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Current Affairs Weekly PDF – December 2020 1st

Week (1-8)
NATIONAL AFFAIRS
3rd Global RE-INVEST Renewable Energy Investors Meet & Expo 2020 takes place virtually
The 3rd Global RE-INVEST Renewable Energy Investors Meet & Expo 2020 organised by the Ministry of
New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) took place virtually from November 26-28, 2020 to speed up
development and deployment of renewable energy, and connect the global investment community with
Indian energy stakeholders. The event was virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The
Theme of RE-INVEST 2020 is ‘Innovations for Sustainable Energy Transition’. The meet was organized
by MNRE in association with Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA) and
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
GOI allocates third Stimulus package of Rs.900 Crore to Mission COVID Suraksha
Government of India has allocated Rs.900 crore to Department of Biotechnology (DBT) for research and
development of COVID-19 vaccines under Mission COVID Suraksha. This is the third stimulus package,
already a stimulus of Rs.900 crore for a period of 12 months has been allocated for phase 1 trials.The
Department has supported 10 vaccines so far, 5 are in human trials including the Russian Vaccine
Sputnik-V of which 3 are in an advanced stage. National Technical Advisory Group on
Immunization(NTAGI), approved Mission COVID Suraksha.
BHEL sets new record of manufacturing India's highest-rated auto transformer ‘500 MVA
400/220/33 kV’
Bharat Heavy Electronics Limited (BHEL) has set a new record for successfully manufacturing and
testing India’s highest-rated auto transformer ‘500 MVA 400/220/33 kV’ (It is BHEL’s 21 400 kV class
transformer) at the National High-Power Test Laboratory (NHPTL) at Bina, Madhya Pradesh. It
successfully passed the Short circuit test. These transformers play a big role in building power
transmission to load centres and bigger cities. BHEL stated that it is a new benchmark in the Global
Transformer Industry.
Rajasthan CM inaugurates India’s first “Organ donor Memorial”

On 27th November, 2020 in the occasion of 11th National Organ Donation Day celebration at Jaipur,
Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot inaugurated virtually the first of its kind “Organ Donor Memorial” in the
country. The organ donor memorial has been built near SMS Hospital by the Mohan Foundation Jaipur
Citizens Forum and the Jaipur Municipal Corporation.
PM Modi addressed the 8th Convocation of Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the students through video conference on the occasion of 8th
Convocation day of Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat.PM laid foundation
stone 45 MW Production Plant of Monocrystalline Solar PhotoVoltaic Panel’ and ‘Centre of Excellence
on Water Technology’.Click details of other inaugurations and his speech. The Pandit Deendayal
Petroleum University (PDPU) was established as a private university through the State Act Act enacted
on April 4, 2007.

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21st edition of Hornbill festival 2020 celebrated virtually First time in Nagaland
On 1st December, 2020 Nagaland started celebrating the 21st edition of Hornbill festival 2020 from 1st-
5th of December organised virtually for the first time due to the pandemic.
Hornbill festival known as “Festival of Festivals” is organised by the state tourism of arts and culture
department of Nagaland at the Naga Heritage Village of Kisama, Kohima.It is a 10-day event.
Lachit Divas 2020 Celebrated Across Assam on 24th November to Remember Lachit
Borphukan, Legendary Ahom General
Lachit Divas is annually celebrated across the state of Assam in India on 24th November to remember
the valor of Chao Lachit Borphukan, an army general of Ahom Kingdom (now Guwahati, Assam).Lachit
Divas is celebrated across India since 2017.The day is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of the
state Hero Lachit Borphukan.
19th session of the SCO CHG hosted by India; 1st SCO Online International Exhibition on Shared
Buddhist Heritage Held
On November 30, 2020, India virtually hosted the 19th meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation
Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of Government (SCO CHG) which was chaired by Vice President of
India Muppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu from New Delhi. This is an annual summit at the level of Prime
Ministers of SCO and deals primarily with the trade and economic agenda of the
organization.Turkmenistan has been invited as a Special Guest of India. Venkaiah Naidu launched the
first ever SCO Online 3D Exhibition on Shared Buddhist Heritage, during the meeting.
• India has also organized the virtual format of the first-ever SCO Young Scientists Conclave (YSC)
on Nov 24-28, 2020 with the theme “Shaping SCO-STI Partnership: Young Scientists
Perspectives”….Click here for more detail
Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju launches 2nd Edition of “Fit India School Week” program
Minister of State (MoS) (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs and Sports, Kiren Rijiju virtually
launched the 2nd Edition of “Fit India School Week” program on November 25, 2020 to Make Every
Indian fit. Fit India Mission Director, Ekta Vishnoi, Manoj Ahuba Chairman of Central Board of
Secondary Education (CBSE), Dr. G. Immanuel, Chairman of Council for the Indian School Certificate
Examinations (CISCE) were present during the launch.
HexGn and AFC India Ltd Partnered to promote over 1,000 Agritech Start-Ups in India
On 16th November,2020 HexGn and AFC India Ltd(formerly Agricultural Finance Corporation Ltd)
signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) for collaboratively promoting more than 1000
Agritech(Agricultural Technology) Startups in India in the next 5 year. In order to enhance the
capabilities and skills of first-generation technology entrepreneurs in the agri-tech domain, HexGn will
host a series of programmes and initiatives. This is part of the partnership.
Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Launched ‘Sahakar Pragya’ to Train Farmers
in Primary Cooperatives in Rural Areas
On November 24, 2020 Narendra Singh Tomar, Union minister for agriculture and farmers welfare
launched ‘Sahakar Pragya’, an initiative of National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC). The
45 new training modules of Sahakar Pragya of NCDC will impart training to primary cooperative
societies in rural areas of India along with Lakshmanrao Inamdar National Cooperative Research and
Development Academy(LINAC). Sahakar Pragya enhances the NCDC’s training capacity through a
network of 18 Regional Training Centres across India by LINAC. LINAC is set up and fully funded by
NCDC.

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10th National Science Film Festival 2020 Organised by VigyanPrasar Virtually

10th National Science Film Festival 2020 was jointly organised by VigyanPrasar, an autonomous agency
under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India and the Tripura State
Council of Science and Technology, Government of Tripura. The four-day long film festival was held
from 24th to 27th November 2020.
The event was inaugurated on 24th November 2020 by JishnuDevVerma, Deputy Chief Minister of
Tripura. Click here to know more about the winners
MOP&NG Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan launched India’s 1st 100 Octane Petrol, ‘XP-100’
developed by IOC
On 1st December, 2020 Ministry of Petroleum and Natural gas(MOP&NG) Minister Dharmendra
Pradhan launched the India’s first 100 Octane Petrol also known as XP 100 manufactured by Indian Oil
Corporation(IOC). XP 100, the premium grade petrol is manufactured at IOC’s Mathura refinery in Uttar
Pradesh, and will be rolled out in two Phases at selected Petrol stations. Octane ratings are provided
based on the measure of fuel stability, indicating the superior quality of fuel & it is the measures of
fuel’s ability to avoid Knock.
CERT-In, Kasperksy in Strategic Pact to Improve Mutual Cybersecurity Capabilities

On November 30, 2020, a cyber security firm, Kaspersky and the Indian Computer Emergency Response
Team (CERT-In) announced a strategic partnership for improving mutual cybersecurity capabilities by
working together in order to create a safe and secure cyberspace in India. This was announced on the
lines of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on October 22, 2020 by Kaspersky with
CERT-In, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Government of India
(GoI) for collaboration in the area of cybersecurity.
Tribal Affairs Minister, Arjun Munda launched the 1st virtual Aadi Mahotsav in Madhya
Pradesh
On 1st December, 2020 Cabinet Minister of Tribal Affairs, Arjun Munda launched the first ever virtual
edition of Aadi Mahotsav, at Madhya Pradesh. Aadi Mahotsav also known as National Tribal festival is
conducted to promote the tribal, products, culture thereby increasing Tribal income. Festival is Jointly
organised by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India and Tribal Cooperative Marketing
Development Federation of India (TRIFED). Sales of products organised by TRIFED will be done by
Tribes India E-Marketplace.
Power Minister RK Singh Launches ‘Green Charcoal Hackathon’

On December 1, 2020, Minister of State (MoS) (Independent Charge) for Power and New & Renewable
Energy, Raj Kumar Singh virtually launched ‘Green Charcoal Hackathon’ to deliberate on technology to
convert Farm Residue into Green Charcoal. The hackathon has been organised by Energy Efficiency
Service Limited (EESL) & NVVN (NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation Limited) Vidyut Vyapar
Nigam). The Hackathon has been launched to reduce India’s Carbon footprint.
DoT mandates ‘0’ Prefix for Landline-to-Mobile calls from 15 January, 2021
The Department of Telecom (DoT) announced that from January 15, 2021, Consumers need to prefix ‘0’
for Landline-to-Mobile calls. The decision has been taken in line with the recommendations by Telecom
Regulatory Authority of India. The process is set to generate around 2539 Million Numbering Series,
freeing up adequate numbering resources for Future use.

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‘Ramayan Cruise Service,’ Becomes India’s 1st Luxury Cruise Service on Saryu River in
Ayodhya, UP
The ‘Ramayan Cruise Service’ is to be launched on Saryu river (Ghagra/National Waterways-40) in
Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. It is India’s 1st luxury Cruise service on the Saryu river. It aims to give an
attractive experience to devotees with one-of-its-kind spiritual journeys while cruising through the
famous ghats of the holy river Saryu. On the basis of the theme of Ramcharitmanas, the interiors of the
cruise and the boarding point is designed.
DRDO creates New Laboratory ‘Defence Geo Informatics Research Establishment’ by Merging 2
DRDO Labs – SASE, DTRL
On November 30, 2020, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) created a New
Laboratory named ‘Defence Geo Informatics Research Establishment’ for focused research on terrain
and avalanches along the borders with China and Pakistan by merging 2 DRDO labs – Manali based
Centre for Snow and Avalanche Studies Establishment (SASE) & Delhi based Defence Terrain Research
Laboratory (DTRL). DTLR provided real time data for terrain evaluation to Indian Army. DRDO
Chairman, Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy constituted a 5-member committee headed by Professor V. Ramagopal
Rao to review the charter of duties for laboratories of DRDO.
Southern & Eastern India witnessing higher rise in Pollution Levels than IGP: CPCB-IITD Survey
According to a survey conducted by CPCB-IITD (Central Pollution Control Board-Indian Institute of
Technology, Delhi), Southern India & Eastern India recorded a higher rate of increase in pollution levels
than the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP). The study was conducted based on Satellite Data from 2000-2019,
which is the First-of-its Kind survey to look at air pollution spatially. The states of Kerala, Goa , and
Andhra Pradesh (Urban 20.15, Rural 18.9%) recorded the highest levels of pollution during the period.
The author of the study is Professor Sagnik Dey of IIT, Delhi.
Odisha hosts 9th International Sand Art festival and 31st Konark Dance festival
From 01-05 December, 2020 Odisha government’s tourism department has organised the 9th edition of
International Sand Art festival at Chandrabhaga Beach in Odisha’s Puri district and parallely the 31st
edition of Konark dance festival following the COVID-19 protocols. heme of 2020 event- “environment”
and “COVID-19”. India’s renowned sand artist and Padma Shri Awardee, Sudarsan Pattnaik, is the Brand
Ambassador and Chief Curator of the event.
Indigenous Aircraft Carrier to be commissioned by end of 2021 end or by early 2022

Indian Navy’s Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) will be commissioned by the end of 2021 or by early
2022. The IAC had undergone Basin Trials at the Cochin Shipyard Limited (CGL) on November 30, 2020.
The Sea Trials of the IAC would be undertaken in the first half of 2021 after which it will be inducted
into the Indian Navy as Indian Naval Ship (INS) Vikrant.
India’s Top 10 Police Stations List 2020 released during 55th DGPs &IGPs Conference;
Manipur’s Nongpok Sekmai Tops
On December 3, 2020, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) released the annual list of India’s Top 10
Police Stations for 2020 during the virtual 55th annual DGPs (Director Generals of Police) and IGPs
(Inspector Generals of Police) conference 2020 which was attended by the Prime Minister (PM)
Narendra Modi, Union Minister Amit Anilchandra Shah, MHA among others.The list was topped by
Manipur’s Nongpok Sekmai police station in Thoubal district as the best performing police station in
India. It was followed by AWPS-Suramangalam in Tamil Nadu’s Salem city and Kharsang in Arunachal
Pradesh’s Changlang district.

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Rank Police Station District State

1 NongpokSekmai Thoubal Manipur
2 AWPS-Suramangalam Salem City Tamil Nadu (TN)
3 Kharsang Changlang Arunachal Pradesh (AR)
Jhilmili (Bhaiya
4 Thana) Surajpur Chhattisgarh
5 Sanguem South Goa Goa
North & Middle Andaman & Nicobar
6 Kalighat Andaman Islands
7 Pakyong East District Sikkim
8 Kanth Moradabad Uttar Pradesh (UP)
9 Khanvel Dadra & Nagar Haveli Dadra & Nagar Haveli
10 Jammikunta Town PS Karimnagar Telangana
APEDA and NABARD signed MoU to Cooperate in Agriculture Activities & Implementing
Agriculture Export Policy
On 3rd December, 2020 Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority
(APEDA) and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) signed a Memorandum
of Understanding (MoU) to address the key interests of Agriculture and allied sectors for bringing
better value to the stakeholders and Implementing Agriculture Export Policy (AEP).MoU was signed
virtually at the respective headquarters, by Dr. Sudhanshu, Secretary APEDA and Mr. Nilay D. Kapoor,
Chief General Manager, NABARD.
DoS Signed 1st of its kind NDA with Agnikul Cosmos for Launch Vehicle Development
Programm
On December 3, 2020, the Department of Space (DoS) has signed first one of its kind Non-Disclosure
Agreement (NDA) with Agnikul Cosmos Pvt. Ltd under which the latter can access the facilities and
technical expertise of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for its launch vehicle development
programme. It was signed by R Umamaheswaran, Scientific Secretary, ISRO, on behalf of DoS and
Srinath Ravichandran, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Agnikul in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
MoPNG Dharmendra Pradhan launches First Mobile CNG Dispensing Unit

India’s first Mobile Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Dispensing Unit was virtually launched by Minister
of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) Dharmendra Pradhan. The launch is in line to reduce
environmental pollution, fulfil commitment to COPE-21 climate change commitments. MNGL has taken
pioneering initiative of placing Mobile Refueling Unit (MRU) for the first time in the India. Set target to
reach the figure of 10,000 CNG stations in coming 7-8 years.As of now, there is 100 CNG in India.
Sequoia India launched ‘Sequoia Spark’ in association with WEP to Promote Women
Entrepreneurs
On 3rd December, 2020 Equity financing firm Sequoia India partnered with NITI Aayog’s Women
Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP), to promote women entrepreneurship in India.In line with this
partnership, Sequoia India, launched a yearlong Programme, ‘Sequoia Spark’, in association with WEP
for women entrepreneurs in India and Southeast Asia.

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Vice President virtually releases Postage Stamp in honour of late Prime Minister of India, I K
Gujral
On December 4, 2020, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu virtually released a commemorative Postage
Stamp in honour of the Late Prime Minister of India & Freedom Fighter, I K Gujral (Inder Kumar Gujral).
I K Gujral was the 12th Prime Minister of India, he served as the Prime Minister from April 1997-March
1998. He was born in Jhelum, Punjab (now in Pakistan) in 1919.
MoS, External Affairs V Muraleedharan addresses the 6th India-CLMV Business Conclave 2020
held virtually
Minister of State (MOS), External Affairs V Muraleedharan addressed the 6th India-CLMV (Cambodia,
Lao PDR, Myanmar & Vietnam) Business Conclave 2020: “Building Bridges for Constructive
Development” held in CII (Confederation of Indian Industry) HIVE, the virtual platform of CII from
December 3-4, 2020. The conclave was organised by the CII, in partnership with the Department of
Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. Piyush Goyal, Union Minister for
Commerce and Industry was the Chief Guest at the event.
India, US signs MoU on Intellectual Property Cooperation

On 2nd December, 2020 India’s Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and
the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) to increase cooperation between India and the US on Intellectual Property (IP). MoU was signed
by Dr. Guruprasad Mohapatra, Secretary, DPIIT on behalf of India and Mr. Andrei Iancu, Under
Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property & Director, United States Patent and Trademark Office
(USPTO) on behalf of US.
FM Nirmala Sitharaman released ‘Smuggling in India Report 2019-20’ during 63rd Founding
Day of DRI
On December 4, 2020, the 63rd Founding Day of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) was
observed virtually which was attended by Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Ministry of Corporate
Affairs (MCA) and Ministry of Finance.
During the occasion Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled “Smuggling in India Report 2019-20”which analysed
smuggling trends on Gold & Foreign Currency, Narcotic Drugs, Security, Environment, Commercial
Frauds.
• On this occasion, Bravery Awards were conferred upon Najimudheen T S of DRI Cochin Zonal
Unit and Sumer Sen, an independent witness of a case booked by DRI, Jaipur. The DRI Utkrisht
Seva Samman, 2020 was awarded to B. Sankaran.
7th edition of WASH Conclave 2020 Organized by UNICEF, NIRD&PR & 3 State Governments
held virtually
A 3-Day virtual 7th edition of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Conclave 2020 kicked off in
Hyderabad from December 2-4, 2020. It was organized by UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund),
National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD & PR) in collaboration with 3 state
governments – Telangana, Andhra Pradesh & Karnataka. Governor of Andhra Pradesh, Biswabhusan
Harichandan participated as the Chief Guest of the Conclave.Theme – “Hygiene Matters”. The Year 2024
is set as target for providing access, and use of safe and adequate drinking water to all households.
PASSEX 2020 between Russian Federation Navy and Indian Navy held in Eastern IOR
On the occasion of Indian Navy Day i.e. December 4, 2020, a two-day long Passage Exercise (PASSEX)
2020 between Russian Federation Navy (RuFN) and Indian Navy (IN) was held from 4 to 5 December

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2020 in the Eastern Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The exercise represented Indo-Russian long-term
strategic relationship particularly defence cooperation in the maritime domain.
Govt Launched QRMP scheme for GST Payers with Turnover upto Rs 5 cr
On December 5, 2020, the Central Government in exercise of the powers conferred under sub-section
(1) of section 39 read with sub-section (7) of section 39 of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017
(12 of 2017) has initiated the “Quarterly Return filing & Monthly Payment (QRMP)” scheme for small
taxpayers under the GST System whose aggregate annual turnover of up to Rs 5 crore in the preceding
financial year. The notifications for the same were issued by Central Board of Indirect Taxes and
Customs (CBIC). The scheme allows the taxpayers to file GSTR-3B (sales) on a quarterly basis and pay
tax every month w.e.f. January 1, 2021.
PM Narendra Modi addressed IIT-2020 Global Summit

On 4th December, 2020 Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually addressed the World’s largest virtual
Summit- IIT-2020 Global Summit on the inaugural day of the summit. The 2 day summit(4th & 5th
December) is organised by PanIIT USA.The summit is chaired by Sanjiv Goyal & Co-chaired by Witty
Bindra. Theme of the IIT-2020 Global Summit – “The Future is Now”. The PM urged the community to
share ideas and inputs on the 75th Anniversary of India’s Independence day in 2022. The summit also
saw the participation of Union Minister of Education, Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’.
UP Renames Dandupur Railway Station as Maa Barahi Devi Dham

The Government of India consented to change the name of Dandupur railway station located between
Pratapgarh and Badshahpur on the Varanasi railway section, Uttar Pradesh(UP) as “Maa Barahi Devi
Dham”. Following the consent of the central government Chief Minister (CM) Yogi Adityanath also
approved the name change.The official notification for the name change will be issued after the
approval of the Chief Minister.
CBIC Makes it Compulsory to Mention 8-digit HSN Code in GST Invoice for 49 Chemical-Based
Products
On December 1, 2020 The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs(CBIC) made it compulsory for a
registered person to mention the 8 digit HSN(Harmonised System of Nomenclature) code or tariff code
for 49 chemical based products at the time of issuing Goods and Services Tax (GST) invoice. It is to be
noted that this is the first time a specific category of supplier is mandated to use 8 digit HSN Code on
every invoice irrespective of the aggregate turnover.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
India Tops the List of Sending Most Number of Educated Migrants to OECD Countries: OECD
Data
According to the data released by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development(OECD) in
the Most Common birth countries of Highly Educated Migrants residing in OECD Nations, India came at
the top with around 3.12 Million Highly Educated Migrants living in the OECD Nations as of 2015-16
data.The Data reveals that around 120 Million Migrant People live in the OECD Member Countries.
China with 2.25 Million (48.6 % Highly Educated Migrants) came next to India in the list followed by
Philippines – 1.89 Million Migrants.
FAO’s Report SOFA 2020 states 1 out of 6 People in the World Faces Severe Water Scarcity
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has published a flagship report titled The State of Food and
Agriculture(SOFA) 2020 with theme “Overcoming Water Challenges in Agriculture”. he report states

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that around 1.2 billion people across the globe are under high levels of water stress, which means that
one out of every 6 people in the world are facing a severe water stress or scarcity in agriculture with
more than 15% of the rural population at risk. SOFA presents three major entry points for action that
depend on each other…Click here to read complete data
Overview of EAM Jaishankar’s Tour visit to Bahrain, UAE & Seychelles from November 24-29,
2020
External Affairs Minister (EAM) of India Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar had made a Six-day Tour to
three nations namely Kingdom of Bahrain, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Republic of Seychelles from
November 24-29, 2020. During the visit, he held meetings with Foreign Affairs Ministers & the top
leadership of these countries.
i.EAM also renewed invitation to Bahrain’s Foreign Minister for visiting India for the 3rd India-Bahrain
High Joint Commission meeting in 2021.
ii.EAM reviewed the progress made in construction of India Pavilion at Expo 2020, Dubai. The India
pavilion will showcase India’s strength in Innovation and Technology, Arts & Culture.
iii.Seychelles lauded India’s Assistance in the form of Medical supplies and Critical drugs during the
Pandemic….Click here to read complete detail
NSA Ajit Doval Visits Colombo to 4th NSA Level Meeting on Trilateral Maritime Security
Cooperation
India’s National Security Advisor(NSA) Ajit Doval visited Colombo, Sri Lanka for a two-day visit from
November 27-28, 2020 to participate in the 4th NSA Level Meeting on Trilateral Maritime Security
Cooperation between India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. The meeting was hosted by Sri Lanka. The
meeting is held after 6 years aimed to promote cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region, with focus on
common issues related to maritime security. Dinesh Gunawardena, Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka was
the chief guest at the event.
A Viable Vaccine for COVID-19 will not Halt the Spread of Economic damage: UNCTAD’s Report
On November 19, 2020 United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) released a
report titled ‘The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Trade and Development: Transitioning to a New
Normal’. The report states that a viable novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine will not halt the
spread of economic damage. The economic setback will be experienced for a long time, especially by the
poorest and most vulnerable countries. There is a possibility that the United Nations’ Sustainable
Development Agenda 2030 can be derailed. This can be avoided if immediate policy actions are taken.
India Tops Asia in Bribery, Use of Personal Connections to Access Public Services: 10th GCB
Asia 2020
In accordance with the 10th edition of the report titled “Global Corruption Barometer (GCB)-Asia 2020”
by corruption watchdog Transparency International, India has the highest bribery rate of 39% in Asia
and the highest rate of people (46%) who use personal connections to access public services. It covered
6 key public services viz: police, courts, public hospitals, procurement of identity documents and
utilities. In bribery rate India is followed by Cambodia (37%), Indonesia (30%) while the Maldives and
Japan have the lowest overall bribery rate (2%), followed by South Korea (10%) and Nepal (12%).
India Recorded Largest Reductions in Malaria cases in South-East Asia between 2000-2019:
WHO
In accordance with the “World Malaria Report 2020” released by World Health Organisation (WHO),
India recorded the largest reduction of malaria cases in South-East Asia from 20 million in 2000 to

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about 5.6 million in 2019. India showed a reduction in cases and deaths of 18% and 20%, respectively,
over the last 2 years.
QS Asia University Rankings 2021: 3 IITs in top 50; National University of Singapore topped
The global higher education think-tank, Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) has released the QS Asia University
Rankings 2021 in association with King Abdulaziz University (KAU) , Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) for the
Asia’s best higher education institutions in 2021. The ranking has been topped by National University of
Singapore (NUS) for the 3rd consecutive year. On Indian front, three Indian Institutes of Technology
(IITs) have made it to the top 50 viz. IIT-Bombay (37), IIT-Delhi (47) and IIT-Madras (50) but no Indian
university got placed in top-10 list. Out of the 107 Indian educational institutions that were ranked,
only eight institutions were among the top 100 of Asia.
Lahore tops list of World’s Most Polluted Cities: Air Pollution Data released by US Air Quality
Index 2020
According to Air Pollution Data released by United States (US) Air Quality Index 2020 on November 30,
2020 Lahore, Pakistan topped the list of World’s most Polluted Cities. It reported a Particulate Matter
(PM) rating of 423 (Hazardous). New Delhi with a PM of 229 (very unhealthy) came Second followed by
Nepal’s Kathmandu with a PM of 178 (unhealthy). In October 2020, Indian President Ram Nath Kovind
gave assent to the ordinance “Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and
Adjoining Areas Ordinance, 2020” for Air Quality Management in Delhi and other areas.
Foreign Secretary Shringla inaugurated three schools in his Nepal visit

On November 27,2020 Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla inaugurated Three
schools built under Indian assistance in Nepal’s Gorkha district. He also inaugurated a Buddhist
renovated Tashop (Tare) Gompa Monastery in the Manang district with India's assistance during his
visit to Nepal. Gorkha district is one of the most affected region in April 2015 earthquake in Nepal.
Discussed the boundary matters and exchanged views on completing the boundary work in the
remaining segments”. Recently Nepal released New map, which included Kalapani-Lipulekh and
Limpiyadhura of India under the Nepalese Territory, leading to cartographic aggression.
Union Minister Prakash Javadekar participated in 2020 Industry Transition Leadership Virtual
Summit
On December 1, 2020, Union Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Forest Minister, Prakash
Javadekar represented India at the 2020 Industry Transition Leadership Summit organized by
Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT). The Summit was held in Virtual Mode due to
Pandemic.The Meeting was held ahead of the 5th Anniversary of the signing of the 2015 Paris
Agreement. The summit focuses on aligning public and private action for implementation of the
agendas and targets under the Paris Agreement.
Amul becomes World’s 8th Largest Milk Processor: IFCN Dairy Processors Report 2020
According to The International Farm Comparison Network (IFCN) Dairy Processors Report 2020
(Biennial), Amul (Anand Milk Union Limited) a brand of dairy cooperative major Gujarat Cooperative
Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) emerged as the 8th Largest Milk Processor globally in the list of
Top 20. The rankings are based on the parameters of Milk Intake per annum. Dairy Farmers of America
(DFA) topped the list with 29 Billion Kg, New Zealand’s Fonterra with 21.9 Billion Kg of intake grabbed
the second place and French Major Groupe Lactalis came third with 20 Billion Kg intake.

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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman delivers Keynote address at the Inauguration of 20th
Edition of SLES 2020
On December 1, 2020, Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman delivered
the Keynote Address virtually at the inauguration of the 20th Edition of Sri Lanka Economic Summit
(SLES) 2020. It was organized by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC). President Gotabaya
Rajapaksa was the Chief Guest at the inaugural session.The Theme for SLES 2020 is ‘Roadmap for Take-
off: Driving a People-Centric Economic Revival’.
India 8th Most Affected Country in the World due to Terrorism in 2019; Afghanistan tops the
List – 8th Edition of GTI 2020
According to the 8th Edition of ‘Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2020: Measuring the Impact of Terrorism’
released by Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), India with a score of 7.353 is the 8th Most Affected
Country in the World due to Terrorism in 2019. Afghanistan (9.592), Iraq (8.682) & Nigeria (8.314) are
top 3 countries which are the most affected by Terrorism. Qatar (0.014) took the 133rd Rank followed
by Uzbekistan (0.010) in the 134th Rank and around 29 Countries (score of 0.000) took the 135th Rank
which means they are Least Affected Countries or Face No Impact due to Terrorism.
PowerChina, Hydropower Company of China Plans the First Downstream Dam on River
Brahmaputra
China is set to construct the first downstream dam on Yarlung Zangbo River (known as river
Brahmaputra in India) in Tibet. On 29th November 2020, The authorities approved the proposal of
PowerChina, a state owned hydropower company to construct the dam.Powerchina signed a strategic
cooperation agreement with Tibet Autonomous Region(TAR) government to implement hydropower
exploitation in the downstream of Yarlung Zangbo River as a part of its 14th 5-year plan (2021-2025).
This will generate an income of 20 billion Yuan (around Rs. 2.24 lakh crore) per year for TAR.This
project will support the maintenance of the water resources and domestic security of TAR.
India, Suriname hold 7th Joint Commission Meeting virtually; MoS External Affairs,
Muraleedharan Co-Chairs the Meeting
On December 2, 2020, The 7th India-Suriname Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) was held virtually. The
meeting was Co-Chaired by the Minister of State for External Affairs, V. Muraleedharan & Albert R.
Ramdin, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation of the
Republic of Suriname.Both Countries agreed to give importance to the Business & Investment sector to
improve the Bilateral Relations and also to strengthen people to people ties. The next JCM Meeting is set
to be held at Paramaribo, Capital of Suriname in 2022 on a date to be decided by both countries.
Dr Harsh Vardhan Chaired “Health Talks”, Annual Conference under Sweden India Nobel
Memorial Week
As a part of 13th Sweden India Nobel Memorial Week 2020, on December 2, 2020, Union Minister
Harsh Vardhan, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) chaired the inaugural session of “Health
Talks”, an annual conference of the India Sweden Healthcare Innovation Centre. India-Sweden
Healthcare Innovation Centre is a tripartite collaboration between the Swedish Trade Commissioner’s
Office, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi (AIIMS Delhi), and All India Institute of Medical
Sciences, Jodhpur (AIIMS Jodhpur) for developing innovative solutions for healthcare problems in India.
1st State of Tax Justice 2020 Report Released by Tax Justice Network; India’s Annual Tax Loss
over $10.3 bn
The Tax Justice Network (TJN) has released the first-of-its-kind report titled “The State of Tax Justice
2020- Tax Justice in the time of COVID-19” in accordance to which the international corporate tax abuse

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and private tax evasion is incurring a global loss of over $427 billion in tax each year. In this scenario,
India’s annual tax loss aggregates to $10.3 billion i.e. $10,319,683,940 (equivalent to INR 70,000 crore),
of which, a major part is corporate tax evasion nearly $10.11 billion and $202.15 million is offshore
private tax evasion. The report based upon the data that was self-reported by MNCs to tax authorities
under the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) project led by the Organisation for Economic Co-
operation and Development (OECD)…Click here to know about the countries of Biggest Tax Losers
6th BRICS Youth Summit 2020 Opening Ceremony held in Ulyanovsk, Russia;Sports Minister,
Kiren Rijiju addressed Virtually
On 29th November, 6th BRICS Youth Summit 2020 opening ceremony and a meeting of BRICS Ministers
was held in Ulyanovsk, Russia. Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Kiren Rijiju virtually
addressed the 6th BRICS Youth Summit 2020 on behalf of India, which was held from 29 November to 2
December, 2020.Theme for 6th BRICS Youth Summit 2020- “BRICS: Challenges of the Time for young
People”. The Summit and the BRICS Ministerial meeting are organized by the Federal Agency for Youth
Affairs and the Government of the Ulyanovsk Region, Russia.
Inaugural Meeting of US-India Counternarcotic Working Group held Virtually; Dy DG NCB

Sachin Jain Participated
The inaugural meeting of the United States (US)-India Counternarcotics Working Group (CNWG) was
held virtually where India was represented by Sachin Jain, Deputy Director General, Narcotics Control
Board (NCB), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The US delegation was jointly led by Kemp Chester,
Assistant Director, White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, Jorgan Andrews, Deputy
Assistant Secretary for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, U.S. State Department and
Jennifer Hodge, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice.
5th Presidium Meeting of the BRICS Media Forum 2020 Conducted Virtually to Combat
Disinformation
On November 30, 2020 Executive chairman of the BRICS Media Forum He Ping, also president and
editor-in-chief of Xinhua News Agency, presides over the “5th Presidium Meeting of the BRICS Media
Forum 2020″ was held virtually.The countries exchanged information from the economic issues to
public health issues during the COVID-19 pandemic
The focus point of discussion was “virus of disinformation” in the era of pandemic.
2020 set to be among one of the Three Warmest Year Ever Recorded: WMO’s State of the Global
Climate 2020
According to the “State of the Global Climate 2020” Interim report released by the United Nations World
Meteorological Organization (WMO) based on the temperature data from January-October (of 2020),
the year 2020 is set to be among one of the Three Warmest Years Ever recorded.2020 becomes the 2nd
warmest year followed by 2016. The Finalized version of the 2020 report will be published in March
2021. WMO assessment is based on five global temperature datasets.
MoPNG Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan virtually represents India at 7th IEF-IGU Ministerial
Gas Forum 2020
On December 4, 2020, Union Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Dharmendra Pradhan represented
India at the Virtual Ministerial Roundtable of 7th IEF-IGU (International Energy Forum-International
Gas Union) Ministerial Gas Forum held from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Forum was hosted by the
Government of Malaysia. It is a Biennial event and is being held Online for the First Time..The Theme of
the Forum – “Towards Recovery and Shared Prosperity: Natural Gas Opportunities for a Sustainable
World”.It was inaugurated by Muhyiddin Yassin, Prime Minister of Malaysia.

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Fossil Fuel Production to Exceed Climate Targets: Production Gap Report, 2020
In accordance with the report titled “The Production Gap, 2020” produced by the United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP) the world is planning to produce more than double the amount of
Coal, Oil and gas by 2030.It is planning an average annual increase of 2% for coal, oil, and gas
production in 2030 as against the requirement of fossil fuel reduction by around 6% per year between
2020 and 2030 to attain warming target of 1.5°C.
India hosts the 1st SCO-YSC 2020;Minister of Science & Technology, Harsh Vardhan
inaugurated the conclave
Union Minister for Science & Technology, Harsh Vardhan inaugurated the 5 day 1st SCO-YSC 2020
(Shanghai Cooperation Organisation – Young Scientists Conclave) held virtually from November 24-28,
2020 as an integral part of SCO Young Scientists Forum (SCO YSF). India is the Host and Organizer of the
Forum.The Theme of the conclave was “Shaping SCO-STI (Science, Technology and Innovation)
Partnership:Young Scientists Perspectives”.
Pandemic has pushed 32 Million People into Extreme Poverty in LDCs : UNCTAD Report 2020
According to “The Least Developed Countries Report 2020: Productive Capacities for the New Decade”
released by UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development), Pandemic has pushed
around 32 Million People into Extreme Poverty in the Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Due to the
Pandemic 32 million people live on less than USD 1.90 per day. hese are measured on Three Criterias –
Per Capita income, Human Assets Index (HAI), economic and environmental vulnerability index.
Britain became the First Country to recognise Pfizer-BioNTech’s coronavirus vaccine

The Government of Britain has become the first country to recognise Pfizer-bioNTech’s coronavirus
vaccine, after recommendations by Independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
(MHRA) for its use. Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine has been proven to have 95% effectiveness
against COVID-19 in the final phase trials.
Low-Paid Workers, Women most impacted due to Wage Gaps created by COVID-19: ILO Report
2020-21
According to “Global Wage Report 2020-21: Wages and minimum wages in the time of COVID-19”
released by International Labour Organization (ILO), Women and Lower-paid workers were impacted
the most due to decrease in wages because of reduced working hours during the COVID-19 crisis. The
report is the 7th in the series of 2020’s ILO Global Wage Report, it provides evidence of the effects of the
crisis on wages in different countries due to Pandemic.
MoS for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai Virtually addressed 4th South Asia Forum on SDGs
2020;Organized by UNESCAP & Govt of Maldives
From December 2-3 2020, UNESCAP (United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the
Pacific) South Asia and Pacific & Government of Maldives organized 4th South Asian Forum of
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2020 virtually.During the Forum, a special dialogue on disaster
and climate resilience in South Asia was also organized. The Forum is a part of the preparatory process
for the 8th Asia Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD) to be held in March 2021, which in
turn contributes towards the High-Level Policy Forum (HLPF) 2021.
India, Mongolia hold 7th Meeting of Joint Committee on Cooperation 2020 virtually
On December 3, 2020 the 7th meeting of the India-Mongolia Joint Committee on Cooperation 2020 was
held virtually. It was chaired jointly by Dr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister, India & Mr. L. Oyun-
Erdene, Minister and Chief Cabinet Secretary, Government of Mongolia. Both Countries acknowledged

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the 65th Anniversary of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the two countries. On this
occasion, Mongolia released a special stamp issued by Mongolia Post.Mongolia’s capital is Ulaanbaatar
and currency is Togrog or Tugrik (MNT).
Facebook-Backed Libra Association Renamed Itself as Diem

Libra Association, a Facebook-backed digital payment group has renamed itself as ‘Diem’. It’s currency
name has also been changed from Libra currency to Diem. Diem will be backed by government
currency. Diem, which means "day" in Latin, now aims to initially launch a single dollar-backed digital
coin.
IUCN Report named India’s Western Ghats under Significant Concern

In accordance with the new report by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
namely “IUCN World Heritage Outlook 3”, India’s Western Ghats, inscribed by UNESCO (United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) in 2012 as a natural world heritage site, is threatened
by population pressure, urbanization and climate change. The site is regarded as of significant concern.
UN CND removes Cannabis from “Most Dangerous Drug” Category

In the Ongoing 63rd session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (UN-CND), Cannabis
has been removed from the “Most Dangerous Drug” category.It is removed after UNCND voted to
remove cannabis and cannabis resin from Schedule IV of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs,
decades after they were first placed on the list. Out of the 53-member CND, 27 member states voted in
favour including India, US and most of European Nations and 25 members against.
BANKING & FINANCE
SIDBI in Partnership with ISARC Launches ARM-MSME; Indian Bank Signs MoU with SIDBI for
this Module
On November 30, 2020 Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) in partnership with India
SME Asset Reconstruction Company (ISARC) has launched Asset Restructuring Module for MSMEs-
Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises(ARM-MSMEs) in other words Do-It-Yourself (DIY) web module.
This web portal helps MSMSEs to get benefit of the Reserve Bank of India(RBI)’s one-time debt
restructuring. Indian Bank has signed a MoU(Memorandum of Understanding) with SIDBI to enable
MSME borrowers to use the web module.
ADB Approved a $430 Million Multitranche Financing Facility for UP Power Distribution
Network Rehabilitation Project
On December 1, 2020 The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a $430 million (about Rs 4,143
crore) Multitranche Financing Facility(MFF) for Uttar Pradesh(UP) Power Distribution Network
Rehabilitation Project to improve the quality and reliability of electricity supply in Uttar Pradesh. The
MFF is enhanced by a $2 million Technical Assistance (TA) grant from TA Special Fund and the Japan
Fund for Poverty Reduction(JFPR) of ADB.
PNB Launched Loan Management Solution, ”PNB LenS-The Lending Solution”

On December 1, 2020 Punjab National Bank (PNB) developed and launched ‘PNB LenS-The Lending
Solution’, an IT(Information Technology) based lending solution for loan management to increase the
speed and maintain accuracy in online processing of loans and sanctioning of credit proposals. Under
the Mudra scheme, the processing and sanction of credit proposals up to Rs 10 lakh including
MSME(Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) loans (fresh, renewal, enhancement and review) will be
done by LenS.

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SBI along with NPCI & Japan’s JCB launched “SBI RuPay JCB Platinum Contactless Debit Card”
On December 1, 2020, State Bank of India (SBI) in collaboration with National Payments Corporation of
India (NPCI) and Japan’s JCB (formerly Japan Credit Bureau) International Co. Ltd. unveiled “SBI RuPay
JCB Platinum Contactless Debit Card” with a unique dual interface feature. It enables the customers to
use it for both contact and contactless transactions as well as for domestic and overseas transactions.
YES Bank Relaunches ‘YES Premia’ with Premium Banking Services to Customers
On December 1, 2020 YES Bank relaunched ‘YES Premia’ with a premium banking program. It offers
personalized solutions focusing on particular needs of key consumer segments, i.e., from small business
owners to salaried professionals and senior citizens.During ‘Truly Yours’ Week, from December 1 – 7,
2020 Yes Bank will celebrate the launch of the program, across India with several customer centric
programs and partnered activations through dealer, OEM(Original Equipment Manufacturer) and
bancassurance partners.
NPCI Allowed Payment Banks and Fintechs in its Shareholding upto 0.44%
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) headquartered at Mumbai,Maharashtra has
completed private placement of 4.63% of its equity shares worth Rs 81.64 crores. This placement has
enabled small finance and payment banks, as well as fintechs to be its shareholders up to 0.44%.With
this placement, now the total shareholder entities for NPCI stand at 67. Currently, government-owned
banks such as State Bank of India (SBI), Union Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Punjab National Bank and
Canara Bank own more than 40% stake in NPCI’s shareholding.
Paytm Partners with Suryoday Small Finance Bank to Offer Instant Digital Loans to MSMEs
On December 2, 2020 Paytm headquartered at partnered with Suryoday Small Finance Bank(SFB) Ltd
headquartered at Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra to offer collateral-free instant digital loans to
MSMEs(Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises). This will empower the MSMEs. This is the 1st lending
partnership for Paytm with a small finance bank to help merchants to avail loans seamlessly.This
partnership aim to democratize access to loans for small businesses and merchants and promote
financial inclusion.
NABARD Signs MoU with SBI to Take up Joint Intervention Projects in Karnataka
On December 2, 2020 NABARD(National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development), Karnataka
Regional Office Bengaluru, Karnataka has signed MoU(Memorandum of Understanding) with SBI(State
Bank of India), LHO, Bengaluru to provide concessional refinance facility to the beneficiaries of
watershed development and tribal development projects. NABARD through this MoU, aims to provide
grant support, concessional refinance and undertake capacity building of the stakeholders of various
livelihood interventions that is promoted by NABARD.
IFSCA Became Member of International Association of Insurance Supervisors

On Dec 2, 2020, International Financial Services Centre Authority (IFSCA) obtained membership of
International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS).Now, IFSCA can access IAIS’s global network
and would be able to exchange ideas and information relating to insurance with other global
regulators.This membership will aid in developing a global Insurance hub in International Financial
Services Centre (IFSC), from current 17 entities, at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT).
Razorpay and PayPal Partnered to Enable Seamless International Payments for Indian MSMEs
and Freelancers
On December 2, 2020 Razorpay headquartered at Bengaluru( Bangalore), Karnataka and PayPal
headquartered at San Jose, California spartnered to enable Indian MSMEs(Micro, Small & Medium
Enterprises) and Freelancers to seamlessly accept international payments. It helps MSMEs and

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freelancers to accept international payments on cards through payment gateways.They lose their
prospective global clients due to highly complex payment and banking infrastructure, processes and
systems.
Finin Becomes India’s 1st full-fledged Consumer Neobank in Partnership with SBM Bank India
On December 2, 2020 Bengaluru-based fintech, Finin was launched as India’s 1st full-fledged consumer
‘neobank’. Finin has launched Hyper-personalised SmartBanking platform in partnership with SBM
Bank India(i.e. SBM Bank India has become Banking Partner for Finin). The platform helps the users to
manage,save and invest their money in a smarter, secured and simpler way.
Universal Sompo General Insurance Company Launched the Upgraded USGI PULZ Mobile App
On 1st December 2020, the Universal Sompo General Insurance Company Limited, a non-life insurance
company launched the upgraded Mobile application – USGI PULZ to enhance service delivery. The
Universal Sompo General Insurance Company Limited is a joint venture of Indian Bank, Indian Overseas
Bank, Karnataka Bank Ltd, Dabur Investment Corporation and Sompo Japan Insurance Inc, a leading
general insurer from Japan.
HDFC Life & Ketto India Initiated a Nationwide Crowdfunding Campaign. ‘PromisewalaDabba’
HDFC Life in association with Ketto India has initiated ‘PromisewalaDabba’, a nationwide crowdfunding
campaign. This is to support the Dabbawalas of Mumbai, who have been affected due to the COVID-19
pandemic and the lockdown. As part of the campaign, a PromisewalaDabba will be delivered that
includes essential supplies such as staple food ingredients, spices and accompaniments, sanitizers and
toiletries to their homes.
Fiscal Deficit Reached 119.7% of Annual Budget Target of FY21 in Oct 2020: CGA Data
In accordance with the official data released by Controller General of Accounts (CGA), the Central
Government’s fiscal deficit increased to Rs 9.53 lakh crore (9,53,154 crore), or 119.7% of the annual
budget estimate of FY21, at the end of October 2020. It was 114.8% of the annual budget estimate at the
end of September 2020. Also, in the first 7 months of the FY20, the deficit was at 102.4% of the annual
target. The key reason behind this increase is poor revenue realisation due to lockdown imposed to
curb COVID-19.
PayNearby in partnership with NPCI & YES Bank Launched “PayNearby shopping card” for
Retailers
India’s largest Hyperlocal fintech startup, PayNearby Technologies Pvt. Ltd., in collaboration with YES
Bank and National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) launched the “PayNearby shopping card”
powered by RuPay for its retail partners to provide maximum benefits of e-commerce in a risk-free
mode over mass market category.
Axis Bank in Partnership with Rupifi and Visa Launches ‘Axis Bank Rupifi Business Credit Card’
for MSMEs
On December 3, 2020 Axis bank Ltd in partnership with Rupifi and Visa launched ‘Axis Bank Rupifi
Business Credit Card’ for MSMEs(Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises). This Contactless Co-Branded
credit card, powered by Visa is applicable only to the MSMEs businesses that transact on the aggregator
platforms partnered with Rupifi PAN India for their business purchases. Rupifi partners with
established B2B(Business to Business) marketplace and aggregator platforms across sectors including
Food, Grocery and Pharma among others.

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CREDAI-MCHI Partners with SBI, Google & BookMyShow for India’s Biggest Real-Estate Expo
On 4th December 2020, CREDAI-MCHI partnered with State Bank of India, Google and BookMyShow for
the first virtual edition of India’s largest real-estate expo from 4th December 2020 to 13th December
2020. This collaboration between CREDAI-MCHI, SBI Google & BookMyShow is the first of its kind in the
Real Estate sector.
Highlights of 4th Bi- Monthly Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) 2020-21: December 2020
The 6-member Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was held
from December 2-4, 2020 which was headed by RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das. The members of the
committee are Dr. Shashanka Bhide, Dr. Ashima Goyal, Professor Jayanth R. Varma, Dr. Mridul K. Saggar,
and Dr. Michael Debabrata Patra. It was the 4th Bi- Monthly MPC meeting. During the meeting it was
projected that the real GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth will contract at 7.5% (-7.5%) in FY21.
• The Committee has decided to extend on-tap Targeted Long-Term Repo Operations
(TLTRO) by bringing 26 stressed sectors identified by the Kamath Committee under the
chairmanship of Kundapur Vaman Kamath in order to provide more liquidity in the
economy….Click here for the complete detail.
ADB Approves a first of its kind $190 Million Loan for Bengaluru Smart Energy Efficient Power
Distribution Project
On December 4, 2020 The Asian Development Bank (ADB) headquartered at Mandaluyong, Manila of
Philippines approved a $190 million(over Rs 1,400 crore) loan for the Bengaluru Smart Energy
Efficient Power Distribution Project. The loan amount includes a $100 million sovereign loan(public
sector) and a $90 million without sovereign guarantee loan or non-sovereign loan(private sector) to
Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM), one of five state-owned distribution utilities
and the largest in Karnataka.
HDFC Life launches HDFC Life Click 2 Wealth ULIP Digital Campaign
On December 4, 2020 HDFC Life launched HDFC Life Click 2 Wealth ULIP(Unit Linked Insurance Plan)
digital campaign. The campaign focuses on the role of ULIPs as part of a wise financial plan. The
campaign disproves the false myths surrounding the ULIP category.
It also highlights the unique features of HDFC Click 2 Wealth plan, a A Unit Linked, Non-Participating,
Life Insurance Plan. The campaign comprises 1 main and 2 short films, featuring 2 characters, namely
Meet (myth) and Jeet (myth burster).
KVGB Launches ‘Kirishi OD’ Scheme for Farmers

On December 5, 2020 Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank (KVGB) launched ‘Kirishi OD(Overdraft)
scheme’ for farmers. The OD facility is given to farmers based on the value of the land. ‘Kirishi OD’
scheme was launched by Neeraja Kumara Verma, Chief General Manager of NABARD, in Dharwad,
Karnataka.
Kotak Mahindra AMC Launched India’s 1st international REIT Fund of Funds
On December 7, 2020, Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company Limited (KMAMC) or Kotak Mutual
Fund launched India’s first diversified REIT (Real Estate Investment Trusts) Mutual Fund namely
“Kotak International REIT Fund of Funds”. It is an open-ended mutual fund scheme that will invest in
units of SMAM Asia REIT Sub Trust Fund to provide long-term capital appreciation and income. SMAM
Asia REIT Sub Trust Fund is one of the largest Asia Pacific (Excluding Japan) REIT funds investing in
listed REITs in the Asia Pacific region. It is managed by Sumitomo Mitsui DS AMC Limited
headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.

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ICICI Bank Launched “iMobile Pay” App

On December 7, 2020, ICICI (Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation of India) Bank launched
“iMobile Pay” app offering payments and banking services for all i.e. customers of any bank can use this
app.Bank claims that, iMobile Pay is 1st of its kind app. It has all features of payment apps like scanning
of QR (Quick Response) code for making payments, sending money to any UPI ID, bank account, self,
instant transfer of money free-of-cost to any bank account, payment app or digital wallet.
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Singapore & USA Become the Biggest FDI Sources for India : DPIIT’s FDI Statistics
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade ( DPIIT) revealed the Foreign Direct
Investment(FDI) data and listed out the top investing countries FDI(Foreign Direct Investment) equity
inflows in India during April-September 2020. Singapore became biggest source of FDI by investing Rs
62,084 crore(USD 8.30 billion) into India,USA(United States of America) becomes the second biggest
source of FDI into India by investing Rs 53,266 crore(USD 7.12 billion) . Among states, the highest
recipient of FDI inflows so far in the 2nd Quarter(April-September) of FY21 has been Gujarat with Rs
1.19 lakh crore worth inflows.
OECD Revised India’s FY21 GDP Forecast to -9.9% from -10.2%

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in its December 2020 Economic
Outlook titled “A Brighter Outlook But Recovery Will Be Gradual” has revised the India’s Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) rate upwards to -9.9% from -10.2% projected in September for FY21. It also
projected that the Indian economy will rebound to 8% in FY22 and 5% in FY23 on the condition that
GDP loss would be substantial.
S&P Global Ratings retains India’s growth forecast for FY21 at -9%
S&P Global Ratings (previously Standard & Poor’s), in its report on Asia Pacific stated that. it has
retained its forecast of 9% contraction(-9%) in the Indian economy for FY21 and projected that it will
grow at 10% in FY22. In accordance with the report Indian economy recovered faster than expected in
the September quarter due to a pick up by the manufacturing sector.
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
Cambridge Dictionary Named “Quarantine” as Word of the Year 2020

Cambridge Dictionary has named “Quarantine” as the Word of the Year 2020 based on its data which
showed that the word ‘quarantine’ is one of the most searched words on the Cambridge Dictionary in
2020. Runners-up for Word of the year 2020 are, Lockdown and Pandemic. Cambridge’s word of the
year 2019 was “Upcycling”.
Veteran Bollywood Actor Naseeruddin Shah Honoured with Aditya Vikram Birla Kala Shikhar
Puraskar 2020
On November 21, 2020 Veteran Bollywood Actor Naseeruddin Shah was honoured with the Aditya
Vikram Birla Kala Shikhar Puraskar 2020 at the Sangit Kala Kendra Awards virtual function. He was
awarded in the category theatre.The 2 emerging stars of theatrics, Neel Choudhary and Irawati Karnik
were awarded the Aditya Vikram Birla Kalakiran Puraskars 2020. Rajashree Birla, President of Sangit
Kala Kendra mentioned that ‘Theatre’ is the central theme for 2020 awards.

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Merriam-Webster and Dictionary.com select “Pandemic” as Word of the Year 2020

Merriam-Webster and Dictionary.com two of the most popular dictionary companies for the first time
have chosen a common word “Pandemic” as Word of the Year 2020. Once the World Health
Organisation (WHO) announced COVID-19 as pandemic in early March, 2020 the word continuously
peaked in the most searched list.The announcement was made right after the Oxford Languages issued
a 16-page report explaining the urgency to the role of Lexicographer.
RIL Tops 2020 Fortune 500 Ranking List of Indian Companies

On December 2, 2020 Fortune India announced the 2020 Fortune 500 Ranking List of Indian
companies. The list is topped by Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) with revenue of Rs 615,854.00 crore,
accounting for 7% of cumulative revenues and 11% profit of the companies featured. RIL retains the
top rank for the 2nd time. Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.(IOCL) secured 2nd rank followed by Oil & Natural
Gas Corporation. The Fortune India 500 list is prepared based on the revenue and the figures of 2020 is
pertains to fiscal year 2019-2020.
Ranjitsinh Disale, Maharashtra Primary School Teacher Wins $1 million Global Teacher Prize
2020
Ranjitsinh Disale, a teacher from Zilla Parishad Primary School, Paritewadi, Solapur district in
Maharashtra, India won US $1 million annual Global Teacher Prize 2020. The Prize was founded by
Varkey Foundation and organised in partnership with UNESCO(United Nations Educational, Scientific
and Cultural Organisation). He won this award as he transformed the life of young girls at the Zilla
Parishad Primary School and has ignited the Quick-Response (QR) coded textbook revolution in India.
2nd Edition of Kotak Wealth Hurun – Leading Wealthy Women 2020: Roshni Nadar Malhotra of
HCL Tech Tops the List as India’s Richest Woman
On 3rd December 2020, the 2nd edition of “Kotak Wealth Hurun – Leading Wealthy Women” 2020 was
jointly launched by Kotak Wealth Management, a division of Kotak Mahindra Bank(Kotak) and Hurun
India. Roshni Nadar Malhotra (32 years), the chairperson of HCL Technologies has topped the Kotak
Wealth Hurun India 2020 and was named as India’s richest woman with a wealth of Rs.54,850 crore.
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson and Managing Director of Biocon Limited was named the 2nd
richest women and wealthiest self-made woman on the list. Kanika Tekriwal of JetSetGo, Anjana Reddy
of Universal Sportsbiz and Vidhi Shanghvi of Sun Pharma are the youngest women on the list.
Gitanjali Rao 15 year old Indian-American Scientist & Inventor named First Ever Times”Kid of
the Year”
Gitanjali Rao,15-year-old Indian-American Scientist and Inventor has been named as the first ever “Kid
of the Year” by TIME Magazine. She was selected from a field of more than 5000 nominees for her work
“to tackle issues ranging from contaminated drinking water to opioid addiction and cyberbullying using
technology”.
Book Titled,’The Patient Assassin: A True Tale of Massacre, Revenge and the Raj’ Authored by
Anita Anand Wins PEN Hessell-Tiltman Prize 2020
The book titled ‘The Patient Assassin: A True Tale of Massacre, Revenge and the Raj’ authored by
Journalist Anita Anand, a British Indian wins £2,000 annual PEN Hessell-Tiltman Prize 2020. The book
is based on the life of Indian revolutionary Udham Singh and it portrays the story of a young man
caught up in the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar, Punjab. .It was published by Simon &
Schuster UK.

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Fortune’s Businessperson of the Year 2020: India’s Shantanu Narayen ranked 8th & Ajay Banga
ranked 9th; Elon Musk Tops
On December 2, 2020 The Fortune ranked India's Shantanu Narayen, Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of
Adobe in 8th position and Ajay Banga, CEO of Mastercard in 9th position in its list of Businessperson of
the Year 2020. The list is topped by Elon Musk, co-founder & CEO of Tesla. He is also CEO of Space
Exploration Technologies Corp.(SpaceX). Lisa Su, CEO of AMD has been ranked in 2nd spot followed by
Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia in the 3rd spot.
Mondo Duplantis and Yulimar Rojas Named ‘2020 World Athletes of the Year’ at World
Athletics Awards 2020
On December 5, 2020 Pole Vaulter Mondo Duplantis of Sweden was named as the male World Athletes
of the Year(2020) and Triple Jumper Yulimar Rojas of Venezuela as the female World Athletes of the
Year(2020) at the World Athletics Awards 2020.The award is annually given by World Athletics, the
international governing body for the sport of athletics. Mondo Duplantis, who is 21 years old is the
youngest athlete ever to be named as the World Athlete of the Year. He is also the first Swedish man or
woman to win the award.
Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute named 2020 ‘Asian of the Year’ with 5 others
Adar Poonawalla, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Serum Institute of India (SII) was named as 2020
“Asians of the Year” along with 5 others by The Straits Times, Singapore’s leading daily for their
contribution in fighting the COVID-19 Pandemic. SII collaborated with University of Oxford and
AstraZeneca for making COVID-19 vaccine ‘Covidshield’ (under trials phase in India). The five others
are Zhang Yongzhen (China), Major General Chen Wei (China), Ryuichi Morishita (Japan), Ooi Eng Eong
(Singapore) and Seo Jung-jin (South Korea).
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS
AR Rahman Appointed as the Ambassador for BAFTA Breakthrough India 2020-21

On 30th November 2020, Music Composer AR Rahman was appointed as the Ambassador for the British
Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA)'s Breakthrough initiative in India 2020-21". This
initiative is supported by Netflix. Aim of the Initiative to identify, celebrate and support upto 5 talents
working in Film, Televisions or Games in India.
Varsha Joshi Appointed as Interim Chairperson of NDDB

On 30th November 2020, The Government of India appointed Varsha Joshi, the Joint Secretary(CDD),
Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, as
the new interim Chairperson of National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). Varsha Joshi succeeds Dilip
Rath on the completion of his tenure as the chairman of NDDB on 30th November 2020.
Sandeep Kataria, Becomes 1st Indian to be Appointed as Global CEO of Bata

On November 30, 2020 Sandeep Kataria, the Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of Bata India has been
elevated as the CEO of Bata Organization. He becomes the 1st Indian to be appointed as the global CEO
of Bata. He succeeds Alexis Nasard. Before joining Bata India, he served as the chief commercial officer
of Vodafone India.
Central Govt Forms 5-Member Panel to Oversee Construction of New Parliament Building
The central government has formed a 5 member committee to oversee the construction of the new
Parliament house.The committee will also ensure that the design elements are followed and the
heritage character of the old Parliament building is maintained. The committee will comprise joint

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secretaries from the Lok Sabha Secretariat, CPWD(Central Public Works Department), and the Ministry
of Housing and Urban Affairs(MoHUA).
Govt constituted Apex Committee for Implementation of 2015 Paris Agreement

On November 27, 2020, the Government of India (GoI) has constituted a 17 members committee
namely “Apex Committee for Implementation of Paris Agreement (AIPA)” under the chairperson of
secretary, Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)(Presently –
Mr.Rameshwar Prasad Gupta). The AIPA will act as a national authority for the regulation of carbon
markets in India under Article 6.2, Article 6.4 and Article 6.8 of the Paris Agreement.The committee will
have additional secretary, MoEFCC as the vice chairperson along with 15 members.
Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal constitutes Task Force to impart Technical
Education in Mother Tongue
On December 2, 2020 Union Minister of Education, Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ constituted a Task
Force for preparing a blueprint on imparting Technical Education in Mother Tongue. The Task Force
will be headed by Secretary of Higher Education (Amit Khare). The decision was taken by Union
Education Minister during a high level meeting on the Implementation of National Education Policy
(NEP) – 2020. The Main objective is that no students should be deprived of Technical Education due to
lack of Knowledge of English Language.
First Dronacharya Awardee from J&K, Kuldeep Handoo appointed as “Fit India” movement
ambassador
Srinagar born Wushu coach and the first Dronacharya Awardee from the Union Territory of Jammu and
Kashmir, Kuldeep Handoo is appointed as the Ambassador of Fit India movement. Under his guidance
Athletes have won two gold medals at the world championship and one at the World Cup.He also serves
as Inspector of police in Jammu and Kashmir.
Shrikant Madhav Vaidya Appointed as the First Vice President of WLPGA

Shrikant Madhav Vaidya, Chairman of Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) was appointed as the first Vice
President of the World Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association (WLPGA), an authoritative voice of the LPG
industry across the globe which represents the complete LPG value chain.
Defence Ministry approves Creation of 2 New posts – Deputy Chief for Military Operations &
Strategic Planning, DG Information Warfare
On December 3, 2020, As part of reorganisation of Army Headquarters, Defence Ministry approved the
Creation of 2 New Posts – Deputy Chief for Military Operations & Strategic Planning & Director General
(DG) of Information Warfare. The Deputy Chief (for Military Operations & Strategic Planning) will be
the 3rd post of Deputy Chief in the Indian Army. Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt
General Paramjit Singh is set to become the First Deputy Chief of Army Staff for Military Operations &
Strategic Planning.
Akshay Kumar Becomes Brand Ambassador of the Relaunched Horlicks Protein Plus
On December 1, 2020 Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) appointed Bollywood actor, Akshay Kumar as
the brand ambassador of its relaunched adult nutrition brand, Horlicks Protein Plus, through a new
TVC(Television Commercial). Through the campaign, he will represent the brand and encourage urban
Indian adults to fight the protein deficiency on a daily basis by making ‘Protein ka routine’ (make
protein a routine). The campaign has been conceptualised by FCB India.

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Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry Assumes Charge as 27th Director General of Border Roads
Organisation; Succeeds Lt Gen Harpal Singh
On December 1, 2020 Lieutenant General(Lt Gen) Rajeev Chaudhry assumed charge as 27th Director
General(DG) of Border Roads Organisation(BRO). He succeeds Lt Gen Harpal Singh. BRO is
headquartered in New Delhi, India.
Uday Shankar elected as the President of FICCI;Succeeds Sangita Reddy

On 4th December, 2020 The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) elected
Uday Shankar as its President for the year 2020-21.He will succeed Sangita Reddy.Mr. Shankar is the
first person from the media and entertainment industry to lead a national industry chamber like FICCI.
Uday Shankar (58) is the outgoing president of The Walt Disney Company for Asia Pacific and the
chairman of Star and Disney India.
Lakshadweep Administrator & Former IB Chief Dineshwar Sharma Passed Away at 66

On 4th December 2020, Dineshwar Sharma, the administrator of the Union Territory(UT) of
Lakshadweep and the former chief of Intelligence Bureau(IB) passed away at the age of 66 in Chennai,
Tamil Nadu, due to lung ailments. He was a retired IPS officer of Kerala Cadre who was serving as the
Administrator of Lakshadweep since October 2019. He was born on 23rd March 1954 in Bihar.
ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS
India Grid Trust Signs Share Purchase Agreement to Acquire 74% Stake in PKTCL
On November 28, 2020 India Grid Trust (IndiGrid) signed share purchase agreement to acquire 74%
stake in Parbati Koldam Transmission Company Ltd(PKTCL) from Reliance Infrastructure
Ltd(RInfra).The remaining 26 per cent of PKTCL held by Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL).
CCI Approves Acquisition of Rivigo by Spring Canter Investment Ltd & Amalgamation of
Srikalahasthi Pipes with Electrosteel Castings Ltd
On November 27, 2020 The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the following acquisition
and amalgamation under Section 31(1) of the Competition Act, 2002. CCI gave approval to the
acquisition of Rivigo Services Private Limited (Rivigo) by Spring Canter Investment Ltd (SCIL) via
subscription of compulsorily convertible preference shares. CCI gave approval for the proposed
amalgamation of Srikalahasthi Pipes Limited (SPL) with and into Electrosteel Castings Limited (ECL).
BOI Enters into Agreement with AXA IM to Acquire 49% Stake each in BOI AXA Investment
Managers, BOI AXA Trustee Services
On December 2, 2020 Bank of India(BOI) entered into a Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) with AXA
Investment Managers Asia Holdings Pvt Ltd (AXA IM), a part of AXA Group. Through the SPA, BOI
agreed to purchase AXA IMs of entire 49% equity shares in BOI AXA Investment Managers Private
Limited (BAIM) and entire 49% equity shares in BOI AXA Trustee Services Private Limited (BATS).
Currently, BOI holds 51% equity shares each in BAIM and BATS.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
India’s GMRT accorded ‘Milestone’ facility status by IEEE ; becomes India’s 3rd IEEE Milestone
Facility
The Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) observatory situated at Khodad, Pune, Maharashtra has
been accorded ‘Milestone’ facility status by Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The
status recognizes GMRT’s contributions for exploring the Universe through the field of Radio

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Astronomy. It is the 3rd Indian Project in 125 years to get such a recognition. The IEEE Milestone
programme aims to recognize important technical achievements which have global or regional impact.
HAL delivers Biggest Ever Cryogenic Propellant Tank ‘C32-LH2’ to ISRO

On November 30, 2020, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) delivered ‘C32-LH2’ Cryogenic
Propellant Tank to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in Bengaluru, Karnataka. It is Biggest
ever cryogenic propellant tank fabricated by HAL.C32-LH2 is made of aluminium alloy and has been
designed to improve the payload capability of GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) MK-III
launching vehicle.
India Test-Fires Anti-ship version of BrahMos Missile in A&N Islands;Basin Trials of IAC
successfully conducted at CSL
On December 1, 2020, India successfully Test Fired the Anti-Ship version of the BrahMos Supersonic
Cruise Missile from the Indian Navy’s INS Ranvijay in Andaman & Nicobar Islands Territory. The Missile
had a strike range of 300 Kms. It was the first time that the missile was flight tested by 3 Services of the
Indian Armed Forces (Army, Air Force & Navy). On November 30, 2020, the Basin Trials of Indigenous
Aircraft Carrier (IAC) was conducted successfully at the Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL). The basin trials
marked the entry of the warship building project into the final phase. BrahMos supersonic cruise
missile developed by Brahmos Aerospace Private Limited, a joint venture of Defence Research and
Development Organisation (DRDO) of India and NPO Mashinostroyeniya (NPOM) of Russia.
IAF Carries out Firing of Surface-to-Air Missiles Akash, Igla in Suryalanka, Andhra Pradesh
The Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out the Firing of Indigenously Developed Akash Missile System
(Surface-to-Air Missile) & Russian-origin Short-Range Igla Missile (Surface-to-Air Missile) as part of a
drill which took place at Air Force Station in Suryalanka, Andhra Pradesh. The drills were part of an
exercise which was carried from November 23-December 2 by the IAF. Akash Missile System is a
Nuclear Capable Missile Defence System developed by Defence Research and Development
Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). It is India’s first indigenous
missile designed by DRDO
IIT Kanpur Researchers Develop “Damaru” Inspired Lattice for Vibration Isolation in High
Speed Trains and Stealth Submarines
Under the SPARC project of Ministry of Education, IIT Kanpur researchers develop a ‘Dambaru’ or
‘Damaru’ inspired lattice, which shows tremendous application in vibration isolation in high-speed
trains, Stealth submarines and Helicopters rotors. The hour-glass shaped meta-structure provides
superior absorption of electromagnetic and sonic waves.
Pixxel signs pact with NSIL to launch India’s 1st Private remote-sensing satellite on PSLV
Rocket in 2021
Pixxel, a satellite-imaging startup has signed a one-of-its-kind agreement with NewSpace India Limited
(NSIL), Department of Space (DoS) under the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation
Centre (IN-SPACe) to launch India’s 1st Private remote-sensing satellite on ISRO’s (Indian Space
Research Organization) PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) rocket in early 2021. Pixxel’s agreement
with NSIL is one of the first since the setting up of IN-SPACe. As part of the Agreement, Pixxel will
launch a constellation of 30 earth imaging small satellites between December 2022 to June 2023.
China launches Gaofen-14 – Earth Observation Satellite from XSLC

On December 6, 2020, China National Space Administration (CNSA) successfully launched Gaofen-14, a
New Earth Observation Satellite from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre (XSLC) in Southwest China’s

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Sichuan province. The Satellite was sent into orbit by Long March-3B/G5 Carrier Rocket. This was the
first use of the G5 version of the Long March-3B launch vehicle which features a longer fairing. The
launch is the 354th flight of the Long March Carrier Rocket series. Gaofen-14 is an optical stereo
mapping satellite which is capable of obtaining high precision stereo images globally.
Indigenous Howitzer – ATAGS developed by DRDO undergoes trial in Ahmednagar,

Maharashtra
On December 6, 2020, The Indigenous Howitzer (known as Artillery Guns)- Advanced Towed Artillery
Gun System (ATAGS) developed by DRDO (Defence Research & Development Organization) underwent
Trials at Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. The Howitzer has a strike range of around 50 Kms. DRDO
partnered with Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), and private companies
Bharat Forge Limited, Mahindra Defence Naval System, Tata Power Strategic Engineering Division and
Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) for the project.
Japan’s Hayabusa2 brings Rocket Samples from Asteroid “Ryugu”

On December 6, 2020, A small capsule containing First rock samples from beneath the surface of
Asteroid ‘Ryugu’ landed at Woomera in South Australia, it was released by Japanese Spacecraft
Hayabusa 2. The samples are expected to provide clues regarding the origin of the solar system & life on
our planet. Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) stated that this is the 1st time that an
international spacecraft has visited a celestial body which is under 100 metres in diameter.
SpaceX Launched New Next-Generation Dragon Cargo Ship To ISS

On 6th December 2020, SpaceX launched its 21st Commercial Resupply Services mission (CRS-21) to
International space station(ISS) from the Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at Kennedy Space Center,
Florida. The launch was supported by Falcon 9 first stage rocket booster. This is the first flight of the
updated cargo version of Dragon, which is capable of carrying about 20% more volume than its
previous version. The new dragon cargo ship is designed for 5 flights to and from the ISS.
ENVIRONMENT
Cnemaspis avasabinae: New Lizard Species Identified in Eastern Ghats in Andhra Pradesh
A team of researchers has discovered a new species of dwarf gecko named “Cnemaspis avasabinae”,
also the smallest known Indian Gekkonid from the Eastern Ghats. Cnemaspis avasabinae is the 12th
species discovered outside the Western Ghats and the first species from the Velikonda Range, Andhra
Pradesh.The new species has been given a common name “Sabin’s Nellore dwarf gecko”.The paper
about the discovery “A new species of South Asian Cnemaspis (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the
Eastern Ghats, India” was published in Zootaxa.
Researchers Discovered New Frog Species: Sphaerotheca Bengaluru, Named After Bengaluru
City
A team of researchers discovered a new species of Frog - Sphaerotheca Bengaluru, a type of burrowing
frog, outside its natural habitat in a barren tract of land near Rajankunte, outskirts of Bengaluru. The
new species is a part of the team’s effort in documenting the “Amphibians in the Deccan Plateau parts of
Karnataka”. The findings about the species are published in the international journal Zootaxa published
from New Zealand.
World’s Oldest Nanostructures Found In 6th-Century BC Pottery from Keeladi, Tamil Nadu
Scientists have discovered the oldest known human-made nano-materials in the “unique black
coatings” of ancient pottery shards dated to 600 BC that were unearthed from an archeological site in

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Keeladi, Tamil Nadu. The research was published in the journal Scientific Reports and the findings have
been documented in a paper published in “Nature”.In accordance with the research these coatings are
made of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) which have enabled the layer to last more than 2600 years.
SPORTS
Lewis Hamilton wins Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2020
On November 29, 2020, British Driver Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) won the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix
(officially known as Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix) held at Bahrain International Circuit,
Sakhir, Bahrain. The race was the fifteenth round of the 2020 Formula One World Championship.The
Championships are organized by Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).
Indian Men’s Football team rises Four Spots to 104th Rank in FIFA ‘s November Rankings
As per the FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association) updated in November, 2020, Indian
Men’s Football Team rose 4 spots to 104 (1187 Points) from 108 in October, 2020 Rankings. Indian
Men’s Football Team coach is Igor Stimac (Croatia), Captain is Sunil Chhetri (From Telangana).
Australian Cricket Team won the 2020 Dettol ODI series against India held in Australia
The Australian Cricket Team won the 3-match Dettol ODI series 2020 against India by 2-1. The ODI
series is part of India’s Tour of Australia, 2020-21 consisting of 3 ODIs, 3 Twenty20 Internationals
(T20I), 4 Test Matches to be played from November 2020 – January 2021. Australian Batsman Steve
Smith was chosen as the Player of the Series. During the series Virat Kohli became the Fastest Batsman
to reach 12, 000 runs in ODIs (242 innings) & 22, 000 International runs (462 International innings).
New Zealand all-rounder Corey Anderson retires from International Cricket, Joins MLC in US
On 5th December, 2020 New Zealand all-rounder Corey Anderson announced retirement from
International Cricket and signed a 3-year deal with USA’s Major League Cricket (MLC). Corey Anderson
once hold the record for fastest ODI century for his 36 ball hundred against West Indies in 2013.
Japan to host 7-team FIFA Club World Cup in 2021

FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association) announced that Japan will host the existing
Seven-Team format of FIFA Club World Cup in December, 2021. It will be the 18th Edition of FIFA Club
World Cup.The year 2021 will witness 2 FIFA Club World Cup Tournaments - The 2020 Edition FIFA
Club World Cup (17th Edition) will be held in Qatar from February 1-11,2021 and the 2021 Edition of
FIFA Club World Cup will take place in Japan in December, 2021.
Sergio Perez wins Formula 1 Rolex 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix; Jehan Daruvala becomes 1st Indian
to win F2 race
On December 6, 2020, Mexico’s Sergio Perez (Racing Point BWT Mercedes) won the 2020 Sakhir Grand
Prix (officially known as the Formula 1 Rolex Sakhir Grand Prix 2020) held at ‘Outer Circuit’
configuration at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, Bahrain.Indian Driver Jehan Daruvala
became the First Indian to win a Formula 2 race during the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix. The Championships
are organized by Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).
Kenya’s Kibiwott Kandie breaks half marathon World Record in Valencia Half Marathon 2020
Kenya’s Kibiwott Kandie smashed the World Record by completing the 13.1 Mile Marathon in 57
minutes 32 seconds at the 2020 Valencia Half Marathon Trinidad Alfonso EDP held at Valencia, Spain.
With this, Kandie overtook Geoffrey Kamworor’s (Kenya) record of 58.01. He also became the First

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person to finish the Half Marathon in 58 minutes. Jacob Kiplimo (Uganda) came second while Rhonex
Kipruto of Kenya finished Third.
OBITUARY
Veteran Actor, Weightlifter of England Dave Prowse dies at 85

On 28th November, 2020, Dave Prowse, the weightlifter who represented England in the
Commonwealth Games in 1962 and later played the role of Darth Vader in the original “Star Wars”
trilogy, died at the age of 85.Born on 1st July, 1935 at Bristol, England, Dave Prowse started his career
as a bouncer at a dance hall then weightlifter and finally excelled his career as an actor.
Legendary Senegal footballer, Papa Bouba Diop dies at 42

On 30th November, 2020 the legendary Senegalese footballer Papa Bouba Diop died at the young age of
42. Diop, the midfielder was the hero when Senegal shocked the world by defending 1-0 against the
reigning world champion, France in the opening game of 2002 FIFA World cup held in Japan and South
Korea.
Abhay Bharadwaj Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat Passed away at 66

On 1st December 2020, Abhay Bharadwaj, member of BJP and Rajya Sabha MP (Member of Parliament)
passed away at the age of 66 in a hospital in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He passed away due to post COVID-
19 complications. He hails from Rajkot, Gujarat. He was born on April 2,1954 in Uganda. He is the 2nd
Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat to die due to COVID-19 complications after Ahmed Patel, Rajya Sabha MP
of Indian National Congress.
Former PM of Pakistan, Zafarullah Jamali dies at 76

On 2nd December, 2020 the 15th Prime Minister (PM) of Pakistan Zafarullah khan Jamali passed away at
the age of 76 in Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology & National Institute of Heart Diseases (AFIC-
NIHD), a military hospital in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. He is the first politician from Balochistan to become
Prime Minister. Pakistan’s capital is Islamabad and
currency is Pakistani rupee.
Former French President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing Passed Away at 94

On 2nd December 2020, Valéry Giscard d’Estaing the former President of France who served from 1974
to 1981 passed away at the age of 94 at his residence in Loir-et-Cher region, in central France. He
passed away due to COVID-19 complications. He was born on 2nd February 1926 in Koblenz, French-
occupied Germany (now Germany). He founded the Union for French Democracy, a centre-right
political party in 1978.
Shia Cleric & Scholar Maulana Kalbe Sadiq Passed Away at 83

On 1st December 2020, Prominent Shia cleric and Islamic scholar Maulana Kalbe Sadiq passed away at
the age of 83 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. He was born on 22nd June 1939 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh,
India. He was an educationist, philanthropist, who served as the senior vice president of All India
Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB). He was described as India’s “second Sir Syed Ahmad Khan”.
Padma Shri Dr S Ramakrishnan, Indian Space Scientist and Former VSSC & LPSC Director
Passed Away at 71
On December 1, 2020 Padma Shri Dr Sundaram(S) Ramakrishnan, Indian space scientist and former
director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre-VSSC(January 2013 to June 2014)passed away at
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala at the age of 71. He also served as a director of Liquid Propulsion Systems

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Centre (LPSC) from June 2010 to December 2012. He has also received Padma Shri in 2003 for Science
and Engineering.
Padma Bhushan Awardee & “King of Spice”, Dharampala Gulati passed away
Mahashay Dharampal Gulati, the founder and CEO of MDH Masala India’s famous spices company, dies
at the age of 97 due to cardiac arrest in New Delhi. The pioneer of the ready to use ground spices, also
called as “King of Spice” was awarded India’s third highest civilian award “Padma Bhushan” in 2019. He
was born on March 27,1923, in Sialkot, Punjab in present day Pakistan.
Rafer Johnson, Decathlon Champion of 1960 Rome Olympics Passed Away at 86

On 2nd December 2020, Rafer Johnson, the champion of decathlon at the 1960’s Rome Olympics passed
away at the age of 86 in his residence in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, United States of America. He was
born on 18th August 1934 in Hillsboro, Texas, USA.
He was chosen to light the Olympic torch in 1984 for the Los Angeles Games.
Tabaré Vázquez, Former & 1st Socialist President of Uruguay Passed Away at 80
On December 5, 2020 Tabaré Vázquez(Tabaré Ramón Vázquez Rosas), former president of Uruguay
passed away at the age of 80 in Montevideo, Uruguay due to lung cancer. He is the 1st Socialist
President of Uruguay.Later he became the member of Broad Front party.He served as the president for
2 terms(2005-2010 and 2015-2020). He was born on 17th January 1940 in Montevideo, Uruguay.
Veteran Marathi Actor Ravi Patwardhan Passed Away at 84

On 5th November 2020, Veteran Marathi Actor Ravi Patwardhan well known for his role in Aggabai
Sasubai passed away at the age of 84 at a private hospital in Thane, Maharashtra. He has acted in
numerous plays and has starred in more than 200 films in Hindi and Marathi. He has also appeared in
the well known Marathi agriculture show “Aamchi Maati Aamchi Maansa” on Doordarshan (DD) in mid
80’s.
BOOKS & AUTHORS
New Book Titled ‘Future of Regional Cooperation in Asia and the Pacific’ Released by ADB
On November 26, 2020 The Asian Development Bank (ADB) headquartered at Metro Manila,
Philippines released a new book titled, ‘Future of Regional Cooperation in Asia and the Pacific’. The
book reviews the progress with regional cooperation and integration in Asia and the Pacific. As per the
book, India was the 4th major host of Greenfield Foreign Direct Investment(FDI) projects and 8th major
host of cross-border Merger and Acquisition(M&A) deals, during 2004-2015. book is edited by
Bambang Susantono and Cyn-Young Park.
Shri Prakash Javadekar along with Shri Hardeep Singh Puri Released the Booklet “PM Modi
And His Government’s Special Relationship With Sikhs”
On 30th November 2020, Prakash Javadekar, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting(I&B)
along with Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of State(MoS) for Civil Aviation and Housing & Urban Affairs
released the booklet titled “PM Modi and His Government’s Special Relationship with Sikhs”. The
booklet was produced by the Bureau of Outreach Communication under the Ministry of I&B(MIB) was
released on the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanthi, the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev ji.
“Indian Icon: A Cult Called Royal Enfield” New Book Authored By Journalist Amrit Raj
Senior business journalist Amrit Raj authored his new book titled “Indian Icon: A Cult Called Royal
Enfield” which maps the story of the company and the brand “Royal Enfield”, a premium homegrown

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brand for the global market. The book was published by Westland Books. The book narrates the story
behind the making of the Royal Enfield, and the journey of the brand beginning in 1950s to the brand
becoming an iconic status in India.
Italian Writer Alfredo Covelli Launched his First Kids Book “Vahana Masterclass” in India
On1st December 2020, Alfredo Covelli, Italian Writer launched his new kids book titled “Vahana
Masterclass” illustrating the Indian Mythology and Culture. The illustration of the book was done by
Indian artist Zainab Tambawalla and the book is published by Scholastic India.Vahana Masterclass is
Alfredo’s first book in English, the first book for the Indian market and his first book for kids. Alfredo
describes the book as the Indian version of Harry Potter with mice.
VP Venkaiah Naidu Virtually Released the Book “40 Years with Abdul Kalam- Untold Stories”
Authored by Sivathanu Pillai
On 3rd November 2020, the Vice President of India M Venkaiah Naidu released the book titled “40
Years with Abdul Kalam- Untold Stories”, a book on the life of the former President of India Dr. APJ
Abdul Kalam. The book was authored by Dr A.Sivathanu Pillai. The book is published by Pentagon Press
LLp and the foreword was written by Pranab Mukherjee, former president of India. Sivathanu Pillai
received various honours including the Padma Shri in 2002 & Padma Bhushan in 2013 for science and
engineering.
Amar Chitra Katha’s Comic Book Series on Indian Maritime Heritage was Launched on Navy
Day
Navy Vice Chief Vice Admiral G Ashok Kumar launched a series of 3 comic books about the Indian
maritime heritage on the occasion of Indian Navy Day 2020. The series is being published in
collaboration with Amar Chitra Katha. Book 1 describes the past of Indian Navy and book 2 and 3 will
showcase the transformation of Indian Navy since independence.
Union Education Minister Presented 1st Copy of his Inspirational Book “Pioneer of Humanity:
Maharishi Arvind” to President Ram Nath Kovind
On December 5, 2020 Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, Union Education Minister presented 1st copy of his
inspirational book ‘Pioneer of Humanity: Maharishi Arvind’(The book is in Hindi with the title ‘Manavta
ke Praneta Maharishi Arvind’) to President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.The book is
about Sri Aurobindo Ghosh(Maharishi Arvind), an Indian philosopher, yogi, guru, poet, and nationalist.
IMPORTANT DAYS
International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People 2020 - November 29

United Nations(UN)’s International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is annually observed
across the globe on 29th November to mark the day when the United Nations General Assembly(UNGA)
adopted the resolution in 1947 for partitioning Palestine into an Arab State and a Jewish State. The first
International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People was observed on 29th November 1978.
Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare 2020 - November 30

United Nations(UN)’s Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare is annually celebrated
across the globe on 30th November to pay tribute to the victims of chemical warfare and to reaffirm the
commitment of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to the elimination of
the threat of chemical weapons and promote world peace, security and multilateralism.

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World AIDS Day 2020 - December 1

The World AIDS (Acquired ImmunoDeficiency syndrome) Day is annually observed across the globe on
1st December to show support to the people infected with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and to
remember the people who passed away due to AIDS and other related diseases. WHO & United
Nations(UN) theme for World AIDS Day 2020 is “Global solidarity, resilient HIV services”. According to
the hiv.gov, the theme of 2020 World AIDS Day is “Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic: Resilience and
Impact”.
56th Raising Day of Border Security Force 2020 - December 1

The Border Security Force(BSF) of India annually celebrates its Raising Day on 1st December. The 1st
December 2020 marks the 56th Raising Day of BSF. The Border Security Force(BSF), India’s first line of
Defence was raised in accordance with an Act of the Parliament on 1st December ,1965, following the
India-Pakistan War of 1965.
National Pollution Control Day 2020 – December 2

National Pollution Control Day is annually observed across India on 2nd December to honour the
people who lost their lives in the Bhopal Gas Tragedy in 1984. The day is observed to create awareness
among the general public about the pollution level of India and the rate on which the harmful substance
level in the environment has been increased every year. 2nd December 2020 marks the 36th
anniversary of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. The theme of the 2020 National Pollution Control Day is “raise
awareness about the importance of pollution control and educate people on how to prevent pollution”.
World Computer Literacy Day 2020 – December 2

The World Computer Literacy Day is annually observed on 2nd December to increase the awareness
about the advanced gap and increase the access to computer and information technology. The day
promotes the enhancement of the technology skills of women and children.The objective is to promote
the use of technology and computers among women and make them more informed on the functions of
computers.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2020 – December 3

United Nations(UN)’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities is annually observed across the
globe on 3rd December to promote the participation of people with disabilities and to take action
towards the inclusion of them in all aspects of the society and development. The theme of the 2020
International Day of Persons with Disabilities is “Building Back Better: toward a disability-inclusive,
accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 World”. The UNESCO will also organise a global awareness
raising campaign “Tell our stories, enable our rights” on its social media platform.
International Day for the Abolition of Slavery 2020 – December 2

United Nations(UN)’s International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is annually celebrated across the
globe on 2nd December with an aim to eradicate the modern form of slavery like human trafficking,
sexual exploitation, child labour, forced marriage and forced recruitment of children for armed
conflicts.The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is celebrated on 2nd December to mark date,
2nd December 1949, on which the United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) adopted the resolution
A/RES/317(IV).
Indian Navy Day 2020 – December 4

Indian Navy Day is annually celebrated on 4th December to celebrate the achievements of Indian Navy
and commemorate the launch of Operation Trident during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. The activities of the

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2020 Indian Navy day are collectively termed as “Navy Week 2020”. The theme of the Navy week 2020
is “Navy to Earth-2020”.
International Volunteer Day 2020 - December 5

United Nations(UN)’s International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development, commonly
referred as International Volunteer Day (IVD) is annually celebrated across the globe on 5th December
to create awareness about the important contributions of the volunteer services and encourage people
to offer their service as volunteers. The day is observed by the United Nations Volunteers (UNV)
programme. The theme of the International Volunteers Day 2020(IVD2020) is “Together We Can
Through Volunteering”.
World Soil Day 2020 - December 5

United Nations(UN)’s World Soil day is annually observed across the globe on 5th December to focus
the global attention on the importance of healthy soil and to promote the sustainable management of
soil resources. The 1st world soil day was observed on 5th December 2014. United Nations has
launched a campaign “Keep soil alive, protect soil biodiversity”. Luca Montanarella, Senior Expert
presso European Commission who has a distinguished career in the field of soil science won the Glinka
World Soil Prize 2020. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), responsible for coordinating
agricultural education and research in India won the King Bhumibol World Soil Day Award 2020.
First Ever “International Day of Banks” observed on 4th December 2020

United Nations (UN)’s celebrates the first ever International Day of Banks across the globe on 4th
December 2020. The day is observed to recognise the important potential of multilateral development
banks and other international development banks in financing sustainable development. The United
Nations General Assembly(UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/74/245 on 19th December 2019 and
proclaimed December 4th of every year as the International Day of Banks.
International Civil Aviation Day 2020: December 7

The United Nations(UN) International Civil Aviation Day is annually celebrated across the globe on
December 7 to help create and strengthen worldwide awareness about the importance of international
civil aviation to the social and economic development of countries. The day also aims to create
awareness about the role of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in promoting the safety,
efficiency and regularity of international air transport. International Civil Aviation Day theme for 2020-
2023 is “Advancing Innovation for Global Aviation Development”.
Armed Forces Flag Day 2020 – December 7

The Armed Forces Flag Day is annually observed across India on 7th December to honour the martyrs
and the men and women in uniform who protects the honour of the country.The first Armed Forces Flag
Day was observed on 7th December 1949. Government of India has decided that December 2020 will be
celebrated as the “Gaurav Maah” (Pride Month) to honour the contributions of armed forces and its
veterans.
STATE NEWS
Punjab Government and I-DAIR Signs MoU for Developing Digital Technologies in Health Sector
On November 30, 2020 Punjab Government has signed MoU) with International Digital Health &
Artificial Intelligence Research Collaborative (I-DAIR) hosted at the Graduate Institute of International
& Development Studies in Geneva, Switzerland to develop and deploy digital technologies in the health

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sector. Anirudh Tewari, the state’s Additional Chief Secretary (Governance Reforms) signed the MoU on
behalf of Punjab Government
Amitabh Jain Appointed as Chief Secretary of Chhattisgarh Govt

On November 30, 2020 Chhattisgarh Government appointed Amitabh Jain, a 1989-batch IAS(Indian
Administrative Service) officer as the state's chief secretary. He succeeds Rajendra Prasad(R.P.) Mandal
who retired from services. Prior to his appointment as chief secretary he served as the additional chief
secretary of finance and water resources(additional charge) department.
Goa CM Pramod Sawant launches One Time Settlement Scheme

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has launched a One Time Settlement(OTS) Scheme 2020 a state
welfare scheme of the Department of Electricity to provide waivers for the pending electricity bill
payments.It aimed to serve the interest of people towards the repayment of long-pending electricity
dues because of various reasons caused by the pandemic.
Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal launches “Orunodoi” Scheme

On 2nd December, 2020 Chief Minister of Assam Sarbananda Sonowal launched “Orunodoi” Scheme in
the state. The scheme is allocated with an annual budget of Rs. 2400 crore to provide financial
assistance to socio- economically weaker sections for a period of 5 years. he scheme will provide
financial assistance of Rs.830/month as Directly Benefit Transfer(DBT) to the bank accounts of Women
under the Jan Dhan Yojana.
Assam Proposed to set up its 6th National Park – “Raimona National Park” in the Ripu Reserved
Forest
Assam government has proposed to establish its 6th National park, the “Raimona National Park” in the
Ripu Reserved Forest of the state which was severely damaged due to militancy. The Ripu Reserved
Forest is a part of the buffer zone of the Manas National Park along the borders of Bhutan.
Kolkata’s Majerhat Bridge named “Jai Hind” to Mark Netaji’s 125th Birth Anniversary
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee named the newly-built Majerhat bridge in Kolkata as ‘Jai
Hind’ bridge to commemorate the 125th Birth Anniversary of Subash Chandra Bose. The new bridge
has been built in the place of an old one which collapsed in September 2018. It is 650-metres long and
connects the Central part of Kolkata to the South western suburbs of Behala and others.
Uttarakhand CM, Trivendra Singh Rawat Inaugurates Suryadhar lake at Doiwala

On November 29, 2020 Trivendra Singh Rawat, Chief Minister(CM) of Uttarakhand inaugurated the
Suryadhar lake on Jakhan river at Doiwala, Dehradun district, Uttarakhand. The man made lake is built
at a cost of around Rs 50.24 crore. The lake has been named after social worker Gajendra Dutt Naithani.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee extends “Swasthya Sathi Scheme” to entire Bengal
Population
West Bengal(WB) Chief Minister(CM) Mamata Banerjee extended the state’s Health Insurance scheme
“Swasthya Sathi Scheme” to cover the entire population of the state. The cashless scheme will be a relief
to the population hardly hit by COVID-19.The state government will also have to bear an annual
expense of Rs. 2,000 crores for Swasthya Sathi health scheme.

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Maharashtra Government approves Proposal to rename Residential Colonies with Caste-Based

Names
The Maharashtra cabinet cleared a proposal to rename all the residential settlements and localities in
the state based on caste names. It has been done with an aim to maintain social harmony and national
unity. They will now be given names like Samata Nagar, Bhim Nagar, Jyoti Nagar, Shahu Nagar, Kranti
Nagar.
UP CM Yogi Adityanath Launched “Mera Covid Kendra” App to Locate Free COVID-19 Test
Centres
On 5th December 2020, Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister (CM) of Uttar Pradesh (UP) launched a mobile
application “Mera Covid Kendra” or “My Covid Centre” to locate free COVID-19 testing centres in the
state. The app was developed by the department of health and family welfare of Uttar Pradesh. The app
is aimed to provide support to people to get information about the public and private testing lab located
within 5 kilometers.
Maharashtra Approves 10 New Conservation Reserves & 1 New Wildlife Sanctuary;Kanhargaon

becomes 50th WLS of Maharashtra
On December 5, 2020, Maharashtra’s 16th State Board of Wildlife (SBWL) meeting headed by Chief
Minister Uddhav Thackeray approved the declaration of 10 new Conservation Reserves (CR) & 1 New
Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) in Maharashtra. Kanhargaon in Chandrapur district was declared a Wildlife
Sanctuary making it Maharashtra’s 50th Wildlife Sanctuary. The 10 CRs are Mahendri, Amboli-
Dodamarg (Sindhudurg), Jor-Jambhli (Satara), Munia (Nagpur) and Chandgad, Panhalgad, Vishalgad,
Gaganbawda, Mayni and Ajra-Bhudargad.
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CURRENT AFFAIRS PDF PLANS

Current Affairs PDF 2019: Study, Pocket and Q&A PDF’s

Current Affairs PDF 2018: Study, Pocket and Q&A PDF’s

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Current Affairs Weekly PDF – December 2020 1st

Rajasthan CM inaugurates India’s first “Organ donor Memorial”

PM Modi addressed the 8th Convocation of Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University

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10th National Science Film Festival 2020 Organised by VigyanPrasar Virtually

CERT-In, Kasperksy in Strategic Pact to Improve Mutual Cybersecurity Capabilities

Power Minister RK Singh Launches ‘Green Charcoal Hackathon’

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Indigenous Aircraft Carrier to be commissioned by end of 2021 end or by early 2022

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Rank Police Station District State

MoPNG Dharmendra Pradhan launches First Mobile CNG Dispensing Unit

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India, US signs MoU on Intellectual Property Cooperation

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PM Narendra Modi addressed IIT-2020 Global Summit

UP Renames Dandupur Railway Station as Maa Barahi Devi Dham

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Foreign Secretary Shringla inaugurated three schools in his Nepal visit

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Inaugural Meeting of US-India Counternarcotic Working Group held Virtually; Dy DG NCB

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Britain became the First Country to recognise Pfizer-BioNTech’s coronavirus vaccine

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Facebook-Backed Libra Association Renamed Itself as Diem

IUCN Report named India’s Western Ghats under Significant Concern

UN CND removes Cannabis from “Most Dangerous Drug” Category

BANKING & FINANCE

PNB Launched Loan Management Solution, ”PNB LenS-The Lending Solution”

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IFSCA Became Member of International Association of Insurance Supervisors

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KVGB Launches ‘Kirishi OD’ Scheme for Farmers

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ICICI Bank Launched “iMobile Pay” App

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

OECD Revised India’s FY21 GDP Forecast to -9.9% from -10.2%

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

Cambridge Dictionary Named “Quarantine” as Word of the Year 2020

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Merriam-Webster and Dictionary.com select “Pandemic” as Word of the Year 2020

RIL Tops 2020 Fortune 500 Ranking List of Indian Companies

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APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

AR Rahman Appointed as the Ambassador for BAFTA Breakthrough India 2020-21

Varsha Joshi Appointed as Interim Chairperson of NDDB

Sandeep Kataria, Becomes 1st Indian to be Appointed as Global CEO of Bata

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Govt constituted Apex Committee for Implementation of 2015 Paris Agreement

Shrikant Madhav Vaidya Appointed as the First Vice President of WLPGA