
there would be no waiting time. This way, the system would save the fuels.
3. FASTags
The device comprise of the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to make
payments directly from the prepaid or savings account linked to it. The RFID technology
uses the radio waves to read and capture the information stored on a tag attached to
any vehicle. The tag can be read from up to several feet away. It does not need to be
within the direct line-of-sight of the reader. The tag is fixed on the windscreen of the
vehicle. Thus, the vehicle can drive through plazas without stopping. One tag is valid for
five years and can be recharged as per requirement.
November 11, 2020
_____________________________________________________________________________
87. World’s First CRISPR CaS-9 Based Diagnostic Tool
Tata Medical and Diagnostics Ltd (TataMD) have launched a novel diagnostic testing for
COVID-19 called “TataMD CHECK”. It is the world’s first CRISPR CaS-9 based diagnostic
tool. The testing is powered by FELUDA. The new diagnostic testing for COVID-19 has
been developed within a short span of 100 days after the technology got license.
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1. Benefits of TataMD CHECK
TataMD CHECK is a simple testing process that require standard laboratory equipment. It
is a simple paper-strip test that gives image-based visual results. Small batches of
TataMD CHECK testing can be conducted simultaneously. One of the most important
advantages of TataMD CHECK is that it provides the quick results. The testing have a
reaction time of 45-50 mins in lab. The total testing time starting from extraction of RNA
sample to results is 75 minutes. The testing provides high quality and quick results and
it does not require highly trained staff. The simplicity of testing makes it available in the
remote areas as well. The testing would be using sensors and AI-based result tool to help
authorities and patients to trace the sample and evidence of test. The test results are
accessible anywhere on cloud storage. TataMD CHECK was approved by Drug Controller
General of India (DCGI) and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
2. Manufacturing
TataMD CHECK testing kit is being manufactured in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Test is being
developed in a quality-controlled production facility. Presently, the production plant has
a capacity of producing 1 million kits in a month.
3. CRISPR Cas-9
It is a technology developed in India. The technology is being manufactured by CSIR-
IGIB for COVID-19 testing.
4. TataMD
It is the healthcare venture of Tata Group.
88. Armenia and Azerbaijan Sign Russia-Brokered Peace Deal
Armenia and Azerbaijan signed a peace deal on November 10, 2020. The deal was
signed so as to end the ongoing conflict between these two countries. The peace deal
was brokered by Russia.
1. Highlights
Armenia and Azerbaijan were trapped into military conflict since past six weeks. So, this
peace deal was signed by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Armenian Prime Minister
Nikol Pashiyan which was led by the Russian President Vladimir Putin. As per the deal,
these two countries will have to maintain the current positions in the areas as they are
currently holding. This will be a significance gain to Azerbaijan.
2. Russia-Brokered deal
Azerbaijan had reclaimed over 15-20% of its lost territory in the conflict. According to the
new deal, the countries will have to maintain the current positions as they are holding.
Under the agreement, Russian peace keepers will be deployed. Further, the military
operations of the countries will be suspended. The Russian peace keepers, 2000 in
number, will be deployed in LAchin corridor and along the line of contact in Nogorno-
Karabakh. The two countries will also exchange prisoners. Refugees and the internally
displaced persons will also be returned to their r= respective regions.
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3. Nogorno-Karabakh Region
This region is internationally considered a part of Azerbaijan. But, most of the region is
controlled by Armenian separatists. The region has been part of the Azerbaijan since the
Soviet Era. After the Soviet Union began to collapse, the regional parliament of Armenia
voted in the favour of region to be transfer to Armenia.
89. IBSA Report on ‘Deepening Cooperation in IBSA’ Launched
The Secretary (Economic Relations) of Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) , Rahul

Chhabra , launched the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) report on ‘Deepening
Cooperation in IBSA: Perspectives from Key Sectors’ on November 10, 2020.
1. Highlights
The report was prepared by the 2nd batch of Fellows under the IBSA Visiting Fellowship
Program. These fellows did the research on cooperation at the UN, Intellectual Property
Rights, Traditional Medicine, Financial Sector Cooperation and Trade in Banking Services
& Energy.
2. What is IBSA?
IBSA stands for India, Brazil and South Africa.
3. IBSA Dialogue Forum

This dialogue forum is an international tripartite grouping that promote international
cooperation among the IBSA countries. The forum represents three important poles for
enhancing South-South cooperation and greater understanding between three important
continents namely Africa, Asia and South America. It provides a platform for the three
countries so as to engage in discussions for cooperation in the field of agriculture, trade,
culture, and defence.
4. Significance
The IBSA Dialogue Forum plays a significant role in the foreign policies of three countries
namely India, Brazil and South Africa. It promotes close coordination on global issues
between these three large, multicultural and multiracial countries. It also contributes to
enhance the trilateral India-Brazil-South Africa cooperation.
5. Background
The IBSA Dialogue Forum was formalised by adopting the Brasilia Declaration on June 6,
2003. On this date, the Brasilia declaration was signed by the foreign ministers of India,
Brazil and South Africa. The trio had agreed on the urgent need to bring reforms in the
United Nations, especially its security Council. It also touched upon international
terrorism, trans-national crime and illegal arms dealing.
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90. India Gifts Horses and Mine Detection Dogs to Bangladesh Army
The Indian Army gifted twenty trained horses and mine detection dogs to Bangladesh
Army on November 11, 2020. These dogs were trained by the Veterinary Corps and
remount of the Indian Army.
1. Highlights
Apart from providing the horses and dogs, the Indian Army also trained the Bangladesh
Army so as to train the experts to handle the horses and dogs. The presentation
ceremony was held at Petrapole-Benapole Integrated Check Post at the India-Bangladesh
border. The Chief of Brahmastra Corps also participated in the event.
2. Brahmastra Corps
The XVII Corps of the Indian Army is called the Brahmastra Corps. The corps was built as
a quick action reaction force so as to counter the China’s offensive force along Line of
Actual Control (LAC). The force has been headquartered at the Panagarh, West Bengal. It
is operating under the Eastern Command of the Indian Army. Brahmastra corps is the
first mountain strike corps of India and it usually participates in Exercise HimVijay.
3. Exercise HimVijay
This exercise is held in the high-altitude areas of state of Arunachal Pradesh. The
exercise was held for the first time in October 2019. Around 4,000 soldiers participated
in the exercise. Thus, the exercise was considered as the biggest exercise in the
mountains.
4. What are Integrated Check Posts?

These Integrated Check posts are built along the international borders so as to facilitate
safe movement of people and goods across the borders. The posts are established by
the Indian Government under the Neighbourhood First Policy. These posts help in
integrating the countries and helps to improve the connectivity. The Land Ports Authority
of India (LPAI) regulates the checkposts. The posts functions under the Ministry of Home
Affairs. Currently, there are twenty integrated check posts at the India’s international
borders. Out of them, 10 have been created along the India-Bangladesh border.
91. Hunar Haat Event to Restart After Seven Months
Hunar Haat event will restart after a gap of about seven months from November 11,
2020. The event was stopped amid the Corona pandemic.
1. Highlights
The Minority Affairs Minister, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, will inaugurate the event at Delhi
Haat in Pitampura.The theme of this year’s event is “Vocal for Local”. In the event,
indigenous exquisite products made up of Maati (clay), Metal and Machiya (wooden and
jute products) will be showcased. The Hunar Haat will conclude on November 22, 2020.
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2. Significance
Every part of the country has a traditional and ancestral legacy of indigenous products.
But this legacy was on the verge of extinction. Now this tradition has got a boon after
Prime Minister Narendra Modi advocated for Swadeshi or to be vocal for local. This will
also strengthen the Atmanirbhar Bharat Mission.
3. Hunar Haat
It is an exhibition of handicrafts and traditional products made by artisans from the
minority communities. These events are organised by the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
The events are organized under Upgrading the Skills and Training in Traditional
Arts/Crafts for Development (USTTAD) scheme.
4. USTTAD scheme
The USTTAD scheme is aimed at promoting and preserving the rich heritage of the
traditional arts and crafts of the minority communities.
5. Aim of the Haat

These Haats are aimed at providing market exposure and employment opportunities to
artisans, craftsmen and traditional culinary experts. The haat envisage to boost the skills
of craftsmen, weavers and artisans who are engaged in traditional work. The Hunar Hatt
works as the “Empowerment Exchange” for artisans and craftsmen.
92. Haryana Passed ‘Right to Recall Panchayat Member’ Bill
The Haryana Government passed a bill to provide a right to recall an elected member of
Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) on November 6, 2020. The bill seeks to recall the
elected members if they fail to perform their duties well. The state government also
provide 50% reservation to women in the PRIs.
1. Haryana’s Right to Recall Panchayat Member Bill

The Haryana Panchayati Raj (Second Amendment) Bill, 2020 was tabled by Deputy Chief
Minister Dushyant Chautala in the house. This bill allows to recall the village sarpanches,
members of district-level zila parishads and block-level panchayat samitis if they fail to
perform their duties. Thus the bill provides the power to remove the members of
Panchayati Raj Institutions even before the end of their tenure. The bill also provide a
reservation of 8% to the more disadvantaged among the Backward Classes.
2. How the members will be recalled?

50% members of a Gram Sabha or a ward will have to provide in writing in order to recall
the members. They need to provide in writing that they want to initiate recall
proceedings for the member. This would then be followed by a secret ballot in which
there should 2/3rd of the total member votes against the member who will be recalled. It
the voting criteria is fulfilled, the recalled member would be removed.
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3. Aim of the bill
The bill is aimed at increasing the women participation in the Panchayati Raj Institutions.
It provides 50% reservation to women in gram panchayats, Zila Parishads and
panchayat samitis. With this bill, the Panchayat members will be accountable to the
voters as now they can be removed if they do not perform well.
93. Himachal Pradesh’s Law Against Religious Conversion
Haryana Home Minister recently announced that his government is considering to make
a law against forced religious conversions. The government has asked for the
information about such a law that are already in force into the state.
1. Background
The Himachal Pradesh assembly had passed, in 2019, the Freedom of Religion Bill, 2019.
2. Himachal Pradesh anti-conversion law

The state had enacted a law in 2007 that prohibits the conversion from one religion to
another by force or fraud. In the line, during the monsoon session of the assembly in
2019, the chief minister of Himachal Pradesh Jai Ram Thakur introduced a more
stringent version of this legislation.

The Chief Minister sought that the society has undergone many changes. There has been
rise in conversions by fraudulent means. There is a concern that, this practice of forced
conversion might erode the confidence and mutual trust between the different ethnic
and religious groups.
4. What does the law say?

The law says, no person shall convert or attempt to convert any person from one religion
to another either directly, forcefully, by undue influence, by any fraudulent means or by
marriage. However, the Act does not cover a person re-converting to his “parent
religion”. The law further says, any marriage done for the sole purpose of religion
conversion may be declared null and void by a court if a petition is filed by either party.
The act further states, anyone who wishes to convert to any other religion will have to
provide a declaration to the district authorities at least one month in advance. The
person must specify before the authorities that one is doing so as per his/her “own
volition or free consent”.
94. Digital News Portals, Online Films and Content Providers brought
under I&B Ministry
The Central Government has issued an order on November 11, 2020. The order bought
the digital or online Media, films and audio-visual programmes, news and current affairs
content under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
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1. Highlights
Currently, there is no law or autonomous body to govern the digital content. So, the
development was announced in a gazette notification. The notification declares that the
President has given consent to the order to include online films, digital news and current
affairs content under the purview of the I&B Ministry which is headed by Union Minister
Prakash Javadekar.
2. Who regulate the contents?

Presently, the Press Council of India looks after the print media, the News Broadcasters
Association (NBA) regulate the news channels, the Advertising Standards Council of India
regulate the advertising while the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) regulate the
films.
3. Background
I&B Minister Prakash Javadekar had stated in 2019, that the Modi government would not
take any step to curb the media freedom. But said, that there should be some regulation
on over-the-top platforms in the manner there is regulation over the print media,
electronic media and films.
4. Public Interest Litigation (PIL)

The Supreme Court in October 2020 had asked for the Centre’s response on a Public
Interest Litigation (PIL) by an autonomous body to regulate Over the top (OTT) platforms
including Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. The PIL had stated that digital content on
these platforms is accessed by the public at large without any screening. So, a bench
led by the Chief Justice SA Bobde had issued notice to the central government, Ministry
of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) and Internet and Mobile Association of
India(IAMAI) to make laws on the same.
95. Food Coalition Launched by United Nations – To Prevent COVID-19

Food Crisis
The United Nations has created and launched a new Food Coalition in order to prevent
COVID-19 food crisis. The formation of coalition was proposed by Italy. It was then led by
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Recently, a State of Food Security and Nutrition Report, 2020 was published. The report
highlighted that more than 690 million people went hungry in 2019. The COVID-19
pandemic has further added 130 million more people into chronic hunger by the end of
2020. So, in order to reduce the catastrophe, the Food and Agriculture Organization has
launched the Food Coalition.
2. Who will finance the coalition?

The Food coalition was inaugurated by the Italian Prime Minister Guiseppe Conte and the
Netherlands’s Deputy Prime Minister. In the line, both the countries, Italy and
Netherlands have agreed to deliver the financial resources and technical support to the
coalition. Initially, Italy has contributed 1.2 million USD to it.
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3. Food Coalition
The new food coalition of the United Nations will work as a network to support measures
in order to increase resilience of agricultural food system. It will also ensure food
access. As per the FAO Food Price Index, the food prices has been rising for the fifth
successive month. Thus, it is essential to address the global hunger issues. A report by
FAO highlights that, around 132 million people will become undernourished in the
aftermath of COVID-19 pandemic.
4. Features of the Food Coalition

The key features of the food coalition are as follows:
96. Cabinet Approved PLI Scheme to 10 Key Sectors
The Union Cabinet has approved the Production-Linked Incentives (PLI) for 10
manufacturing sectors on November 11, 2020. The Production-linked incentives costs up
to ₹2 lakh crore for next five years.
1. Highlights
The approval will enhance India’s manufacturing capabilities. The scheme will make the
Indian manufacturers globally competitive. It will further attract the investment and
enhance the exports.
2. What are the sectors?

The 10 key sectors that will get the benefit from the production-linked incentive are-
automobiles & auto components, capital goods, pharmaceuticals drugs, specialty steel,
technology products, white goods (ACs and LEDs), textiles, telecom & networking
products, high efficiency solar PV modules and advanced battery cells.
3. Background
Earlier, the central government had set up a group of secretaries in order to boost
growth in private sector. The group was headed by the cabinet secretary Rajiv Gauba.
The NITI Aayog had identified the ten sectors as key sectors that will attract
investments.
4. Production linked incentive scheme

The central government introduced this scheme in March 2020. It was launched in
order to boost the domestic manufacturing and cut down on import bills. The scheme is
aimed at giving the companies incentives on incremental sales from products
manufactured in domestic units. The scheme also aims to encourage local companies
apart from attracting the foreign investments. The primary objective of the scheme is to
make India more compliant with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) commitments.
5. Why this scheme was needed?

The PLI scheme is important because the government cannot continue making
investments in these capital intensive sectors. These sectors need longer times to
provide the returns. So, with the launch of this scheme, government seeks to invite
global companies with adequate capital to boost the capacities in India.
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97. National Database of Unorganised Sector
The Finance Ministry has given its approval to the creation of national database for the
unorganised sector. This is the first-ever decision for the creation of a national database
for migrant workers.
1. Highlights
The primary aim of creating the national database is to provide a proper platform to the
migrant labourers. This will also help and make it easy for the government to implement
programmes for the unorganised sector.
2. National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW)

The Ministry of Labour and Employment has stated that database of the workers would
be maintained by the National Database of Unorganised Workers using their 12-digit
Aadhaar number. The national database will enrol all the unorganized workers including
the migrant labourers. This database of the workers will help the government in
implementing social security schemes, providing jobs and giving other benefits to the
unorganized labourers with an ease. It will also help in keeping a track of workers’
movement in pandemic like situation as happened in the COVID-19 case. Total cost of
the project is approximately Rs 650 crore. Workers would be encouraged to enroll on
the website for the database. For this purpose, common service centres can be use.
3. Significance
The database has been launched after the problems faced by migrant labourers in the
COVID-19 pandemic. Large numbers of labourers lost their work. These labourers even
walked on roads to reach their homes because of lack of amenities for them. The
reports say, more than 900 migrants died during the lockdown because of hardships
they faced. Thus. In that line, the new national database will prove to be beneficial to
solve the problems of unorganized sector. It will also help them to avail the benefits
provided by the government. It would also help the workers to share details about
his/her skills and get suitable work.
November 12, 2020
_____________________________________________________________________________
98. 50% Air Transportation Subsidy for Fruits and Vegetables from North
Eastern and Himalayan States
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries have announced on November 11, 2020 that
a 50% air transport subsidy will be provided to 41 notified fruits and vegetables from the
Himalayan and the North Eastern states under the Operation Greens (TOP to TOTAL)
scheme. This scheme is also making a part under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
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1. Highlights
These notified fruits and vegetables were provided with rail subsidies earlier under the
Kisan Rail Scheme. Now, the air transport subsidy would be provided under the UDAN
scheme. This has been announced since significant number of airports have been
developed in the North Eastern and the Himalayan States.
2. Kisan Rail Scheme

The Kisan Rail Scheme was announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her
Budget presentation for the year 2020-21. The Kisan Rail scheme helps in transportation
of the agricultural products like fruits and vegetables in the refrigerated coaches. Under
the scheme, trains comprising of frozen containers and refrigerated coaches have been
launched in order to build cold supply chain of fish, perishables, milk and meat. The
scheme have been developed through the PPP arrangement.
3. UDAN scheme
The Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) scheme is a Regional connectivity Scheme. The
scheme was launched with an objective of letting the common citizens of the country fly.
This scheme has made air transport affordable to everyone.
4. Operation Greens
This scheme was launched in the year 2018. It is a price fixation scheme that ensure
that farmers are provided with right price for their produce. The scheme has been
launched with an aim of promoting the processing facilities, Farmer Producer
Organizations and professional management of agri-produce.
99. Public Service Broadcasting Day being observed on November 12.
The Public Service Broadcasting Day is observed on November 12 every year. The day is
observed in the remembrance of the first and only visit of Mahatma Gandhi to the studio
of All India Radio, Delhi in the year 1947.
1. History
When Mahatma Gandhi visited All India Radio in 1947, he addressed people who were
displaced after the partition of Haryana and they were temporarily settled in
Kurukshetra. On the occasion of Public Service Broadcasting Day, a special event is
organised in the premises of All India Radio, New Delhi.
2. All India Radio

The All India Radio (AIR) is a public sector broadcaster of the country. The office was
established in 1936. It is a sub-division of broadcasting agency Prasar Bharati. The AIR is
the one of the largest broadcasting organisations in the world when compared in terms
of number of languages it broadcast. It is also the largest agency in terms of socio-
economic spectrum and the cultural diversity the agency serves. The AIR delivers
programme in 179 dialects and 23 languages and it has 470 Broadcasting centres across
the country.
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3. Recent contributions by AIR
India and Bangladesh recently, in January 2020, signed agreements in the field of
Information and Broadcasting. Under it, both the countries agreed for swapping the
contents. In the line, contents from All India Radio has started airing on Bangladesh
Radio Betar and from Bangladesh it is being aired on All India Radio in Kolkata. Further,
the AIR started broadcasting the online classes and other academic content In April
2020 to cater the problems of students during COVID-19. The AIR was airing its content
on the regional channels across the country through TV, Radio, TV and YouTube.
100. IFSCA approved Draft Banking Regulations at IFSC
International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) on November 11, 2020

conducted a meeting in New Delhi. The IFSC Authority has approved the International
Financial Services Centres Authority (Banking) Regulations, 2020 during the meeting.
1. Highlights
The draft banking regulations which has been approved at the meeting open ways to
make rules for various aspects of banking operations. These rules would be permissible
at the IFSC. These banking regulations would help in reaching its desired potential.
2. Features of Banking Regulations

The banking regulations have understated features:
3. International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA)

This body has been launched by the government of India to modulate all the financial
services in the International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs). The IFSCA modulates
the financial products like deposits, financial services, securities and financial
institutions that are approved by regulators like RBI and SEBI. The authority has been
headquartered in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
101. Fifth Scorpene Submarine ‘Vagir’- Launched by Indian Navy
The Indian Navy has launched the fifth Scorpene submarine named “Vagir” on
November 12, 2020. The submarine has been launched at Mazagon Dock of south
Mumbai.
1. Highlights
The Vagir submarine is capable of taking missions including the anti-surface warfare,
mine laying, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering and area surveillance. The
submarine is a part of six Kalvari class submarine that India is building under Project-75
of the Indian Navy. Vagir submarine has been designed by French Navy and an energy
company called Direction des Constructions Navales (DCNS).
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2. Vagir Submarine
The Vagir name has been given after the Sand Fish. Sand fish is a deep-sea predator in
the Indian Ocean. The first Vagir submarine, that India bought from Russia, was
commissioned in the year 1973.
3. Project 75
The Project 75 is aimed at building the six Scorprene Class attack submarines. These
submarines were built by transfer of technology from a French Company named DCNS at
Mazagon Dock Limited. Submarine Kalvari was the first scorpean submarine that was
commissioned to Indian Navy in 2017. The second Scorpene Class Submarine
commissioned under the project was Scorpene Khanderi while the third Scorprene class
submarine that was commissioned was INS Karanj. In the line INS Vela, INS vagir was the
fourth and the fifth Scorpene submarine respectively. The sixth scorpene submarine is
still under construction and has been named as INS Vagsheer.
4. What is Scorpene Class Submarine?

Scorpene class Submarine is a diesel-electric attack submarine. It was jointly developed
by French Direction des Constructions Navales (DCNS) and Spanish Navantia. The key
feature of these submarines is that they comprise of an additional air-independent
propulsion.
102. Highlights of Economic Stimulus Package 4.0
The Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sitaraman has announced the Economic Stimulus
Package 4.0 on November 12, 2020.
1. Highlights
As per the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman, the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI)
have rose to 58.9 in October 2020. This indicates a strong recovery of the economy from
the COVID-19 crisis. Further, the energy consumption growth was higher in October,
2020.
2. Announcements
Under the economic stimulus package 4.0, the finance minister has announced following
incentives:
3. Atma Nirbharat Bharat Rozgar Yojana

Apart from the stimulus package, a Atma Nirbharat Bharat Rozgar Yojana is also being
launched. This scheme will incentivise the creation of new employment opportunities
during the COVID-19 recovery phase. Under the scheme employees covered under the
EPFO registered establishments who were getting monthly wages less than Rs 15,000,
would be benefitted.
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4. Other announcement
Apart from that, the government also announced relaxations in the income-tax rules.
This would help in boosting the real estate sector. The new rules has pushed the sale of
primary residential units of up to Rs 2 crore below the circle rates. Earlier, only 10
percent difference between the circle rate and the agreement value was allowed.
103. Vaccine COVISHIELD Completes Enrolment of Phase 3 Clinical Trials
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Serum Institute of India (SII) have
announced that the enrolment of phase 3 clinical trials for potential COVISHIELD vaccine
has been completed on November 12, 2020. COVISHIELD is a potential candidate of
COVID-19.
1. Highlights
The site fee for the clinical trial of the potential COVISHIELD vaccine was funded by
ICMR. However, other expenses for the trial was funded by SII. Currently, ICMR and SII
have been conducting phase 3 of the clinical trial of potential COVISHIELD vaccine at 15
different centres all across the country. The potential vaccine has already completed the
enrolment of all 1,600 participants on October 31, 2020.
2. COVISHIELD
This potential vaccine for the COVID-19 has been developed at the Serum Institute of
India, Pune laboratory. The vaccine is being currently tested in large efficacy trials in
Brazil, UK, USA, and South Africa. The results from the clinical trials have shown that
COVISHIELD can be a realistic solution for this COVID-19 pandemic. The vaccine is being
claimed as the most advanced vaccine in human testing in India.
3. ICMR – SII Collaboration

ICMR has played a key role to strengthen the India’s fight against COVID-19 Virus. In the
fight, SII has always collaborated in the clinical development. The collaboration between
these two institute will further put India at the front to develop an effective vaccine. The
partnership further boost the significance of public-private institutes that are
collaborating to scale up the management and containing the virus. The SII and ICMR
institutes have decided to further collaborate for the clinical development of COVOVAX,
the vaccine which has been developed by US-based NOVAVAX. This vaccine has been
upscaled by Serum Institute of India.
104. India to Enter into Recession- Q2 GDP Shrank to 8.6%
Reserve Bank of India have came up with the monthly bulletin on November 11, 2020.
The RBI bulletin reports that there is a sharp rebound of the Indian economy from May
and June mainly because of the reopening after the COVID-19 induced lockdowns. This
has slowed down the pace of economic contraction to 8.6 percent in the second quarter
(Q2) of the current fiscal year.
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1. Highlights
The report further highlights that the manufacturing industry has been normalising
faster than other contact-intensive service sectors. Thus, the current contraction seems
to be a short-lived contraction. This has helped to brighten the near-term outlook for the
Indian economy. It has stirred up the confidence of consumer and business.
2. What are the Concerns?

Economists have highlighted the concerns that India has technically entered into the
recession since India have shown GDP contraction for two successive quarters. This is
the first time in Indian economic history that India has undergone into GDP contraction
for two successive quarters. Though, there are some signs of recovery, But the Indian
economic recovery process still undergoing the risk of formidable downside risks. Apart
from that, India has witnessed the situation of high inflation over the last few months. It
is also a cause of concern. The accelerating inflation will further pressurize the economy.
105. What is Sarna Code? – Passed in the Jharkhand Assembly
The Jharkhand Assembly has passed a resolution on Sarna Code on November 11, 2020.
The resolution was passed during a special one-day assembly session.
1. Highlights
This resolution on Sarna Code seeks to include the Sarna as a separate religion in the
2021 Census. The Chief Minister (CM) of Jharkhand Hemant Soren stated that now this
resolution would be sent to the Central government for approval. However, the
opposition parties had submitted a proposal to have discussion on the resolution which
was accepted by the speaker of Jharkhand Assembly, Rabindra Nath Mahato.
2. Background
The CM Hemant Soren had tabled the proposal to have a separate ‘Sarna Code’ for the
tribals in the Jharkhand. But, opposition had proposed an amendment to the resolution
to remove the ‘tribal/Sarna’ word from it. This amendment was accepted by the
Jharkhand CM. This Sarna Code resolution has been passed with an aim to have a special
column for followers of the ‘Sarna’ religion in the Census 2021.
3. Why this resolution was passed?

The tribal leaders of the state of Jharkhand have been demanding for the
implementation of the Sarna Code in census surveys. Once the code is implemented,
this would allow the tribals to be identified as followers of the Sarna faith in the 2021
census. Earlier census survey had included them as “others” in the column of religion.
These tribals leaders further claimed that, there was a separate Sarna Code during
1871-1951 but it was removed in the year 1961. They further claimed that during the
2011 Census, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes had recommended Centre
to add the Sarna code in the Census. But, the recommendation was not implemented at
that time.
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4. Sarna Followers
Sarna followers are the worshippers of nature. They do not consider themselves as
Hindus. They are now fighting for a separate religious identity as presently they are not
considered as a separate religious identity.
106. IRCTC to Start ‘Bharat Darshan Yatra’
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is all set to start the
‘Bharat Darshan–Dakshin Bharat Yatra’. The Bharat Darshan Yatra will be started from
December 12 on the theme of- Show India to Indians. This Yatra will start from
Hyderabad and Secunderabad.
1. How the Yatra will run?

The train comprise of 12 sleeper coaches, one 3-tier AC coach and a pantry car.
Standard fare for sleeper coaches will be Rs 7,140 while for the three-tier AC will be Rs
8,610. The facility of night stays for all the tourists will be made at dormitories or
dharmasalas by the IRCTC itself. Further, the train also have the facility of boarding and
de-boarding at Secunderabad, Nellore, Khammam, Vijayawada,Ongole, Warangal, and
Renigunta. The tourists boarding the train would be provided with the morning tea,
breakfast, lunch, dinner and a water bottle per day. The authorities will also arrange
non-AC bus transportation on sharing basis. There would also be the facilities of tourist
escort and security in side the train.
2. Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC)

The IRCTC is a subsidiary organisation of the Indian Railways. The organisation was
incorporated in the Indian Railways on September 27, 1999. It handles the online
ticketing, tourism and catering & hospitality operations of Indian railways. IRCTC has 5
Zonal Offices at New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Secundrabad and Chennai. The chairman
and the managing director of the IRCTC is Mahendra Pratap Mall.
3. Private train by IRCTC

IRCTC recently, on 24th May 2017, started its first private and fastest train of the
country . The train has been named as “Tejas”. It runs from Mumbai to Goa.
November 13, 2020
_____________________________________________________________________________
107. J&K Launched e-Auction Portal to Promote ‘Kashmir Saffron’
The Jammu and Kashmir government has launched an e-Auction portal on November 13,
2020. The portal has been launched in order to promote trading of GI tagged ‘Kashmir
Saffron’ all across the country.
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1. Highlights
The primary aim of the launch of this e-Auction Portal is providing the access to the
Quality “Kashmir Saffron” to the buyers. The platform is being called as ‘India
International Kashmir Saffron Trading Centre (IIKSTC)’. It will provide the saffron growers
in getting optimum returns of their yield. Further, the buyers will be assured that the
saffron purchased through this platform will be tested certified quality produce.
2. India International Kashmir Saffron Trading Centre (IIKSTC)

The Jammu and Kashmir Government has launched this e-auction portal called ‘India
International Kashmir Saffron Trading Centre (IIKSTC)’ for the farmers of Geographical
Indications (GI)-tagged ‘Kashmir Saffron’. The primary aim of this e-auction portal is to
help buyers have access to good quality saffron. The centre will help both buyers and
sellers in online trading. The government would also help them avoid middlemen to
secure a better price for the produce. This platform also helped in testing the saffron
properly by the centre. This would enable them or would provide the facilities to dry the
product in latest technology vacuums. The saffron would also be properly packed with
proper code in order to avoid manipulation.
3. Kashmir Saffron
Saffron grown in Kashmir recently received the geographical indication (GI) tag in July
2020. This was a major historic step to bring the valley’s brand on the global map. The
GI registration certificate was issued by the Union government.
4. Saffron Hub
Pampore is believed to be the hub of saffron in Kashmir.
5. Significance of Kashmir Saffron

Kashmir saffron is the only one saffron in the world that are grown at an altitude of 1600
metres. This differentiates it from other varieties of saffron because of its unique
characteristics such as longer and thicker stigma, natural deep-red colour, high aroma,
bitter flavor and chemical-free processing.
6. National Mission on Saffron (NMS)

The NMS was commenced from the August 2010. The Union Government has approved a
plan of Rs 373 crore under National Saffron Mission Programme (NSMP) in order to revive
the saffron production in Jammu and Kashmir. Rs 373 crore were spent under the
National Saffron Mission till 2014. In the recent step, a project of ₹ 411 crore was
approved by the Union government. Under this project, an area of 3,715 hectare for
saffron were proposed to be rejuvenated.
108. India Aided 50 Metric Tons of Food Aid to Djibouti
India has provided 50 Metric Tons of food aid to the people of Djibouti. This aid was a
part of its assistance to India’s friendly countries so as to overcome natural calamities
and the COVID-19 pandemic.
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1. Highlights
The Ambassador of India to Djibouti Ashok Kumar handed over the food items to the
Secretary-General of the country’s Ministry of Social Affairs and Solidarity Mme Ifrah Ali
Ahmed. This aid was provided as part of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to
Djibouti and it was delivered to Djibouti by INS Airavat. The Ministry of external affairs
also stated that the step was part of SAGAR II (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
Through the SAGAR II mission the Government of India is providing 270 Metric Tons of
Humanitarian assistance to friendly countries in the region.
2. India-Djibouti Background
The relation between India and Djibouti exists since the ancient times. In the ancient
times, port of Adulis in Djibouti was hub of maritime trade for Indian seafarers to do
trade in spices and silk for gold and ivory.
3. India-Djibouti Relation
Djibouti opened its embassy in New Delhi in the year 2004. However, India does not
have embassy in Djibouti. India’s relations with Djibouti is based on the handful of
diaspora and limited trade links from ancient times. In the recent steps, Djibouti has
acquired major significance because of geopolitical developments and presence of
military bases of US and China side by side in the Djibouti. Djibouti also supported India
during the “Operation Rahat” to evacuate Indians from war-affected Yemen in 2015. In
2014-15, bilateral trade between both the countries stood at US$ 239.43 million. Most of
trade with Djibouti actually serves growing market in Ethiopia. India exports mainly iron
& steel products, paper and plastic products.
4. Djibouti Code of Conduct

This code is also known as Code of Conduct concerning the Repression of Piracy and
Armed Robbery of the Ships in the Western Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden. This code
was adopted on 29th January 2009. India, in September 2020, joined the Djibouti Code
of Conduct (DCOC) as an observer. This step was aimed at enhancing the maritime
security in the Indian Ocean region. The code has been signed by 20 countries namely,
Djibouti, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Kenya, Maldives, Seychelles, the United Republic of
Tanzania, Somalia, Yemen, Comoros, Egypt, Jordan, Eritrea, Mauritius, Mozambique,
Saudi Arabia, Oman, South Africa, Sudan and United Arab Emirates.
109. IPPB Launched Doorstep Service to Submit Digital Life Certificate
India Post Payments Bank ( IPPB ) have successfully launched the initiative of doorstep
service for the submission of Digital Life Certificate through Postman.
1. Background
The facility to submit life certificate online through ‘Jeevan Pramaan Portal’ was
launched in November 2014 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The primary objective of
the launch of the portal was to provide a convenient and transparent facility to
pensioners for submission of Life Certificate.
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2. Highlights
The department of Pension and Pensioners’ welfare came up with the idea of Integrating
the India Post Payment Bank so as to make this facility available across the country. This
was done to utilise the huge network of Postmen and Gramin Dak Sevaks to provide
doorstep facility to the pensioners in order to submit their life certificate digitally.
3. Significance of India Post Payments Bank ( IPPB )

The IPPB is currently utilising its national network of more than one lakh 36 thousand
access points in Post Offices and more than one lakh 89 thousand Postmen and Gramin
Dak Sevaks. The postmen and Gramin Dak Sevaks help with smart phones and biometric
devices in order to provide Doorstep Banking Services. Because of this facility, a huge
number of pensioners across the country are able to avail doorstep service through
Postmen and Gramin Dak Sevak. They need not visit to the bank branch or standing in a
queue outside the bank branches.
4. India Post Payments Bank (IPPB)

IPPB is a public sector payments bank. The bank is operated by the India Post. It was
opened in 2018. By September 2020, the bank has acquired about 3.5 crore customers.
The India Post received the licence to run the bank from reserve bank of India on 19
August 2015. In August 2016, the bank was registered as a public limited government
company to set up a payments bank. The bank operates under the Department of Posts
of the Ministry of Communications.
110. UK Accused China of Breaking its International Treaty Obligations
The United Kingdom government have accused China of breaking its international treaty
obligations on November 12, 2020. This obligation came after four pro-democracy
lawmakers were expelled from the legislature of Hong Kong on security grounds.
1. Highlights
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab have said that the new rules to disqualify elected
assembly members is a clear breach of the legally binding Sino-British Joint Declaration.
The statement from the UK side declaired that China has once again broken its promises
by undermining the Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy.
2. Background
Britain is the former colonial power in Hong Kong. It usually gets trapped into conflict
with China since it imposed a sweeping national security law in the year 2019.
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3. Sino-British Joint Declaration
The Sino-British Joint Declaration is a treaty that was signed between the United
Kingdom and China on Hong Kong under Chinese sovereignty. The treaty was Signed on
19 December 1984 in Beijing. This treaty stipulates the sovereign and administrative
arrangement of Hong Kong after 1 July 1997. The Joint Declaration treaty was signed by
Chinese Premier Zhao Ziyang and UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. It came into
force on 27 May 1985. With the treaty, the Chinese government declaired to resume the
exercise of its sovereignty over Hong Kong from 1 July 1997 while the British
Government declared to hand over Hong Kong to China on 1 July 1997.
4. China’s commitments
Under the agreement, the Chinese government also declared its basic policies regarding
Hong Kong in the document. It was decided that in accordance with the “one country,
two systems” principle, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) would not
practise the socialist system in mainland China. It was also decided that Hong Kong’s
existing capitalist system and way of life would be unchanged for 50 years until 2047.
These basic policies were written in Hong Kong Basic Law.
111. PM Modi Extended USD 1 Million Aid to COVID-19 ASEAN Response

Fund
Prime Minister (PM) Shree Narendra Modi recently announced to extend USD 1 million
aid to the COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund. The PM announced to contribute the
amount during the 17th ASEAN-India summit that was held on November 11, 2020
through video conferencing.
1. Highlights
During the conference, the Prime Minister Modi highlighted India’s response and support
to the international community during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Modi also welcomed
ASEAN’ initiatives for fighting the pandemic. Prime Minister also highlighted the
significance of greater digital and physical connectivity between India and ASEAN. And
then highlighted India’s contribution of US $ 1 billion Line of Credit to support the ASEAN
connectivity.
2. ASEAN-India Summit
The ASEAN leaders during the summit praised India’s support towards promoting peace
and stability in the region. The leaders welcomed India’s support to ASEAN centrality.
They also welcomed the adoption of the ASEAN-India Plan of Action for the year 2021-
2025. The leaders and India also discussed about the international and regional issues of
concern and common interest. This also included terrorism and the South China Sea
conflict. India and ASEAN together noted the significance of promoting the order based
on rules in the region and upholding the international law. ASEAN leaders also
highlighted the significance of promoting and maintaining peace, safety, stability,
security in the South China Sea. They further highlighted the significance of ensuring the
navigation freedom and overflight.
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3. Significance of ASEAN
During the summit, the Prime Minister Modi highlighted the significance of ASEAN. Modi
highlighted that the responsive, cohesive, and prosperous ASEAN is central to the India’s
Indo-Pacific vision. ASEAN association also contributes to Security and Growth for All in
the Region (SAGAR) vision of the Prime Minister. The prime minister also noted the
significance of strengthening the convergence between ASEAN outlook on Indo-Pacific
and Indo-Pacific Ocean’s initiative by India. This would help in ensuring the open, free,
rules-based and inclusive Indo-pacific region.
112. PUBG Corporation to Launch New Game for India
PUBG Mobile corporation announced their plan to re-launch in India on November 12,
2020. However, the users of India might experience a ‘tailored’ version of the game.
1. Highlights
There is no announcement of the exact date for the launch of the game in India. But the
company is ready with an elaborate plan to re-launch it in India.
2. Background
India had banned 118 mobile apps with Chinese links on September 2, 2020. This also
included the popular game Pubg Mobile. The applications were banned in India citing the
data privacy concerns. It was highlighted that these applications were a threat to
national security. In the line, Chinese company ‘Tencent Games’ terminated all service
and access of the Pubg Mobile Nordic Map: Livik and Pubg Mobile Lite along with the
“Pubg Mobile” for the users in India on October 30, 2020.
3. What had changed in the new game?

PUBG Corporation have revealed that they have planed to tackle the issues because of
which the game was banned in the first place. Also, the company have planned to tackle
the issue of long persisting concerns regarding the immense popularity of games among
younger audience. The company have also revealed their plans to provide a secure
gameplay environment along with the investments so as to cultivate local video game,
entertainment and IT industries. The company further claimed that it will conduct regular
audits and verifications on the storage systems holding Indian users’ personally
identifiable information. This audit will be done in order to reinforce security and to
ensure that their data is safely managed.
113. Madhya Pradesh Launched Roadmap to ‘Aatma Nirbhar Madhya

Pradesh’
The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh has launched the roadmap to ‘Aatma Nirbhar
Madhya Pradesh’ on November 12, 2020. By doing so, Madhya Pradesh has become the
first state that have adopted a programme of self-reliance. This roadmap has been
launched in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Aatma rbhar Bharat’ initiative.
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1. Highlights
The Chief Minister of the Madhya Pradesh highlighted that, when they assumed office on
March 23, 2020, the government was inherited an empty coffer. The economy of the
state was highly affected due to Covid-19. fThe Chief Minister further claimed that the
state will turn problems into opportunities and will make MP Atmanirbhar.
2. Government’s Plan
Government assured that, efforts will be made to ensure the fast paced growth in the
state. Under the Aatma Nirbhar Madhya Pradesh initiative, the state will be linked with
different economic activities. The Chief Minister highlighted that the Chambal
Expressway is in the making. Electricity supply is being improved in the state. Apart from
that, other sources of energy will also be worked upon. The government would also work
upon doubling the farmers’ income.
3. Aatma Nirbhar Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in the country to release the roadmap of
Atmanirbhar. The government has prepared a clear strategy on infrastructure
development, health & education, economy & employment and good governance on the
roadmap of Atmanirbhar Madhya Pradesh. The government is aimed at being “Vocal for
Local” on the line of prime minister’s vision. The Atmanirbhar Madhya Pradesh
Roadmap-2023 vision was released in the presence of Amitabh Kant, Chief Executive
Officer of NITI Aayog through video conference.
114. National Rail and Transportation Institute Launched Seven

Academic Programs
National Rail and Transportation Institute (NRTI), Vadodra has launched seven new
programmes on November 12, 2020. The courses comprise of two BTech UG
programmes, two MBA and three MSc programmes on core applied sector.
1. Highlights
 The two BTech programmes focuses on Rail Infrastructure, Rail Systems and Communications
Engineering.
 The MBA programmes focuses at Transportation and Supply Chain Management. These are
the sectors of highest priority in the upcoming years.
 The MSc programmes focuses on the Systems Engineering & Integration, Systems &
Analytics, Policy & Economics. These areas are among the core areas that the nation is
looking forward to. The MSc programme on Systems Engineering and Integration will be
provided in association with the University of Birmingham, UK.
2. Nature of the Programmes

These programmes are interdisciplinary and application-oriented. These programmes
are not being offered by any other institute in India. So, these programmes have unique
contents.
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3. National Rail and Transportation Institute (NRTI)
The National Rail and Transportation Institute is India’s first and only transportation
university. The university has been located in Vadodara, Gujarat. It is located under the
campus of Ministry of Railways’s apex training institution, called the National Academy
of Indian Railways (NAIR) NRTI has adopted an interdisciplinary approach for doing
research of the transport systems. The institute brings together the academicians,
scientists and engineers from various backgrounds. It also plans to leverage its
academic and industry partnerships and collaborations. The institute tries to develop a
set of core values that are dedication to nation-building, commitment to innovation and
academic excellence. It also tries to develop compassion towards people, society and
responsibility towards the environment.
115. WHO to Set Up a Traditional Medicine Centre in India
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced on November 13, 2020, that it will
set up a traditional medicine centre in India.
1. Highlights
The WHO has made this announcement of establishing the traditional medicine centre
during the inaugural ceremony of two future ready Ayurveda institutions. These
institutions were inaugurated in Jamnagar and Jaipur by the Prime Minister of India.
2. About Ayurveda institutions

The Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda was established in Jamnagar. This
institution has been conferred the status of Institution of National Importance. Another
institute, the National Institute of Ayurveda has been inaugurated at Jaipur. This has
been designated as the Institution Deemed to be University. Such status for these
institutions were provided by the University Grants Commission. The institutes were
inaugurated under a part of Dhanteras celebrations.
3. Traditional Medicine Centre

The new centre of traditional medicines will be established with the support and efforts
of WHO. These centres would help to implement the WHO’s Strategy of Traditional
Medicines 2014-23. WHO’s strategy is aimed at developing the policies and action plans
to strengthen the role of traditional medicines for universal health coverage. Reports of
the National Medicinal Plant Board highlights that the global trade of traditional
medicines stands at 120 billion USD. The report further predicts that global trade might
grow to 7 trillion USD by 2050.
4. How the Trade (Import-Export) is regulated?

Several countries have fixed their export and import policies based on United States
Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) regulations. While some of the European
countries mandates for drugs to be certified by USFDA for its sale or distribution.
However, USFDA does not approve compounded drugs like most of the Ayurvedic drugs.
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116. China Started Constructing Rail Line up on Arunachal Pradesh
Border
China has started its work on a strategically significant railway line along the Arunachal
pradesh Border. This is the second major rail link by China to Tibet. This rail line will link
Sichuan province with Nyingchi, the city that lies near the China’s border with India’s
Arunachal Pradesh. The President of China has called the project as a major step to
safeguard the national unity and a significant move to promote the economic and social
development of the western region.
Significance of the Project

The Chinese expert highlighted that this rail line project is significant because of
following reasons:
117. China Launched World’s First 6G Experimental Satellite
China has launched the world’s first 6G experimental satellite on November 6, 2020. This
satellite will test the Tetrahertz waves technology in space.
1. Highlights
China launched world’s first experimental satellite into orbit along with 12 other
satellites. This satellite weighs around 70 kgs. The satellite is carrying the technologies
used for forest fire prevention and crop disaster monitoring.
2. 6G Band
The 6G band lies between the 5G band and the terahertz frequency. The 6G technology
is more advantageous than the 5G in terms of speed and lossless transmission. This is
advantageous in the especially in the context of space. The research for 6G was recently
launched by the International Telecommunication Union ( ITU) on 6G in March 2020. It
was launched during its 34th ITU Working Group meet. The research works on the 6G
technology would begin by 2021. the 6G technology could be used both by machines
and humans. The technology would be more related to Artificial Intelligence
communication.
3. China’s 14th FYP

The 14th five year plan (FYP) of China for the year 2021 to 2025 has been dedicated to
become a technologically self-reliant country in the context of artificial intelligence,
semiconductor chips, fifth generation wireless technologies and the autonomous
vehicles.
4. About 5G band
5G technology is currently in its initial stage. Presently, there are presently 82
commercial networks in the world that are using 5G. These networks are mainly located
in US, UK and Australia. In India, the Government will carry out the 5G spectrum auction
in the first quarter of 2021. The Department of Telecommunications highlighted that the
sale will include almost 8,300 megahertz of airwaves.
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November 16, 2020
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118. 15 Asia-Pacific Countries Signed RCEP Trade Deal
15 countries in the Asia-Pacific region have signed one of the biggest free trade deals
called Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Trade Deal. The deal
covers 2.2 billion people and 30% of the economic output of the world. Also, this deal
covers nearly 28% of global trade.
1. Highlights
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade deal was signed
virtually on October 15, 2020. The negotiation for this deal between these countries had
started eight years back.
2. Members that signed the deal

The trade deal was signed between Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, 10-
nation from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) including Indonesia,
Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand.
3. About the deal

The RCEP trade deal has been signed to set the terms of trade in goods & services and
cross-border investment. The deal also sets some new rules for important areas
including electronic commerce and intellectual property whose importance has
increased over time. Under the deal, the effect on the trade of finished goods between
Asian nations will be marked in particular.
4. Significance of the deal

The deal has been signed in the crucial time of COVID-19. Thus, the trade deal would
form a crucial part of their plans in order to recover from the pandemic. This deal
demonstrates the strong commitment to support the economic recovery, inclusive
development, job creation and strengthening regional supply chains. It further shows the
support of these countries for an open, inclusive and rules-based trade & investment
arrangement. This deal is being seen as a significant step to remove the trade barriers
and to extend the influence of China.
5. Where does India stand?

India is not the part of this RCEP deal currently. However, the signatories of the deal
highlighted that the door is open for India to join the trading bloc.
119. Government Notified Draft Rules under the Code on Social Security
The labour and employment ministry has notified the draft rules under the Code on
Social Security, 2020 on November 13, 2020. These rules were notified in order to
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bringing the workers from unorganized sector, gig workers and the platform workers
under the social security cover.
1. Highlights
The ministry has asked for objections and suggestions on the draft rules within 45 days.
2. About the Draft Rules

 The draft rules provide for operationalization of provisions of the Code related to EPF, ESIC,
gratuity, maternity benefits, social security, and cess. These codes are applicable for such
workers who have allowed self-registration on a government portal in order to avail the
benefits.
 Further, the draft rules provide for Aadhaar-based registration of building and other
construction workers on the portal of the central and state government or the state welfare
board. These building workers would be entitled to get the benefits in the state they are
working in.
 The draft rules also comprise of the provision pertaining to the gratuity of a worker who is on
fixed-term employment.
 The rules have provisions for a single electronic registration and its cancellation for an
establishment in case of its business closure.
 It also has a provision with respect to manner and conditions for an establishment to exit
EPFO and ESIC coverages.
 Under the rules, the interest rate for delayed payment has been brought down from 2 percent
every month or part of a month to 1 percent with respect to cess payment.
 Rules regarding the power of Assessing Officer (AO)- Under the current system, the AO had
the authority to direct that no material or machinery can be removed or disturbed from the
construction site. But, under the draft rules, Such power for indefinitely stopping of
construction work has been withdrawn. Under the rules, the AO would now have to get the
approval of the Secretary of the Building and Other Construction Workers Board so as to visit
the construction site.
 Lastly, the draft rules also provides for the manner of payment of contribution by the
aggregators by self-assessment.
120. Lonar Lake and Sur Sarovar Declared as Ramsar Sites
The Lonar lake in Maharashtra and Sur Sarovar in Agra, have been added to the list of
recognised Ramsar sites.
1. Highlights
With these latest addition to the recognised sites of international importance under the
Ramsar convention, India has 41 wetlands. This number stands as the highest in South
Asia.
2. Lonar lake
The lake is located in Maharashtra and is the only crater lake of India. The lake is a
notified National Geo-heritage Monument. The Lake was created by an asteroid collision
with earth impact during the Pleistocene Epoch.
3. Sur Sarovar
The sarovar is also known as Keetham lake. It is located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
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4. Wetlands
Wetlands are the natural water filters of the world. These are one of the most productive
ecosystem on the planet. Wetlands provide a wide range of important resources and
ecosystem services including food, water, groundwater recharge, fibre, water
purification, erosion control, flood moderation, and climate regulation.
5. Recently recognised wetlands
6. Ramsar Sites in India

Apart from the above mentioned sites, the other Ramsar sites in India include:
7. Ramsar Convention
The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance is a treaty for the
conservation and sustainable use of such sites. The treaty has been named after the
Iranian city called Ramsar, where the treaty was signed in 1971. The places chosen for
conservation under it are tagged as ‘Ramsar site’. It is one of the oldest inter-
governmental accord to preserve the ecological character of wetlands. This convention
is also known as the Convention on Wetlands. The treaty is aimed at developing a global
network of wetlands for conservation of biological diversity and for sustaining the human
life. 170 countries are party to the Ramsar Convention. The convention has recognised
over 2,000 designated sites covering over 20 crore hectares.
121. “Jeevan Seva App”- Launched by Delhi Government
The Health Minister of Delhi, Satyendar Jain, launched the Jeevan Seva App on November
12, 2020. The app has been launched for the safe and timely transportation of Corona
patients to the healthcare facilities and hospitals.
1. Highlights
This app has been launched in collaboration with the EVERA Cab services. The state
government has launched the app in order to facilitate the Delhi citizens in home
isolation. This app provides and fulfil the ambulance requirements, health check-ups,
health amenities and admission to hospitals with just a click.
2. Significance
Delhi Health Minister highlighted that the Jeevan Seva app will add efficiency to the
emergency commute services of Delhi. It will enable more availability of ambulances to
cater to the serious requests in time. With the app, the patients will be informed about
the pick-up time in advance. Further, the patients will be able to contact the driver
through the app. Thus, the app will help in reducing the anxiety about the availability of
the ambulance.
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3. Jeevan Seva App
With the launch of the app, citizens will get access to e-vehicles. E-vehicles will provide
free pick up and drop services. These e-vehicles will be used as ambulances to transfer
non-critical patients to the health care facilities within the city. The vehicles would be
sanitized properly after every ride. It will comprise of the insulated cabins. The e-vehicles
will provide hassle-free transport to and from hospitals and to the Coronavirus centres
free of cost.
4. Process
The entire process is completely digital and would give a touch-free convenient drive to
patients. Patients can download the app through a link sent through SMS or QR code.
The app has facility of real-time GPS tracking that will make the monitoring of the app
easier and smoother.
122. PM Modi to Unveil ‘Statue of Peace’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unveil ‘Statue of Peace’ on November 16, 2020. The
Statue will be unveiled in order to mark the 151st Birth Anniversary celebrations of Jain
acharya Shree Vijay Vallabh Surishwer Ji Maharaj.
1. Highlights
The Statue of Peace is 151 inch tall. It has been made from Ashtadhatu that is 8 metals.
It has Copper as the major constituent. The statue is being installed at the Vijay Vallabh
Sadhana Kendra at Jetpura, in Pali city of the State of Rajasthan.
2. Shree Vijay Vallabh Surishwer Ji Maharaj

Acharya Vijay Vallabhsuri was a Jain monk born on October 26, 1870 in Gujarat. The
monk was a disciple of Vijayanandsuri. He worked for the religious and for improving the
social life of the people. He dedicatedly spread the message of Lord Mahavira. He
worked in Punjab so he was given honorific Punjab Kesari. He became disciple of Muni
Harshvijay and was conferred the title of Acharya by Sumtivijay at Lahore. He also
conferred the title of Pattadhar by Jain sangha.
3. Work Life
Vallabhsuri has always given emphasis on education and inspired Jains to build more
educational institutions. He is known as the founder of Shree Parshwanath Jain Vidyalaya
in Pali district of Rajasthan. He further founded Mahavir Jain Vidyalaya at Mumbai,
Vadodara and Pune. With his inspiration, more than 50 educational institutions of
eminence, including colleges, schools and study centres, were established and are
operational across several States. He wrote books and religious texts in Hindi, Gujarati,
Punjabi. He had also supported Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent movement for
independence of India. He died on 22 September 1954. The year 2020 marks his 151st
birth anniversary.
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123. QRSAM Missile System Test Fired by DRDO
The Ministry of Defence launched the Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM)
System on November 13, 2020 off the Odisha Coast. The QRSAM has achieved major
milestone since it hit direct on to a Banshee Pilotless target aircraft at medium range
and medium altitude.
1. Highlights
The QRSAM missile is propelled by a single stage solid propellant rocket motor. The
missile also uses all the indigenous subsystems. The Missile has been canisterised for
transportation. It has been launched using a mobile launcher that is capable of carrying
6 canisterised missiles.
2. QRSAM
Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) is a missile that has been developed by
the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It has been developed in
association with the Bharat Electronics Limited and Bharat Dynamics Limited for the
Indian Army.
3. Specification
It is an all-weather, all-terrain surface-to-air missile that has been equipped with the
electronic counter measures against the jamming by aircraft radars. It can be mounted
on a truck and it is stored in a canister. The missile uses solid-fuel propellant. It has a
range of 25–30 km. This is a single-staged missile that is propelled by the system using
solid propellants. The system has the capability to search and track targets while it
moves. It is a compact weapon system and has a fully automated Command and Control
System. The system comprise of two four-walled radars that provides for 360-degree
coverage. The two systems are the Active Array Battery Surveillance Radar and the
Active Array Battery Multifunction Radar.
4. Testing
The missile was first test fired on June 4, 2017 followed by the second successful test on
July 3, 2017. The latest and the eight in number test was conducted on November 13,
2020.
5. About the latest system

The latest missile system has deployed the elements such as Battery Multifunction
Radar, Battery Surveillance Radar, Battery Command Post Vehicle and Mobile Launcher.
The system is capable of detecting and tracking targets on the move. It also engage the
target with short halts and is designed to give air defence coverage against strike
columns of Indian Army.
124. SpaceX Crew Dragon Launched 4 Astronauts to Space Station
SpaceX has successfully launched its first operational space taxi flight called Space X
Crew-1 Dragon for NASA on November 15, 2020 from the Kennedy Space Center, Florida.
It has been launched on Falcon 9.
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1. Highlights
The rocket lifted off from NASA’s Pad 39. It carried four astronauts in a Crew Dragon
capsule to orbit. Thereafter, it returned to Earth for a drone-ship landing in the Atlantic
Ocean. The Space X Crew-1 Dragon is called Resilience. It is bound for the International
Space Station (ISS). But, this time instead of carrying the traditional crew supplies and
research experiments this spacecraft carried a different type of cargo into space
comprising of three NASA astronauts namely, Mike Hopkins, Victor Glover, Shannon
Walker and Japanese astronaut Soichi Noguchi.
2. SpaceX Crew-1
This is also known as USCV-1 or Crew-1. The Crew-1 is the first crewed operational flight
of a Crew Dragon spacecraft. The mission is also the first crewed night launch by the
United States since STS-130. This mission is the second crewed orbital flight of the Crew
Dragon. It is the first operational mission to the International Space Station in the
Commercial Crew Program. The mission is expected to last 180 days. It is expected to
return to Earth via splashdown and it will be reused for another future mission.
3. First operational mission

The first operational mission in the Commercial Crew Program which was originally
designated as United States Crew Vehicle, mission 1 (USCV-1). It was first announced in
November 2012 and with several delays it has been launched on November 16, 2020.
125. UAE Extends 10-Year “Golden Visa” Eligibility to Several

Professions
The UAE’s Vice President have announced on November 15, 2020 that the United Arab
Emirates will extend its “golden visa” system. The golden visa system grants 10-year
residency in the Gulf state to some professionals, and specialised degree-holders.
1. Background
The Foreigners in the UAE usually gets the facility of renewable visas which is valid for
only a few years and is tied to employment. So, the government in the in the recent
years has made its visa policy more flexible and is offering longer residencies for certain
types of investors, students and professionals. The first ever long-term visa plan was
announced in 2018 and it started granting the long-term 5- and 10-year renewable visas
to certain foreign investors, entrepreneurs, chief executives, scientists and outstanding
students in 2019. In the line, golden visa system has been extended for 10 years.
2. Who will benefit?

All holders of doctorate degrees, medical doctors, computer engineers, electronics
engineers, programming, electrical and biotechnology engineers are eligible for the
Visa. The visa benefits can also be availed by those having a specialised degrees in
artificial intelligence, big data and epidemiology. High school students living in the UAE
who rank top in the country and students from certain universities with a GPA of 3.8 or
higher are also eligible for this Visa system.
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3. Visa Policy in UAE
Citizens visiting the United Arab Emirates must obtain a visa prior to travel. However,
citizens coming from one of the visa exempt countries or one of the countries whose
citizens are eligible for visa on arrival need not get visa prior to visit. Citizens of the
member nations of the Gulf Cooperation Council have a freedom of movement in the
UAE. Though, there is one exception for the for citizens of Qatar. Citizens of Qatar have
no longer the freedom of movement in UAE since 2017 unless they belong to the family
member of a resident.
4. Visa On Arrival
Holders of normal passports from the understated 20 countries are eligible to get a free
UAE visa on arrival and is valid for 30 days: Andorra, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Hong
Kong, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mauritius, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino,
Singapore, United Kingdom, United States, Vatican City, Bahamas (90 days), Costa Rica
(90 days), Maldives (90 days) and South Korea (90 days).
126. National Press Day is being observed on November 16
The National Press day is being observed on November 16. The day is observed every
year to symbolise a free and responsible press.
1. Highlights
The day marks the establishment of Press Council of India. On this day, the Press Council
of India started functioning as a moral watchdog in the year 1966. The press council of
India ensures that the press maintains a high standards and is not fettered by any
influence or threats.
2. How Press gets the freedom?

Article 19 of the Constitution of India provides for the Right to Freedom of Speech and
Expression. The freedom of press is derived from this article.
3. Press freedom in India

As per the Global Press Freedom Index, 2020 released in April 2020, India has ranked
140th out of 180 countries in context with the freedom to press. As per the report, the
India’s rank in terms of press freedom has declined. The index highlights several reason
for the decline of India’s performance. One of the major reason for the decline of India’s
performance was that media and press in India works under the pressure to agree with
the Nationalist Governments line. There were incident and instances of coordinated
hate campaigns against the journalist who spoke on subjects that annoying the followers
of any of the particular faith or party. So, there have been several restrictions on press
and freedom press is violated in India. Press persons are often targeted by political
activist. They are caught into police violence against journalist and they fall into the trap
of attacks instigated by corrupt local officials or criminal groups.
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127. International Day for Tolerance on November 16
The International Day for Tolerance is observed on November 16, 2020 by the United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and several other
international organizations. The 2020 edition of the day is being observed under the
theme “tolerance is acceptance, respect and appreciation of world cultures and ways of
being Human“
1. Highlights
The day is celebrated so as to raise awareness about the importance of tolerance in the
society. The day is aimed at raising the awareness among people about the negative
effects of intolerance.
2. Background
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) had adopted the resolution to observe the
International Day for tolerance in the year 1996. As per the UNESCO, tolerance helps
people to live together peacefully.
3. Madanjeet Singh Prize

The UNESCO had created this prize for the promotion of tolerance and non-Violence in
the year 1995. It was started to mark the United Nations Year for Tolerance and the
125th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi. The UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize
for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence is rewarded for the specific activities in
the field of scientific, artistic, cultural or communication that are aimed at the promoting
the spirit of tolerance and non-violence. The prize is awarded every two years on the
International Day for Tolerance. It can be awarded to institutions, organizations or
persons.
4. Madan Jeet Singh

He was an Indian diplomat born in Lahore of British India in the year 1924. He took part
actively in the Quit India Movement of Mahatma Gandhiji in the year 1942. He joined the
Indian Foreign Service in the year 1953 and served for countries including Greece,
Yugoslavia, Sweden, Spain, Sweden, USSR and Denmark.
November 17, 2020
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128. Second phase of Malabar Exercise begins in Northern Arabian Sea
The second phase of Exercise Malabar 2020 will begin on November 17, 2020 in the
Northern Arabian Sea.
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1. Highlights
The second phase of the exercise takes forward the synergy that was achieved in the
Phase One of Exercise Malabar 2020. Phase one of the exercise was between November
3, 2020 to November 6, 2020. The second phase of the exercise would involve the
coordinated operations between the navies of Australia, India, Japan and the United
States.
2. About Phase second

The Navies of India, Japan, Australia and US are participating in the second phase of
Malabar Exercise. This is the first time that the four countries are participating in any
large war-game naval exercise. Phase second of the Malabar exercise would comprise of
the joint operations. It will be centered around the Vikramaditya Carrier Battle Group of
the Indian Navy and Nimitz Carrier Strike Group of the US Navy. The two carriers namely
the submarines and aircraft along with the other ships of the participating navies, will be
engaged in naval operations for four days. The exercises further include cross-deck
flying operations and advanced air defence exercises by MIG 29K fighters of
Vikramaditya, F-18 fighters and E2C Hawkeye from Nimitz. The other exercises of the
second phase include anti-submarine warfare, advanced surface warfare, weapon firings
and seamanship evolutions.
3. Participants from Indian Side

In the second phase, INS Vikramaditya will participate. Apart from it, helicopter air-
wings, fleet support ship Deepak, stealth frigate Talwar , integral helicopters and
indigenous destroyers Chennai and Kolkata will also participate in the exercise.
Indigenously built P81, maritime reconnaissance Poseidon and submarine Khanderi are
among others to participate.
4. Participant from US side

From US side, Carrier Nimitz will participate. It would be joined by destroyer Strett and
cruiser Princeton. The P8A maritime reconnaissance aircraft of the US will also be the
part of it.
129. 12th BRICS Summit to be Held Today
The 12th BRICS summit that is to be hosted by Russia on November 17, 2020. The
summit will be held under the theme “Global Stability, Shared Security and Innovative
Growth”. From India’s side, Prime Minister Narendra Modi would attend the summit.
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1. Highlights
The BRICS members participating in the meeting are China, India, Brazil, Russia and
South Africa. Earlier, the meeting was to be held at St Petersburg in July 2020. But, it
was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The12th summit of the BRICS is being
held in the backdrop of 75th anniversary of the United Nations (UN). During the 12th
Summit which will be held in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, leaders from the
member countries would discuss the intra-BRICS cooperation and key issues in the
global context. They would discuss about the reform of the multilateral system,
measures to combat the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and cooperation in fields of
Counter Terrorism, trade, health, energy & people to people exchanges.
2. India’s Chairship
India will take over the Chairship of the 13th BRICS Summit in the year 2021. This would
be the third BRICS Presidency for India after 1st chairship in 2012 and 2nd chairship in
2016.
3. Significance of BRICS to India

The BRICS platform provides an opportunity to India so as to balance the China-Russia
axis and USA. India is currently standing in the middle of Global Geopolitics because of
which it becomes highly challenging for India to choose a middle path to balance its
interests between Russia, US and China. Further, the BRICS states plays significant role
in G20 grouping. The BRICS countries have a common objective to reform the
international monetary system in order to balance the international order. The western
countries have been raising hands on the issues staring from the climate change to the
World Trade Organization. This in away is crippling the developing countries. In that
context, the BRICS grouping has emerged as the voice of developing countries in the
recent years. Further, the BRICS forum acts as a common platform to work against
terrorism.
130. BRICS STI Declaration 2020 Adopted
The 8th BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation Ministerial meeting has unanimously
has adopted the BRICS STI Declaration 2020 recently.
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1. Highlights
The meeting was held through a virtual platform. During the virtual meeting Science and
Technology cooperation were discussed among the member countries including the
Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. During the meeting, Science and
Technology Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan also highlighted that the COVID 19 pandemic has
come up as a test that demonstrates that multilateral cooperation is the key to
overcome such global challenges. He further announced that, India has initiated an
integrated response to overcome this pandemic. He highlighted that Indian Research
and Development are working relentlessly to develop effective interventions for
combating the pandemic starting from the development of indigenous vaccines to the
novel point-of-care diagnostics and therapeutic formulations based on traditional
knowledge. He said, more than 100 start-ups have developed innovative products to
combat the COVID-19.
2. About BRICS
BRICS is the acronym for five major emerging national economies- Brazil, Russia, India,
China, and South Africa. Originally there was a grouping of four countries “BRIC”. In
2010, South Africa was added to it and the grouping became BRICS. The members are
known for their significant influence on regional affairs. The BRICS members held formal
summits annually since 2009. The most recent 11th BRICS summit was hosted on 13–14
November in 2019.
3. Recent developments in Science and technology

In the year 2015, communications ministers from the member states, under a Russian
proposal, had a first summit for their ministries in Moscow. In the summit, Russia
proposed an initiative to tighten their information technology sectors and challenge the
monopoly of the United States in this field. Apart from that, BRICS group of countries
have been planning for an optical fibre submarine communications cable system in order
carry the telecommunications between the BRICS countries called as the BRICS Cable
since 2012. Recently, In August 2019, the communications ministers of the BRICS
countries signed a letter of intent so as to cooperate in the Information and
Communication Technology sector.
131. Bharat Biotech begins Phase III Trials of COVAXIN
Bharat Biotech has announced commencement of Phase III trials of India’s indigenous
COVAXIN vaccine on November 16, 2020.
1. Highlights
The Phase III trials of COVAXIN would involve 26,000 volunteers from all across India.
Phase III trials would be conducted in partnership with Indian Council of medical
Research (ICMR).The third phase is the largest clinical trial being conducted for a COVID-
19 vaccine in India. Volunteers who wants to participate in the third phase of the trial
should be over 18 years of age.
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2. About Phase 3 of the trial
This trial is India’s first phase 3 efficacy study for a COVID-19 vaccine. It is also the
largest phase III efficacy trial ever conducted in India. The trial has been registered
at the website of ICMR called clinical trial registry-India. The trial was approved by the
Drugs Controller General of India (DGCI).
3. How the trial would be conducted?

Volunteers selected for trail would receive two intramuscular injections with a gap of 28
days. They will be assigned randomly to receive COVAXIN or placebo. The third phase
trial is double blinded. Thus, the investigators, the participants and the company would
not be aware of who is assigned to which group.
4. About COVAXIN vaccine

COVAXIN is India’s indigenous COVID-19 vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech in
collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research – National Institute of Virology.
It has been developed and manufactured in Bharat Biotech’s BSL-3 bio-containment
facility. COVAXIN has earlier been evaluated in 1000 subjects in the Phase I and Phase II
of the clinical trials.
132. WPI Increased to 8-months High
India’s wholesale price inflation (WPI) has increased to 1.48% and reached to the highest
level in eight months in the month of October 2020.
1. Highlights
The Whole sale price inflation was 0% in October 2019 while it stood at 1.32% in
September 2020. The WPI has increased for the third consecutive month.
2. WPI trend for three months

The WPI for August 2020 has been revised to 0.41% from 0.16%. This increase in the
inflation is significant because August 2020 is the first month after March 2020 that the
WPI has attained the positive growth. Further, the data for October 2020 shows that the
trend in August has strengthened with manufactured group inflation reaching to 19-
month high of 2.1% and core inflation reaching to the 18 months highest at 1.7%.
3. Is this a sign of recovery?

There is an increase in core inflation in the month of October. This shows that there is
some improvement in demand condition that was highly hit during the COVID-19
lockdown. The demand is festival-related though. Thus, it would not be to early to see
this as a sign of recovery.
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4. What is WPI?
The wholesale price index is an index to measure and track the changes in the price of
goods. It measures the changes in the price at the stage when goods are sold in bulk
and traded between entities or businesses instead of selling directly to the consumers.
The base year of All-India WPI is 2011-12. This base year was revised in 2017 from the
earlier base year of 2004-2005. WPI is published by the Office of Economic Adviser,
Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
133. Report on Vital Statistics of India based on the Civil Registration

System
The 2018 report on “Vital statistics of India based on the Civil Registration System” has
been recently published by the Registrar-General of India.
1. Highlights
The key findings of the report are listed below:
2. Registration of births
The prescribed time limit for registering the birth or death is 21 days. However, Some
States register the births and deaths even after a year. The births and deaths that are
being reported after one year of occurrence needs to be registered only on an order of
the Magistrate of the First Class after verifying it.
3. Sex ratio
Sex ratio measures the proportion of females to males in a given population. It refers to
the number of females born per 1,000 males.
4. Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India

The office of registrar general and census commissioner of India was founded by the
Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India in the year 1961. The office was founded
in order to arrange, conduct and analyze the results of the demographic surveys of India.
It also conduct the Census and Linguistic Survey of India. The position is usually held by
a civil servant of rank of Joint Secretary.
134. DIPAM Collaborates with World Bank for Advisory Services
Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) have signed an

agreement with World Bank on November 16, 2020. With this agreement, the World
Bank will provide an advisory services on asset monetization that is for creating new
sources of revenue by unlocking underutilized or utilised public assets.
1. DIPAM’s Plan on Asset Monetisation

DIPAM will facilitate monetization for non-core assets and enemy property of worth Rs
100 crores and above. It has also plan to sell minority stakes in LIC.
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2. World Bank advisory project
The World Bank advisory project was approved by the Finance Minister. This advisory
project aims to analyze the public asset monetization in India. It also aims to benchmark
its institutional and business models against the international best practices. It further
supports the development of operational guidelines and capacity building for their
implementation.
3. Significance of the move

The project will accelerate the monetization process of non-core assets and help to
unlock the values of marginally used assets.
4. Enemy property
Enemy properties are the properties of the people who migrated from India to Pakistan.
During the India-Pakistan wars in 1965 and 1971 a large number of people migrated to
Pakistan. The Government of India took the possession of their properties in India by
exercising the power under the Defence of India Act, 1962. The property was overtook
for those people who took the citizenship of Pakistan. These properties are vested by the
Government of India under the Enemy Property Act.
5. Enemy Property Act, 1968

This act enables and regulates the appropriation of property in India that is owned by
Pakistani nationals. It was passed after the Indo-Pakistan War of 1965. The act was
amended recently in 2017 and expanded the term “enemy subject” and “enemy firm”.
The amendment also denied the rights to the legal heirs of the enemy.
135. “Mooh Band Rakho” Campaign Launched by HDFC Bank
HDFC Bank Ltd have announced the launch of “Mooh Band Rakho” campaign on
November 17, 2020. This is a campaign to raise awareness on cyber frauds and
preventing such frauds.
1. Highlights
HDFC Bank would conduct 1,000 workshops in 4 months all across the country. The
campaign talks about following simple steps including- not sharing card details, CVV,
Expiry Date, OTP Net-Banking or Mobile-Banking Login ID & Password over Phone, SMS,
email and social media. These steps can help general public to keep their account and
money safe from any threat.
2. International Fraud Awareness Week 2020

The campaign supports the International Fraud Awareness Week 2020 which is the
global movement to minimise the impact of fraud. This awareness week is being held
from November 15 to November 21, 2020. HDFC bank is participating in the campaign
for the second time.
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3. “Mooh Band Rakho” campaign
This campaign was initially launched by the Bank in order to fight the COVID-19
pandemic. Now, the campaign has been extended to fighting the cyber fraud. The
campaign was launched by Retd. Lt General Dr Rajesh Pant, National Cyber Security Co-
ordinator, Government of India and Mr Jimmy Tata, Chief Risk Officer, HDFC Bank.
4. Why this campaign has been launched?

This campaign has been launched and is the demand of the hour since this is the era of
digitisation and more individuals are accessing banking services online. The online
access to the banking services has further increased amid the COVID-19 pandemic. So,
the campaign has been launched in order to raise awareness about the secure banking.
5. Bank Frauds in India

Total cases of frauds reported by banks and financial institutions (FIs) are increasing day
by day. As per a report, total frauds in India has shot up by 28 percent by volume and
159 percent by value in the year 2019-2020. This has grown despite Reserve Bank of
India (RBI) has tighten the supervision and vigilance.
136. Delhi Ranked 62 in the World’s Best Cities List
An annual World’s Best Cities report has been published on November 17, 2020. The
report has listed the best cities across the world.
1. Highlights
 Total of 100 cities across the world with a population of more than 10 lakh were surveyed.
 The ranking has been decided on the basis of 25 ranking factors.
 The factors include- the number of social media hashtags, check-ins, weather, diversity and
the number of tourist attractions and number of parks.
 This year the factors also include the rate of Covid-19 infections, unemployment and income
disparity.
2. Best cities
The top 10 cities for 2021 in the world are listed below:
3. Other featured cities

Cities including Rome (Italy), Berlin (Germany), Chicago (United States), Amsterdam
(Netherlands), San Francisco (USA), Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates), Toronto
(Canada), St Petersburg (Russia), Prague (Czech Republic) and Washington DC (US) got
featured in the list. India has only one representative in the list with Delhi being ranked
at the 62nd position on the list.
4. World Best cities Ranking

The ranking for the cities has been done by Resonance Consultancy Ltd. It is a
Vancouver-based company and it has specialties in destination development, branding,
marketing, design, tourism, data, and travel reports. In the World’s Best Cities Report,
the company has ranked the world’s best cities with populations of more than a million.
The company has used a statistical performance and qualitative evaluations by locals
and visitors in 25 areas by grouping into six core categories.
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137. ADB Allocates USD 20 mn to Help Developing Members to get

COVID-19
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on November 17, 2020 announced that it has
allocated USD 20.3 million aid to its developing member countries. This aid has been
provided in order to access the coronavirus vaccine. This fund would also help in
establishing the systems to enable the equitable and efficient vaccine distribution.
1. Highlights
The allocated funds will be available for the developing members of the development
bank (ADB). It will support vaccine-related health system assessments. The funds
consists of an USD 20 million from ADB’s Technical Assistance Special Fund (TASF) and
USD 300,000 from the High-Level Technology Fund which has been financed by the
government of Japan.
2. Background
Earlier, in April 2020, ADB had approved a USD 20 billion assistance package to support
the COVID-19 response of the developing members.
3. How the fund will help?

The find will help in the development of country readiness plans that will strengthen the
capacity to introduce, access, deploy, deliver and monitor the vaccines safely and
effectively. This will also support the identification and promotion of innovative cold
chain and vaccine tracking technologies. Funds will further help the members to assess
and strengthen the vaccine cold chain. It will help in logistics, supply and skills of health
workers, infection control, risk communications and real-time data capturing and
monitoring.
4. How ADB would provide the assistance?

The Asian Development Bank will implement and provide the technical assistance in
partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health
Organization (WHO). The partnership would also be coordinated by the COVAX, Gavi, the
World Bank and other bilateral agencies.
138. PM Modi to address the 3rd Annual Bloomberg New Economy Forum
The Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, will deliver his address at the 3rd Annual
Bloomberg New Economy Forum. The Annual Forum is to be held on November 17, 2020.
1. Bloomberg New Economy Forum

The Bloomberg New Economy Forum was established in the year 2018 by Mr. Michael
Bloomberg. The forum seeks to build a community of leaders so as to engage in real
conversations that lead to actionable solutions about the critical challenges. The critical
challenges includes that the world economy faces in the historic transition. Bloomberg
New Economy Forum is an invitation-only event. It is held for the business executives,
government officials and academics.
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2. First Bloomberg forum
The first and the inaugural Forum was held in Singapore in the year 2018. The
participants of the 2018 represented more than $5.36 trillion in market cap. IT has
boasted over 400 delegates from around the world.
3. Second annual forum

The second annual Forum of the Bloomberg new economy was hosted in Beijing in the
year 2019.
4. What is discussed in forum?

The first and the second forum had covered a wide range of topics such as global
economic management, trade and investment, capital markets, technology,
urbanization, climate change and inclusion.
5. Third annual forum

The third forum will involve the discussions about recovering the economy that has been
affected amid the COVID-19 induced lockdowns.
6. About Bloomberg L.P.

It is a private financial, software, data, and media company. It has been headquartered
in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. The company was founded by Michael Bloomberg
in 1981. It provides financial software tools and enterprise applications including
analytics and equity trading platform, data services and news to financial companies and
organizations.
139. Australia and Japan Agree to Historic Defence Pact
Australia and Japan have signed the long-awaited defence pact on November 17, 2020.
The defence pact would enable both the countries to intensify their military cooperation.
The defence pact has been signed in the light of rising tensions with China and thus, it
would help both the countries to counter China.
1. Key points
 This Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) was being worked upon by these two countries for
the past six years.
 The pact provides the legal framework for the Australian forces in Japan and Japanese forces
in Australia.
 However, signing of the pact was delayed because of issues over Japan’s death penalty.
 The signing of the pact was announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Japan’s new
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.
2. Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA)

The Reciprocal Access Agreement is the first agreement of Japan that allow foreign
military presence in its sovereign territory since 1960. The RAA signed Status of Forces
Agreement with the US in the year 1960 and with Djibouti in the year 2009. The signing
of the pact will pave the way to renew Japan-US Status of Forces Agreement.
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3. Significance of the pact
The countries like India, Japan, Australia and US are working under the QUAD grouping.
These countries are also involved with each other through various other means. The
countries coordinate with each other so as to achieve free and open Indo-Pacific and
they primarily aim to reduce and counter the influence of China in the region. So, the
deal between Japan and Australia is significant to fulfil their aim.
November 18, 2020
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140. APEC Economies Affirm Free and Open Trade & Investment
Members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) have affirmed their

commitment to opt for the free and open trade and investment on November 16, 2020.
The members also affirmed to restore the efforts for the regional economic recovery and
growth that have been impacted from the COVID-19 pandemic.
1. Highlights
The APEC Ministerial Meeting (AMM) was chaired by Malaysian Minister of International
Trade and Industry Mohamed Azmin Ali. The minister highlighted the need for the
member economies to resist the forces of protectionism and strengthen the support to
the multilateral trading system.
2. Background
The Bogor Goals, which is a flagship initiative of the APEC, were announced in the year
1994. It was announced for the members to move towards the long-term goal of free
and open trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific. The goals further highlighted that,
free and open trade and investment should not be attained by 2020.
3. Significance of the commitment

The commitment made by the ministers for free and open trade and investment would
facilitate the movement of essential goods and services across borders It would also
explore the ways to facilitate the essential movement of people across borders without
undermining the efforts of containing the spread of the virus.
4. Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)

It is an inter-governmental forum of 21 member economies in the Pacific Rim. The
grouping promotes free trade in the Asia-Pacific region. APEC was established in the
year 1989. The grouping is aimed at establishing the new markets for agricultural
products and raw materials beyond Europe. It has been headquartered in Singapore.
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141. Test Phase Of New Retail Payment Products Begins Under RBI’s
Regulatory Sandbox
Two entities namely the Natural Support Consultancy Services and the Nucleus Software
Exports have begun to test their payments solutions under the Reserve Bank of India’s
(RBI) regulatory sandbox framework. This was announced by RBI on November 17,
2020.
1. Highlights
The Natural Support Consultancy Services has created a near-field-communication (NFC)
based retail payments solution. While the Nucleus Software Exports has developed an
offline cash product in order to improve e-payments in rural areas.
2. Retail Payment Solution

The retail payments solution that are being tested under the sandbox include-
3. Background
The central bank (RBI) had released the framework for its regulatory sandbox in August
2019. Under the regulatory sandbox, RBI allowed a set of companies to develop and test
their products under limited regulatory controls and supervision. The basic aim to create
the sandbox is to test a viability of the product without larger and more expensive roll-
out. It also provides the regulators an empirical evidence on the benefits and risks of
emerging technologies and their implication.
142. L&T Delivered Booster Segment for Gaganyaan Launch Vehicle to

ISRO
Larsen & Toubro Ltd. (L&T) has delivered the first hardware called the booster segment
for Gaganyaan Launch Vehicle to ISRO on November 17, 2020.
1. Highlights
The booster segment was produced at L&T’s Powai Aerospace Manufacturing Facility, in
Mumbai. The segment meets the enhanced quality and timeline requirements for India’s
first manned mission.
2. About booster segment

The booster segment have a diameter of 3.2 meters. It has a length of 8.5 meters and
weights 5.5 tons. It was flagged off jointly by Dr. K Sivan the Secretary of the
Department of Space & Chairman of ISRO and Jayant Patil the Whole-time Director and
Member of L&T board.
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3. Gaganyaan
It is an Indian crewed orbital spacecraft. The spacecraft is being designed and it will
carry three people to the space. The planned upgraded version will also be equipped
with rendezvous and docking capability. The Gaganyaan mission is the first ever crewed
mission of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The weight of the spacecraft
is 3.7-tonne (8,200 lb) and it will orbit the Earth at an altitude of 400 km (250 mi) for
seven days. ISRO has planned to launched this crewed capsule on ISRO’s GSLV Mk III in
December 2021. The Crew module has been manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics
Limited (HAL). Its first un-crewed experimental flight on was launched on 18 December
2014. In the mission, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will
provide support for critical human-centric systems and technologies such as space grade
food, crew healthcare, parachutes for the safe recovery of the crew module & fire
suppression system and radiation measurement & protection.
143. Environment Ministry Launched Action Plan for Vulture

Conservation
The Environment Ministry has launched the National Action Plan for Vulture Conservation
,2020-25. The plan was approved by the National Board for Wild life, recently.
1. Highlights
The plan suggests for a new veterinary non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The drugs
is to be tested on vultures before they are released commercially
2. National Action Plan for Vulture Conservation

The new plan removes the veterinary use of a drug automatically in case it is found to
be toxic to vultures. This will be done with the help of Drugs Controller General of India.
Further, every state will host at least one vulture safe zone in order to conserve the
remnant population of vultures in the respective state under the plan. These
conservation centres would facilitate the conservation and breeding of vultures. Apart
from that, the action plan would start a coordinated Nation-wide vulture counting. The
counting of the vultures would be done by the Bombay Natural History Society, Forest
Department, non-profit organisations, and Research Institute at regular intervals.
3. Why this action plan has been launched?

The vultures in India face major threats that has lead to decline in vulture population,
Major threats include unintentional and intentional poisoning, death due to power grid
infrastructure because of collision or electrocution, reduction in food availability for
them, diseases, habitat loss as a result of fragmentation and degradation, human
interference and climate change.
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4. The Indian vulture
The scientific name of the Indian Vulture is Gyps Indicus. The vulture is native to India,
Pakistan and Nepal. The species has been listed as Critically Endangered in the IUCN Red
List. It was added to the list in the year 2002 after their population declined severely as
a result of poisoning caused by the veterinary drug diclofenac. Indian vultures died of
kidney failure.
144. BRICS Nations adopt New Counter-Terrorism Strategy
The member of BRICS grouping have adopted a new Counter-Terrorism strategy on

November 17, 2020. The new strategy was adopted during the 12th BRICS Summit that
was held on November 17. New strategy has been adopted with an objective to deal
with terrorism.
1. Highlights
The New Counter Terrorism Strategy has been adopted on the basis of understated
principles:
2. Adopted Goals
The new counter-terrorism strategy have adopted the following goals:
3. Counter Terrorism Working Group

The new counter-terrorism strategy would be implemented by the BRICS Counter
Terrorism Working Group. The major sub-working groups under this group include
terrorist financing, countering radicalization, capacity-building, use of internet for
terrorist purposes and issues of foreign terrorist fighters.
4. Background
The BRICS countries have adopted the new counter-terrorism strategy in the backdrop
of the Brasilia Declaration. The Brasilia Declaration was adopted by the BRICS nations at
the 11th BRICS summit held in Brasilia. This declaration condemned all forms of the
terrorism. As per the declaration, two main pillars of terrorism are ideology and finances
and it focuses issues such as anti-money laundering and countering financial terrorism.
145. Russian PM Approved Order to begin Governance Reform
The Russian Prime Minister (PM) Mikhail Mishustin has approved order to begin the
Governance Reforms on November 17, 2020. These governance reforms are to begin
from January 1, 2021 and it would be completed by the April 1, 2021. The reforms had
been postponed several times because of a number of reasons including the COVID-19
pandemic. The reforms are being made at executive level.
1. Governance Reform
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2. Significance of the reform
The reforms are being introduced in order to improve the efficiency of Executive branch
of the Russian Government. It will create a special working group to deal with the
matters related to the reform procedures.
3. Other amendment
The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, signed an order to increase the number of
Deputy Prime Ministers from 9 to 10, recently.
4. President of Russia
The President of Russia is the head of the state. He is also the commander-in-chief of the
Russian Armed forces. The President holds the highest office in Russia. In case, the
President is unable to deliver his duties, they shall be temporarily delegated to the Prime
Minister. The President of India is not the part of the government of Russia as per the
constitutional amendment of 1993. Till1991, President of Russia was the head executive
branch.
5. Deputy Prime Minister of Russia

The Deputy Prime Minsters of Russia are appointed on the recommended of the Prime
Minister of Russia. He carry out the activities of the federal government bodies. The
office of Deputy Prime Minister is a temporary post.
146. Kris Gopalakrishnan- First Chairperson of Reserve Bank Innovation

Hub
Kris Gopalakrishnan, who was the former co-chairman and co-founder of Infosys, has
been appointed as the first Chairperson of Reserve Bank Innovation Hub by the Reserve
Bank of India (RBI) on November 17, 2020.
1. Reserve Bank Innovation Hub

The Reserve Bank Innovation Hub has been set up by RBI to promote, support and hand-
hold cross thinking. The primary aim of the Innovation hub is to increase the use of
innovative technologies all across the finance sectors. It acts as a centre for the
incubation and ideation of new capabilities. These new capabilities can leveraged to
create the innovative financial services and products.
2. Objectives of the Innovation Hub

The Reserve Bank Innovation Hub seeks to achieve the understated objectives:
3. Who is Kris Gopalakrishnan?

Kris Gopalakrishnan is also known as Senapathy Gopalakrishnan. He is Chairman of
Axilor Ventures and was the former executive vice chairman of Infosys. He is one of its
seven founders. Now, he has been appointed to lead the Governing Council that will
operate the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub.
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4. Governing council
The governing council would be chaired by Kris Gopalakrishnan. Apart from him, the
council would comprise of nine other members. The members come from different IITs,
IISc and National Payment Corporation of India. The Governing Council will operate the
Reserve Bank Innovation Hub.
5. Kris Gopalakrishnan Committee

The Ministry of Information Technology, Government of India had also constituted a
committee under Kris Gopalakrishnan in September 2019. The Kris Gopalakrishnan
committee had made recommendations on the non-personal data governance in India
and submitted its report I July 2020. The committee suggested for the creation of a
separate authority and a separate legislation to oversee non-personal data and
recommended to compulsorily share the non-personal data which does not comprise of
the personally identifiable information.
147. Dominic Thiem Defeated Rafael Nadal at the ATP Finals
Dominic Theim from Austria defeated Rafael Nadal on November 17 2020 on the 3rd
day of the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) finals. Theim has become the first
player to qualify for the semi-finals of 2020 ATP.
1. Highlights
Rafael Nadal will now have to beat Tsitsipas so as to reach the semi-finals.
2. Dominic Thiem
Dominic Thiem is the tennis player from Austria has been ranked at number 3 in the ATP
rankings. He was the first Austrian ever to win US Open. So far, Thiem has won one
Grand Slam and 17 ATP titles.
3. Rafael Nadal
He is a Spanish tennis player and has been ranked at number 2 in the ATP rankings. So
far, Rafael Nadal has won 20 Grand Slams singles titles. He recently won a Grand Slams
in October 2020 and equalled the record of Roger Federer after winning the 20th Grand
Slams title.
4. Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP)

ATP is the governing body of the men’s professional tennis circuits. The body was
established in the year 1972. ATP has been headquartered in London. The ATP tour
comprises of ATP 500, ATP Masters 1000 and ATP 250.
5. ATP Rankings
The ATP ranking is commonly known as the world rankings. It ranks the men tennis
players. The players are rank on the basis of the tournaments falling under Grand Slam,
ATP and International Tennis Federation.
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6. Women Tennis Association (WTA)
WTA ranks the women tennis players. The WTA organizes the women tennis
tournaments. The body has been headquartered at the St Petersburg. It has two more
headquarters. Its Asia-Pacific headquarter is located in Beijing, China and European
headquarter is located in London.
148. UN Launches “Team Halo” to Tackle Misinformation Around COVID-

19 Vaccines
The United Nations (UN) have launched “Team Halo” initiative in order to tackle the
misinformation around the COVID-19 vaccine. The initiative was launched along with
“the Vaccine Confidence Project” of University of London. Under the project, more than
100 scientists have come together from different parts of the world
1. Team Halo Initiative

Team Halo Initiative has been launched with an aims to tackle the misinformation on
safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines. Scientists will create science based
social-media friendly videos on COVID-19 vaccine based on their personal experiences.
The Team Halo would also act as a communication platform for the scientists across the
world who are working on COVID-19 vaccines.
2. How India is supporting the initiative?

Team Halo initiative is being participated by over 22 Indian scientists. These scientists
come from the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Institute of
Medical Science and SRM Research Institute.
3. Other Initiatives by UN for COVID-19

The United Nations have launched several initiatives to fight against COVID-19
pandemic. Some of the initiatives include:
4. 1. Food Coalition
This Food Coalition was launched by the United Nations in November 2020. This alliance
was launched to prevent the COVID-19 food crisis. It was initially proposed by Italy but
the initiative is led by Food and Agriculture Organization(FAO). The alliance works to
increase the resilience of agricultural food system.
5. 2. COVID-19 Solidarity Response Funds

The COVID-19 Solidarity Response Funds was established by the United Nations to
financially support the World Health Organization. The fund also help other countries to
fight against COVID-19. Any individual, private enterprise, government institutions can
contribute to the fund. It is mainly supported by Facebook and Google at the backend.
6. 3. COVID-19 Law Labs

This portal was launched by the UN to fight COVID-19. It hosts all legal steps adopted by
its member countries to fight the COVID-19. This portal will act as a platform for the
countries to share and learn the access to the health services and protect the citizens.
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149. ‘Cow Cabinet’ to be Constituted in Madhya Pradesh to Conserve
Cows
The Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, announced that the State
Government is going to constitute ‘Cow Cabinet’ on November 18, 2020.
1. The Cow Cabinet

The cow cabinet would be constituted to conserve and promote cow cattle in the state of
Madhya Pradesh (M.P.). First meeting of the cabinet will be held on November 22, 2020
at Gau Sanctuary Salaria Agar Malwa.
2. Need of the Cow Cabinet

Cows are worshipped in India by various religions including the Hinduism, Jainism,
Sikhism and Buddhism. These religions believes cow slaughtering is a sin. Further, the
cow is an acceptable source of meat by Christianity, Zoroastrianism and Islam in India.
So, in order to avoid the illegal trading and slaughter of cows this cabinet will be
constituted.
3. Other law for Cow protection in M.P.
4. Judiciary on Cow Slaughter

 The Supreme Court of India had upheld the constitutional validity of anti-cow slaughter laws
in 2005. This act was enacted in different states of India. Around 20 states in India have laws
to regulate cow slaughter presently.
 The Bombay High Court gave a judgement in the year 2016, that consumption of beef is legal
as per the fundamental Right to life provided by Article 21 of Constitution of India.
150. USA Announced to Reduce Troops in Afghanistan and Iraq
The United States (US) Government have announced on November 17, 2020 to reduce
the number of US troops in Afghanistan and Iraq by January 15, 2020.
1. Highlights
Currently, there are 4500 US troops in Afghanistan. It will be reduced to 2500 by January
2021. While US have deployed 3000 troops in Iraq which will be reduced to 2500.
2. Why USA is withdrawing its troops?

The withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan is in line with the US-Taliban Agreement of
February 2020. In the month of February 2020, the representatives of Taliban
(Afghanistan) and the US signed an agreement and agreed upon the understated points:
3. US troops in Iraq
The US troops invaded Iraq in the year 2003. They left the country in 2011 but returned
again in the year 2014. The troops invaded Iraq again after highlighting that Saddam
Hussein was developing mass weapons of destruction.
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4. NATO troops in Afghanistan
NATO had took charges of international security effort in Afghanistan in the year 2003
after US-led coalition expelled Taliban for accommodating Osama bin Laden. Later,
NATO led security forces started to provide training to the Afghan security forces since
2014. Currently, NATO has deployed 12,000 troops in Afghanistan belong to different
nations.
5. NATO’s take on withdrawal of troops

NATO have noted that the United States is putting Afghanistan at the risk to become a
platform of international terrorism again by withdrawing its troops from the country.
NATO further notes that, removal of troops might lead to attack on US again.
151. World’s Last Known White Giraffe Fixed With a GPS Tracking Device
The world’s last known white giraffe has been fitted with a GPS tracking device on
November 17, 2020. GPS tracking device has been fitted in order to keep poachers at
bay in north-east Kenya.
1. Highlights
With the GPS tracking system, rangers can monitor the lone male giraffe’s movements in
real time. The Ishaqbini Hirola Community Conservancy oversees wildlife in the Kenya
highlighted that the tracking device was attached giraffe’s horns on November 8, 2020.
The tracking device will provide hourly updates on whereabouts of Giraffe. Thus, it will
enable the rangers to keep the unique animal safe from poachers.
2. Why this step is significant?

The last known giraffe is suffering from a rare genetic condition called leucism that
causes the loss of skin pigmentation. This turns the skin to white and so the Giraffe
stands out among the others. This enables the poachers to reach out to them easily.
Rangers fear the giraffe might suffer the same fate as other member of his family with
similar white skin. So the tracking becomes significant.
3. White Giraffes in Kenya

White giraffes were first spotted in Kenya in the March month of 2016. Before that, it
was sighted in Tanzania in the same year.
4. Threats
40% of the giraffe population has disappeared in the last 30 years. This loss is mainly
linked with poaching and wildlife trafficking as per a report by Africa Wildlife Foundation
(AWF).
5. IUCN Status
The global population of the Giraffes stands at 68,293. So, the Giraffes have been listed
as a vulnerable species in The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN)
Red List.
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152. Asia’s First Solar Powered Textile Mill to be Set up in Maharashtra
Asia’s first solar powered Textile Mill will be set up in the Parbhani district of the state of
Maharashtra. This solar powered textile mill has been named as Jai Bhawani women’s
cooperative textile mill.
1. Highlights
The setting up of the textile mill was announced by the Chairman of Jai Bhawani Women
cooperative textile mill on November 17, 2020. The chairman announced that the mill
will soon operate on solar power.
2. Benefits
The setting up of the mill in Maharashtra’s Parbhani district will provide employment
opportunity to the women under the project. The mill will also help in procuring the
finest quality of the cotton from the Parbhani district itself which is the leading cotton
producing district of Maharashtra. Majority of the farmers in the state find producing
cotton as a profitable investment.
3. Jai Bhawani Women cooperative textile mill

The Jai Bhawani Women Cooperative textile mill is spread to 30 acres of land. It primarily
process the cotton to cloth. The mill will do a lot of activities such as ginning, pressing,
weaving and spinning of the cotton. Total cost of the project is Rs 100 crore. Once the
mill is operational, it will provide momentum to the industrial sector in the district.
4. Background
The Solar Energy Scheme for power looms was launched by the Union Ministry of
Textiles in the year 2018. The central government had offered an assistance in the form
of capital subsidy so as to set up solar power plants under the scheme. The solar plants
are used to tackle the power shortage issues in the power loom units.
November 19, 2020
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153. Greenland’s Largest Glacier- Expected to Melt Faster than Expected
A recent study shows that the three largest glaciers namely, Jakobshavn Isbrae,
Kangerlussuaq Glacier and Helheim Glaciers, in Greenland may melt down earlier than
the expected time. These three largest glacier has the capability of lifting the earth’s
water level approximately by 1.3 meters.
1. Highlights
The scenario shows that the sea level was rising due to melting of several glaciers till the
year 2000. But for last two decades, ice sheets of the Greenland and Antarctica have
become the single largest source of rising sea level.
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2. Findings
The study finds that Jakobshavn Isbrae have lost more than 1.5 trillion tonnes of ice in
between 1880-2012. It further shows that, Kangerlussuaq and Helheim have lost 1.4
trillion and 31 billion tonnes respectively in between 1900–2012. Researchers noted that,
with this melting, sea level has already gone up by eight millimeters.
3. Jakobshavn Glacier
Jakobshavn Glacier is also called as the Ilulissat Glacier. This Glacier drains 6.5% of the
Greenland ice sheet. It produces around 10% of all Greenland icebergs. Icebergs that
breaks from the glacier are often large in size up to 1 km in height. Ilulissat Glacier was
declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 2004.
4. Kangerlussuaq Glacier
This is the largest glacier on the east coast of the Greenland ice sheet. The glacier flows
into the head of the second largest fjord in east Greenland called Kangerlussuaq Fjord.
5. Helheim Glacier
This Glacier is one of largest outlet glaciers in Greenland. It has been named after the
world of the dead in Norse Mythology. The Glacier feeds the waters of the Helheim Fjord
which is a branch of the Sermilik system.
154. IBBI Amends Regulations to Expedite Liquidation Process
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) has amended the regulations to
expedite the liquidation process, information utilities and resolution process for
corporates on November 18, 2020.
1. Highlights
Under the amended regulations, the concerned liquidator has been allowed to transfer a
”not readily realisable asset” to any other person, The transfer would be done after
consultations with the stakeholders consultation committee. This will facilitate the faster
completion of liquidation process.
2. Amendments
3. Not readily realisable asset

Any asset included in the liquidation estate which could not be sold through available
options are called “not readily realisable asset”. It include contingent or disputed assets.
It also comprise of the assets underlying proceedings for preferential, undervalued,
extortionate credit and fraudulent transactions.
4. Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI)

IBBI is the regulator to oversee the insolvency proceedings and entities such as
Insolvency Professional Agencies (IPA), Insolvency Professionals (IP) and Information
Utilities (IU) in India. IBBI was established on October 1, 2016. It has been provided with
the statutory powers by the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code passed on May 5, 2016.
IBBI covers Individuals, Limited Liability Partnerships, Companies and Partnership firms.
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155. World Toilet Day Being Observed on November 19
The United Nations and several other international organizations celebrate World Toilet
Day on November 19 every year. The world Toilet Day is officially convened by UN-
Water. This year, the day is being observed under the theme- “Sustainable Sanitation
and Climate Change”
1. Purpose of the observance

The World Toilet Day is observed to raise awareness on Sanitation among people.
Raising awareness becomes important because, as per a report by the United Nations,
more than 4.2 billion population live without safely managed sanitation. Further, there
are more than 673 million people who still practice open defecation. This poor hygiene
practices and poor sanitation have led around 58% of diarrhoea cases, according to
World Health Organization (WHO).
2. World Toilet Day

World Toilet Day (WTD) is an official United Nations international observance day .The
day inspire the action to tackle the global sanitation crisis. The day is observed in
accordance with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6. The goal 6 of the SDG is
aimed at “Ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation
for all”. While target 6.2 of SDF is to “End open defecation and provide access to
sanitation and hygiene”.
3. History
The UN General Assembly had declared this day as an official UN day in the year 2013
after the Singapore resolution. Before that, the World Toilet Day was unofficially
established by a Singapore-based NGO- World Toilet Organization, in 2001.
4. UN-Water
United Nations-Water is an interagency mechanism. It coordinates the efforts of the
international organizations that works on water and sanitation. The body was established
in the year 2003.
5. World Toilet Day in India

On the occasion of the World Toilet Day, the Union Minister of Jal Shakti in India will
present the “Swachhata Puraskar” under the Swachh Bharat Mission.
156. First Stand-alone Summit between India and Luxembourg
India and Luxembourg will hold their first stand-alone summit on November 19, 2020.
This summit would provide an opportunity to lay the platform to cooperate between the
two countries in a post-Covid scenario.
1. Highlights
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his counterpart Xavier Bettel will meet virtually. Both
sides would discuss the entire spectrum of bilateral relationship.
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2. India – Luxembourg
The bilateral relation between India and Luxembourg dates back to year 1929. In the
year 1929, the government of Luxembourg opened its first Vice-consulate in Bombay.
The diplomatic ties between the countries was establishment on July 1, 1948. Since then,
both the countries continue to maintain high-level exchanges.
3. Bilateral Cooperation
The relation between both the countries have developed specifically on cooperation in
the steel sector. Further, the Luxembourg Stock Exchange was the first stock exchange
in the world that listed Masala Bonds in the year 2008. Currently, more than 170 Indian
companies are listed in the Luxembourg Stock Exchange.
4. Economic Relation
The economic relationship between India and Luxembourg highlights that Luxembourg is
an important global financial centre. Luxembourg is the 5th largest investor in
Worldwide from the EU grouping just after the Netherlands, Germany, France, Cyprus
and the country is also the 15th largest investor in India. Both the countries are strong
trade and investment partners. Many companies from Luxembourg such as Paul Wurth,
Ceratizit, Rotarex and Amer-Sil Ketex contribute to the “Make in India” initiative of India.
These companies also play an significant role in upgrading the steel sector in India with
their collaboration with Indian companies such as SAIL, TISCO and Jindal Steel.
5. Luxembourg’s Investment
Luxembourg’s cumulative investment in India has doubled from USD 1.088 billion to USD
3.082 billion since 2014. Luxembourg is also the third largest source of Foreign Portfolio
Investments (FPI) investments in India. The country stands just after US and Mauritius
and accounts for approximately 8.5 percent of these investments.
157. What is Chapare virus?
The researchers from the United States Centre for Disease Control and Prevention
recently discovered that the Chapare Virus invloves in human to human transmission.
Currently, the Chapare Virus has affected the Bolivia . The scientists have found that,
just like the Ebola virus, the Chapare virus can cause haemorrhagic fever.
1. Background
The rare Ebola-like illness or the Chapare virus induced illness is believed to have first
originated in the year 2004 in rural Bolivia. The most recent and the biggest outbreak of
the ‘Chapare virus’ was reported in the year 2019.
2. Chapare virus
The Chapare Virus causes Chapare hemorrhagic fever (CHHF). The virus belongs to
arenavirus family. It has been named after the province it was first observed in. The
virus from same family is also responsible for other illnesses like Ebola virus disease
(EVD). These arenaviruses like the “Chapare virus” are generally carried by rats. The
virus can be transmitted through direct contact with the infected rodent or through
contact with an infected person.
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3. Disease and Symptoms
The Chapare virus causes a hemorrhagic fever just like Ebola. Other symptoms include
abdominal pain, bleeding gums, vomiting, skin rash and pain behind the eyes. The virus
can also cause life-threatening illness affecting multiple organs. It can also damage the
walls of blood vessels.
4. Why this virus is a cause of concern?

The researchers have found that the Chapare virus is much more difficult to catch than
the coronavirus. It is difficult to catch them as it is not transmissible through the
respiratory route. The Chapare virus spreads only through direct contact with the fluid of
the body.
158. Supreme Court Ruling: State’s Consent Must for Centre to Extend
CBI Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court (SC) has passed its ruling on November 19, 2020 over the issue of
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Jurisdiction. The Supreme Court has pronounced
that the state government’s consent is mandatory for the CBI probe in the State’s
jurisdiction in order to comply with the principle of federalism.
1. Highlights
The apex court further adds that the central government is not allowed to extend the
jurisdiction of CBI in the state without its consent. This ruling of the SC has came after
eight non-BJP states namely, Kerala, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Bengal, Chhattisgarh,
Mizoram, Rajasthan and Punjab, withdrew the general consent for CBI to investigate the
cases in the state’s jurisdiction.
2. Background
This ruling of SC has came after an appeal was filed by an accused involved in the
corruption charges. The accused had challenged the validity of the investigation by CBI
against them. They filed a plea stating that the prior consent was not taken by the state
government to investigate the case.
3. Supreme Court’s Ruling

The case was heard by a bench comprising of Justices B R Gavai and A M Khanwilkar.
The bench referred to the Section 5 and 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment
(DSPE) Act and stated that even though these sections permits the central government
to extend the powers and jurisdiction of DSPE members to a state, it is not permitted if
the states does not give its consent within the state’s area under Section 6 of DSPE Act.
The court also highlighted that these provisions comply with the federal character of the
constitution and is one of the basic structures of federalism.
159. GoI and NDB Sign Agreement for USD 500 Million
The Government of India (GoI), the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, National
Capital Region Transport Corporation Limited and the New Development Bank (NDB)
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have signed a loan agreement on November 19, 2020. The agreement have been signed
for lending USD 500 million for the ‘Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit
System Project. This will provide fast, reliable, safe and comfortable public transport
system in the National Capital Region (NCR).
1. Why NCR is being focused?

NCR is one of the world’s largest urban agglomerations and a major economic centre in
India. But due to lack of efficient public transport options, the number of private vehicles
in NCR is increasing. As per an estimate, daily passenger traffic along the Delhi-
Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor in NCR is 0.69 million. Out of them, 63% use private vehicles
to commute. Further, the traffic congestion often delay the travel time and it has also
made NCR one of the most polluted regions in the world. This is projected that, by 2030
NCR will become the most populous urban agglomeration in the world. It will thus
increase pressure on basic infrastructure of housing, water supply, electricity and
transport.
2. Significance of Fast transit system

Under the Fast Transit System, environment friendly and very low emission Regional
Rapid Transit System (RRTS) will be developed. This will help in carrying the more people
at high speed. This system occupy just 3 m space on land. Thus, it will help in reducing
the congestion on the roads. In totality, it will reduce the total emissions from the
transport sector in NCR.
160. India ranks 77 in Global Bribery Risk Matrix of TRACE
The Global Bribery Risk Matrix was released by TRACE on November 19, 2020. India has
scored 45 and has been ranked at 77th position among the 194 countries.
1. Key Highlights
India was ranked at 78th position in the year 2019 with its score of 48. In the 2020
version of the ranking, India has performed slightly better than the countries like China,
Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal. In the India’s neighbour, Bhutan has been placed above
India at the 48th rank. Denmark has topped the list. Denmark is followed by Norway,
Finland, Sweden and New Zealand. Countries at the bottom of the list are North Korea,
Turkmenistan, South Sudan, Venezuela, Eritrea.
2. India’s Performance
India’s overall score was 45. India’s score in other domain is understated:
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3. Global Bribery Risk Matrix ranking
This ranking is prepared by TRACE International. TRACE international is the world leading
anti-bribery standard setting organisation. The Global Bribery Risk Matrix measured the
bribery in 194 countries and they were ranked on the basis of score. Score under the
survey was calculated on the basis of four parameters namely, Transparency in
Government and civil service, business interactions with government, Civil society
oversight capacity and anti bribery deterrents & enforcement. Apart from these
parameters, role of media was also considered while ranking the countries. Higher score
means, the country is at higher risk of business bribery while less score means lesser
cases of bribery in the country.
November 21, 2020
_____________________________________________________________________________
161. GoI Sanctioned Rs 3,971 Crores for Micro-Irrigation Projects
The Government of India has sanctioned a loan worth Rs 3,971 crores of rupees for
micro irrigation projects in Tamil Nadu on November 20, 2020. This sanctioned loan
amount is biggest loan ever in the state.
1. Highlights
The loan has been sanctioned under the micro irrigation fund at the subsidized interest
rate. This micro irrigation fund was created within the National bank for Agriculture and
Rural Development (NABARD). This fund will be used only to implement micro irrigation
projects. So far Rupees 1,357 crores has been sanctioned to Tamil Nadu.
2. Background
The micro irrigation project fund was created in the year 2019-2020. It was created to
provide subsidized loan to the states in order to expand the coverage of micro irrigation.
The fund was created with a Corpus of Rupees 5,000 crores.
3. Other States getting Fund

Apart from Tamil Nadu, other states that have received the funds include:
4. Other Support Under the Funds

Under the micro irrigation funds, financial assistance has also been extended to Pradhan
Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana ( per drop more crop scheme). This scheme encourages
farmers to adopt micro irrigation systems.
5. Micro irrigation System in India

India have a set target of bringing 100 lakh hectares of land under the micro irrigation
system within 5 years. The Government of India (GoI) presently focusing on drip
irrigation and sprinkler irrigation systems. Around 11 lakh farmers were benefited from
drip and sprinkler irrigation systems.
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162. IMO Recognized IRNSS as Component of World Wide Radio

Navigation System
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) have recognized the Indian Regional
Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) as a component of the World Wide Radio Navigation
System (WWRNS) on November 20, 2020. This has been accepted for operation in the
Indian Ocean region.
1. Significance
This step will enable the merchant vessels to use the IRNSS to obtain the position
information similar to Global Positioning System (GPS) and Global Navigation Satellite
System (GLONASS). It will help in assisting the navigation of ships in ocean waters. This
system will cover the area between 50°N latitude, 55°E longitude, 5°S latitude and
110°E longitude. This means an area of approximately up to 1500 km from Indian
boundary.
2. Highlights
The Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) of International Maritime Organisation (IMO)
recognized the IRNSS as a component of WWRNS during its recent meeting that was
held from November 4 to November 11. This is being recognized as a significant
achievement of Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Directorate General
of Shipping (DGS) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in achieving the
flagship initiative of India called ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.
3. Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS)

IRNSS is an operational name of NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation). It is an
autonomous regional satellite navigation system. The system provides an accurate real-
time positioning and timing services. It covers India and surrounding region of 1,500 km.
The system presently consists of a constellation of seven satellites. It also has two
additional satellites on ground as stand-by. It provides two levels of service:
163. Operation Warp Speed
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the U.S. government’s top infectious disease expert has said that
Operation Warp Speed has been a success in the arena of vaccines.
1. What is Operation Warp Speed?

 Operation Warp Speed (OWS) was initiated by the United States of America (USA) in April
2020 with an aim to fasten the development of COVID 19 Vaccine.
 It is a Public-Private-Partnership with leading pharma giants like Pfizer and Moderna, working
in close association with various Government agencies.
 It aims to manufacture and deliver 300 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine by January 2021.
 The operation expects that by December 2020, close to 25 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine
and 15 million Moderna vaccines available.
 The US Government has allotted a budget of USD 10 billion for the Operation Warp Speed.
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2. What is Coronavirus?
 Coronaviruses are a group of viruses. These are common in various species of animals, for
instance cattle, camels, bats and cats. In some cases, animal coronaviruses can infect
humans, which can then transmit from person to person.
 These viruses cause respiratory infections in humans which are normally mild, but
sometimes, can be dangerous.
 Like the influenza virus, the coronavirus transmits through both direct and indirect contact.
 Direct contact is caused by physical transfer of the microorganism through close contact with
oral secretions.
 Indirect contact is caused when a person infected with the virus sneezes or coughs, which
transmits the virus droplets on surfaces.
 The World Health Organization (WHO) has acknowledged Covid-19 as a pandemic.
3. India’s effort for Covid-19 vaccine

India is one of the major vaccine producers in the world. It is rigorously making efforts to
fast-track the vaccine development process to break the chain of coronavirus
transmission. Presently, Oxford vaccine of the Serum Institute of India and the
indigenously-developed vaccine candidate of the Bharat Biotech and the Indian Council
of Medical Research (ICMR) are under clinical trial.
164. Madhya Pradesh Religious Freedom Bill, 2020
The State Government of Madhya Pradesh has proposed to table “Madhya Pradesh
Freedom of Religion Bill, 2020” in the forthcoming Vidhan sabha session. It is also called
as “Dharma Swatantrya Bill 2020”. This bill is seen as a check against rising incidents of
inter-religion marriage.
1. Major provisions of the bill

 The bill proposes that use of inducements, seduction or fraudulent practices for marriage and
religious conversions will attract heavy penalty and five years’ imprisonment.
 Such marriages are proposed to be null and void. The Bill has also proposed the offence to be
cognizable and non-bailable.
 The bill mandates the kin of the person to file a complaint, if forced to convert to other faith
for the purpose of marriage.
 Under the Bill, those encouraging the offence would be considered as culprits just as the main
accused.
 The Bill also mandates that, those who are involved in religious conversion for marriages,
they should inform the District Magistrates at least a month in advance, together with
religious persons organizing the conversions.
2. Concerns associated with the bill

 There is no legal sanction to political terms like ‘love jihad’. Any legislation cannot be enacted
based on an extra-legal concept.
 In any case, legislative interference in marriages involving consenting adults will be
completely unconstitutional.
 Critics are saying that this proposal is a product of patriarchy and communalism.
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3. What is ‘love jihad’?
It is an Islamophobic assumption that the Hindu women are under the threat from
Muslim youth seeking to win over girls for religious conversion in the name of marriage.
There is no legal definition of this concept of ‘love jihad’.
4. Governing law for inter-religion marriage

Marriage in India is governed by separate laws like Hindu Marriage Act and personal law
etc. However, the Special Marriage Act governs an inter-faith marriage.
5. Judiciary’s ruling
The Allahabad High Court recently declined the idea of religious conversion solely for the
purpose of marriage. Court’s ruling is useful as a principle that inter-faith couples retain
their religious beliefs separately and opt for marriage under the Special Marriage Act.
But, this principle cannot be used to derogate from personal choice. Further, it should
not be used to violate the individual freedom to forge matrimonial alliances.
165. What is Quadripartite Bru Settlement Agreement?
Leaders of the Mizoram Bru refugees have demanded execution of the quadripartite
agreement signed in New Delhi in January 2020. The agreement is related to permanent
rehabilitation of Brus in Tripura.
1. What is quadripartite agreement?

An agreement was signed between Union Government, State Government of Mizoram,
State Government of Tripura and representatives of “Bru” organisations at Delhi in
January 2020. This is called the Quadripartite Bru Settlement Agreement. The agreement
allows 35,000 Bru Tribal people to settle permanently in Tripura. According to the
agreement,
2. Background
 In Mizoram, Bru tribes have been targeted by groups that do not regard them as indigenous
to the state.
 In 1997, following ethnic conflicts, nearly 37,000 Brus fled Mamit, Kolasib and Lunglei districts
of Mizoram and were provided lodgings in relief camps in Tripura.
 Since then, 5,000 have come back to Mizoram in eight phases of repatriation, while 32,000
still live in six relief camps in North Tripura.
3. Issues with the agreement

Some locals of Tripura are opposing the agreement. Hence, the decision can be
considered as humanitarian from the point of view of the Brus, but it could lead to
conflicts with the locals of Tripura.
4. Efforts made by the government to repatriate Brus

In June 2018, representatives of the Bru signed an agreement with the Central
government and the two state governments, providing for repatriation in Mizoram. But
most camp residents repudiated the terms of the agreement. The camp residents cited
that the agreement doesn’t guarantee their safety in Mizoram.
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5. About Bru Tribes
“Bru” Tribes, who are also called as “Reangs”, are living across Mizoram, Tripura and
Assam. They are ethnically different from the Mizos and have their own distinct language
and dialect. Hence, they are one among the 21 Scheduled Tribes in Tripura. They speak
the Kokborok language which is of Tibeto-Burmese origin. The language is referred to as
Kau Bru.
166. Education Minister Launched Lilavati Award-2020
On 17th November, Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal “Nishank” virtually launched

the Lilavati Award-2020. It is AICTE’s Innovative education program to empower women.
1. About Lilavati Award

The Lilavati Award has been instituted by All India Council for Technical Education
(AICTE). It aims to recognise the efforts made by AICTE affiliated and recognised
institutions in treating women with “equality and fairness”.
2. Lilavati
The name of the award has been derived from the book ‘Lilavati’. The book was written
by Indian mathematician Bhaskara II in 1150. It is the first volume of his main writing –
the Siddhanta Shiromani. Lilavati was Bhaskara II’s daughter. Bhaskara II had also
written the Bijaganita, the Grahaganita and the Goladhyaya.
3. All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)

It is a national-level apex advisory body, set up in November 1945. Its aim was to
conduct a survey on the facilities available for technical education. Its aim also includes
promoting development in the country in a coordinated and integrated manner.
According to the National Policy of Education (1986), AICTE has the following power:
4. Government’s scheme for women empowerment

The Central Government has launched several welfare schemes for the overall
development of girl child and women like Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, Beti Bachao Beti
Padhao, UJJAWALA, NIRBHAYA, SWADHAR Greh, and CBSE Udaan Scheme.
167. Why Lakshmi Vilas Bank Ltd (LVB) put under Moratorium?
Reserve Bank of India imposed a 30-day moratorium on Lakshmi Vilas Bank Ltd (LVB)
and proposed a draft scheme for its amalgamation with DBS Bank India. Putting under
moratorium means temporary suspension of activities.
1. Reason behind putting LVB under moratorium

 For the last 3 years, the Bank had been posting continuous losses. Its NPA started to mount
leading to a situation of capital erosion. The Bank was placed under Prompt Corrective Action
(PCA) since September 2019.
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 In the absence of any viable alternative, the Government of India, in consultation with the
Reserve Bank of India, has placed LVB under Moratorium for a period of 30 days till 16th
December 2020, as per the provisions of Sec 45 of Banking Regulation Act 1949.
 Also, under Sec 35A of Banking Regulation Act 1949, LVB shall not make any investment,
incur any liability, make payments to depositors exceeding Rs.25,000 and dispose off any
properties etc.
2. Major issues faced by old-generation private banks

Most of the banks do not have strong promoters. It is leading to mergers or forced
amalgamation of the banks. LVB, Yes Bank and Punjab & Maharashtra Co-operative Bank
are coping up with such type of issues.
3. Why does Promoters matter for a bank?

Promoters play an important role in raising money for the banks pledging of promoter’s
shares when they want to expand their operation. They exercise their control by making
key decisions about the banks. However, absolute authority of the promoters can also
result in autocracy.
4. Lakshmi Vilas Bank Ltd (LVB)

The Lakshmi Vilas Bank Ltd (LVB) was formed by a group of 7 businessmen in the year
1926. It has its registered office at Karur and is headquartered at Chennai. The Bank was
incorporated under the Indian Companies Act 1913, during the British rule in the nation.
In 1958, it became a scheduled commercial bank by obtaining a license from RBI. It has
a presence all over the country.
168. ‘Tristan da Cunha’ island created Marine Protection Zone
Recently, the world’s most remote inhabited settlement – Tristan Da Cunha Island – has
been declared as a marine protection zone. Tristan da Cunha is a small group of volcanic
islands in the South Atlantic Ocean. The purpose of creating a marine protection zone in
the area is to safeguard aquatic animals, wildlife in the area and end harmful activities in
the area.
1. About Tristan da Cunha

 The island group is a British overseas territory. It is also a home to 250 inhabitants on the
main island.
 It was discovered by the Dutch in 1643. This discovery led to establishing the territory’s first
permanent settlement. Its possession was acquired by Britain in 1816.
 Apart from being home to very few inhabitants, the island group is also home to millions of
seabirds and several unique land birds. Even the water around the island is considered to be
the richest in terms of minerals.
 The major source of income is commercial fishing for crayfish, also known as the Tristan Rock
Lobster, a luxury product in the U.S., Europe, Japan and China.
 The archipelago is also home to the World Heritage Site of Gough and Inaccessible Islands. It
is considered to be the most important seabird island in the world.
2. Benefits of creating Marine Protection Zone in the island
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 The Marine protection zone created in the island will help to safeguard endangered species.
Species include rockhopper penguins, yellow-nosed albatross and wildlife including whales,
dolphins and sub Antarctic fur seals surrounding the island.
 Activities like fishing and some extractive activities like sand extraction and deep sea mining
will be banned in this area. It will result in environmental upgradation.
3. Pew Bertarelli project

This project is a joint venture of the Pew Charitable Trusts and the Bertarelli Foundation.
The Pew Bertarelli project will also help Tristan da Cunha to protect its water. It will
provide technological help that uses real-time data to evaluate ocean conditions and
human activity such as fishing. This project mainly promotes the creation of marine
reserves around the world.
169. What is Leonid Meteor Shower?
The Leonid meteor showers are making their twelve-monthly appearance and had
reached their peak in India on November 17 and 18, 2020.
1. What is a Meteor shower?

 Meteor showers are named after the constellation they appear to be approaching from.
 The Leonids come from the constellation Leo the Lion. Leo the Lion is the group of stars which
form a lion’s mane.
 On its orbit around the Sun, the Earth passes through large bands of cosmic debris.
 The debris is basically the fragments of comets.
 As the Earth passes through this cloud of comet waste, the bits of debris create what appears
to be a fireworks exhibit in the sky — known as a meteor shower.
2. Leonid meteor shower

 The Leonid meteor shower takes place when the Earth crosses the orbital path of Comet 55P/
Tempel-Tuttle.
 The shower is witnessed after the debris of the comet enters Earth’s atmosphere and
vaporises. As it occurs at the forefront of the Leo Constellation, it is called a Leonid shower.
 The meteor shower peaks into a meteor storm once in around 33 years and the most recent
shower occurred during the year 1999.
 This meteor shower usually takes place and peaks in the month of November.
 The Leonids have helped the researchers to develop a scientific study of meteors, after the
major Leonid storm of 1833.
3. How can we see these Meteor Showers?

 Meteors are best seen on a cloudless night, when the sky is clearly visible, and when the
Moon is not very bright.
 The showers reach at its peak when the Earth passes through the densest part of the debris
cloud. They tend to be most observable after midnight and before dawn.
 The showers should be seen with naked eyes because binoculars and telescopes narrow the
field of vision.
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4. What is a Meteoroid?
Sizes of meteoroids are smaller than that of asteroids, and range in size from small
grains to one-meter-wide objects. Majority of meteoroids are wreckage from comets or
asteroids, whereas others are collision impact debris ejected from bodies such as the
Moon or Mars.
170. What is Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine?
Pharmaceutical companies Moderna and Pfizer recently announced the results of their
vaccine candidates, which are based on the mRNA technology.
1. Messenger RNA (mRNA)

 A Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a single-stranded molecule of Ribonucleic Acid (RNA). It is
created during the process of transcription, in molecular biology.
 Actually, cells in the body use genes for protein synthesis. This process includes two-step.
 The first step is transcription. In transcription the sequence of one gene is replicated in an
RNA molecule. That means, RNA polymerase creates a copy of a gene from the DNA to mRNA
when required.
 The second step is translation. In translation the RNA molecule serves as a code for the
development of an amino-acid chain. This chain is called a polypeptide.
 That means during protein synthesis, an organelle called a ribosome moves along the mRNA.
It reads its base sequence, and uses the genetic code to translate each three-base triplet, or
codon, into its related amino acid.
2. mRNA Vaccine
 A coronavirus vaccine based on mRNA, when injected into the body, will instruct the cells to
create copies of the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, which causes Covid-19.
 This process, in turn, will prompt the immune cells to create antibodies to fight the new
copies of viruses.
 These antibodies will remain in the blood and fight the real virus if and when an infection
occurs.
3. What is Ribonucleic Acid (RNA)?

RNA is a key biological macromolecule. It is present in all biological cells. It is primarily
involved in the synthesis of proteins, carrying the messenger instructions from DNA.
DNA itself contains the genetic instructions required for the development and
maintenance of life. In some viruses, RNA (in place of DNA) carries genetic information.
The type of RNA decides the function that this molecule will have within the cell. Apart
from the coding region of messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules that will be translated into
proteins, other cellular RNA elements perform different processes.
171. World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Day-

Observed on November 18
World COPD Day is observed on the third Wednesday of every year, to create awareness
about the disease. This year, the day is falling on November 18, 2020. The theme for this
year is ‘Living well with COPD – Everybody, Everywhere’.
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1. What is COPD?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a condition that blocks airflow from
the lungs. This hampers the patient’s ability to carry out day-to-day activities with ease.
‘Emphysema’, which causes damage to alveoli in the lungs, and ‘Chronic bronchitis’
which causes inflammation of the lining of bronchial tubes, are the most common
conditions that can lead to COPD.
2. Symptoms
Symptoms of the disease include shortness of breath, wheezing, or chronic cough, while
the damage to the lungs caused by COPD cannot be reversed.
3. What are the concerns associated with the disease?

According to WHO, COPD is the third largest reason for deaths due to diseases.
Approximately, 90 percent of COPD deaths occur in low and middle-income countries.
The incidence of the disease is steeply rising due to the poor air quality in highly
populated Indian cities like New Delhi and Mumbai.
4. Treatment
All patients of COPD should use medicines on a regular basis for lifelong for stable COPD.
Inhalers containing broncho-dilators form the main mode of therapy. They are useful in
opening and maintaining blocked airways. Bronchodilator treatment is now thought to be
the most important facet of treating COPD. Patients should also avoid self-medication
and smoking; do regular exercise; keep stress at bay, and keep your surroundings clean.
172. Who was Francis Xavier?
Due to Covid-19 this year, there will be no congregations of revered saint Francis Xavier.
Instead, masses will be telecasted live for the ones willing to attend it virtually. However,
worship of the relics will be allowed. Moreover a dress code will be enforced before
entering the premises. This decision has been taken by the church authorities.
1. Francis Xavier
 Francis Xavier was a 16th century Spanish missionary and priest. He is revered as Goencho
Saib (Lord of Goa) in Goa. Every year on December 3 a feast is held, gathering devotees from
across the state and beyond.
 Francis Xavier was announced a saint by the Catholic Church in the early 17th
 Regarded as one of the greatest missionaries, Saint Francis Xavier is also known as the
“Apostle of the Indies” and “Apostle of Japan”.
 His death anniversary on December 3 is observed as ‘Day of Navarre’ in Navarre, Spain, his
birth place.
 He was born on April 7, 1506 and died at the age of 46, in 1552.
 Saint Francis Xavier was previously buried on a beach at Shangchuan Island, on the southern
coast of China.
 Later on, his relics were shifted to the Bom Jesus Basilica, Goa.
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2. Relics of Saint Francis Xavier
The holy relics of Francis Xavier are housed in the silver casket. This casket dates back
to 1637. It is kept atop of a specifically constructed mausoleum inside the Basilica of
Bom Jesus at Old Goa. His right arm, that he used to bless converts, is on display in
Rome. The other arm bone is kept on Coloane Island, in Macau, which currently is part of
China. The casket has shown some signs of distress, requiring restoration. The church
authorities wish to send the casket to Italy, where the restoration work will be done for
free. On the other hand, ASI New Delhi plans to restore the casket locally in India at ASI’s
Chemical institute in Aurangabad.
November 23, 2020
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173. Highlights of the 15th G20 Summit
The ’15th G20 summit’ or the ‘2020 G20 Riyadh summit’ was held on November 21 and
November 22, 2020 virtually. The summit was organized under the theme – “Realising
the opportunities of 21st Century for all”.
1. What the leaders discussed?

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the 15th G-20 summit.
 The summit was chaired by Saudi Arabia and King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi
Arabia led the summit.
 The primary focus of the summit was on an inclusive, resilient and sustainable recovery from
the COVID-19.
 The leaders discussed the preparedness to response to the pandemic and ways to restore
jobs.
 They further shared their vision on building an inclusive, sustainable and resilient future.
2. When did leaders meet last time?

 The last extraordinary leaders’ summit was held in March, 2020.
 During this emergeny summit, G20 leaders had developed a timely understanding among
the member countries to help in containing the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.
 The leaders also “made a globally coordinated response” so as to contain the pandemic.
3. What is G20 troika?

After this summit, Italy will take over the G20 presidency on December 1. With this, India
will enter the G20 troika along with Saudi Arabia. G20 troika is a three-member country
committee that is chaired by Saudi Arabia.
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4. What is G20 grouping?
It is an international forum for leaders from 19 countries and the European Union (EU).
The grouping was founded in the year 1999. It was founded with an aim to discuss the
policy so as to promote the international financial stability. G20 economies collectively
account for around 90% of the gross world product. The grouping also account for 80%
of world trade and two-thirds of the world population. The inaugural leaders’ summit
was held in 2008.
174. What is Seismic Survey Campaign?
The Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Steel, Dharmendra Pradhan, inaugurated
the seismic survey campaign of Oil India (OIL) on November 21, 2020. The campaign
was launched at Kakatpur, Odisha on land in the Mahanadi Basin.
1. Highlights
 The Seismic Survey Campaign was launched under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP).
 The Survey will be done in 5 blocks of 8 districts of Odisha in and around the Mahanadi basin.
2. Seismic Survey Campaign

The campaign has been launched at an estimated cost of Rs 1,248 crores. Out of this, Rs
22o crores has been allocated for seismic survey.
3. Seismic Survey
It is a low impact method gathering the information regarding the location and
characteristics of the geological structures. Under the survey, availability of the oil and
gas is determined using the acoustic sound signals. These signals are transmitted to the
earth surface and based on the returning signals, oil and gas availability is surveyed.
4. Why Oil India has been choosen?

 Oil India (OIL) had won all the five blocks for hydrocarbon exploration under Open Acreage
Licensing Policy (OALP) in the II and III rounds.
 These five blocks are spread in 11 districts of Odisha namely, Puri, Cuttack, Khurda,
Jagatsingpur, Dhenkanal, Jaipur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Maurbhanj, Baleshore and Keonjhar.
5. What is the plan?

The company have plans to acquire, process and interpret 1,502 line kilometre (LKM) of
2D seismic data and 1,670 sq. km of 3D seismic data in the five blocks.
6. Mahanadi River
Mahanadi river is a major river in East Central India. The river drains an area of around
141,600 square kilometres. The total length of the river is 858 kilometres. This river is
famous for the Hirakud Dam. It flows in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and
Odisha.
7. Mahanadi basin
Mahanadi Basin is the 8th largest basin in the country. It has a total catchment area of
139681.51 sq. km. The basin accounts for 4.28% of the total geographical area of the
country. It receives about 90% of its rainfall during the monsoon season.
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8. Oil India (OIL)
It is a state-owned Navratna company. The company runs under the administrative
control of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, government of India. The Government
of India has around 56.66% stake in the company, presently.
175. Maharashtra- Maha Awas Yojana Launched
The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackeray, has launched a new rural housing
project called “Maha Awas Yojana”. Under the project, 8.82 lakh rural houses will be built
with in 100 days.
1. Highlights
 The project will be undertaken by the Maharashtra’s Rural Development department.
 The housing project also include toilets and other necessary amenities.
2. Maha Awas Yojana

The Maha Awas Yojana has been launched at an estimated cost of around ₹4,000 crore.
The government has set a target of constructing a total of 8,82,135 houses by February
end.
3. Is there any such scheme by Central government

The central government had recently announced Affordable housing Scheme. The
scheme was launched under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana for the migrant workers
who were affected by COVID-19.
4. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)

It is an initiative by Government of India under which affordable housing is to be
provided to the urban poor. The government has set a target of building 20 million
affordable houses by 31 March 2022 under the scheme. The scheme has two
component:
5. Features of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana

Under the scheme, the government provides an interest subsidy of 6.5% for a period of
20 years under credit link subsidy scheme (CLSS) from the date the loan starts. For the
allocation of ground floor, preference is given to differently abled and older persons. The
houses under the scheme are eco-friendly.
176. US-Taiwan Pact on to Establish Annual Economic Talks for 5 years
The US and Taiwan have signed a pact to establish the annual economic talks for five
years. It was signed in Washington on November 20, 2020. The pact have been signed
despite it was objected by China.
1. Highlights
 The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between US and Taiwan after an
inaugural round of economic talks.
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 With this pact, the discussion between both the countries would be held alternatively in
future.
2. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

 US and Taiwan agreed upon the strategic cooperation on the semiconductor industry.
 Both the countries further agreed on to collaborate in supply chains, science and technology,
5G, telecommunications security and global health.
 This agreement can be extended for another five years after the current pact will end.
3. When the talk began?

50 senators had signed a letter to urge the US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to
begin talks with Taiwan in the month of October 2020. Pressure to begin trade talks was
increased after Taiwan’s restrictions on the import of US pork and beef was lifted in
August 2020.
4. Why China is not happy with the deal?

The displeasure of China on the pact also lies in the fact that the ruling Communist
Party in Beijing claims Taiwan as its own territory even though China never controlled it.
China has repeatedly opposed over improving ties between US and Taiwan. So, China is
claiming the deal as a political provocation. In the past also, China had sent military
aircraft over the median line of the Taiwan Strait when an US official visited Taiwan in
September 2020.
177. UNICEF to Ship 2 billion Covid-19 Vaccines to Poor Nations in 2021
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have announced on November 23, 2020
that it will ship nearly 2 billion doses of Covid-19 vaccines to the poor nations. This would
be shipped and flown in a “mammoth operation”. With this announcement, UNICEF will
make sure the honest distribution of vaccines.
1. How the vaccines would be distributed?

UNICEF highlighted that it is working with over 350 airways and freight corporations to
ship vaccines. It also collaborates with some 1 billion syringes so as to distribute the
vaccines to poor nations as a part of COVAX.
2. Why emphasis being given on equitable distribution?

The World Health Organization (WHO) survey shows that the entry to vaccines was
unequal even in the pre-COVID-19 era. It was observed that around 20 million infants
were not receiving vaccines that could save them from critical ailments, demise and sick
well being.
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3. What is COVAX?
COVAX is a worldwide Covid-19 vaccine allocation plan. This plan is led by the World
Health Organization (WHO) and is co-led by GAVI vaccine group and Coalition for
Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). The COVAX plan aims to discourage the
government from hoarding Covid-19 vaccines. It also help to deal with first vaccinating
in across the world. It is one of three pillars of Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT)
Accelerator. The COVAX was launched in April 2020 by the World Health Organization
(WHO), European Commission and France against the Covid-19 pandemic.
4. ACT Accelerator
It is a collaborating framework that accelerate the development, production, and
equitable access to Covid-19 tests, treatments and vaccines. This has been built on
three pillars namely, Vaccines (COVAX), Therapeutics and Diagnostics.
178. SIMBEX-20: India – Singapore Bilateral Maritime Exercise Begins

Today
The 27th edition of the India – Singapore Bilateral Maritime Exercise called SIMBEX-20
will begin from November 23, 2020. It will be hosted by the India Navy in Andaman Sea.
1. Key Facts
 The maritime exercise will conclude on November 25, 2020.
 The 2020 edition of SIMBEX will be participated by destroyer Rana, integral Chetak helicopter
and indigenously built corvettes Kamorta and Karmuk from the Indian Navy side.
 The 27th edition will also witness the participation of these two friendly navies in advanced
surface, anti-air warfare and anti-submarine warfare exercises.
 The exercises include weapon firings and over three days of intensive joint operations at sea.
2. SIMBEX exercise
SIMBEX series of bilateral exercises between Indian Navy and Republic of Singapore
Navy was started in the year 1994 and is conducted annually since then. The exercise is
conducted with an aim to enhance the mutual inter-operability and sharing the best
practices from both the countries.
3. Significance of the exercise

The scope and complexity of SIMBEX series of exercises has increased steadily in the
past two decades. It includes advanced naval drills that covers a wide range of maritime
operations. The exercise also highlights the degree of mutual trust and confidence. It
also contributes for the synergy and cooperation in the maritime domain between both
the friendly navies and maritime neighbors. The exercise further exemplify the high level
of coordination and convergence of views between India and Singapore. It encourages
both the countries to engage in maritime domain. It helps in enhancing the overall
maritime security in the region. Lastly, the exercises highlight the commitment of both
the countries for rules-based international order.
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179. 2nd edition of SITMEX-20 held in Andaman Sea
The trilateral Naval exercise between India, Singapore and Thailand called the SITMEX-
20 was held in the Andaman sea between November 21 to November 23, 2020. The
SITMEX-20 Naval exercise was organized in a “non-contact at sea only format” because
of covid-19 restrictions.
1. About SITMEX-20
 The primary objective of the trilateral exercise is to increase the interoperability between the
navies of the three countries.
 The exercise also enhances the multifaceted Maritime operations.
 The 2nd edition of the trilateral exercise is being participated by the Indian Navy Ships
including indigenously built ASW corvette Kamorta and missile corvette Karmuk.
 The two day exercise was started on November 21, 2020 in the Andaman Sea.
 The 2020 edition of the exercise was hosted by Republic of Singapore Navy.
 The Republic of Singapore Navy was represented by the ‘Formidable’ Class frigate ‘Intrepid’
and ‘Endurance’ Class Landing Ship Tank ‘Endeavour’.
 While the Royal Thai Navy was represented by the ‘Chao Phraya’ Class frigate ‘Kraburi’.
 The exercise also involved firing of the weapon on the surface, war at sea exercise,
coordinated navigation operation and evolution of the seamanship.
2. First edition of SITMEX

The first edition of the SITMEX trilateral exercise was hosted by Indian Navy at the Port
Blair in September, 2019.
3. Significance of SITMEX
The SITMEX series of exercises are conducted so as to enhance the mutual inter-
operability. The exercise also share the best practices between the Indian Navy,
Republic of Singapore Navy and Royal Thai Navy. The exercise highlights the growing
synergy, coordination and cooperation between the navies of the three countries in the
maritime domain.
180. Tamil Nadu banned Online Games
The Governor of Tamil Nadu promulgated an ordinance to ban the online gaming in the
state. The ordinance further accounts for a fine up to Rs 5,000 and imprisonment of up
to six months in case of violation of the norms.
1. Why Tamil Nadu banned the online games?

 The governor of the state has highlighted in the ordinance that because of online games,
innocent people specially the youngsters, are being cheated. There were several instances of
suicide also because of game and cheating. Citing the reason of suicides and cheating, the
state has decided to ban online gaming.
 Another reason for banning the online games was that there are no regulations to regulate
the games because of which, players end up spending a lot of money to buy-in these games.
 Further, these games are played by kids of all ages. But, lack of money to buy these add-on
puts peer pressure on kids that leads to unpleasant circumstances like suicides.
2. About the Ordinance

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 The ordinance bans the online games.
 It further bans any form of wagering or betting in cyberspace by using computers or any
other communication device.
 This also bans the common gaming houses and any electronic transfer of funds to distribute
winnings or prize money.
 The ordinance simply means, players in the state will not be able to purchase any add-on for
the games they play or participate in online gaming tournaments.
3. What other states have banned online games?

Though, gambling and betting as a sport are banned in several states including Assam,
Arunachal Pradesh, Kerala, Goa, Maharashtra, Nagaland, Mizoram, Punjab, Sikkim and
West Bengal. These states have their own lottery systems. The lottery systems have
very strict controls over the number of tickets printed and the prize money distributed.
But, most of the state have opposed the online gambling or betting as there are very few
regulations to control it. Online games and gambling has been banned by states like
Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Apart from them, Karnataka has been working on a law
to ban online games and gaming.
4. Significance of the ordinance

The ordinance would help in avoiding incidents of suicide and protect the innocent
people from the cheating people face because of online gaming.
181. 4th Global Conference on Criminal Finances and Cryptocurrencies
The 4th Global Conference on Criminal Finances and Cryptocurrencies was held virtually
from November 18 to November 19, 2020. The conference was organized by the
Interpol, Europol and the Basel Institute on Governance. It was attended by over 2,000
representatives from 132 countries.
1. Highlights
 The conference was attended by the Representatives from law enforcement, the judiciary,
Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs), international organizations and the private sector virtually.
 The meeting was held in order to shape the international cross-sector solutions against the
criminal use of cryptocurrencies.
2. Global Conference on Criminal Finances and Cryptocurrencies

 This conference is an initiative by the Working Group on Cryptocurrencies and Money
Laundering.
 It was established in the year 2016 by the three organizations.
 It was launched with an objective to strengthen the knowledge, expertise and best practices
to investigate into financial crimes and intelligence on virtual assets and cryptocurrencies
3. Why this conference is significant?

 The conference is significant in the context that the number and quality of investigations in
the cryptocurrency-facilitated crime and subsequent money laundering has increased. It
signifies that the law enforcement and other public entities are working to enhance their level
of knowledge and expertise in cryptocurrency related crimes.
 This conference provided an opportunity to highlight the need for countries to increase the
exchange of tactical information and best practices.
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 It also highlights the need to probe and regulate the virtual asset service providers so as to
prevent the money laundering.
4. Agenda of the conference

The main agenda of the conference include the trends and investigations on offences
related to the cryptocurrency, to explore the criminal flows and operations in the dark
markets, ransomware and sextortion case studies. The conference also seeks to explore
the money laundering cases that involves the virtual assets and the transfer of drug
using the cryptocurrencies.
182. NGT Directs States and UTs to Designate Nodal Agency to Protect
Water Bodies
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed all states and the union territories (UT)
to designate a nodal agency to take adequate steps for protection of water bodies.
1. Highlights
 The NGT has directed the states and UTs that the designated nodal agency may hold its
meeting under the guidance of chief secretaries of states and UTs.
 NGT further directs that the meeting must not be held later than 31 January, 2021.
 The NGT holds that the meeting must be held on time to take stock of the situation and plan
further.
 Tribunal also asked the central monitoring committee to monitor the steps taken for
restoration of water bodies by all states at least thrice in a year. The central monitoring
committee was formed to monitor the remediation of 351 polluted river stretches.
2. What is the need?

The NGT finds that these steps would help in restoring the aesthetics, water availability,
aquatic life, microclimate, recharge of ground water and in maintaining the e-flow of the
rivers.
3. Background
This direction from the Green Tribunal (NGT) has come in while hearing a plea filed by
petitioner Haryana resident, retired lieutenant colonel Sarvadaman Singh Oberoi. The
colonel has filed a plea in the tribunal and seek for the restoration of the Ghata Lake in
Gurgaon. Apart from it, he filed plea seeking the restoration of 214 other water bodies,
natural channels in the district and similar water bodies in Faridabad also.
4. About NGT
The NGT was established by an act of Parliament called the National Green Tribunal Act,
2010. The Principal Bench of the NGT is in New Delhi apart from its regional benches in
Pune, Bhopal, Chennai and Kolkata The Chairperson of the tribunal is a retired Judge of
the Supreme Court. Justice Lokeshwar Singh Panta was the first Chairman of NGT. The
tribunal has been created after inspirations from the article 21 9Right to life and
personal liberty) of the Indian constitution
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5. National Green Tribunal Act, 2010
It is an Act of the Parliament that enables the creation of a special tribunal to handle the
environmental cases.
183. Malaysia Hosted the Leaders’ Summit of Asia-Pacific Economic

Cooperation (APEC)
Malaysia hosted the Leaders’ Summit of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). The
Leaders from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum joined the summit that was
held on November 20, 2020.
1. Highlights
 The summit was also attended by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
 The leaders from the APEC forum agreed to work toward free, open and non-discriminatory
trade and investment. This would help in reviving the economies that has been hit because
of Corona virus.
 The next meeting of the APEC will be hosted by New Zealand.
2. Background
The APEC leaders’ meeting was held after 2018 when Chile had cancelled the annual
summit because of violent domestic protests. Later, at the Papua New Guinea summit in
2018, APEC leaders failed to issue joint statement for the first time because of U.S.-China
war over trade policies.
3. What all countries do participate?

The APEC brings about the countries like Australia, Canada, Brunei, China, Chile, Hong
Kong, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Papua New
Guinea, Russia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan and the United States together.
4. APEC Malaysia 2020

It is a year-long hosting of APEC meetings in Malaysia. The meeting was started in
December 2019 and concluded in November 2020. Malaysia hosted the meeting second
time. First time, Malaysia held the meeting in the year 1998. After the virtual summit,
APEC leaders issued the Kuala Lumpur Declaration. The meeting was held under the
theme “Optimizing Human Potential Towards a Resilient Future of Shared Prosperity:
Pivot, Prioritize, Progress”. The logo of the meeting is an image of Malaysia’s national
flower called Hibiscus rosa-sinensis.
184. India will host G-20 Summit in 2023
India will host the G-20 summit in the year 2023 now. The schedule of the summit has
been postponed from the year 2022.
1. Key Facts
 The presidency of the 2022 will be assumed by Indonesia.
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 The changed plan of presidency was agreed in the light that Indonesia would also chair the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting in 2023.
 India has also requested to change the G-20 presidency in 2023.
2. G20 meeting
The next G20 meeting will be held in Italy in the year 2021. Indonesia will host the 2022
G20 meeting, India will host it in 2023 while Brazil will chair the meeting in the year
2024. The G20 grouping is committed to shape a strong, sustainable, balanced and
inclusive post-COVID-19 era. It also support the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-
Terrorist Financing policy responses.
3. Highlights of G20 summit of 2020

 The Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the meeting highlighted the importance of reforms
in multilateral organisations. The is needed to ensure a better global governance for a faster
Post Covid-19 recovery.
 The summit also focused on building an inclusive, sustainable and resilient future along with
safeguarding the planet.
 Prime Minister Modi also highlighted the importance of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development Goals which aims at “leaving no one behind”.
 PM said, at the global level, India also took the initiative of establishing institutions like
International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
 Chinese President asked that the G-20 countries should take the lead in containing the
climate change, follow the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and move for full
and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement.
4. How Presidency is selected?

The Presidency of the G20 rotates annually. The presidency rotates as per a system that
ensures regional balance over time. To select the presidency, the 19 countries are
divided into 5 groups. Each group contains 4 countries. The presidency of the grouping
rotates between each of the group. The G20 grouping selects a country from another
group to be president.
5. India’s Group
India is in Group 2 of the G20 along with Russia, South Africa, and Turkey.
6. Headquarter of G20
G20 does not have any permanent secretariat or Headquarters. The G20 president just
brings together the G20 agenda in consultation with members of the grouping.
November 24, 2020
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185. Technical Committee of Jal Jeevan Mission recommends ‘Five
Technologies’
A Multi-disciplinary Technical Committee has recommended five technologies to provide

field level solutions in the states. The committee was set up under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
1. Five Technologies
The five technologies recommended by the technical committee are understated:
2. Challenges addressed by these technologies

These technologies address following challenges:
3. Background
These five recommendation came by a multi-disciplinary technical committee that was
constituted under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
4. Jal Jeevan Mission

The Jal Jeevan Mission was launched on August 15, 2019. This mission is aimed at
providing 55 litres of water per person per day in every household by the year 2024.
Under it, every village creates a Village Action Plan. This action plan have three
components- water source and its maintenance, greywater management and water
supply. The funding for the scheme is shared between Centre and States usually in the
60:40 ratio. Even though, the set funding pattern of Jal Jeevan Mission is in ratio of
50:50.
186. China Launched Chang’e-5 Mission to Collect Moon Samples
China has launched a robotic spacecraft on November 23, 2020. The spacecraft will be
used to collect and bring back the rocks samples from the moon. This launch by China
becomes significance in the light that this is the first such attempt by any country since
the 1970s.
1. Highlights
 The Chang’e-5 spacecraft was launched from the Long March-5 carrier rocket.
 The Long March-5 is the largest carrier rocket of China.
 The spacecraft was launched from the Wenchang space launch centre on the Hainan Island.
2. The Chang’e-5 mission

This spacecraft has been named after the ancient Chinese goddess of the moon. The
spacecraft seeks to collect lunar sample material. These sample material would help
scientists to understand more about the origins and formation of moon. The mission will
also test China’s ability to remotely acquire samples from space before it launched more
complex missions.
3. Significance
If the Chang’e-5 spacecraft mission is successful, It would make China the third country
to collect the lunar samples. The other two countries that have bring back the lunar
samples include the United States and the Soviet Union.
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4. How the spacecraft would work?
Once the spacecraft will enter the moon’s orbit, it will deploy a pair of vehicles to the
lunar surface. The two vehicle include a lander and an ascender. The landing will take
place in about eight days. The spacecraft would reach on the lunar surface for about two
days. The entire mission is scheduled to be completed in 23 days.
5. Function of the Lander

The lander will drill into the lunar surface and then scoop out soil and rocks using a
robotic arm. After that, material would be carried to the ascender vehicle. The ascender
will carry it from the surface and then dock with an orbiting module. After that, samples
would be transferred to the return capsule that will land in China’s Inner Mongolia
region.
6. What are the challenges?

The biggest challenges include- sampling work on the lunar surface, takeoff from the
lunar surface, docking in the lunar orbit and a high-speed re-entry to Earth.
187. International Version of UMANG Application Launched
The Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Ravi Shankar Prasad, have
launched the international version of the UMANG application on November 23, 2020.
1. Highlights
 The international version of the application was launched in coordination with the Ministry of
External Affairs.
 It has been launched for select countries including Australia, USA, UK, UAE, Canada,
Netherlands, Singapore and New Zealand.
 The application was launched to mark the completion of 3 years of UMANG application and
the achievement of providing 2000 plus services.
 The application was launched in an online conference that was organized under the
chairmanship of the Ravi Shankar Prasad.
2. Significance
 The international version of the UMANG application would help Indian international students,
NRIs and Indian tourists abroad to avail the services of Government of India anytime.
 The application would also help in taking India to the world through ‘Indian Culture’ services
that are available on app. It would create interest amongst foreign tourists and encourage
them to visit India.
3. Other launches
 Apart from the application, the Union Minister for electronics and information technology also
launched an e-Book. This e-Book also presents major milestones of UMANG.
 He also unveiled the UMANG Awards for Partner Departments of Centre and States that has
been newly instituted. This award is based on the highest number of transactions across
services.
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4. The UMANG mobile app
The UMANG mobile app is the “Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance”. This
has been launched by Government of India. The mobile application is all-in-one single,
unified, secure, multi-lingual, multi-service Application. It provides access to the high
impact services of various departments of the Government of India and the State
Governments.
188. Martyrdom Day of Guru Tegh Bahadur being observed today
Martyrdom Day of the ninth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Tegh Bahadur, is being observed on
November 24, 2020. The martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur is remembered as Shaheedi
Divas.
1. Background
Guru Tegh Bahadur had sacrificed his life on November 24, 1675. He sacrificed his life to
protect the religion, human values, ideals and principles.
2. Who was Guru Tegh Bahadur?

Guru Tegh Bahadur was the ninth Guru of the Sikh religion. He was born in 1621 at
Amritsar. He was the youngest son of Guru Hargobind. His term as Guru started from the
year 1665 and concluded in the year 1675. The Guru Granth Sahib comprise of one
hundred and fifteen hymns by him.
3. Early Life
Tegh Bahadur was the youngest son of Guru Hargobind. Guru Hargovind was the sixth
guru. Earlier, the name of Tegh Bahadur was Tyaga Mal. Later he came to be known as
Tegh Bahadur. Tegh Bahadur name was given to him by Guru Hargobind. Guru
Hargobind gave him the new name after he showed his values in a battle against the
Mughals. Tegh Bahadur was born and brought up in Sikh culture. He also had the
knowledge of old classics including Vedas, Upanishads and Puranas. Tegh Bahadur was
married Mata Gujri.
4. Work Life
Guru Tegh Bahadur have contributed many hymns to Guru Granth Sahib. He also
contributed Saloks or couplets to it. He visited various parts of Mughal Empire. He was
asked by Gobind Sahali to construct several Sikh temples in Mahali. He has worked upon
116 shabads and 15 ragas. His work cover a wide range of topics including the nature of
God, human attachments, body, mind, sorrow, Service, dignity and death.
189. India-EU Consultations on Disarmament & Non-Proliferation matters
India and the European Union (EU) held the sixth round of consultations on disarmament
and non-proliferation matters on November 23, 2020. The consultation conference was
held virtually.
1. Highlights
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 The consultations involves the exchange on developments in the fields of nuclear, chemical
and biological disarmament.
 It also include the development on the non-proliferation, conventional weapons and outer
space security issues.
 Both sides also held talks and consultations on the export control regimes, strategic stability
environment and other developments of mutual interest.
2. Aim of the Consultations

The consultations is aimed at enhancing the mutual understanding and appreciation on
international security issues between both sides.
3. India-EU Relations
The India-EU relations are defined by the EU-India Cooperation Agreement of 1994. The
EU is a significant trade partner for India. Both sides are involved in negotiating a free
trade deal since 2007. The trade between India and EU stood at US$104.3 billion during
2018-2019.
4. India-EU trade Relations

The EU is presently the India’s largest trading partner. The trade with EU stands at
12.5% of India’s overall trade as of 2016. This amounts to trade ahead of China (10.8%)
and the United States (9.3%). India is also the EU’s 9th largest trading partner. EU’s
trade with India stands at 2.4% of the EU’s overall trade. The exports from EU to India is
growing since 2006. India’s exports to the EU have also grew steadily with the largest
sectors of export being engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, gems and jewellery. Trade
in services between both sides has also tripled between 2005 and 2016. India is among
the few nations in that have a surplus in services trade with the EU.
190. Cyclone Nivar
The Bay of Bengal will observe its second Severe Cyclone of the year called the cyclone
Nivar. Earlier in this year, Super Cyclone Amphan made a landfall. The cyclone Nivar is
likely to hit between Mamallapuram and Karaikal of Tamil Nadu. It will hit the coastal
areas of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry.
1. Highlights
 The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast the development of cyclone in
Southwest region of the Bay of Bengal. It is the region off the Tamil Nadu coast.
 This cyclone will be the second hit in the State of Tamil Nadu within two years. Earlier, in
2018, Cyclone Gaja has hit the state.
2. Cyclone Nivar
Once the cyclone is intensified, it would acquire the name ‘Nivar’. This name has been
proposed by Iran. The depression that has been emerged in the bay of Bengal would
intensify into cyclone soon. The wind speed is expected to range between 70 to 80 km/
hr to 90km/ hr. It is also predicted that, the cyclone may further turn into a Severe
Cyclone category with a speed of 90 to 100 km/hr gusting to 110 km/hr. The cyclone
would cause an extremely heavy rain of the order of 20 cm or more.
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3. Which areas would be affected?
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alert in the state of Tamil
Nadu. Heavy rain has also been forecast over Rayalaseema, Telangana, coastal Andhra
Pradesh, Puducherry, Karaikal and south Karnataka. The cyclone might also hit the
Southern Chhattisgarh and Odisha. IMD has estimated that the cyclone would cause
damage to the Temporary houses and huts. It might uproot the Power and
communication lines and trees. It could also damage the Standing crops as the cyclone
would be carrying the saline water.
191. India-Madagascar to Sign Pacts to Strengthen Ties
India and Madagascar have planed to sign several pacts in order to strengthen the
bilateral ties of the two nations.
1. Highlights
Both the countries are currently discussing the Memorandum of Understanding in the
field of tourism, culture, health, traditional medicine, telemedicine and tele-education.
2. Background
On November 23, 2020 the Indian Ambassador Abhay Kumar met Tehindrazanarivelo
Djacoba Liva, Foreign Minister of Madagascar. Since then, the bilateral relation between
India and Madagascar have been witnessing an upswing. The officials from both the
sides discussed about the bilateral relations. Further, in the year 2018, President Ram
Nath Kovind had visited the East African country. During the visit, a defence cooperation
agreement was also signed between both the countries.
3. How India contributes to development of Madagascar?

India recently set up Bhabhatron in Madagascar. It is a radiotherapy machine at the HJRA
Hospital in Antananarivo, the Capital of Madagascar. Apart from that, India also runs a
Centre for Geospatial Applications for the Rural Development in Madagascar. These
developmental steps are undertaken by India in order to strengthen the bilateral ties.
4. India-Madagascar relations
Relations between Madagascar and western India dates back to the 18th century. While
the regular trade between both the countries was started in the late 19th century. The
official diplomatic relation between both the countries began in 1954 with the
establishment of a consulate in French-controlled Madagascar. After independence of
Madagascar, the consulate was turned to embassy status. In the year 2018, Ram Nath
Kovind became the first President to visit Madagascar. He was given Madagascar’s
highest-honour for non-citizens called the Grand Cross of the Second Class.
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192. Pilibhit Tiger Reserve gets TX2 Global Award for Doubling Tiger
Population
The Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) and the Uttar Pradesh Forest department won the first-
ever international award called TX2. The tiger reserve have won the award in the
context of doubling the number of tigers in four years.
1. Highlights
 There was a set target of doubling the number of tigers within 10 years. But, the Pilibhit Tiger
Reserve have completed the target in just four years starting from 2014.
 The tiger reserve became the first to receive the award among the 13 tiger range countries.
 The reserve had 25 tigers in the year 2014. Now, it increased up to 65 in 2018. Figure does
not include the tiger cubs below the age of one year.
2. About TX2 Global Award

 The TX2 award was virtually presented to the principal chief conservator of forest (wildlife) of
the state, Sunil Pandey.
 The award was presented by United Nations Development Program (UNDP) head of
ecosystems and biodiversity, Mindori Paxton.
3. Gobal Target of Doubling the Tiger Population

The global target of doubling the tiger population was set in the year 2010. The partners
in TX2 award namely, UNDP, Global Tiger Forum, World Wide Fund for Nature,
International Union for Conservation of Nature, Conservation Assured/Tiger Standards
and the Lion’s Share had collectively set the target.
4. Pilibhit Tiger Reserve

This tiger is situated in Pilibhit district and Shahjahanpur District of Uttar Pradesh. The
reserve forms the part of the Terai Arc Landscape. It is situated in the upper Gangetic
Plain Biogeographic Province. Rivers like Sharda, Chuka, Mala and Khannot originates
from the tiger reserve. The reserve is home to sal forests, tall grasslands and swamp.
These are maintained by periodic floods from rivers.
193. AAI commenced Aviation Awareness Week 2020
The Airport Authority of India (AAI) have commenced the Aviation Awareness Week
2020. The awareness week is being observed between November 23, 2020 to November
27, 2020.
1. Highlights
The awareness week is being observed at all the airports and other locations that are
managed by the Airport Authority of India.
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2. Why this is being observed?
The Aviation awareness week is being observed in order to raise awareness on the
aviation safety. The Airport Authority of India will also undertake the employment
engagement programs during the awareness week. The awareness week celebrations
stress upon the safety preventive measures that needs to be adopted at every airport
premises irrespective of the volume of traffic. The awareness week is also being
observed in the light of increasing wildlife or bird menace around the airports.
Observance of the week would also stress on the long term objective of zero fatality by
2030.
3. Objective of zero fatality by 2030

The objective of zero fatality by 2030 was envisaged by the International Civil Aviation
organisation under the Global aviation safety plan.
4. International Civil Aviation organisation (ICAO)

ICAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations. The agency is involved in changing
the principles and techniques of international air navigation. It is also involved in the
planning and development of international air transport. The agency further ensure safe
and orderly growth of the aviation sector. The agency has been headquartered in
Canada and it was formed in the year 1947.
5. ICAO Council
The council adopts the standards and recommends the practices regarding the air
navigation, infrastructure and flight inspection. It also facilitate the border-crossing
procedures for international civil aviation. The council further defines the protocols for
air accident investigation as per the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation.
194. 46 online ATAL Faculty Development Programmes (FDPs)

inaugurated
The Union Education Minister, Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ inaugurated the 46
online AICTE Training and Learning (ATAL) Academy Faculty Development Programmes
(FDPs) on November 23, 2020.
1. Highlights
The Faculty Development Programmes have been launched to train the teachers of
higher education institutions that are associated with All India Council of Technical
Education (AICTE). It will train the teachers in thrust and in the emerging areas of
technology. The development Programmes would be conducted in 22 states of India.
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2. ATAL Academy
The primary objective of the ATAL Academy is providing the quality technical education
across India. The academy also promote the research and entrepreneurship by training
in emerging fields. The ATAL FDPs is being organised by IITs, NITs CU, IIITs and research
labs. The ATAL Academy further seeks to establish the AICTE Training and Learning
(ATAL) cells in all the technical institutions, Universities and other institutions of
technical learning. The ATAL Academies is also involved in conducting a series of
training programmes across the country. Presently, eleven ATAL academies have been
established in India. The ATAL Academy has trained over 1 lakh people in 1000
programmes under the FDP for this the academy has been included in the Book of World
Records, London.
3. All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)

The AICTC is a statutory body. It is a national-level council for technical education. The
body works under Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education. It was
established in November 1945 as an advisory body. In the year 1987 it was given
statutory status. The body is involved in proper planning and coordinated development
of the technical education. It also helps in management of the education system in India.
The body is assisted by 10 Statutory Boards of Studies. It has been headquartered in
Delhi.
November 25, 2020
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195. All India Presiding Officers’ Conference to be Inaugurated in

Kevadia, Gujarat
The All India Presiding Officers’ Conference will be inaugurated by the President
Ramnath Kovind on November 25, 2020. This is a two day conference and it will be
launched at the Statue of unity in Kevadia Gujarat. The theme of the conference this
year is : “Harmonious Coordination of Legislative, Executive and Judiciary – Key to a
Vibrant Democracy”.
1. Highlights
 Vice President and Chairman of Rajya Sabha M. Venkaiah Naidu will also be present on the
inaugural session.
 The Chairperson of the Conference is Shri Om Birla, the speaker of Lok Sabha. He will grace
the two day conference.
 Apart from them, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the concluding session of the
conference. He will address the session on November 26th. His address would mark the
celebration of the constitution day.
 The Conference would conclude with the adoption of Declaration.
 During the Conference, an exhibition on the Constitution and Fundamental Duties will also be
organised.
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2. All India Presiding Officers Conference
The All India Presiding Officers Conference began in the year 1921. 2020 is the
centenary year of the Presiding Officers Conference. The Conference has become a
platform of sharing new experiences, ideas and thoughts for strengthening the
democratic process over time. During the Conference, Presiding Officers of the
Legislatures will discuss the need of better cooperation and coordination between the
three pillars of the democracy. Better coordination is needed to strengthen the Indian
democracy and to make it more effective. They would also discuss the ways to ensure
the effective constitutional accountability of the legislature and the executive to the
people of country. They will further discuss the issues related to the working of the
Legislatures in a disciplined and orderly manner.
196. RE-Invest 2020
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 3rd Global Renewable Energy
Investment Meeting and Expo called as the “RE-INVEST 2020” on November 26, 2020.
1. Highlights
 The conference seeks the support of investors to investing in clean energy in India.
 RE-Invest also send signals to the global renewable community about India’s commitment on
the development and scaling up of renewable energy. It shows India’s commitment to meet
its energy requirements in a sustainable manner.
 Ministerial Delegations from other countries and global industry leaders will participate in the
event.
 The event comprise of 6 focused country sessions, 20 plenary and technical sessions and a
special Chief Ministerial plenary session.
 Partner countries for the RE-INVEST 2020 – Australia, France, Denmark, Maldives, Germany,
the United Kingdom, European Union and US agencies.
 Partner states include- Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Tamil
Nadu.
2. RE-INVEST 2020
The RE-Invest conference comprise of a two-day virtual conference on renewables and
future energy choices. It will also organise an exhibition of manufacturers, Investors,
developers and innovators who are engaged in the clean energy sector. The conference
would also provide an opportunity to various countries, states, business houses and
organizations to showcase their strategies, achievements and expectations in the field of
renewable energy. The conference further facilitate the collaboration and cooperation
with key stakeholders in India.
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3. India’s Renewable Energy Market
India has emerged as one of the world’s largest renewable energy markets in the
present time. India has set a target of generating 175GW of renewable energy by 2022
and 450GW of renewable energy by 2030. In India, over Rs 4.7 lakh crore have been
invested in the last 6 years. Thus, India has become a country of preferred destination
for investment in clean energy. Solar energy capacity in the country has also increased
13 times. The share of non-fossil fuel energy sources has increased to 136 GW, or about
36 per cent of our total capacity.
197. Agriculture Minister Launched “Sahakar Pragya”
The Union Agriculture Ministry have launched the ‘Sahakar Pragya’ initiative on
November 24, 2020. This innovative capacity building initiative have been launched for
the farmers associated with such entities across India. The initiative would enable the
primary cooperative societies to play bigger roles in AtmaNirbhar Bharat call of Prime
Minister Narendra Modi.
1. Key Facts
 Under the initiative, the farmers in primary cooperatives in rural areas would be trained by
the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC).
 Sahakar Pragya initiative would be implemented by an elaborated network of 18 Regional
Training Centres across India.
 These regional training centres are run by the Haryana-based Laxmanrao Inamdar National
Academy for Cooperative Research and Development (LINAC) that works under the NCDC.
2. Sahakar Pragya Initiative

Under the initiative, 45 training modules have been prepared. These training module
would help in transferring knowledge, skills and organisational capacities. Further, LINAC
has made a plan to train about 5,000 farmers in cooperative societies in a year under
this initiative. The training modules would also equip the cooperative societies to run
professional business terms of market economy.
3. Cooperative Societies in India

India presently has a network of over 8.50 lakh cooperative societies. These cooperative
societies comprise of about 290 million members. 94% of the farmers are members of at
least one cooperative society in India. It lend strength to farmers so as to minimise the
risks in agriculture and allied sectors. The cooperative societies also act as shield against
exploitation by profit making traders.
4. National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC)

It is a statutory Corporation that has been set up by an Act of Indian Parliament. NCDC
was set up on March 13, 1963. The NCDC works with the objectives of planning and
promoting programmes for production and marketing, storage, export and import of
agricultural produce.
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198. India-Myanmar: 7th Joint Trade Committee meeting held
The 7th Joint Trade Committee Meeting was held between India and Myanmar on
November 24, 2020.
1. Highlights
 The Meeting was co-chaired by Union Minister for Ministry of Commerce, Myanmar and Piyush
Goyal the Commerce and Industry Minister of India.
 During the meeting, both sides reviewed bilateral issues including the trade, investment,
connectivity, banking, capacity building and upgradation of border infrastructure.
 They also reviewed their preparedness tackle the COVID-19 related challenges.
 They further discussed about expanding their cooperation in pharma and health sector
including the traditional medicines.
2. India-Myanmar relation
In the meeting, Shri Piyush Goyal spoke about the strong cultural and commercial ties
between India and Myanmar, India give priority to Myanmar in accordance with the
India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ and ‘Act East’ policies. India has also committed to
enhance its multifaceted cooperation with Myanmar in the areas including Oil & Gas,
trade & investment, Insurance, Power, Pharmaceutical and Infrastructure. India have
increased investments in Myanmar in all these sectors.
3. What these countries agreed upon?

India and Myanmar first acknowledged that mutual benefit exists in collaboration and
cooperation of the oil and gas companies both the countries. This benefit especially
exists in the field of petroleum products and refining. Both the sides agreed that
current level of bilateral trade between them is far below the actual potential. They
committed to strengthen their economic partnership by providing facilities to enhanced
the sectoral collaborations and trade promotion. The countries reviewed the status of
connectivity projects and scaling up the infrastructure at the border for strengthening
trade. They also appreciated the finalization of the Project Agreement on the
establishment of a modern Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Tamu (Phase I).
4. Establishment of a modern Integrated Check Post (ICP)

The project of the establishment of a modern integrated check post at Tamu is being
undertaken under the Indian grant-in-aid. The project would enhance the bilateral
connectivity and trade. In the line, the countries agreed to work closely to establish the
border haats so as to benefit the local communities and promote people to people
connect.
199. UP Passed Ordinance to ban Unlawful Religious Conversions for

Marriage
The Uttar Pradesh government has passed an ordinance to ban the unlawful religious
conversions for marriage.
1. Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Ordinance, 2020
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 As per the ordinance, the Unlawful conversion for getting married by force, deceit, undue
pressure or by way of alluring into marriage will now be a non-bailable offence.
 Such marriages would lead to imprisonment of a maximum of 10 years and penalty of 50
thousand rupees.
 The ordinance further recommends 1 year to 5 years of imprisonment if the accused fails to
prove that the conversion of the woman was not unlawful.
 The jail sentence for the offence against the woman from the Scheduled cast, Scheduled
Tribe community would be of 3-10 years.
 It the case is of mass conversion, similar provision of 3-10 year imprisonment has been
prescribed. Also, the registration of the organisation involving into mass conversion would be
cancelled.
 The ordinance would declare the unlawful marriages null and void.
 Further, if any couple wants to marry after converting into any other religion, they need to
take permission from the relevant district magistrate two months prior to the marriage.
2. Why this ordinance has been passed?

The Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Ordinance, 2020 was cleared by the
State Cabinet after the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh promised to bring an “effective
law” against unlawful marriages. It was done in the light of popularization of a politically
motivated legally unrecognized term “Love Jihad”.
3. What is ‘love jihad’?

Love jihad is an politically motivated Islamophobic assumption that the Hindu women
are being targeted by the Muslim youth who seeks to win over girls for religious
conversion in the name of marriage. The term is not legally defined.
200. India to Launch Phase-IV of High Impact Community Development

Projects in Afghanistan
India has announced to launch the Phase-IV of the High Impact Community Development
Projects in Afghanistan.
1. What are those projects?

 The Phase-IV of the High Impact Community Development Projects comprise of more than
100 projects.
 Total cost of the project that India would undertake is 80 million dollars.
 This announcement was made during the 2020 Afghanistan Conference organized in Geneva.
2. 2020 Afghanistan Conference

This is two day conference that began in Geneva on November 23, 2020. The conference
was co-hosted by the United Nations, the Government of Afghanistan and the
Government of Finland.
3. India-Afghanistan Relation
 India announced that, India recently concluded agreement with Afghanistan for the
construction of the Shatoot dam.
 The Shatoot dam would provide safe drinking water to two million residents of Kabul city.
 India had also build earlier a 202-kilometer Phul-e-Khumri transmission line. The transmission
line provided electricity to Kabul city.
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 India also emphasized upon its long term commitment to the development of Afghanistan.
 India’s development portfolio in Afghanistan amounted to over 3 billion US dallars till date.
 India undertakes 400 plus projects in Afghanistan covering all the 34 provinces of
Afghanistan.
 India further announced that, more than 65 thousand Afghan students have studied in India.
4. What were the challenges?

India highlighted that, Afghanistan’s growth has been pushed down because of its land
locked geography. To tackle with it, India’s have provided an alternate connectivity
through Chabahar port and a dedicated Air Freight Corridor between India and
Afghanistan.
5. India’s humanitarian assistance

India recently provided 75 thousand tonnes of wheat so as to strengthen food security of
Afghanistan amid the Covid pandemic. It was transported through the Chabahar port.
201. India Test-Fires Land-Attack Version Of BrahMos Supersonic Cruise

Missile
India successfully test fired the surface-to-surface supersonic cruise missile BrahMos on
November 24, 2020. The missile was test fired as part of a series of planned trials of the
weapon that are known for its precision strike capabilities.
1. About the Land Attack version of BrahMos

 The new land-attack version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile has a range of 400 km.
 It has been extended from the original range of 290 km.
 The speed of the new version has been kept as earlier at 2.8 Mach. It is almost three times
the speed of sound.
 The missile was test-fired in the Andaman and Nicobar.
2. What are the other scheduled launch?

The Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy have scheduled to carry out a separate test-
firing of new version of the air-launched and naval versions of the supersonic cruise
missile.
3. About Brahmos missile

The BrahMos missile was a joint venture of Russia and DRDO. The missile can be
launched from ships, submarines and aircraft. It can also be launched from land
platforms. The missile has been developed on the basis of Russian P-800 Oniks Cruise
missile. Brahmos missile has been named after river Brahmaputra of India and Moskva
of Russia. The missile has a record of being the fastest anti-ship cruise missile in the
world.
4. Brahmos-II
India is currently involved in development of the Brahmos-II. It has a prescribed speed of
7-8 Mach.
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5. India’s recent missile launches
The Indian Navy recently launched a missile through INS Prabal. They also test fired an
anti-ship missile from INS Kora in Bay of Bengal. India recently launched the first
Varunastra torpedo. It also test fired an anti-radiation missile named Rudram-1. Rudram-
1 will be inducted into service by 2022.
202. What is Sustainable Development Goals(SDG) Investor Map?
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Invest India has launched the
SDG Investor Map for India. The investor map lays out 18 investment opportunities areas
(IOAs).
1. Sustainable Development Goals(SDG) Investor Map

The investment opportunities areas are in six critical sustainable development goals
(SDGs). These IOAs will enables the sectors that will help India to push forward to
achieve the Sustainable Development as provided by the UNDP. The 6 SDG-enabling
sectors are education, healthcare, agriculture & allied activities, renewable energy & its
alternatives, financial services and sustainable environment. Out of these 18 identified
IOAs, 10 are already mature investable areas. These 10 mature areas have seen robust
private equity and venture capital activity. They feature the companies that are able to
unlock scale and demonstrate profitability.
2. Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)

The SDGs are a total of 17 goals that were launched by the United Nations. These goals
were launched to address the urgent political, environment and economic challenges
that the world is facing. The SDG financing gap has been widened amid the COVID-19
pandemic. It has been widened by an estimated USD 400 billion in developing countries.
In order to achieve the SDG targets by 2030, it requires the collective efforts of the
public and private sector transition including from the short-term recovery to a long-
term sustainability.
3. Steps taken by India to achieve the SDGs

In order to comply with the SDG, India have taken several steps in the recent years such
as: India recently introduced BS-BI petrol and diesel. It has pledged to eliminate single
use plastic by 2022. It has founded International solar Alliance that will generate 2,000
gigawatts of solar energy by 2030. India also pledged to reduce the carbon emissions up
to 33 to 35% by 2030.
203. India-US extend MoU for Cooperation on Nuclear Energy
India and the United States have extended their Memorandum of Understanding for
cooperation on nuclear energy for 10 years further.
1. Highlights
 The extension on the MoU was done on the tenth year of cooperation between the United
States and India.
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 This was done at the Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership (GCNEP).
2. Background
India and USA had signed the Memorandum of Understanding regarding the Cooperation
with the Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership (GCNEP) on November 7, 2010 at
New Delhi.
3. India-US cooperation
 The joint statement have recognized India’s important commitment of 2010.
 In the year 2010, India has committed to establish the GCNEP so as to promote safe, secure
and sustainable nuclear energy for the service of mankind through global partnership.
 India and the US also recognized the strength of the partnership in the fields of security,
nuclear and radiological security cooperation.
 The countries have also committed to promote cooperation on initiatives that aims to give a
boost to nuclear safety and security, research and development in nuclear science and
technology.
 Both side would work on strengthening the dialogue on nuclear and other radioactive
material security. This would be done by collaborating on advanced projects.
 They would further build on the international recognition of the GCNEP.
4. Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership (GCNEP)

It is the World’s first nuclear energy partnership centre, It has been set up at Haryana.
The center is involved in facilitating the deliberation and discussions of international
experts on the issues such as innovation in nuclear reactors and the nuclear fuel cycle.
204. NITI Aayog sets Panel To Study Feasibility Of Hyperloop Technology

In India
Government think-tank NITI Aayog has set up a high-level panel. The panel has been set
up to explore the technological and commercial viability of the Hyperloop technology.
The hyperloop technology would be used for the ultrahigh speed travel in India.
1. Background
Recently, The first test of the hyperloop technology was completed with humans on it.
The test run was conducted on a 500-meter track in Las Vegas, USA. This was conducted
with a pod. Pods are the hyperloop vehicles. The testing was done with passengers
inside the pod at a speed of 100 mph or 161 kmph.
2. Why the panel has been set up?

The panel has been set up to look into the technological and commercial viability of the
new hyperloop technology. It has become necessary to look into it in the light of the
emerging transport technology and to gain the first-mover advantage.
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3. About the Panel
The panel comprise of the Niti Aayog member VK Saraswat as its Chairman and Adviser
Sudhendu Jyoti Sinha as its convener. Other members of the panel include the Chairman
& CEO pf Railway Board, VK Yadav; the secretaries of the ministries of Housing and
Urban Affairs, Road Transport and Highways and the Transport Secretary of Maharashtra
government.
4. Hyperloop Technology
This technology has been proposed by the inventor and businessman Elon Musk. With
hyperloop technology, vehicles are accelerated gradually through electric propulsion
using a low-pressure tube. Inside it, pod floats along the track. The pod uses magnetic
levitation and glides at airline speeds for long distances. The pod floats dur to ultra-low
aerodynamic drag. This technology is being developed by Virgin Hyperloop company.
November 26, 2020
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205. Cabinet approves Merger of Lakshmi Vilas Bank With DBS India
The cabinet has approved the merger of Lakshmi Vilas Bank (LVB) with DBS India on
November 25, 2020.
1. Highlights
 DSB India is a wholly-owned subsidiary of DBS Bank.
 This speedy amalgamation and resolution of the stress in the Lakshmi Vilas Bank has been
done in light with the commitment of the government for a clean banking system.
 The government has a aim of clean banking system besides protecting the interests of
depositors, public and financial system.
 Once the merger is finalised, there will no restrictions on the depositors to withdraw their
deposit.
 Under the merger plan, DBS India will invest a fresh capital of ₹ 2,500 crore into the stressed
bank. Apart from that, entire share capital & reserves and surplus will be waived off.
2. Background
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had proposed the merger of the 94-year-old stressed
bank with the DBS India on November 17, 2020. The RBI had also put the bank under a
moratorium for one month. IT has also put restrictions on the withdrawals from
customers’ accounts at ₹ 25,000 in a month. RBI also superseded the board of the LVB
and appointed T N Manoharan as administrator of the bank for 30 days.
3. How merger of LVB and DBS India is different?

This is the first time that RBI has tasked a bank with a foreign parent so as to revive the
private lender.
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4. Forced merger scenario in India
The RBI has done the forced mergers in the past several tines. In September 2006, RBI
had announced the scheme of amalgamation for IDBI-United Western merger. The apex
bank has also announced the scheme for the merger of Global Trust Bank with Oriental
Bank of Commerce in 2004.
5. Mega merger of banks

Government of India has consolidated 10 Public Sector Banks into 4 banks in the year
2019. This merger was done in order to help manage the capital more efficiently. Under
the mega merger plan- Oriental Bank of Commerce and United Bank of India were
subsumed under the Punjab National Bank (PNB); Allahabad Bank was merged with the
India Bank; Syndicate Bank was merged with the Canara Bank while Andhra Bank and
Corporation Bank were merged with the Union Bank of India. After this merger, there
are a total of 12 public sector banks including the State Bank of India (SBI) and the Bank
of Baroda (BoB).
206. Cabinet approvedRs 6,000 Crore Infusion into NIIF Debt Platform
The union cabinet has approved the infusion of ₹6,000 crore equity in the National
Infrastructure Investment Fund’s (NIIF’s) debt platform on November 25, 2020. This is to
be done over the current and the next fiscal so as to drive the creation of infrastructure
in India.
1. Highlights
 Out of Rs 6000, Rs 2,000 crore will be used in 2020-2021 fiscal year.
 Remaining of Rs 4,000 crore will be used in the fiscal year 2021-2022.
2. Role of NIIF
 The NIIF would be taking the necessary steps to use the equity investments from the
domestic and the global pension funds and sovereign wealth funds.
 NIIF would be leveraging this allocated equity so as to raise ₹1.1 trillion in the next five years.
 The raised capital would be used to finance the infrastructure projects under the national
infrastructure pipeline (NIP).
3. Background
The announcement for the infusion was made on November 12, 2020 by the Finance
minister Nirmala Sitharaman as a part of third economic stimulus called the
Aatmanirbhar Bharat 3.0.
4. Significance
The proposal seeks for the direct investment by the Government of India to scale the
potential and impact of the two entities in the infrastructure debt financing. It would also
support the efforts of the platform so as to raise international equity. The equity infusion
by the government, NIIF SOF and potential equity participation from the private sector,
the debt platform would raise enough resources. The raised resources will extend the
debt support of ₹1.1 trillion to projects by the year 2025.
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5. National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF)
NIIF is first infrastructure specific investment fund of India. This fund was set by the
Government of India in February 2015. The fund was set with an objective of
maximizing the economic impact through the infrastructure investment in commercially
viable projects.
207. MoU between BRICS Nations on Sports and Physical Culture

approved
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in the field of Physical Culture and
Sport signed between the BRICS Countries on November 25, 2020.
1. What is the significance of the MoU?

 Cooperation in the field of sports between the five countries of BRICS grouping would help to
expand the knowledge and expertise in various fields such as sports science, coaching
techniques and sports medicine.
 This would help in improving the performance of sportspersons in international tournaments.
 The cooperation would also strengthen the bilateral relations with BRICS member countries.
 Benefits from the cooperation would be equally applicable to all sportspersons from the
member countries. Benefits can be availed by each of them irrespective what caste, creed,
region, religion or gender they belong to.
2. About BRICS
BRICS is the group of five major emerging countries namely, Brazil, Russia, India, China
and South Africa. BRICS does not form any organization. It is simply an annual summit
between the supreme leaders of five nations forming the group. The Chairmanship for
the forum is rotated annually in series of the BRICS.
3. Significance of the BRICS

These five countries together represent 42 percent of the population. These five
economies accounts for the 23 percent of world GDP. By area, they cover 30 percent of
the territory. Lastly, they accounts for 18 percent of the global trade.
4. BRICS Forum
It is an independent international organization. The organization encourages the
commercial, political and cultural cooperation among the BRICS nations. The forum was
set up in the year 2011.
208. National Portal for Transgender Persons Launched
Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment have launched a ‘National Portal for
Transgender Persons’ virtually on November 25, 2020.
1. National Portal for Transgender Persons

 The portal for Transgender has been developed within 2 months of Notification of
Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020.
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 The portal would be proved highly useful to a transgender person in the light that it would
help a transgender person to apply for a Certificate and Identity card digitally from anywhere
in India.
 The portal would also helps the transgender person to get the I-Card without any physical
interface. They need not require to visit any offices to get their I-Card.
 The portal would further help people from the transgender community to come forward and
get their Transgender Certificate and Identity Cards.
 The transgender persons are provided with the Certificate and the I-Card as per their self-
perceived identity. This is an important provision of The Transgender Persons (Protection of
Rights) Act, 2019.
2. Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.

This act of the Parliament of India was enacted with an objective to provide the
protection to the rights of transgender people, their welfare and other related matters.
The act defines a transgender person as the person whose gender does not match with
the gender assigned to them at their birth.
3. Background of the Act

The background of the enactment of the act lies in the 2014 judgement of the supreme
Court of India on the National Legal Services Authority v. Union of India (NALSA v. UOI)
case. In the verdict, the SC had recognised the rights of transgender people in India. The
court had laid down a series of measures to secure the rights of the transgender people.
The judgement prohibited the discrimination against them. It also recommended for the
creation of welfare policies and reservations in educational institutions and jobs.
209. November 26: Constitution Day of India
The Constitution Day of India is being observed on November 26, 2020. The day mark
the adoption of the Indian Constitution by the Constituent Assembly.
1. Constitution Day of India

 The constitution day is also called as the National Law Day.
 The Constituent Assembly of the country had adopted the Constitution of India on November
26, 1949.
 The constitution formally came into force on January 26, 1950.
 The first ever Constitution Day was celebrated in the year 2015.
 The day was started being celebrated as a tribute to Dr B R Ambedkar. Year 2015 marked the
125th birth anniversary of the B R Ambedkar. On that occasion, foundation stone of the B. R.
Ambedkar’s Statue of Equality memorial was laid down in Mumbai.
 DR B R Ambedkar had played an important role in framing the constitution. He was the
Chairman of the Drafting Committee.
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2. The constituent assembly
The Constituent Assembly of India was set up to constitute a Constitution for India. The
assembly was set up following the independence of India in 1947. The members of the
constituent assembly had served India’s first Parliament. The idea of the setting up of
Constituent Assembly was put forward by M. N. Roy in the year 1934. The constituent
assembly write the constitution of India in two years, eleven months and seventeen
days.
3. Constitution of India
The constitution of India is the supreme law. It lays down the framework that
demarcates the fundamental political code, structure, powers, procedures, and duties of
government institutions. The constitution provides for the fundamental rights, directive
principles and several duties to the citizens. Indian constitution is the longest written
constitution in the World. It declares India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic
and republic nation. It also assures for justice, equality and liberty to the citizens.
210. PM Modi chaired 33rd PRAGATI Interaction
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 33rd PRAGATI interaction on November 25,
2020.
1. Highlights
 During the interaction various projects, grievances and programmes were reviewed.
 The projects that were reviews were of the Ministry of Railways, MORTH, DPIIT and Power
Ministry.
 These projects costs worth rupees 1.41 lakh crore.
 The projects were related to ten states and union territories namely, Odisha, Karnataka,
Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh
and Dadra & Nagar Haveli.
 The meeting also took up the grievances related to COVID-19 and to the PM Awas Yojana
(Gramin).
 Schemes including the PM SVANidhi, agriculture reforms and development of districts as
export hubs were also reviewed.
 The Prime Minister during the meeting asked the States to develop a State Export Strategy.
2. About PRAGATI
Pro-active governance and timely implementation (PRAGATI) is an information and
communications technology-based platform. The platform was launched in the year
2015. It is an interactive and integrated platform that addresses the grievances of the
common man. It also monitor the government projects and schemes. It was designed by
the Prime Minister Office (PMO) in coordination with National Informatics Centre.
3. Aims of PRAGATI platform

The PRAGATI platform aims for the Project implementation, Project monitoring and
Grievance redressal.
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4. Functions
The platform combines the three technologies including the Digital data management,
Video conferencing and Geo-spatial technology. It also brings together the different
secretaries of the government of India, States’ Chief Secretaries and the Prime Minister.
The PM holds monthly interactions with the secretaries and Chief Secretaries. The
meeting takes place on the fourth Wednesday of every month.
211. UN Released 25 Million Dollar funds for Women-Led Organizations
The United Nations (UN) have released 25 million dollars fund from the United Nations’
Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) that will aid the women-led organisations
working to fight against the gender-based violence.
1. Highlights
 The funds were released by the UN Humanitarian Chief Mark Lowcock.
 Out of the funds, 17 million dollars have been allocated to the United Nations Population Fund
(UNFPA) and 8million dollars have been given to UN Women.
 Both the organization, UNFPA and UN Women, have been asked to pledge 30 percent of the
funds to women-led organisations fighting against the gender-based violence.
 The UN came up with this announcement during an annual international campaign named ‘16
Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence.
2. 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence

This campaign started on November 25, 2020. On this date, the International Day for the
Elimination of Violence against Women is observed. The campaign would end on
December 10. On this date, the Human Rights Day is observed.
3. Purpose of the funds

These funds are specifically allocated for the projects run by women focusing on the
preventing violence against women and girls. The funds will also be utilized for helping
the victims and survivors by providing the medical care, family planning, safe spaces,
legal advice, mental health services and counselling.
4. International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

The International Day for Elimination of violence against women is observed by the
United Nations on November 25 every year. The day is observed to raise awareness
regarding the fact that how the women across the world are vulnerable to domestic
violence, rape and other forms of violence. The theme of the day for this year (2020) is:
“Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect”.
212. UK allocates Funds for Counter Terrorism Operations Centre
The Chancellor of United Kingdom (UK), Rishi Sunak, has announced to allocate millions
of pounds funds to establish a Counter Terrorism Operations Centre (CTOC) that is based
in London.
1. Highlights
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 The funds have been allocated as part of a Spending Review for the next year’s budgetary
plans.
 During the session, the finance minister also allocated an additional 400 million pound so as
to recruit 20,000 more police officers by 2023.
 The funds would also be utilized to recruit 6,000 new officers in 2021-22.
 Further, 63 million pound have been allocated to tackle economic crime.
 337 million pound have been allocated to the criminal justice system. The criminal justice
system will include the new CTOC.
 The new CTOC is expected to be fully operation within five years,
2. Significance of the CTOC

The newly set up Counter Terrorism Operations Centre (CTOC) will bring the partners
together in order to form a world-leading operations centre. The operation centre will
enable the partners to work collaboratively to disrupt the threats. This, in turn, will allow
the government to keep the public safe which is the first and foremost duty of the
government.
3. Why CTOC has been developed?

The need of the development of the CTOC felt after a series of terrorist attacks in 2017
in the United Kingdom. The attack has killed 36 people and caused injury and life-
changing impacts to others. Further, there have been rise in the terrorism threat level to
Severe in the light of broadening threat environment.
4. Function of CTOC
The CTOC will enable the co-location of the counter-terrorism (CT) policing, intelligence
agencies, and the criminal justice system. It will also enable the co-location of the other
government agencies that are focused on tackling the threat from terrorism. The CTOC
would install smart working practices and cultures and will boost the innovation with new
forms of collaboration.
213. UP Government approved the Ganga Expressway Project
The Uttar Pradesh government has approved its ambitious Ganga Expressway project on
November 26, 2020. Total length of the project is 594 kilometres. The project would
cost rupees 36,402 crore.
1. Key Facts
 The Ganga Expressway Project will run along the river from Hardwar to Allahabad.
 The expressway will be running through the cities including the Meerut, Hapur, Bulandshahr,
Sambhal, Amroha, Shahjahanpur, Unnao, Hardoi, and Rae Bareli.
 The decision od the approval was taken in a UP Cabinet meeting that was chaired by Chief
Minister Yogi Adityanath.
2. Other decision by the UP cabinet

 The UP Cabinet also approved the district-wise alignment of the Expressway.
 The cabinet further decided to monetise the Agra-Lucknow Expressway.
 The money coming from the Agra-Lucknow Expressway would be utilized to fund the Ganga
Expressway project.
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 A high-power committee will also be set up in accordance with the cabinet decision. The
committee would take procedural and operational decisions on monetising the Agra-Lucknow
Expressway.
3. Ganga Expressway
It is a proposed six lane greenfield expressway project in Uttar Pradesh. The project was
launched on January 29, 2019 by the Chief minister, Yogi Adityanath. The 594 kms
Expressway will be completed in two phases. Phase-1 of the project would pass through
13 districts including Meerut, Amroha, Bulandshahr, Budaun, Shahjahanpur, Kannauj,
Unnao, Rae Bareli, Pratapgarh. It will end at Malawan Khurd village in Prayagraj District.
While the Phase-2 of the project would consists of a 110 km long section connecting Tigri
tonearby Haridwar and a 314 km section that will connect Prayagraj to Ballia. Phase 1 of
the project would be completed by 2025.
214. Indian Railway Launched Digitized Online Human Resource

Management System
Indian Railway has launched a completely digitized online Human Resource Management
System (HRMS).
1. What is Human Resource Management System (HRMS)?

The HRMS is a high thrust project for Indian Railways. The project provides for an
improved productivity and employee satisfaction. The project is a move for improving
the efficiency and productivity of the Railway system. The project is a significant step
that make us to realize the vision of Prime Minister who seeks to transform the India into
a digitally empowered society and a knowledge economy. The project will create a big
impact on the functioning of all the employees. It will make the employee more tech
savvy.
2. What are the Modules of the HRMS?

The Chairman and CEO of the Railway Board, Vinod Kumar Yadav, has launched
following modules of HRMS & User depot that are useful for railway employees and
pensioners:
215. Football Legend Diego Maradona Passed Away
Football legend Diego Maradona from Argentina passed away on November 25, 2020 at
the age of 60 due to cardiac arrest.
1. How the legend died?

Maradona was hospitalized in the first week of November 2020. He was tested for a
blood clot in his brain for which he was operated and the operation was successful. But,
on November 25 he suffered cardiac arrest. The team of doctors failed to revive him.
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2. About his Career
Diego Maradona had begun his professional career at the age of 16. he represented
Boca Juniors, Napoli, Barcelona and Newell’s Old Boys. He was the star player who led
Argentina to win its second World Cup in the year 1986.
3. His achievements
 The player had started his debut in the year 1976 for Argentinos Junior. He played for five
years at the Argentinos Juniors.
 He became the first football player in the world to transfer fee twice. At first, he was
transferred to Barcelona and later transferred to Napoli.
 He made his international debut in the year 1977 when Argentina played against Hungary.
 He was declared the South American Player of the Year and led Argentine Team in the Junior
World Cup in the year 1979.
 At the age of 10, the legend played the 1979 FIFA World Youth Championship held in Japan.
He became the star of the tournament and he shined in Argentina’s 3-1 final win against the
Soviet Union.
 He played his first World Cup Tournament in the year 1982 in Spain. He played in all the five
matches and scored twice against Hungary.
4. Hand of God moment

The legend under his captaincy led the Argentine National Team to win the 1986 World
Cup in Mexico against West Germany. In this tournament, famous ‘Hand of God’ moment
came to him when he scored a goal during the quarter-finals match between Argentina
vs England.
November 27, 2020
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216. NITI Aayog released ‘Mitigation and Management of Covid-19:

Practices from India’s States and UTs’
The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog has released ‘Mitigation and
Management of Covid-19 : practices from states and union territories (Uts). The report
contain the details information regarding various initiatives that has been implemented
by states, districts and cities across India to contain and manage the Covid-19
pandemic.
1. Highlights
 The compendium was released by Member of the NITI Ayog Dr VK Paul, CEO Amitabh Kant
and Additional Secretary Dr Rakesh Sarwal.
 While preparing the detailed report, NITI Aayog had reached out to all states and Union
Territories by email and telephonically.
 NITI Ayog asked the states and Union Territories to share any practice that they believe has
helped in the mitigation and management of the Covid-19
2. About the Report

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 The best practices in the report have been categorized under six categories:
3. Practices adopted by States/UTs

Practices adopted by states and Union territories to contain the Covid-19 pandemic
include:
217. Recognition of Archery Association of India Restored
The ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has restored the government recognition to
Archery Association of India (AAI) on November 26, 2020.
1. Highlights
The Archery Association of India has restored as a Nation Sports Federation for
promotion and regulation of Archery Sport across India. The recognition of AAI would be
valid for one year.
2. Background
The Government of India had withdrawn the recognition of AAI eight years back. The
recognition was withdrawn in the light of its failure to conduct the elections in
accordance with the National Sports Development Code of India.
3. Archery Association of India (AAI)

AAI is the national governing body of archery in the country. The governing body has
been located in New Delhi. Arjun Munda is currently the President of the body. It is a
non-profit, government funded organization. It has also been affiliated by World Archery
Federation (IAF), Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and Asian Archery Federation (AAF).
AAI is recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports of India. The body was
established on August 8, 1973. AAI is known for organizing promoting and controlling
the sport of archery across the country.
4. World Archery Federation (WAF)

WAF is a governing body of the sport of archery. The body has been headquartered in
Lausanne, Switzerland. It comprise of the 156 national federations. The body is
recognized by the International Olympic Committee.
5. World Archery Asia (WAA)

WAA was earlier known as Asian Archery Federation (AAF). It is the continental
governing body for the sport of archery in the Asia region. It has been affiliated to WAF.
218. Honey FPO Programme inaugurated by Agriculture Minister
The Honey FPO Programme was inaugurated by the Agriculture Minisiter , Narendra
Singh Tomar, on November 26, 2020.
1. Highlights
 The Honey FPO Programme is of National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of
India Limited (NAFED).
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 The programme of inauguration was hosted by the new Honey FPOs, farmers and FPOs from
across the country.
2. Why this programme has been inaugurated?

In India, The culture of Beekeeping is highly predominant in the unorganized sector
specially among the rural and tribal population. The honey production and beekeeping
culture has very high potential in the country. But the industry is still underdeveloped.
Thus, this programme has been inaugurated. Through this programme, NAFED will
address these issues.
3. How NAFED would address the issues?

NAFED would act as an intermediary through the Honey FPOs. It will fill up the gaps
between the elements of the beekeeping supply chain. NAFED would further ensure the
price remuneration for the beekeeping farmers. It will also work to promote the
beekeeping as an occupation for unemployed women and tribal populations and help
them to uplift their livelihood.
4. Honey FPOs Programme

Honey FPOs have been made by ISAP under the parent head of National Bee Board
(NBB). The Honey beekeeping, through the Honey FPOs, would help in changing the
lifestyle of small and marginal farmers. It would help in increasing and doubling the
farmer’s income. Establishment of the FPOs is also significant in implementing the
agricultural reforms in the country. Establishment of FPOs would also act as a first step
for establishing the Aatmanirbhar Krishi. In the line, Scheme for Formation & Promotion
of new 10000 FPOs was also launched.
5. Areas Covered
The programme would cover the areas such as Sundarbans in West Bengal, Mathura in
Uttar Pradesh, East Champaran in Bihar, Morena in Madhya Pradesh and Bharatpur in
Rajasthan. The First ever Honey FPO is the Chambal FED Shahad Utpadak Sahakari
Samiti in Madhya Pradesh. It was registered on November 11, 2020 under the
Cooperatives Act.
219. India-Finland Relation: MOU signed for Environmental Protection

and Biodiversity Conservation
India and Finland have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the
development of cooperation between both the countries. The MoU was signed in the
field of Environment protection and biodiversity conservation.
1. Significance of the Memorandum of Understanding

 The MoU has been signed to strengthen the partnership between Indian and Finland.
 It will support and exchange the best practices from both the countries in areas including
prevention of Air and water pollution, Waste management, low-carbon solutions, Promotion of
circular economy, sustainable management of Climate change, Conservation of Marine,
Coastal and other natural Resources.
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 This MOU will commit both the countries to work together more closely to comply with the
commitments made under Paris Agreement.
 The MoU also seeks to strengthen the technological, scientific and management capabilities.
 It will also develop the bilateral cooperation in the field of environmental protection and
biodiversity conservation based on the equality, reciprocity, mutual benefit and promotion of
sustainable development.
2. India’s efforts towards Sustainable environment

India has voluntary reduced the emissions intensity of its GDP by 21% by 2020 as
compared to the level in 2005. It further targets to achieve 35% reduction well before
the target year of 2030. India has undertaken three climate change goals as a part of its
Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement. The following three
targets of India to be completed by 2030:
3. India-Finland Relation
The diplomatic relations between both the countries was established in the year 1949.
Since then, the countries have worked upon strengthening the relation through the
diplomatic, official visits and trade channels. As of 2017, the bilateral trade between
both the countries stands at 1.284 billion USD. The main items of exports to Finland
include mineral fuels, mineral oils, electronic goods, iron, cotton, steel and other
machinery appliances. While India imports nuclear reactors, pulp of wood and boilers
from Finland.
220. Draft Merchant Shipping Bill, 2020
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has published a draft Merchant Shipping
Bill, 2020 and has open it for public consultation. The draft bill has been aimed at
repealing and replacing the Merchant Shipping Act of 1958 and the Coasting Vessels Act
of 1838.
1. Key Provisions of the bill

The bill has following provisions:
2. Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways

This ministry is the apex body that formulates and administrates the rules, regulations
and laws related to ports, shipping and waterways. Currently, it is headed by Shri
Mansukh L. Mandaviya.
221. India to host 19th SCO Heads of Government Meet
India is all set to host the virtual meeting of the Heads of the Government of the eight-
member Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) bloc for the first time on November
30, 2020.
1. Highlights
 From China Side, Premier Li Keqiang would attend the 19th meeting of the council.
 The meeting would be held under the chairmanship of India.
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2. Agenda of the meeting
 The leaders including Li will hold the in-depth communication and exchange of deepening the
SCO cooperation in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic.
 The leaders would also build more consensus on cooperation.
 They would formulate more practical measures seeking the greater synergy between the Belt
and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation, national development strategies and regional
cooperation initiatives.
 They will further discuss the measures so as to enhance the economic, trade, investment,
capacity of production, connectivity, culture and people to people cooperation.
 They would also have a talk on pushing the national economic recovery and improving the
livelihood of the people.
 They would also held talk on promoting the faster and better development of SCO.
3. Other meeting by the SCO leaders

Russia recently on November 10, 2020, had organized the heads of state summit of the
SCO virtually. The summit was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the
Chinese President Xi Jinping. The meeting was attended by heads of all the 8 Member
States namely, Russia, India, China, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and
Uzbekistan. This was the third meeting that India participated as full member. The
Summit ended with the adoption of Moscow Declaration. It had a statements about the
Commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of World War II, Countering the Drug Threat,
Digital Economy, Countering the Spread of Terrorism and COVID-19.
222. West Bengal Expanded the ‘Swasthya Sathi’ Health Scheme
The Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, has expanded the state-run health
scheme called ‘Swasthya Sathi’
1. Highlights
 The scheme will now cover the entire population of the state.
 The extension of the scheme would now be applicable from December 1, 2020.
 This scheme runs parallel to the Centre’s ‘Ayushman Bharat’ scheme for which the funds are
shared in the ratio of 60:40 between centre and state.
 While, the ‘Swasthya Sathi’ scheme is totally funded by the West Bengal government.
 Earlier, the scheme was to cover 7.5 crore people but now, it will cover every person
including child, old man and woman. The scheme would cover the persons irrespective of
religious affinity.
2. Swasthya Sathi
 This scheme was officially launched in December 2016.
 Under the Swasthya Sathi scheme, all the state-run hospitals and private hospitals in the
state have been included.
 Under the scheme, every family will be given one smart card. The smart card would help the
person to avail the benefits of ‘Swasthya Sathi’.
 This scheme is a basic health cover scheme that provides secondary and tertiary care up
to ₹five lakh per annum per family.
 The smart health card will be issued in the name of the family, usually a woman.
 State will bear an expense of ₹2,000 crore for the health scheme.
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 Families will be enrolled in the scheme after the government representatives will start visiting
every household in the state under the ‘Duare Duare Poschimbongo Sarkar’ scheme.
3. ‘Duare Duare Poschimbongo Sarkar’ scheme.

This is the ‘West Bengal government at your doorstep’ scheme. The scheme was
launched on November 23, 2020. The scheme was launched with an aim to address the
grievances of the people from the block level.
223. Scotland became First Country to Make Sanitary Products Free
Scotland has made sanitary products free to all women on November 24, 2020. By
doing so, the Scotland has become the first nation in the world to tackle the problem of
“period poverty”. The Scotland government has passed the Period Products (Free
Provision) Scotland Bill, 2020 to make the products free.
1. The Period Products (Free Provision) Scotland Bill

 Period Products (Free Provision) Scotland Bill was passed as “an important policy for women
and girls”.
 The bill had made tampons and sanitary pads available at designated public places including
the community centres, youth clubs and pharmacies, at an estimated annual cost of 24
million pounds.
2. Highlights
 With the passing of the bill, No one need to worry about from where their next tampon, pad
or reusable is coming.
 Earlier , In 2018, Scotland had became the first country in the world to provide free sanitary
products in schools, colleges and universities.
3. Why this measure have been taken?

As per a survey done by the Children’s Charity Plan International in 2017, around 10
percent of girls in the United Kingdom (UK) had been unable to afford the sanitary
products. The survey had also reported that, the girls were skipping the classes as a
consequence.
4. Background
The Sanitary products in the United Kingdom have been taxed at 5 percent. This levy
have been set in accordance with the European Union (EU) rules. The EU rules set tax
rates on certain products. Since, UK has left the EU, the Finance Minister of Britain has
now come up with the legislation to abolish the “tampon tax”. The tax would be
abolished in January 2021.
224. France Resumes Digital Tax on Facebook & Amazon
France has resumed the collection of a special digital tax on Big Tech companies such as
Amazon and Facebook.
1. Highlights
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 The decision to resume the digital tax was taken despite having the threat from USA.
 France face the threat from USA regarding the retaliatory tariffs on Cheese, French
Champagne, handbags and other goods.
 The tax has brought about 400 million euros to the French budget in the year 2019.
 But, the government has taken decision to suspend it in the year 2020.
2. Why France has taken such decision?

France took the decision to resume the digital tax in light of America’s promise to drop
the tariff threat pending talks on the international deal of taxing the online companies.
3. What are the other countries imposing such tax

Similar steps has also been taken by several European countries. The European
Countries have imposed similar measures that aims to force the online giants like
Amazon and Facebook to pay full taxes in the countries where they do business. They
are kept away from availing the benefits from the tax havens.
4. GAFA Tax
GAFA tax has been named after Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon. It is a proposed
digital tax that will be levied on large technology and internet companies. The decision
to introduce this tax was first taken by France.
5. Background
137 countries had agreed in January 2020 to negotiate a deal on how to tax tech
multinationals by 2020-end. It was agreed under the aegis of Organization for Economic
Co-operation and Development (OECD). France, Britain, Italy and Spain had agreed on
“a fair digital tax” at the level of the OECD while United States has always pulled out of
talks that were aimed at taking decisions for making up a global tax system for digital
giants.
225. UAE to become First Arab Gulf Country to Generate Electricity from
Coal
The United Arab Emirates is all set to become the first Arab Gulf country, and probably
the last, to generate electricity from coal.
1. Key Facts
 The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is doing so, because the government in UAE is increasingly
turning to cleaner fuels. Because of this, the price of renewable energy is falling.
 To produce the electricity from coal, Dubai is starting up the $3.4 billion Hassyan coal plant.
2. Hassyan coal plant

 The Hassyan coal plant has a capacity of 600 Mega watts initially. The capacity is being
increased to 2,400 Mega Watts by 2023.
 Dubai would get coal for the plant from Japan’s Jera Co.
 Japan would supply coal to Dubai under a long-term agreement with Acwa Power of Saudi
Arabia. Acwa Power of Saudi Arabia is developing the coal power plant in Dubai.
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3. Why coal plant is being set up?
Coal is considered as the dirtiest fuel for power generation. Despite this fact, Dubai is
constructing up the coal based power plant. The reason for this is, Hassyan’s standards
for pollution will be based on the guidelines for natural-gas plants. If it comply with it,
that would mean that the Hassyan coal plant emits less carbon than the European Union
and the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation for coal plants.
4. Scenario in other gulf countries

Other countries in the gulf region have not rejected the plans to set up the coal power
plant. In the year 2018, Oman had launched a tender for a coal project at Duqm.
However, it was later withdrawn.
5. How the demand of electricity is completed in gulf countries?

Electricity stations in Dubai, the Middle East’s main business and financial hub in the
region mostly run on gas.
November 28, 2020
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226. What is filecoin? How does it work?
In simple words, Filecoin is a cryptocurrency that allows a person to rent out extra or
additional space on their computer. It is an open-source and decentralized method of
data storage and retrieval.
1. Key Point related to filecoin

 The filecoin project was launched in the year 2017 and raised $200 million in an initial coin
offering (ICO).
 ICO is funding provided using cryptocurrencies.
 Filecoin is created by Protocol labs which is a research and development laboratory founded
by scientist Juan Benet.
 The total network storage of Filecoin has reached above 1.1 million TB or 1 EiB (exbibyte).
2. How filecoin works?

Filecoin is a digital payment system that allows a person to buy unused storage space on
another person’s computer for data storage.
3. Advantages of filecoin
 As filecoin tends to create a larger free storage market for data, it will bring down the price
for storage.
 Filecoin connects a lot of computers together resulting in a huge storage network.
 Filecoin will be using the available resources instead of using new storage computers.
 Filecoin ensures that it cannot be hacked like other data storage services like Dropbox.
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4. Is filecoin safe?
As filecoin allows a person to save his data on someone else’s computer there are safety
issues with filecoin. However, filecoin ensures the safety of the data as it splits the data
in such a way that it cannot be accessed by anyone else. The data can be regrouped by
the host if it is hacked but will result in meaningless data.
5. Future of Filecoin
Cloud service providers like Google and Amazon put in a lot of money which shows there
is a great demand in the market. If the trust for decentralized services is generated
among the people, they can save a lot of money.
227. Key Facts about Mission Covid Suraksha
The Indian Government has launched “Mission COVID Suraksha” to give a push to the
development process of around 5 to 6 Covid-19 vaccine candidates. The mission will
cover everything starting from the research and development of a vaccine, getting a
license, and final introduction into the market. As many COVID-19 vaccines are
undergoing final trials, the mission will ensure proper availability of the vaccine to the
people once they get approved.
1. Key Points about Mission Covid Suraksha

 This is a mission aiming to provide an end-to-end process from preclinical trials to
manufacturing for the supply of vaccines to the people.
 The government has announced a package of Rs 900 crore for the development of vaccines
under the Mission Covid Suraksha. It is the third stimulus package for COVID-19 by the
government of India.
 The grant or package will be provided to the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
 The main aim of the fund is to strengthen the central and immunoassay laboratories,
production facilities, test facilities for supporting Covid-19 vaccine development and
establishing clinical trial sites.
 DBT also started programmes for vaccine development but they were only limited to the
development of vaccines unlike mission covid suraksha.
 As of now, 10 vaccine candidates are supported by DBT. Out of which, 5 are in human trials
including that for Russian COVID-19 vaccine- Sputnik V. Three of the candidates supported by
DBT are in pre-clinical trials and will enter human trials shortly.
 The mission aims to provide all possible support to COVID-19 vaccine candidates.
2. COVID-19 Vaccine Development

At present, the Serum Institute of India is conducting phase-3 trials of the Oxford
vaccine. Bharat Biotech and ICMR vaccine of India have also commenced their phase 3
clinical trials. Indigenously developed Zydus Cadila’s vaccine has completed phase-2
clinical trials.
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228. What is Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVin)?
Recently, PM Modi interacted virtually with the head of all states and Union Territories
for discussing the preparedness of COVID-19 vaccination in India. During the interaction,
it was informed that India is using eVin i.e. Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network in
collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) for identifying the
primary beneficiaries of the vaccine and its distribution networks.
1. What is eVin?
Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVin) is a technology that maintains digital
records of stocks of vaccines and monitors the temperature of the cold chain through a
mobile application. eVIN was initially launched across 12 states in the year 2015 for
supporting improved vaccine logistics management at cold chain points. eVIN also
supports the Universal Immunization Programme of the Indian government by providing
real-time information related to the stocks and flows of the vaccine, and storage
temperatures at all cold chain points across states and UTs.
2. How eVin Works?

All the cold storage handlers are provided with mobiles/smartphones with eVin
application wherein they update the net utilization of each vaccine every day. This data
is viewed by managers at district, state, and national levels. Thus, the data about the
stock of vaccines get available to the government. In addition to this, SIM-enabled
temperature loggers are attached to the cold chain equipment which records the
temperature through a digital sensor placed in the refrigerator. The data related to
temperature is captured every 10 minutes and updated after every 60 minutes on the
server. In this way, data related to storage temperatures get available.
3. How vaccine introduction will be guided to all states/UTs?

The Centre government has started its preparations for introducing Covid-19 vaccine.
The government has formed a National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for
Covid-19 (NEGVAC) which will guide the strategies for vaccine introduction. It is
expected that at an initial level, the supply of the vaccine will be limited due to huge
demand. The government will prioritize the population on the basis of risk assessment
for vaccination and then other groups will be included for vaccination.
On November 17, the Indian government imposed a moratorium on the Lakshmi Vilas
Bank (LVB) on the recommendations of the Reserve Bank of India, the country’s central
bank. The bank has been placed in a moratorium of 30 days as the bank was struggling
with losses from the last few years. After imposing a moratorium, RBI has appointed T.
N. Manoharan as an administrator for the bank and has proposed its merger with the
Indian subsidiary of DBS Bank. Before LVB, a bank moratorium has also been imposed on
Yes Bank, Maharashtra Co-operative Bank, and Punjab Co-operative Bank.
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Bank Moratorium is a process under which the central bank asks the central government
to suspend the operations of a bank for a period of time to improve its financial
conditions. This power is held by RBI as per the Banking Regulation Act 1949. Under this,
period several limitations are imposed on the bank like it is not able to sign any
agreements and make investments. Also, the depositors are not able to withdraw funds
as per their wish. Generally, a limit for withdrawal is set by RBI.
2. Banking Regulation Act 1949

The Banking Regulation Act, 1949 is an act that provides provisions for regulating all the
banking organizations in India. The act was passed as the Banking Companies Act 1949
and came into force from 16th March 1949. The name of the act was changed to
Banking Regulation Act 1949 on 1st March 1966. As per Section 45 of the act, RBI has
the power to recommend or apply to the Central Government for the suspension of
business of a bank or banking company and prepare schemes for its amalgamation or
reconstitution. RBI has the power to give directions to banks and banking entities in the
country through Section 35 A of the act.
3. Why moratorium is imposed?

RBI monitors the financial conditions of the banks. If the central bank finds that the net
worth of the bank is declining rapidly and it may not be able to pay the funds of the
depositors, it uses such measures.
4. Is the money of depositors safe after bank moratorium?

If RBI finds a suitable buyer for the banking entity then there is no threat to funds like in
the case of Yes Bank, the central bank was able to find the investors. If there are no
buyers then the deposited funds come at a risk.
5. Lakshmi Vilas Bank under Bank Moratorium

For the last 3 years, the Bank has been facing continuous losses. Because of this, the
Bank was also placed under Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) from September 2019. Since
the conditions of LVB have not improved it has been placed under Moratorium for 30
days (till 16th December 2020) as per the provisions of Section 45 of Banking Regulation
Act 1949.
230. What is Servitisation?
Servitisation is a concept where the customers pay for the services instead of buying the
equipment, for example, air conditioning.
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1. Explaining Servitisation
Under the Servitisation model, a customer pays a fixed amount per unit of service
consumed by him and the ownership of the equipment is held by the technology
provider. It means the provider is responsible for all operation costs. This model greatly
incentivises the owner of the equipment owner as through proper maintenance, the
provider can minimize operating costs. When the ownership of the equipment is with
service providers they are also encouraged to rethink the development of modular
systems.
2. How Servitisation will help in achieving goals of low carbon-economy?

The demand for energy is increasing rapidly and the global energy consumption is
expected to be almost twice by 2050. A report by the International Energy Agency
highlights that end-use energy efficiency can alone result in 35% of the cumulative CO2
savings which is required to meet the climate goals of the Paris Agreement.
3. Servitisation for Cooling

The Economist Intelligence Unit has estimated that the cooling markets will expand to
$170 billion from $135 billion annually by the year 2030. Air conditioning alone accounts
for 10% of global electricity consumption so if inefficient systems are not replaced,
demand will triple in the next 30 years.
231. Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 Vaccine Error
Recently, companies involved in the making of COVID-19 vaccines Pfizer-BioNTech,

Oxford-AstraZeneca, and Moderna announced the efficacy rates of their potential Covid-
19 vaccines BNT162b2, AZD1222, and mRNA-1273, respectively. This is a good
development to see the efficiency of these probable COVID-19 vaccines but a “dosing
error” by Oxford-AstraZeneca has come to light which now put everybody in doubt over
the authenticity of the efficacy of the company’s vaccine.
1. What is Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine Error?

AstraZeneca announced the efficiency results of its vaccine on November 23, 2020. The
company said that two different dosing regimens of its vaccine have shown efficacy and
one of them is showing a better profile. The company also claimed that there were no
hospitalizations or severe cases of COVID-19 in participants who were treated with
AZD1222. AstraZeneca highlighted that one dosing regimen of the vaccine has shown
90% efficacy when AZD1222 was given as a half dose, followed by a full dose at least
one month apart, and the second dosing regimen has shown 62% efficacy when given as
two full doses at least one month apart. The overall analysis of both dosing regimens has
resulted in an average efficacy of 70% of the vaccine.
2. AstraZeneca
It is a British–Swedish pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical company which was
founded in 1999. It is headquartered in Cambridge, England.
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232. Pomodoro Technique and why is it good for productivity?
Pomodoro Technique is a time-management technique that has suddenly gained

importance as most of us working from home. We have several distractions, the major
being Social Media. Managing time being at home and completing all the works with
proper rest is a tricky task and the Pomodoro technique can help you in this.
1. What is the Pomodoro Technique?

This time-management technique was developed in the late 1980s by Francesco Cirillo.
He was a university student and was unable to focus on his studies so invented a
technique with a timer. In the technique, a timer of 25 minutes is set for a task and after
it is completed short breaks can be taken. So, the timer is used to divide the work into
intervals. Each interval is called Pomodoro. Now, Pomodoro is an Italian word that means
tomato. As Cirillo used a tomato-shaped kitchen timer, the technique was given the
name- Pomodoro Technique.
2. How does the Pomodoro Technique work?

A person has to divide his work into different intervals including breaks. The steps of the
technique are-
3. Why is it good for productivity?

The technique is good for productivity because it makes a person focus on a particular
work for an interval usually 25 minutes and also take proper breaks. This time-
management technique keeps the person-focused and he is able to take the required
rest also. The regular breaks also keep the mind fresh.
233. What is Green Hydrogen?
Hydrogen that is produced from renewable energy sources is called Green Hydrogen. It
has gained much importance in the global world and it is believed that the fuel can play
a major role in decarbonizing sectors of the economy that are hard-to-electrify like
aviation, long-haul trucking, and heavy manufacturing.
How is Green Hydrogen formed?

Green Hydrogen is produced if renewable energy is used to produce electricity for the
electrolysis of water. In this case, the hydrogen is produced without any harmful
emissions.
Whatsapp is a messaging platform that is owned by Facebook. It is the most popular

messenger platform around the world. The platform users to communicate or chat via
text messages, voice calls, video calls and allows them to share photos, documents,
videos, locations, and much more.
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It is a scam related to Whatsapp where scammers send One Time Password (OTP) to
your Whatsapp account and then trick you to share the OTP with them. Once the OTP is
shared, the scammer gets access and control of your Whatsapp account. These
messages containing OTP can come in any form in your account.
2. What to do in case of receiving an OTP on your Whatsapp account?

If in case, someone shares an OTP to your Whatsapp account and asks you to share it
with them on account of any emergency or any reason, do not indulge with them. In no
case share, any OTP received in your Whatsapp account or your phone to anyone.
3. Two-Step Verification for your Whatsapp Account

In order to protect your account from scammers, you should opt for a 2-step verification
process of Whatsapp.
Recently, the National Stock Exchange has declared the Karvy Stock Broking Limited
(KSBL) as a defaulter for not complying with the regulatory provisions of the bourse and
also expelled it from its membership. Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) has also done the
same before NSE.

As per the case, KSBL had unauthorisedly transferred securities of clients into one of its
Demat accounts by misusing the Power of Attorney provided by its clients.
2. National Stock Exchange

It is a stock exchange of India with its headquarters in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It was set
up in the year 1992 as the 1st dematerialized electronic exchange of India. As of April
2018, it is the 11th largest stock exchange in the world with an overall market
capitalization of over US$2.27 trillion.
3. Bombay Stock Exchange

It is an Indian stock exchange established in the year 1875. It is the oldest stock
exchange in Asia. As of April 2018, it is the 10th largest stock exchange in the world with
an overall market capitalization of over US$2.2 trillion.
November 30, 2020
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236. What is Technical Recession?
The National Statistical Office (NSO) has released the economic data for the July to
September quarter. The data by NSO has confirmed that India was in the midst of a
technical recession because of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak.
1. What NSO data confirms?

 As per the NSO data, Indian economy was contracted by 7.5 percent in the last quarter.
 Earlier then the last quarter, the economy was contraction by 23.9 percent.
 NSO data further states that, this latest contraction has taken place, despite there is lifting of
restrictions on commercial and economic activities by the central government.
 The data implies that, India has entered into “technical recession” for the first time in first
quarter of 2020-2021.
2. What is a technical recession?

 Technical recession is a situation where recession is considered to be in progress when real
GDP has declined for two consecutive quarters at least.
 The technical recession is different from the recession in a way that, “recession” is the
significant contraction in economic activity.
 The situation of data is clear from the perspective of empirical data analysis But it does not
answer many of the queries such as – is quarterly GDP enough to determine economic
activity or unemployment or personal consumption needs to be considered as well?
3. Recession
Recession is a situation when the recessionary phase continue for an inordinate time. If
the GDP continues to contract for a sustained period, the economy considered to be
fallen into a recession. However, there is one limitation of the recession. Different
economists uses different definitions of recession. Some may use only the GDP to
determine the situation of recession while, others may use manufacturing output,
consumption or employment so as to provide a robust assessment of the economy. This
is because, there is a possibility for GDP to grow but unemployment to rise along with it.
237. Dry Swab-Direct RT-PCR Test Method
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has approved the “dry swab-direct RT-
PCR testing method” to test the COVID-19 virus.
1. Highlights
 It has been developed by CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB).
 This developed method is a simple variation of the conventional gold standard RT-PCR
method.
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2. Dry swab-direct RT-PCR testing method
This dry swab-direct RT-PCR testing method is a RNA-extraction free testing method to
test for the COVID-19 virus. This method has been developed with an aim of scaling up
the testing by two to three fold. It does not require new investment of resources. The
method has a less cost and has a quick turn-around time. This method involves the
collection and transportation of the nasal swab in its dry state. Thus, its transportation
and handling is easy and less prone to spread of infection.
3. Why this method has been developed?

The CSIR-CCMB is involved in testing samples for coronavirus since April 2020. It
recently identified some of the key issues in the convectional testing process that slow
the testing process. In order to make the coronavirus testing process fast and simple,
they developed the dry swab testing method.
4. How is it different from the conventional method?

In the conventional testing method, the samples of nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal
swab samples are collected and transported to the testing centres. They are transported
to hundreds of kilometers away. These samples are placed in the liquid called the Viral
Transport Medium (VTM). These samples are packed heavily to avoid the leakage. This
further increases the sample processing times at the sample collection as well as the
testing centres.
238. Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) Accorded IEEE’s

Milestone Status
The Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) observatory has been given the status of
‘IEEE Milestone’ by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
1. Highlights
 The status has been accorded to honour the significant technical achievement by the GMRT.
 The status has also been accorded in the light of honouring its excellence in unique product,
services, patents and seminal papers that are provided with an aim to benefit the humanity.
 This is the third IEEE Milestone recognition that has been awarded for an Indian contribution.
2. Two other ”IEEE milestone status”

Earlier, IEEE milestone status has been accorded to the works of JC Bose in 1895 and CV
Raman in 1928. Both of these works were accorded the status in the year 2012.
3. About ‘IEEE Milestone’ Status

The IEEE milestone status is awarded by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers (IEEE). The status is awarded to recognise the essential and historical
achievements in the fields of electrical and electronics engineering. The award is also
dedicated to the advancing technology.
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4. Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) observatory
The Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) Observatory has been located near Pune.
The observatory is an array of thirty steerable parabolic radio telescopes. Each of the
radio telescope have the diameter of 45 metre. The observatory is operated by National
Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA). It was built during 1984 to 1996. It is one of the
largest and most sensitive low-frequency radio observatories in the world. It is currently
operated by Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR).
5. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

IEEE is the world’s largest technical professional organisation. The corporate head office
of the organisation is located in New York City. It also has its operations centre in
Piscataway, New Jersey. IEEE was established in the year 1963. The organisation
comprise of the Institute of Radio Engineers and the American Institute of Electrical
Engineers.
239. Why Mission COVID Suraksha has been Launched?
The central government recently announced the third stimulus package worth Rupees
900 crore for Mission COVID Suraksha.
1. Mission COVID-Suraksha
 Mission COVID-Suraksha has been launched to boost the development of vaccine in India.
 The mission will ensure that the vaccines are brought to the market.
 This mission was introduced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her 12 point
announcements under the Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan 3.0.
 Rs 2.65 lakh crores has been allocated under this fourth economic package. Out of which, Rs
900 crores was allocated to the Department of Biotechnology under the COVID Suraksha
Mission.
 This mission has an end-to-end focus from preclinical development to the clinical
development. It also focused on manufacturing and regulatory facilitation to deploy,
consolidate all available and funded resources to accelerate the product development.
2. Where the funds will be utilized?

 The fund will be used to implement the Phase I of Mission COVID Suraksha for 12 months.
 The funds would be diverted for the development of vaccines.
 It would also be used to provide license to the vaccines that are in clinical stage or ready to
enter this stage.
 The fund would also help in strengthening the existing immunoassay laboratories, central
laboratories and other facilities for animal studies.
 It will support the development of common harmonized protocols, training, data management
systems and regulatory submissions.
3. How the mission is supported?

This mission is supported by the India Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations
(Ind-CEPI) mission and National Bio Pharma Mission.
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4. Ind-CEPI mission
This mission was launched in the year 2019. This was launched with an aim to
strenghten the development of vaccines for epidemics in India. The mission supports the
infrastructure development so as to develop the vaccine.
5. Coalition for Epidemic preparedness Innovations (CEPI)

CEPI was established by the World Economic Forum, India, Norway and Bill & Melinda
Gates Foundation in the year 2017 at Davos, Switzerland. It provides funds for
independent research projects that are developing vaccines. CEPI has been
headquartered in Oslo, Norway.
240. Hualong One: China’s First Nuclear Reactor
China’s has connected its first nuclear power reactor using Hualong One technology to
the grid located in Fujian Province of the Southeast China.
1. Key Facts
 Hualong One Technology is a domestically developed third-generation reactor design.
 After this was connected to the grid, No. 5 unit of the Fuqing Nuclear Power Plant started
generating electricity. Fuqing Nuclear Power plant is the nuclear plant of China National
Nuclear Corporation (CNNC).
 This move of China shows its great improvement in the competitiveness of nuclear power
industry. This development is significant to restructure the energy plan and low-carbon
development.
2. Hualong One
Hualong one technology is a homegrown nuclear power reactor design of China. It is one
of the world’s most advanced designs. This technology has more than 700 patents and
120 software copyrights. It comprise of 411 core parts. All of these parts have been
designed and made domestically in China. The design has a lifespan of 60 years. It also
comprise of 177 reactor cores that will be replaced every 18 months. The No. 5 unit of
Fuqing Nuclear Power Plant is first pilot project in the world that is using the Hualong
One design. China has started constructing the Hualong One Technology in May 2015.
For this technology, China had utilized nearly 10,000 technicians and workers. Currently,
6 units are in the construction phase based in this technology in China and other parts of
the World.
3. Nuclear power projects of China

China will also make two more demonstration Hualong One units in its Autonomous
region of Guangxi operational soon. Apart from it, China National Nuclear Corporation
has started construction of two more Hualong one units at the Zhangzhou plant. It has
also made a plan for constructing five Hualong One Nuclear reactors for Pakistan. Four of
them will be constructed at Karachi Nuclear Power plant and one will be constructed at
Chashma Nuclear Power plant. These units are under construction and would start
operating by 2021-2022.
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241. What is a Beaver Moon?
On November 30, 2020 the world would witness the fourth and the last lunar eclipse of
the year. Earlier this year, three lunar eclipses were witnessed. Just like three of them,
the fourth lunar event will also be the penumbral event. In the penumbral event, the
moon will be covered by the Earth’s shadow for a few hours. This penumbral eclipse is
also called the Beaver Moon in North America. The event would be visible in parts of
Asia, North America, Europe, South America and Australia.
1. About Beaver Moon

 The Beaver Moon is the full moon that comes out in the November month.
 The moon is called so by most Americans in the North America.
 Beaver moon is called so because, at this time of the year, the beaver trapping season begins
in North America.
 The full moon of November month is also known as the Freezing Moon or Frost Moon.
2. How the Moon is named?

In the ancient times changing seasons were traced by the changing seasons following
the lunar month rather than by following the solar year on which the 12 months of the
modern calendar have been based. People across Europe and American tribes used to
name months based on the features associated with the Northern Hemisphere seasons.
In the modern time, these ancient months’ name are used to give names to the Full
Moon.
3. How Beaver moon has been named?

Full Moon for the month of November has been named as Beaver Moon. It has been
named after beavers because in the month of November, Beavers become particularly
active in building their winter dams so as to get ready for the cold season. Beavers are
the nocturnal and they keep working under the light of the Full Moon. They make dams
of wood and mud. They also build dome-shaped homes called lodges which also
comprise of underwater entrances.
4. Beavers
Beavers are large, semiaquatic rodents found in the temperate Northern Hemisphere.
There are two extant species- the North American beaver and the Eurasian beaver. They
are the second largest living rodents on the Earth. They have stout bodies, large heads,
hand-like front feet, webbed back feet and flat tails. They have brown or grey fur.
Beavers of the North American have a larger skull with a broader tail. They can be found
in freshwater habitats including rivers, lakes, streams, and ponds. They are herbivorous
in nature and they consume tree bark, aquatic plants, brush, grasses and sedges. They
and their teeth continue to grow throughout their lives.
242. Why Iran Passed Bill To Boost Nuclear Activity?
The parliament of Iran have passed a new bill on November 29, 2020. It has been named
as “The strategic measure for the removal of sanctions” bill.
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1. Why this bill has been passed?
Iran has passed this bill in order to boost its nuclear activities. Iran has taken this
decision in the light of assassination of its nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh.
2. What was the issue?

Mohsen Fakhrizadeh was a veteran physicist and a nuclear scientist of Iran. He was
working in the fields of nuclear research and defense activities. But, he was killed on
November 27, 2020 in a bombing and shooting outside Tehran. So, Parliament National
Security and Foreign Policy Committee of Iran discussed the bill named as “strategic
measure for the removal of sanctions” and approved three of its articles.
3. The strategic measure for the removal of sanctions bill
4. Current Scenario in Iran

Iran is enriching its uranium at more than 4%. This is more then the prescribed level of
3.67% under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
5. Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)

JCPOA is also known as the Iran nuclear deal or Iran deal. It is an agreement on the
Iranian nuclear program. The agreement was done between Iran and P5+1 member
nations in Vienna on 14 July 2015.
6. P5+1
The grouping comprise of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security
Council namely, China, Russia, France, United Kingdom and the United States along with
Germany with the European Union.
243. SCO Online International Exhibition on Shared Buddhist Heritage

commenced today
The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, and Chair of the Shanghai
Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of the government in 2020 have
launched the first ever SCO Online Exhibition on Shared Buddhist Heritage. The Online
International Exhibition was launched during the 19th Meeting of the SCO Council of
Heads of Government (SCO CHG), which was held on November 30, 2020.
1. SCO Online International Exhibition

 The SCO online International exhibition has been developed and curated by National
Museum, New Delhi.
 The Shanghai Cooperation Organization member countries also collaborated in the
development of the exhibition.
 This exhibition displays the state of the art technologies including 3D scanning, webGL
platform, innovative curation, virtual space utilization and narration methodology.
2. Significance of the Exhibition

 This online exhibition is significance in the light that, Buddhist philosophy and art of Central
Asia connects each of the members of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) with each
other.
187
 This international exhibition further presents an excellent opportunity to the visitors to
access, appreciate and compare the Buddhist art antiquities from SCO countries on a single
platform.
 This transnational online exhibition also has potential to connect, heal and rejuvenate
communities in the COVID-19 situation.
 The international exhibition showcase the artistic wealth displayed at various museums
across Asia.
 It represents the artistic excellence within historical timeline across the development of
different Schools of Buddhism.
3. Participating institutes
In the online exhibition, National Museum (New Delhi), Indian Museum (Kolkata),
National Museum of Kazakhstan, National Historical Museum of the Kyrgyz Republic,
Museums of Pakistan, National Museum of Antiquities, Tajikistan, State Museum of
Oriental Art, Moscow (Russia), Dun Huang Academy (China) and renowned
archaeological sites of Uzbekistan have participated.
244. What is ARTPARK?
An AI & Robotics Technologies Park (ARTPARK) has been set up in Bengaluru recently.
The ARTPARK will promote the technology innovations in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and
Robotics that have several societal impact.
1. About ARTPARK
 It is a joint initiative of the Indian Institute of Science and AI Foundry.
 It has been set up as a Section 8 company that is a Not for Profit company.
 The Department of Science and Technology has also granted funds for its establishment
under the National Mission on Inter-disciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS).
 The ARTPARK is a premier research translation park that comprise of a global collaborative
ecosystem.
 It is being setup as a Robert Bosch Centre for Cyber-Physical Systems at IISc.
 The technological park has been set to boost the AI & Robotics in a mission-driven model so
as to bring better quality of life to the people.
 This has been set with an objective to lower the cost of living with AI and robotics.
 It seeks to ensure a better quality of life for everyone and to improve the access to AI
awareness and education.
2. National Mission on Inter-disciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS)

This National Mission has been launched with an aim to create a strong foundation and a
seamless ecosystem for Cyber Physical Systems (CPS) technologies. It coordinate and
integrate the nationwide efforts to encompass the knowledge generation, human
resource development, research, technology and product development.
3. Cyber Physical Systems (CPS)

CPS are a new class of engineered systems. It integrate the computation and physical
processes in a dynamic environment. CPS caters to the technology areas of Cybernetics,
Mechatronics, Design and Embedded systems, Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data and
Artificial Intelligence (AI).
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189

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Current Affairs [PDF] - November 1-30, 2020

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1. Fifteenth Finance Commission to submit its report on 9th November.

3. Finance Commission (FC)

4. 15th Finance Commission

2. Strategic Policy and Facilitation Bureau- to be set up by AYUSH

4. Functions of Invest India

3. BRICS Business Forum held virtually.

2. BRICS Business Council

4. Objective of the council

4. World’s strongest storm- super typhoon Goni hits the Philippines.

5. Draft rules for Industrial Relations Code- To be implemented by April,

2. Industrial Relations Code, 2020

4. Who regulate the labour?

2. What is Biomass Gasification?

7. Who is a star campaigner?

2. Who is a Star campaigner?

3. Who borne the expenditure by Star campaigner?

4. Provisions related to star campaigner status

8. Public Affairs Index-2020.

3. Recommendations by the report

4. Public Affairs Centre (PAC)

9. How did GST collection hits 8-month high in October 2020?

2. What does this show?

10. UNESCO included Panna in “World network of Biosphere Reserves”.

2. Panna National Park

11. Mansar Lake Development Plan in J&K inaugurated.

3. Recent Developments in Jammu and Kashmir region

4. Why development of J&K is significant?

2. Fortified Rice Distribution Scheme

4. Swami Atmanand Government English Medium School Scheme

5. Mukhyamantri Sahari Slum Swathya Yojana

6. Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana

13. IIT Madras developed “IITM COVID Game” to raise awareness.

1. IITM COVID Game

4. How GOI is fight against COVID-19?

15. Centre releases Rs 2,200 crores to 15 states for improving Air

The Government of India have released Rs 2,200 crores to 15 states on November 2,

2. India’s renewable energy sector

17. Highlights of Ganga Utsav, 2020.

2. The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)

3. Other Initiatives for Clean Ganga

18. Portugal’s Duarte Pacheco elected as new President of Inter

2. Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU)

19. India’s First Solar Powered Miniature Train Launched in Kerala.

2. The miniature rail