Curretn Affairs Sept-Dec

Monthly Current Affairs GK Digest: September 2020
CONTENTS
World’s Largest Solar Tree: By CSIR-CMERI .......................................................................................................... 5

Vedanta Ltd. Partnered with SBI and SBICTCL ..................................................................................................... 6
Ministry of Defence signed contract of Rs 2580 crore—Make in India........................................................ 6
Japan extends Financial Support to India............................................................................................................... 6
Indian Economy Contracted by 23.9% for Q1 for FY 2020-21 ........................................................................ 7
Virtual Bilateral Meet between India and Nigeria ............................................................................................... 7
Appointments and Extension 2nd September 2020 ........................................................................................... 8
‘LiGo’— AI based Chabot by ICICI Prudential Life Insurance ........................................................................... 8
Indian Astronomers discovered Farthest Star Galaxies in the Universe..................................................... 9
Mission Karmayogi- A National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building ................................... 9
Coal India Ltd Invest Rs 1.22 lakh Crores for 500 Projects ............................................................................ 10
Appointments 3rd September 2020 ....................................................................................................................... 10
13th Global Innovation Index 2020 ........................................................................................................................ 11
Green Term Ahead Market ........................................................................................................................................ 11
‘Water Heroes – Share Your Stories’ Contest ....................................................................................................... 11
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Japan .............................................................................................. 12
Appointments on 4th September 2020 ................................................................................................................. 12
BIMSTEC Meet 2020 ..................................................................................................................................................... 13
India and Russia finalised Deal to Manufacture AK-47 203 Rifles .............................................................. 13
National Tribal Research Conclave ......................................................................................................................... 14
Germany launched Indo-Pacific Strategy with India ........................................................................................ 14
‘Home Utsav’- ICICI Bank’s Virtual Property Exhibition .................................................................................. 15
Appointment and Brand Ambassadors: 5th September 2020 ...................................................................... 15
Revised Priority Sector Lending Guidelines—By RBI ...................................................................................... 15
5th BRICS Culture Ministers Meet ........................................................................................................................... 16
G20 Foreign Ministers Meet ...................................................................................................................................... 16
4th Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP) Ranking ........................................................................................... 17
‘I Rakhwali’ App —By Punjab.................................................................................................................................... 17
IIT Roorkee signs MoU with NIUA ........................................................................................................................... 18
60th SIAM Annual Convention 2020....................................................................................................................... 18
2nd Edition of Anti-Dengue Campaign launched by Delhi Government .................................................... 19
Ministry of MSME approved Khadi Agarbatti Aatma Nirbhar Mission ....................................................... 19
www.BankExamsToday.com 1
35th FAO Regional Conference for Asia and Pacific 2020 ............................................................................... 20
Consumer Affairs Ministry, GOI issues Draft Guidelines on Advertisements .......................................... 20
AIM partners with Freshworks Inc. ........................................................................................................................ 20
India, US and Israel collaborates for 5G Technology ........................................................................................ 21
K V Kamath’s Committee report Released by RBI ............................................................................................. 21
SPARROW Portal- Jammu and Kashmir ................................................................................................................ 22
GOI signed Loan Agreement with ADB for Delhi-Meerut RRTS Corridor .................................................. 23
Appointments on 9th September 2020 ................................................................................................................. 23
‘Signature Visa Debit Card’—Bank of India.......................................................................................................... 24
India’s Economy to Contract 10.5% for FY2020-21 from -5% ...................................................................... 24
Five PSUs to Join ISA-CSCA as Corporate Partners ............................................................................................ 25
EASE Banking Reforms Index 2.0............................................................................................................................. 25
1st India-Angola Joint Commission Meet .............................................................................................................. 26
India’s First Integrated Ambulance Service-- Karnataka ................................................................................ 26
‘Levels and Trends in Child Mortality’ Report 2020 ......................................................................................... 27
PM Modi launched Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana and e-Gopala App ................................... 27
1st India-France-Australia Trilateral Dialogue .................................................................................................. 28
Doorstep Banking Services by PSBs ....................................................................................................................... 28
Appointments and Brand Ambassador on 11th September 2020 ............................................................... 29
India signs MoU with Japan........................................................................................................................................ 29
‘Five Star Villages’ Scheme – India Post ................................................................................................................. 30
India’s GDP Rate at -9% for FY 2020-21—Projected by CRISIL .................................................................... 30
RBI released Guidelines to have Uniform Compliance Practices in banks ............................................... 31
Conclave on ‘School Education in 21st Century’ ................................................................................................. 32
10th East Asia Summit (EAS) 2020 ......................................................................................................................... 32
Climate Smart Cities Assessment Framework 2.0 ............................................................................................. 33
Piggery Mission—Meghalaya .................................................................................................................................... 33
‘iStartup 2.0’—ICICI Bank ........................................................................................................................................... 34
24th Global Economic Freedom Index 2020 ....................................................................................................... 34
17th Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s Culture Ministers Meet 2020 ............................................... 35
Liberty General Insurance Ltd partnered with SpiceJets................................................................................ 35
India’s GDP at -11.5% for FY 2021—By Moody’s Rating Agency .................................................................. 36
2+2 Inter-Sessional meet between India and US ............................................................................................... 36
27th ASEAN Regional Forum Minister Meet ........................................................................................................ 37
India's GDP to contract 9% for FY 21—By S&P Global Ratings ..................................................................... 37

Appointments on 15th September 2020 ............................................................................................................... 38
Empowered Group of Ministers to look into Corporatisation of Ordinance Factory Board ............... 39
IFSCA signs MoU with IGPC of IIM Ahmedabad ................................................................................................... 39
ADB to offer $15 million to Suguna Foods Private Ltd ..................................................................................... 40
TRAI recommends to Setup an Industry Body for Cloud Service Providers ............................................ 40
India’s GDP to Contract 9% for FY 2020-21 ......................................................................................................... 41
Brand Ambassador’s Selections on 16th September 2020............................................................................. 41
FM introduced Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill 2020 in LS ............................................................. 42
10th DTTI Group Meet between India and US..................................................................................................... 42
‘Backyard Horticulture’ Programme: Jammu and Kashmir ........................................................................... 43
India’s GDP to Contract 10.2% for FY 2020-21—By OECD ............................................................................. 43
Corporate Agency Agreement signed between SBI General insurance and Yes Bank .......................... 44
RBI issues Draft Rupee Interest Rate Derivatives Directions, 2020 ........................................................... 44
IBSA Foreign Ministers Meeting 2020 ................................................................................................................... 45
4th Global Ayurveda Summit 2020 ......................................................................................................................... 45
World Banks Human Capital Index 2020 ............................................................................................................. 46
India's GDP to Contract by 8.6% for FY 2020-21—By UBS Securities ........................................................ 46
India Happiness Report 2020 ................................................................................................................................... 47
WhatsApp partnered with Common Services Centers ..................................................................................... 47
10th BRICS NSA Meet ................................................................................................................................................... 48
Smart City Index 2020 ................................................................................................................................................. 48
‘Apna Ghar Dreamz’ Home Loan Scheme—By ICICI Home Finance............................................................. 48
‘Arthika Spandana’-- Karnataka............................................................................................................................... 49
Two major Agriculture and Raising Farmer’s Income Bill passed in LS .................................................... 49
Appointments, Resignation and Brand Ambassador on 19th Sep 2020 .................................................... 50
Mukhyamantri Mahila Utkarsh Yojana-- Gujarat............................................................................................... 50
National Generic Document Registration System—Jammu and Kashmir ................................................ 51
NITI Aayog partnered with Indian School of Public Policy ............................................................................. 52
Appointments on 20th Sep 2020 ............................................................................................................................. 52
Ministry of AYUSH signs MoU with Ministry of Women and Child Development ................................... 52
Emmy Awards 2020 ..................................................................................................................................................... 53
India offers financial support to Maldives to combat COVID-19 .................................................................. 53
Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Bill 2020 passed in Rajya Sabha ........................................................... 54
‘Ghar Tak Fibre’ Scheme and 9 Highway Projects-- Bihar .............................................................................. 54

Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore Ltd signed MoU with ITI Kalamassery ........................................ 55
Visa Inc. and IFundWomen to support Women Entrepreneurs.................................................................... 56
SBI Cards and Payment Services Ltd partnered with Google ........................................................................ 56
India’s nominal GDP to grow by 19%: Ministry of Finance ............................................................................ 57
National Rhino Conservation Strategy .................................................................................................................. 57
RS passed Indian Institutes of Information Technology Laws (Amendment) Bill 2020 ...................... 57
YuWaah: A Multi-Stakeholder Platform ................................................................................................................ 58
Google Pay rolls out Tokenisation on its platform ............................................................................................ 58
Appointments on 23rd September 2020 .............................................................................................................. 59
Mukhya Mantri Kisan Kalyan Yojana—Madhya Pradesh ............................................................................... 59
Rajya Sabha passed Three Labour Codes for the Welfare of Country’s Workers ................................... 60
‘Kritagya’ Hackathon.................................................................................................................................................... 60
India’s iCreate signs MoU with Israel ..................................................................................................................... 61
Appointments on 24th September 2020 ............................................................................................................... 61
PM Narendra Modi launched ‘Age Appropriate Fitness Protocol’ ............................................................... 62
‘Strengthening Clinical Trial Research Capacity in Neighboring Countries’ Programme ................... 63
RBI released Cyber Security Vision Framework for UCBs .............................................................................. 63
‘Moksha Kalash Yojana 2020’—Rajasthan ........................................................................................................... 64
Appointments, Extension and Brand Ambassador on 25th September 2020 ......................................... 64
‘Mukhyamantrir Grammya Paribhan Achoni Yojana’—Assam ..................................................................... 65
World Risk Index 2020................................................................................................................................................ 65
‘U-Rise’ Portal – Uttar Pradesh ................................................................................................................................. 66
‘SafePay’ Contactless Debit Card Facility—IDFC First Bank ........................................................................... 66
Ministerial Roundtable Dialogue on Biodiversity 2020 .................................................................................. 67
AYUSH Ministry signs MoU with Herbal Industry Bodies ............................................................................... 67
Quad Group Meet 2020 ............................................................................................................................................... 68
Contactless Payment Solution for Mass Transport-Fino Payments Bank & Fintech Partners .......... 69
Appointment and Brand Ambassadors on 27th September 2020 ............................................................... 69
4th JIMEX 2020............................................................................................................................................................... 69
ADB approves loan for Secondary Towns of Rajasthan................................................................................... 70
World Bank offers loan to Bangladesh .................................................................................................................. 70
IRDAI identifies LIC, GIC and New India Assurance as D-SIIs ........................................................................ 71
India and Denmark signs MoU for Intellectual Property Cooperation ...................................................... 72
Appointment and Resignation on 28th September 2020 ............................................................................... 72

Health in India Report 2020 ...................................................................................................................................... 72
Destination North East 2020 Festival .................................................................................................................... 73
RBI to launch ‘Positive Pay System’ for Cheque Truncation System ........................................................... 74
India’s GDP for FY 2021 at -12.6%-- By NCAER................................................................................................... 74
Appointment and Brand Ambassador on 29th September 2020 ................................................................. 74
India’s GDP to contract by 11% in FY21 --- ICRA................................................................................................ 75
PFC signs MoU with Ministry of Power .................................................................................................................. 75
BSE signs MoU with Yes Bank ................................................................................................................................... 76
PM Modi inaugurated 6 Mega Projects in Uttarakhand ................................................................................... 76
Appointment and Brand Ambassador on 30th September 2020 ................................................................. 77
MONTHLY CURRENT AFFAIRS GK DIGEST:

SEPTEMBER 2020
WORLD’S LARGEST SOLAR TREE: BY CSIR-CMERI
Current Context: The CSIR-CMERI which comes under the Ministry of Science and Technology has
developed and installed World’s Largest Solar Tree.
HIGHLIGHTS
 The installed capacity of the solar tree is 11.5 kWp.
 Annually, it has the capacity to generate 12,000-14,000 units of clean and green power
energy.
 It is technically designed in a manner so that it gets maximum exposure to sunlight and by
creating the least amount of shadow area beneath.
 There are a total of 35 solar PV panels in each tree, each of them is exposed to max sunlight.
 The solar tree is having adjustable arm holdings for solar PV panels and is placed in an inclined
position. This adjustable arm holdings for solar PV panels are not available in roof-mounted solar
panels.
 The cost of the solar tree is Rs 7.5 lakhs and has vast application areas in agriculture in order to
substitute price volatile fossil fuels.
 One solar tree is capable to reduce about 10 tonnes of CO2 emissions and the surplus power from
the solar tree can be fed to energy grids.
 It is compatible with IoT (Internet Of Things) platform and includes features like CCTV
surveillance, wind speed, real-time humidity and rainfall prediction and soil analytics as it is
inbuilt with numerous sensors.
VEDANTA LTD. PARTNERED WITH SBI AND SBICTCL
Current Context: Vedanta Ltd has partnered with State Bank of India and SBICAP Trustee
Company Ltd.
KEY FACTS
 They have entered into a partnership for long term syndicated loan facility for Rs 10,000
crore.
 SBI will be acting as a facility agent and SBICAP Trustee Company Ltd as security trustee.
 As a lender, SBI has assured to offer Rs 5000 crore.
 This loan facility will help to stipulate refinancing of near term debt maturities of Vedanta. This
will thus boost the maturity profile and will improve the liquidity ratio.
 A syndicated loan is the loan amount which is offered by a group of lenders with an aim to grant
credit to the large borrower.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Vedanta Ltd: Mumbai
o HQ of SBI: Mumbai
o Chairman of SBI: Rajnish Kumar
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE SIGNED CONTRACT OF RS 2580 CRORE—MAKE IN

INDIA
Current Context: The ministry of defence, GOI has signed a contract of worth Rs 2580 crore to
boost the initiative of Make in India.
KEY POINTS
 The ministry has signed the contract to supply six Pinaka regiments, a system rocket
launcher to the Indian Army by 2024.
 The contract is signed with: Bharat Earth Movers Ltd, Tata Power Company Ltd and Larsen &
Toubro.
 The Pinaka regiments will be comprised of 114 launchers. It will be encorporated with automated
gun aiming and positioning system.
 The Pinaka regiments will be put into operation at Northern and Eastern borders of India by
Indian Army by 2024.
 Static Part:
o Union Defence Minister: Rajnath Singh
JAPAN EXTENDS FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO INDIA
Current Context: Japan has announced to grant a financial loan assistant support to India to fight
COVID-19 crisis.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 Under this, Japan has offered a loan amount of Rs 3500 crore to India.
 This loan amount will help India to implement health and medical policies, to uplift the
telemedicine with the help of digital technology in the rural part of India.
 The loan amount will also help to take precautionary measures to fight COVID-19.
 Japan has granted a loan at an interest rate of 0.01% per annum and a redemption period of 15
years, including 4 year grace period.
 The dignitaries exchanged the documents for the provision of grant aid worth 1 billion yen under
Japan’s Official Development Assistant scheme for India’s Economic and Social Development
Programme.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Japan: Tokyo
o Currency of Japan: Japanese Yen
INDIAN ECONOMY CONTRACTED BY 23.9% FOR Q1 FOR FY 2020-21
Current Context: The National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme
Implementation has released data displaying that Indian Economy is contracted by 23.9% for Q1
for FY 2020-21.
HIGHLIGHTS
 They have released these estimates at both constant (2011-12) and current prices.
 GDP at constant prices for the first quarter of 2020-21 is estimated at Rs 26.90 lakh crore, as
against Rs 35.35 lakh crore for the first quarter of 2019-20. This shows the contraction of 23.9%
compared to 5.2% growth in the first quarter of 2019-20.
 GDP at current prices for the first quarter of 2020-21 is estimated at Rs 38.08 lakh crore. This
value was Rs 49.18 lakh crore for the first quarter of 20219-20. Hence, there is a contraction of
22.6% compared to 8.1% growth in Q1 in 2019-20.
 Other estimates are: GVA (Gross Value Added) for India declined to 22.8%, manufacturing by
39.3% and mining by 23.3%. GFCF (Gross Fixed Value Formation) contracted to 52.9%, electricity
to 7%. Agriculture and relayed activities marked a growth of 3.4% during this quarter.
VIRTUAL BILATERAL MEET BETWEEN INDIA AND NIGERIA
Current Context: India and Nigeria held the bilateral meeting in a virtual mode in order to
strengthen their relations to achieve mutual benefits for both the countries.
KEY POINTS
 India was represented by Union External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Nigeria was
represented by country’s foreign minister Geoffrey Onyeama.
 The dignitaries discussed to deepen their relations in the sector of politics, economics, trade,
defence and security with cultural cooperation.
 They assured to achieve the cooperation in defence training, capacity building, support in defence
equipment, medical and health services, R&D in the defence sector and to exchange of information
on a regular basis.
 They also discussed the sharing of information taking place between Indian and Nigerian Navies in
order to enhance security in the maritime sector in the Gulf of Guinea region. They also assured to
work together for current efforts to counter-terrorism, insurgency and piracy.
 Also, Nigeria’s foreign minister appreciated India support in combating COVID-19 in Nigeria. In
July 2020, India offered financial support of USD 50 million and essential medicines to combat
COVID-19 in Nigeria.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Nigeria: Abuja
o Currency of Nigeria: Nigerian Naira
APPOINTMENTS AND EXTENSION 2ND SEPTEMBER 2020
Current Context: Rajiv Kumar: He is appointed and has taken charge as Election Commissioner of
India.
ABOUT
 Aveek Sarkar: He is appointed as Chairman of Press Trust of India. He is Editor Emeritus and
Vice President of Ananda Bazar Group of Publications. He has replaced Vijay Kumar Chopra
 Static Part:
o HQ of Press Trust of India: New Delhi
 Hemant Khatri: He is appointed as Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Shipyard
Ltd (HSL). He has replaced L V Sarat Babu.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Hindustan Shipyard Ltd (HSL): Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
 Pramod Chandra Mody: He has given an extension to continue with the post of Chairman for
Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). The extension is offered for 6 months.
 Static Part:
o HQ of CBDT: New Delhi
‘LIGO’— AI BASED CHABOT BY ICICI PRUDENTIAL LIFE INSURANCE
Current Context: ICICI Prudential Life Insurance has launched an Artificial Intelligence-based
voice featured chatbot.
HIGHLIGHTS
 The chatbot is named as ‘LiGo’.
 The policyholders will be able to communicate with this chatbot in order to solve their
queries with the help of simple voice commands.
 ICICI Prudential Life Insurance has also extended this chatbot service on Google
Assistant. Customer can use this chatbot service just by activating Google Assistant on their
smartphones and then speaking out their policy number and registered contact phone number, on
doing this procedure, the policy information will be instantly displayed.
 The ‘LiGo’ is available in 9 Indian languages.
 Static Part:
o HQ of ICICI Prudential Life Insurance: Mumbai
o CMD of ICICI Prudential Life Insurance: N S Kannan
INDIAN ASTRONOMERS DISCOVERED FARTHEST STAR GALAXIES IN THE

UNIVERSE
Current Context: Department of Space announced that Indian Astronomers has discovered
farthest star galaxies in the universe.
DETAILS
 The discovered farthest star galaxies in the universe are the extreme UV light which is
detected with the help of India’s first multi-wavelength satellite ‘Astrosat’.
 The galaxy is called AUDFs01.
 This star galaxy is seemed to located 9.3 billion light-years away from the Earth.
 This discovery by Indian astronomers is also reported in ‘Nature Astronomy’ an International
Journal of Britain.
 The team of astronomers is headed by Dr Kanak Saha, Inter-University entre for Astronomy and
Astrophysics, Pune.
MISSION KARMAYOGI- A NATIONAL PROGRAMME FOR CIVIL SERVICES

CAPACITY BUILDING
Current Context: The Union Cabinet has approved and launched Mission Karmayogi.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 Mission Karmayogi is a National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building.
 The mission is launched to lay the foundation for capacity building for civil servants so that
they remain firmly established in Indian culture while learning from best practices across
the world.
 This mission will help to build future-ready civil servants who will possess skillsets like right
attitude, knowledge in order to achieve mission New India.
 Rs 510.86 crore will be utilised for a period of 5 years for this mission.
 The mission will be beneficial to 46 lakh central employees.
 Framework for Mission Karmayogi : (a) PM’s Human Resource Council (b) Capacity Building
Commission (c) Special Purpose Vehicle for owning and operating the digital assets and
technological platform for online training (d)Coordination unit headed by the cabinet secretary.
 ‘iGOTKarmayogiPlatform will be set up to enhance the capacity of 2 crore officials all over
India.
 Principles of Programme: (a)Focus on on-site learning (b) Transition from rule-based to roles-
based HR management (c)Calibrating civil service positions (d) Strengthening behavioural and
functional domain competencies of civil servants (e) Developing partnership with best in class
content creators.
COAL INDIA LTD INVEST RS 1.22 LAKH CRORES FOR 500 PROJECTS
Current Context: Coal India Ltd (CIL) has decided to invest Rs 1.22 lakh crore for achieving the
target in 500 projects.
KEY FACTS
 These 500 projects will be based on infrastructure, coal evacuation, project development,
clean coal technologies and exploration in the country.
 The investment is done to achieve moto of making India a Self-Reliant country and to achieve a
target of 1 billion tonnes by 2023-24.
 Under this investment, CIL will be investing Rs 14,200 crores for the upcoming 3-4 years in two
phases for its 49 first mile connectivity projects.
 Out of this Rs 1.22 lakh crores, CIL will be investing Rs 25,117 crore on mine infrastructure
building, Rs 32,696 crores on coal evacuation and Rs 29,461 on project development and
management for 2023-24.
 Along with this, the other 15 Greenfield projects will also be operated. These projects will be
operated under the Mine Developer and Operator (MDO) model.
 Static Part:
o HQ of CIL: Kolkata, West Bengal
APPOINTMENTS 3RD SEPTEMBER 2020
Current Context: Usha Padhee: She has given additional charge as Director-General of Bureau of
Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). She has become the first women and third IAS officer to be appointed for
this post. She has replaced Rakesh Asthana.
ABOUT
 V K Yadav: He is appointed as CEO of Railway Board by appointment committee of cabinet.
 Static Part:
o Union Minister of Railways: Piyush Goyal
13TH GLOBAL INNOVATION INDEX 2020
Current Context: 13th Global Innovation Index 2020 is released by WIPO (World Intellectual
Property Organisation), Cornell University and INSEAD Business School.
HIGHLIGHTS
 As per this index, India is ranked at position 48th in the list. India has also maintained a top
position among central and southern Asia region.
 India ranks top in 15 indicators like ICT, Exports, Government online services, R&D, Science and
Engineering and many more.
 The first position is marked by Switzerland, which is followed by Sweden and the US at
second and third position respectively.
 Static Part:
o HQ of WIPO: Geneva, Switzerland
GREEN TERM AHEAD MARKET
Current Context: Union Minister for Power and New and Renewable energy (Independent Charge)
R K Singh has launched Green Term Ahead Market (GTAM) for electricity.
KEY POINTS
 The GTAM is launched to increase participation of people in renewable energy sector.
 GTAM is the world’s first product market for renewable energy(RE) sector.
 GTAM is launched to reduce the financial and technical burden on renewable energy based states
and to provide them incentive platform so that they can work in RE sector.
 It will help in achieving India’s target of 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by the year 2022.
‘WATER HEROES – SHARE YOUR STORIES’ CONTEST
Current Context: The ‘Water Heroes – Share Your Stories’ Contest is launched by Jal Shakti
ministry.
HIGHLIGHTS
 The contest is launched with an aim to make aware people about the importance of water in their
life and to inculcate water conservation and management strategies.
 The contest aims to strengthen water consciousness in India.
 To participate in this contest, the people will have to submit their success stories about water
conservation and management in the form of a video of 1-5 minutes. They will also have to submit
a write-up of upto 300 words having pictures or photos of their water conservation techniques
which will depict their efforts and will also elaborate the results which they have obtained in
water conservation.
 A maximum of 10 entries will be considered for the prize awards every month. The prize amount
is Rs 10,000 and a certificate.
 Static Part:
o Minister of State in the Ministry of Jal Shakti: Rattan Lal Kataria
CABINET APPROVES MOU BETWEEN INDIA AND JAPAN
Current Context: Union Cabinet approved to sign the MoU between India and Japan.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 This approval is for the Cooperation in the Textile Sector.
 The union cabinet was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
 The approval is given to sign the MoU between textiles committee, India and Nissenken Quality
Evaluation Centre, Japan.
 This MoU will help to improve the quality and testing of Indian textiles and clothing for the Japan
market.
 The MoU will also help to attain the benefit of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
between India and Japan which was signed earlier.
 The MoU will also boost Indian exports to meet the requirement of Japanese importers by
following rules and regulation of Japan’s government.
 Static Part:
APPOINTMENTS ON 4TH SEPTEMBER 2020
Current Context: Murali Ramakrishnan: He is appointed as MD and CEO of South Indian Bank for a
tenure of 3 years. He has replaced V G Mathew.
ABOUT
 Static Part:
o HQ of South Indian Bank: Thrissur, Kerala
o Tagline of South Indian Bank: Experience Next Generation Banking
 S Krishnan: He is appointed as MD and CEO of Punjab and Sind Bank. He has replaced S
Harishankar
 Static Part:
o HQ of Punjab and Sind Bank: New Delhi
o Tagline of Punjab and Sind Bank: Where Services is a Way of Life
 K Padmakar: He has given an additional charge of Chairman and MD of Bharat Petroleum

Corporation Limited (BPCL). Currently, he serves as Director (HR) for BPCL.
 Static Part:
o HQ of BPCL: Mumbai
 Dinesh Pant: He will be heading the committee formed by IRDAI to study aspects for allowing
life insurance companies to offer index-linked products.
BIMSTEC MEET 2020
Current Context: India attended the BIMSTEC Meet 2020 in order to review and expand support
among associated countries of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and
Economic Cooperation).
ABOUT MEETING
 India was represented by Secretary (East) in Ministry of External Affairs Vijay Thakur
Singh.
 The dignitaries of the BIMSTEC countries discussed the challenges which are arisen due to the
outbreak of COVID-19.
 They discussed to deal with the economic impact which is highly affected due to COVID-19.
 BIMSTEC 2020 meeting was held under the chairmanship of Sri Lanka.
 Static Part:
o HQ of BIMSTEC: Dhaka, Bangladesh
o BIMSTEC Nations: Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bhutan, Thailand, Nepal
INDIA AND RUSSIA FINALISED DEAL TO MANUFACTURE AK-47 203 RIFLES
Current Context: India and Russia has finalised their deal to manufacture AK-47 203 rifles.
KEY FACTS
 As per the deal, the AK-47 203 rifles will be manufactured in India under the guidance of
Russia and the manufacturing will be the part of Make in India Initiative.
 To finalise the deal, India’s defence minister Rajnath Singh held the talks with counterpart Shoigu.
 The manufacturing will be held under a joint venture called Indo Russia Rifles Private Limited
(IRRPL).
 The manufacturing of AK-47 203 rifles will take place at Uttar Pradesh’s Korwa Ordinance
Factory.
 Costing of each AK-47 203 rifle is said to be around USD 1100 and is expected to replace Indian
Small Arms System in the near future.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Russia: Moscow
o Currency of Russia: Rouble
NATIONAL TRIBAL RESEARCH CONCLAVE
Current Context: The National Tribal Research Conclave was organized by Centre of Excellence for
tribal affairs, ministry of tribal affairs and Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA).
HIGHLIGHTS
 Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Arjun Munda addressed the inaugural session of two day
National Tribal Research Conclave.
 The conclave was organized to analyse the ongoing work adopted by the ministry of tribal affairs.
They also reviewed the results obtained by various projects in regards to the welfare of the tribal
community.
 The future targets and the road map of National Tribal Research Institute (NTRI) which is to be
launched in partnership with IIPA was also discussed in the conclave.
 The minister addressed to make use of advance technology for the welfare of the tribal community
and assured that ministry of tribal affairs is working in quality research programs in partnership
with various reputed NGOs which will provide benefit to tribes.
 He also mentioned that ministry of tribal affairs is providing funds to 26 tribal research institutes
in order to carry out research activities.
GERMANY LAUNCHED INDO-PACIFIC STRATEGY WITH INDIA
Current Context: Presidential country of the European Union, Germany, has launched the Indo-
Pacific strategy with India.
KEY POINTS
 The strategy is expected to play an important role in China’s aggressive behavior in the Indo-
Pacific region as China’s foreign policy approach has disturbed many countries.
 Germany’s Indo-Pacific strategy with India will also be working its role in the Bay of Bengal
Initiative for Multi-sectoral and Economic Cooperation and the Indian Ocean Rim Association.
 Germany’s Indo-Pacific strategy will work in sectors like maritime safety and disaster risk
management.
 Germany will also be working with India and Japan in the virtue of UN Security Reforms.
 The reason behind launching the Indo-Pacific strategy: (a) 90% of world foreign trade is
conducted by sea mainly via the Indian and Pacific Oceans (b) 25-30% world maritime trade is
conducted through the Strait of Malacca (c) the South China Sea and its current behavioral impact
on global trade.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Germany: Berlin
o Currency of Germany: Euro
‘HOME UTSAV’- ICICI BANK’S VIRTUAL PROPERTY EXHIBITION
Current Context: India’s private sector bank, ICICI Bank, has launched a virtual property
exhibition with the name ‘Home Utsav’.
DETAILS
 Home Utsav will digitally showcase the real estate properties and projects from various
sites of India.
 Access link for Exhibition: www.homeutsavicici.com.
 The virtual exhibition is available for access to both ICICI customers as well as Non-ICICI
customers.
 ‘Home Utsav’ has been launched for Mumbai and Pune regions.
 Features of Home Utsav: (a) Wide range of real estate properties and projects will be made
available to browse online (b) Attractive home loan interest rates (c) Special processing fees (d)
Digital mode for loan sanction process (e) Exclusive direct discounts by developers
 Currently, over 100 projects by more than 600 developers will be made available to browse on
this Home Utsav platform.
 Static Part:
o HQ of ICICI Bank: Mumbai
o Tagline of ICICI Bank: Hum Hai Na, Khayal Apka
o MD and CEO of ICICI Bank: Sandeep Bakshi
APPOINTMENT AND BRAND AMBASSADORS: 5TH SEPTEMBER 2020
Current Context: Raj Srivastava: He is appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of
Croatia.
ABOUT
 Static Part:
o Capital of Croatia: Zagreb
o Currency of Croatia: Kuna
 Dwayne Bravo: He is appointed as Brand Ambassador of ‘SBOTOP’ a sportsbook brand.
 Ayushmann Khurrana: He is appointed as Brand Ambassador of Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance: Pune
REVISED PRIORITY SECTOR LENDING GUIDELINES—BY RBI
Current Context: The Reserve Bank of India has reviewed and released Revised Priority Sector
Lending Guidelines.
DETAILS
 The PSL guidelines are revised to increase the funding for COVID-19 economically impacted
sectors.
 These revised PSL guidelines will offer better credit penetration and increase lending to small and
marginal farmers and economically weaker sections of society.
 The new PSL guidelines include some fresh categories that can opt for finance under the PSL
sector.
 This includes loans to be offered to the farmers for installing solar power plants, loans for the
establishment of compressed biogas (CBG).
 Along with this, RBI has allotted higher weightage to increase PSL in ‘identified district’ where
priority sector credit flow is relatively low.
 The credit limit for FPOs (Farmers Producers Organisations)/ FPCs (Farmer Producer Companies
is increased. The loan limit to be offered on renewable energy has also be increased. The credit
limit on health benefits like Ayushman Bharat is also increased by RBI.
 Static Part:
o HQ of RBI: Mumbai
o Governor of RBI: Shaktikanta Das
5TH BRICS CULTURE MINISTERS MEET
Current Context: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Culture and Tourism, Prahlad
Singh Patel attended the 5th BRICS Culture Ministers Meet.
HIGHLIGHTS
 The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Russia.
 The respected members of BRICS nations suggested exploring the options to host a digital online
exhibition and also assured to offer cooperation in content sharing websites under the alliance of
BRICS.
 They also discussed the impact of COVID-19 on the culture of BRICS nations.
G20 FOREIGN MINISTERS MEET
Current Context: The G20 foreign Ministers Meet was hosted by Saudi Arabia and was chaired by
Minister of foreign affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al-Saud.
ABOUT MEETING
 India was represented by External Affairs Ministers S Jaishankar.
 In the meet, India proposed ‘G20 Principals on Coordinated Cross-Border Movement of
People.
 The proposed principle is based on: (a) Standardisation of quarantine procedures (b)
Standardisation of testing procedures and to have universal acceptability of test results (c)
Standardisation of movement and transition protocols and rules.
 Also in the meet, all the external affairs ministers of every country discussed about the protection
of foreign students who are stuck in the countries and also about the facilitation of movement of
stranded seafarers back to their homes.
 They also discussed enhancing international cooperation during this pandemic state of COVID-19.
 India’s EAM discussed the measures and actions taken under Vande Bharat Mission and the
creation of ‘travel bubbles’.
4TH BUSINESS REFORM ACTION PLAN (BRAP) RANKING
Current Context: Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs has released the 4th Business
Reform Action Plan (BRAP) Ranking for 2018-19.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 4th Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP) Ranking for 2018-19 represents the ease of doing
business for the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
 The BRAP 2018-19 is having 180 reform points. These reform points are business regulatory
areas like Single Window System, access to Information, Labour, Environment etc.
 The ranking is topped by Andhra Pradesh. Andhra Pradesh marked 100% compliance to all
the reform points.
 Second and third ranks are marked by Uttar Pradesh and Telangana respectively.
 BRAP is released by DPIIT (Department of Industrial Promotion and Internal Trade) in
collaboration with World Bank.
 Static Part:
o HQ of DPIIT: Chennai
‘I RAKHWALI’ APP —BY PUNJAB
Current Context: Government of Punjab launched ‘I Rakhwali’ App.
KEY FACTS
 The app is launched to boost the state’s government moto to protect greenery and
environment.
 The app also helps to inspire people to conduct tree plantation activities and become ‘Greenary
Saviours’.
 The app also gives reporting signs for illegal felling of tress or damage to the forest. These reports
are send to Forest Divisional Officers.
 Static Part:
o CM of Punjab: Amarinder Singh
o Governor of Punjab: VP Singh Bandore

o Wild Life Sanctuaries in Punjab: Bir Motibagh WLS, Bir Dosanjh WLS, Abohar WLS,, Bir
Aswan WLS, Nangal WLS, Kathlaur Kushlian WLS, Harika Lake WLS, Bir Bhadson WLS, Bir
Mehaswala WLS
IIT ROORKEE SIGNS MOU WITH NIUA
Current Context: IIT Roorkee has signed MoU with National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA).
ABOUT
 The MoU is signed to work in the areas of universal design principles and to have the
development of BASIIC (Building Accessible Safe Inclusive Indian Cities), which is the
initiative programme of NIUA.
 Both the entities will engage in this with all their technical support in order to make Indian cities
more accessible, safe for living.
 IIT Roorkee and NIUA will collaboratively work in field policy research, knowledge creation,
capacity development in order to build safe and smart cities.
 They will also strengthen the emerging possibilities toward urban inclusion by exchanging their
R&D works.
60TH SIAM ANNUAL CONVENTION 2020
Current Context: The virtual session of 60th SIAM (Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers)
Annual Convention 2020 was held.
DETAILS
 The session was titled ‘Re-Building the Nation, Responsibly’.
 The session was addressed by union ministers Prakash Javadekar, Nitin Gadkari and Piyush Goyal.
 The panelist who participated in the virtual session of SIAM, expressed their views to boost
localization in the Indian automobile sector and to achieve ease of doing business in this particular
sector.
 They also expressed their views to harness the country’s export in automobile sector.
 Current appointments are undertaken by SIAM: Kenichi Ayukawa: He is appointed as new
President of SIAM. He is MD and CEO of Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. He has replaced Rajan Wadhera.
o Vipin Sondhi: He is appointed as Vice President of SIAM. He is MD and CEO of Ashok
Leyland Ltd.
 Static Part:
o HQ of SIAM: New Delhi
2ND EDITION OF ANTI-DENGUE CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED BY DELHI

GOVERNMENT
Current Context: Government of Delhi has launched the 2nd edition of Anti-Dengue Campaign.
ABOUT
 The name of the campaign is ‘10 Hafte-10 Baje-10 Minute’ or 10 Weeks-10 o’clock, 10
Minutes.
 The campaign is not only launched to eradicate dengue but also for other vector borne
diseases.
 Under this campaign, the residents of Delhi are asked to take out 10 minutes of time to conduct
cleaning and sanitizing activities at their homes and in surroundings. They are also asked to
inspect their own residence for clean stagnant water in order to avoid mosquito breeding and thus
to prevent diseases like dengue, malaria etc.
 Under this campaign, Delhi’s residents are also asked to make a phone call to any 10 relatives or
friends and advise them to be the part of this campaign and carry out cleanliness activities.
 Static Part:
o CM of Delhi: Arvind Kejriwal
o Governor of Delhi: Anil Baijal
MINISTRY OF MSME APPROVED KHADI AGARBATT I AATMA NIRBHAR

MISSION
Current Context: Ministry of MSME has given approval for Khadi Agarbatti Aatma Nirbhar Mission.
HIGHLIGHTS
 Khadi Agarbatti Aatma Nirbhar Mission aims to create employment opportunities for migrant
workers and skilled artisans in various states on India.
 It will support financially to the local agarbatti industries and handholding artisans associated
with this sector.
 Earlier Rs 2.66 crore were offered to about 500 artisans for this mission. Now the support is
increased to more than Rs 55 crore.
 Under this scheme, immediate financial support of Rs 3.45 crore will be offered to 1500 artisans.
 Two well-equipped centers at IITs/NITs and at Fragrance and Flavor Development Centre,
Kannauj will be developed under this scheme.
 Also, automatic agarbatti making machine and powder mixing machines will be offered to the
artisans and industries.
 Static Part:
o Union MSME minister: Nitin Gadkari
35TH FAO REGIONAL CONFERENCE FOR ASIA AND PACIFIC 2020
Current Context: The virtual session of 35th FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation) Regional
Conference for Asia and Pacific 2020 was held.
KEY POINTS
 The conference was held under the chairmanship of Bhutan.
 India was represented by Union Minster of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Purshottam
Rupala.
 The dignitaries who participated in the conference discussed about the issues of COVID-19 and its
impact on sectors like agriculture, natural resources, security of food and quality and quantity of
nutrition in food.
 The next edition of this conference will be chaired by Bangladesh in 2022.
 Static Part:
o HQ of FAO: Rome,Italy
o Head of FAO: Qu Dongu
CONSUMER AFFAIRS MINISTRY, GOI ISSUES DRAFT GUIDELINES ON

ADVERTISEMENTS
Current Context: Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Government of India has issued and released the
draft guidelines on advertisements.
DETAILS
 The guidelines are framed by Central Consumer Protection Authority under the Consumer
Protection Act 2019.
 As per the guidelines, the blogs/tweets/posts by celebrities should be based information or with
an experience with the product.
 The disclaimers which are displayed in ads of products and which are in small font size will be
treated as misleading ads and will be penalised for same.
 The disclaimers should be displayed such that they can be noticeable by the watcher or by the
consumer and must be in similar font size and language of the ads.
 The voiceover format of disclaimer should also be in sync manner of the ads.
AIM PARTNERS WITH FRESHWORKS INC.
Current Context: Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog has partnered with a software company
named Freshworks Inc.
HIGHLIGHTS
 They have entered into partnership with an aim to provide support to innovators and
entrepreneurs.
 The partnership will also provide efficiency to all the institutes and organisations which are under
AIM, NITI Aayog portfolio.
 Role of Freshworks in this partnership is that it will offer credits for its suite of products to AIM
and to the institutes and organisations which are under AIM.
 Freshworks will be offering: Sales CRM Software, Customer Support Software, Customer
Messaging Software, Agile Project Management Software, Cloud Telephony Software, Marketing
Automation Software, HR Management Software and IT Service Management Software.
 Role of AIM will be to organize webinars, workshops, training sessions to the innovators and
entrepreneurs.
 Static Part:
o HQ of NITI Aayog: New Delhi
o Chairperson of NITI Aayog: Narendra Modi
o CEO of Amitabh Kant: Amitabh Kant
INDIA, US AND ISRAEL COLLABORATES FOR 5G TECHNOLOGY
Current Context: India, United States and Israel have entered into trilateral development
initiative of 5G Technology.
KEY POINTS
 They collaborated in the virtual US-India-Israel summit which was focused on trilateral
partnership in achieving strategic, tech and development areas.
 The summit was addressed by Israeli Ambassador to India Ron Malka and his counterpart Sanjeev
Singla.
 The nations assured to provide 5G technology which will be open, interoperable, reliable and
secured one.
 Static Part:
o Capital of US: Washington DC
o Currency of US: Dollar
o Capital of Israel: Jerusalem
o Currency of Israel: Israeli Shekel
K V KAMATH’S COMMITTEE REPORT RELEASED BY RBI
Current Context: The Reserve Bank of India has released a report framed by the committee which
is led by K V Kamath.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 The committee has suggested and recommended financial parameters which focusses on
resolutions plans under the ‘Resolution Framework for COVID 19 related Stress’.
 As per the report, the committee has selected 26 sectors which require
reconstructing. These 26 sectors are selected based on its analysis of various financial
parameters which are affected economically due to COVID-19.
 The sectors which are selected by the committee are: Power, Construction, Iron and Steel
Manufacturing, Roads, Real Estates, Trading Wholesale, Textiles, Chemicals, Consumer Durables,
Nonferrous metals, Pharma Manufacturing, Logistics, Gems and Jwellery, Cement, Automobile
components, Hotel/Restaurants/Tourism, Mining, Plastic Product Manufacturing, Auto dealership,
Aviation, Sugar, Shipping , Port and Port related services, Building materials and Corporate retail
outlets.
 The K V Kamath committee has recommended financial ratios for these 26 sectors which could be
factored by lending institutions while finalizing resolution plan for a borrower. The financial
aspects are related to leverage, liquidity and debt serviceability. These financial aspects will be
considered to decide on resolution plan.
 The lenders are mandated to consider parameters like: Total outstanding
liabilities/adjustable tangible net worth, total debt/EBITDA, Current ratio, Debt Service Coverage
Ratio and Average debt service coverage ratio.
 Other recommendations of the panel are: (a) Debt coverage ratio should be one and above.
(b)Banks should take into consideration pre-covid financial state of the company and impacts of
COVID on it in order to frame a recast plan (c) Inter-creditor agreement has been made
compulsory in all the cases which involves multiple lending institutions.
 Static Part:
o HQ of RBI: Mumbai
SPARROW PORTAL- JAMMU AND KASHMIR
Current Context: The Union Territory has introduced an online portal named as SPARROW which
stands for Smart Performance Appraisal Report Recording Online Window.
KEY FACTS
 The portal will be launched for Administrative Services Officers of Jammu and Kashmir.
 The portal will be responsible to bring transparency, by avoiding loss of appraisal reports (APR)
during any transition process.
 The portal is said to be beneficial to around 1289 officers and will ensure better monitoring and
completion of performance appraisals of JKAS officer within time.
 With the help of SPARROW portal, an applicant can submit APR from any location at any time.
 To build this project, J&K e-governance agency will work in collaboration with National
Informatics Centre and General Administration Department.
 Static Part:
o Lt Governor of Jammu and Kashmir: Manoj Sinha
GOI SIGNED LOAN AGREEMENT WITH ADB FOR DELHI-MEERUT RRTS

CORRIDOR
Current Context: Asian Development Bank has approved to provide funds to Government of India
to build a high speed 82 km long Delhi-Meerut Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor.
HIGHLIGHTS
 For this purpose, ADB and GOI have signed a loan agreement of USD 500 million.
 The construction of the Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor will provide better regional connectivity and
mobility facility to Delhi. This will offer connectivity of Delhi to other cities in neighboring states.
 The first part of the loan will support to carry out construction of first of the three priorities of rail
corridor which are planned under NCR Regional plan of 2021. The first part of loan will be utilised
to construct electrified tracks, signaling systems, multimodal hubs and design featured stations.
 The construction of the Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor will led to the overall urban development of
Delhi as it will be built with the help of high level technologies for RRTS, signaling facilities and
well equipped station designs.
 The corridor will be equipped with multimodal hubs in order to have smooth interchange with
other transport modes.
 Static Part:
o CM of New Delhi: Arvind Kejriwal
o Lt Governor of New Delhi: Anil Baijal
o HQ of ADB: Mandaluyong, Philippines
Current Context: Matthew Hayden and Lisa Singh: Government of Australia has appointed Matthew
Hayden (Australian cricket player) and Lisa Singh (Indian origin politician) as trade envoys for
advancing business ties with India.
ABOUT
 Static Part:
o Capital of Australia: Canberra
o Currency of Australia: Australian Dollar
 Vinkesh Gulati: He is appointed as President of Federation of Automobile Dealers
Association (FADA). He has replaced Ashish H. Kale.
 Static Part:
o HQ of FADA: New Delhi
 Sanyukta Samaddar: She is appointed to head the Multidimensional Poverty Index
Coordination Committee (MPICC) formed by NITI Aayog.
 Static Part:
‘SIGNATURE VISA DEBIT CARD’—BANK OF INDIA
Current Context: Bank of India has launched ‘Signature Visa Debit Card’.
KEY FACTS
 ‘Signature Visa Debit Card’ is an international contactless debit card.
 They have launched this card on the occasion of BOI’s 115th Foundation Day.
 The ‘Signature Visa Debit Card’ is for those people who are maintaining an average quarterly
balance of Rs 10 lakhs and above.
 Features of ‘Signature Visa Debit Card’: (a) Available in metal and plastic variants (b)
Expenditure limit of upto Rs 5 lakhs on POS and e-commerce and Rs 1 lakh on ATM (c) Offers
attractive vouchers and discounts on travel, retail, dining, lifestyle, luxury hotels, reward points
for online transactions (d) Offers insurance against fraudulent transactions.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Bank of India: Mumbai
o Tagline of Bank of India: Relationship Beyond Banking
o MD and CEO of Bank of India: Atanu Kumar Das
INDIA’S ECONOMY TO CONTRACT 10.5% FOR FY 2020-21 FROM -5%
Current Context: Fitch Ratings has projected that India’s economy to contract 10.5% in FY 2020-
21 from the contraction of 5% which was estimated earlier.
DETAILS
 This projection by Fitch is with reference to the September update of Global Economic Outlook
(GEO).
 As per the Fitch ratings, the Indian economy will grow by 11% in FY 2021-22 and by 6% in FY
2022-23.
 As per Fitch, in the Q1 of FY 2021, India’s GDP contracted by 23.9% while sharpest GDP
contraction in the April-June 2020.
 The Indian arm of Fitch Ratings, has revised India’s GDP growth forecast to (-) 11.8% from (-)
5.3% earlier.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Fitch Ratings: New York, US
FIVE PSUS TO JOIN ISA-CSCA AS CORPORATE PARTNERS
Current Context: Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas has announced that five Public
Sector units (PSU) which are operated under Petroleum ministry will be joining as corporate
partners for International Solar Alliance Coalition for Sustainable Climate Action (ISA-CSCA).
HIGHLIGHTS
 The 5 PSUs are: (1) Oil and Natural Gas Limited (ONGC) (2)Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL)
(3) Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) (4) Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited
(HPCL) (5) GAIL India Limited.
 Role of these PSUs: (a) To focus on clean energy transition (b) To deploy solar panels (c)To work
to achieve target of GOI to solarize 50% of fuel stations which are running under these PSUs in
next five years (d) To contribute to ISA’s corpus funds (e) To reduce carbon footprints by focusing
more on green energy investments like biofuels and renewable energy.
 This announcement was made in the First World Solar technology Summit of International Solar
Alliance which was hosted by India.
 Static Part:
o HQ of International Solar Alliance: Gurugram
o Director General of International Solar Alliance: Upendra Tripathi
o HQ of ONGC, IOCL, GAIL India Limited: New Delhi
o HQ of BPCL, HPCL: Mumbai
o Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas: Dharmendra Pradhan
EASE BANKING REFORMS INDEX 2.0
Current Context: The EASE (Enhanced Access and Service Excellence) Banking Reforms Index 2.0
is framed by the Indian Banking Association (IBA).
KEY POINTS
 As per EASE Banking Reforms Index 2.0, Bank of Baroda has marked the top position in the
ranking list.
 The State Bank of India and Oriental Bank of Commerce has marked the Second and Third
rank position respectively.
 The index is prepared with an aim to achieve and analyse the positive changes in PSBs by having a
healthy competition among them so that they can learn from each other and adapt to positive
values so as to retain customer trust and be on the top position as trustworthy banks.
 Under this index, the Public Sector Bank’s performances are analysed and measured by more than
120 objective metrics which are based on six themes.
 The Six themes are: (1)Responsible Banking (2) Customer Responsiveness (3)Credit Off-take (4)
Governance and HR (5) PSBs as Udayamimitra for MSMEs (6)Deepening Financial Inclusion and
Digitalisation
 Static Part:
o HQ of IBA: Mumbai
o CEO of IBA: Sunil Mehta
1ST INDIA-ANGOLA JOINT COMMISSION MEET
Current Context: The first joint commission meeting between India and Angola was held via video
conference.
KEY POINTS
 India was represented by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Angola was represented by
Ambassador Tete Antonio, Minister of External Relations.
 The dignitaries discussed enhancing trade relations between countries and they also discussed to
achieve cooperation in the field of telecommunication, agriculture, defence, pharma, health and
food processing.
 Three agreements were signed between them namely: (a) Agreement to exempt visa for
holders of diplomatic, official and service passports (b) Agreement in the fields of health (c)
Agreement to achieve cooperation between the ministry of external relations and Sushma Swaraj
Institute of Foreign Service.
 The second joint commission meets between India and Angola will be held in 2022.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Angola: Luanda
o Currency of Angola: Angola Kwanza
INDIA’S FIRST INTEGRATED AMBULANCE SERVICE-- KARNATAKA
Current Context: Chief Minister of Karnataka launched India’s First Integrated Ambulance Service
to provide medical services.
DETAILS
 It was launched at Jakkur Aerodrome, Bangalore and is also termed as first air ambulance
operating from South India to offer support during medical emergencies.
 It will be operated by Air Ambulance firm ICATT (International Critical Air Transfer Team)
in collaboration with aviation technology firm Kyathi from HAL airport of Bangalore.
 The Integrated Ambulance Service is combined with helicopter and land ambulance services
which will offer last-mile connectivity.
 It is based on German Isolation Pod which will offer safe service to COVID-19 patients.
 It is equipped with NICU equipment, CRP equipment, stretchers, ECGs and heart monitoring units
etc. It will offer medical services like trauma emergency response, planned air transfer, high-risk
obstetric transfers and also supports during disaster management relief actions.
 Static Part:
o CM of Karnataka: B S Yediyurappa
o Governor of Karnataka: Vajubhai R Vala

o National Parks and Wild Life Sanctuaries of Karnataka: Nagarhole NP, Bandipur NP,
Anshi NP, Bannerghatta NP, Malai Mahadeshwara WLS, Melkote Temple WLS, Nugu WLS
‘LEVELS AND TRENDS IN CHILD MORTALITY’ REPORT 2020
Current Context: United Nations has released a report titled ‘Levels and Trends in Child Mortality’
for 2020.
KEY FACTS
 The report is drafted by the United Nations Inter-Agency Group for Child Mortality Estimations
(UN IGME).
 As per the report, India’s child mortality rate has reduced between 1990 and 2019. The child
mortality rate in 1990 was 126 and now it has declined to 34 in 2019.
 As per the report, the child mortality rate globally under five has dropped from 12.5 million in
1990 to 5.2 million in 2019.
 The new mortality rates are released by UNICEF, WHO and Population Division of the United
Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs and World Bank Group.
 As per the report, 49% of under-five deaths occurred in Nigeria, India, Pakistan, Ethiopia and
Congo for 2019.
 The sex-specific under-five mortality rate for India was 122 males and 131 females in 1990, which
has now declined to 34 males and 35 males in 2019.
 India has marked a 4.5% annual reduction rate in under-five mortality between 1990 and 2019.
 Static Part: Under-five mortality rate: It is the number of deaths among children less than 5 age
during a specific time interval.
PM MODI LAUNCHED PRADHAN MANTRI MATSYA SAMPADA YOJANA AND

E-GOPALA APP
Current Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada
Yojana (PMMSY) and e-Gopala Application.
ABOUT
 Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana: The PMSSY is launched with an aim to achieve
sustainable development goals for fisheries in India. The funds allotted under this scheme is Rs
20,050 crore. The scheme will be implemented between 2020-21 and 2024-25.
 Aim of PMMSY: (a) To double the income of fish farmers (b) To boost fish production to 70 lakhs
tonnes by 2024-25 (c) To reduce post-harvest losses of the fish sector (d) To increase employment
opportunities in the fisheries sector (e) To establish finfish hatcheries, construct biofloc ponds, to
build ornamental fish culture units, ice plants and fish feeding plants etc.
 e-Gopala Application: The app is the digital platform which launched with an aim to achieve
breed improvement marketplace. The app will act as an information portal for the direct use of
fish farmers. The app will provide information related to buying and selling of disease-free
germplasm and will provide availability of quality breeding services like veterinary first aid,
artificial insemination and vaccines. Alerts on various government schemes will also be provided
via this app.
1ST INDIA-FRANCE-AUSTRALIA TRILATERAL DIALOGUE
Current Context: The first trilateral dialogue between India, France and Australia was held
virtually.
HIGHLIGHTS
 The meet was held with an aim to improve the trilateral relations in various sectors of
these countries.
 The meet was co-chaired by Foreign Secretary of India, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, French
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs Secretary-General, Francois Delattre and
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Secretary, Frances Adamson.
 The dignitaries discussed to synergies their respective strengths in order to have a peaceful,
secure, and wealthy, and a rules-based Indo-Pacific region. They assured to achieve economic and
geostrategic reforms with the cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region with reference to the COVID-
19 pandemic situation.
 They also assured to cooperate in marine global common and potential sectors like the blue
economy, marine biodiversity and marine pollution. They assured to increase cooperation in these
three nations with the help of organisations like ASEAN, IORA and Indian Ocean Commission.
 They decided to work cooperatively in the sectors like humanitarian assistance, disaster relief,
maritime domain awareness and mutual logistics support.
 Static Part:
o Capital of France: Paris
o Currency of France: Euro, CFP Franc
DOORSTEP BANKING SERVICES BY PSBS
Current Context: Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman
inaugurated the Doorstep Banking Services by PSBs which is part of EASE (Enhanced Access and
Service Excellence) Banking Reforms and Department of Financial Services, 2018.
KEY POINTS
 This doorstep banking service is launched with an aim to offer hassle-free and convenient banking
services to Indian citizens.
 The service will be offered through universal touchpoints of call center, web portal or mobile app.
 The banking services will be offered at the doorstep by doorstep banking agents which will be
deployed to work as service providers at 100 centers across India.
 Currently, services like pickup of the negotiable instrument, new cheque book requisition slip,
pick up of 15G/15H forms, IT/GST challans, Delivering Demand drafts and non-personalized
cheque book etc are offered to the citizens. However, rest of the financial services will be made
available at doorstep from October 2020.
 The benefit of this service can be availed by the customer at nominal charge and is expected to be
highly beneficial for senior citizens and divyangs.
APPOINTMENTS AND BRAND AMBASSADOR ON 11TH SEPTEMBER 2020
Current Context: Anil Jain: He is appointed as President of All India Tennis Association (AITA). He
has replaced Praveen Mahajan.
ABOUT
 Static Part:
o HQ of AITA: R. K. Khanna Tennis Stadium, Delhi
 Anil Dhupar: He is appointed as Secretary-General of All India Tennis Association (AITA). He
has replaced Hironmoy Chatterjee.
 Static Part:
o HQ of AITA: R. K. Khanna Tennis Stadium, Delhi
 Rajiv Mehrishi: He is appointed as the Chairperson of the committee formed by GOI to make an
assessment of relief to bank borrowers with respect to waiver of interest and waiver of interest on
interest on COVID-19 related moratorium. He is the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of
India.
 Preeti Sudan: She is selected as one of the 11 panelist across the world in the World Health
Organization’s independent panel for pandemic preparedness and response.
 Paresh Rawal: He is appointed as Chairman of National School of Drama.
 Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Smriti Mandhana: They are appointed as brand ambassador for
Playerzpot, which is the sports gaming platform.
INDIA SIGNS MOU WITH JAPAN
Current Context: India and Japan has entered into MoU with respect to Reciprocal Provision of
Supplies and Services between armed forces of India and the self-defence forces of Japan.
KEY POINTS
 They have signed MoU in order to achieve cooperation to provide training to their armed and self-
defence forces in the areas of UN Peacekeeping operations, Humanitarian International Relief and
other allied areas.
 Both India and Japan will work to improve interoperability between armed and self-defence forces
by attaining bilateral defence engagements under special strategic and global partnership reforms
of two nations.
 Under this MoU, the Japan Maritime Defence Force (JSDF) will be allowed to use India’s military
installations in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Also the Mutual Service Logistic Pact under this
MoU itself, allows Indian Navy to access to Japan’s bases in Djibouti.
 Static Part:
o Currency of Japan: Yen
‘FIVE STAR VILLAGES’ SCHEME – INDIA POST
Current Context: Department of Post launched a scheme titled ‘Five Star Villages’.
ABOUT SCHEME
 The scheme is launched to provide universal coverage of flagship postal scheme to Indian rural
areas. It ensures that postal services and products reach to every rural part of India.
 The schemes which are covered under ‘Five Star Villages’: (a) Savings Bank Account, KVP
certificates, Recurrent Deposit Accounts (b) Sukanya Samridhi Account (c) Funded Post Office
Saving Account which are linked to IPPB Accounts (d) Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (e)
Postal Life Insurance Police or Rural Postal Life Insurance Police.
 The ‘Five Star Villages’ scheme will be implemented by Gramin Dak Sevak and the team will be
headed by Branch Postmaster.
 5 GDS will be appointed in each team who will conduct a door-to-door awareness campaign and
will provide information about schemes under ‘Five Star Villages’.
 Static Part:
o HQ of India Post: New Delhi
INDIA’S GDP RATE AT -9% FOR FY 2020-21—PROJECTED BY CRISIL
Current Context: The CRISIL Rating agency has projected India’s GDP rate at -9% for financial year
2020-21.
HIGHLIGHTS
 Earlier in May 2020, CRISIL projected that Indian economy will contract by 5% due to the
outbreak of COVID-19 which has affected economic condition of the country.
 As per CRISIL, this 9% contraction is the highest one since 1950s.

 Also, CRISIL has projected that Indian GDP will grow 10% for FY 2022. And for the next
years i.e. between 2023 and 2025, India’s GDP will show an average growth of 6.2%
annually.
 The rating agency also projected that Indian agriculture sector to grow by 2.5% in the
current fiscal year.
 Static Part:
o HQ of CRISIL: Mumbai
o MD and CEO of CRISIL: Ashu Suyash
RBI RELEASED GUIDELINES TO HAVE UNIFORM COMPLIANCE PRACTICES

IN BANKS
Current Context: The Reserve Bank of India released a notification for compliance functions in
banks and the role of Chief Compliance Officer (COO).
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 The guidelines for compliance practices in banks are the board approved compliance policy.
 As per the notice drafted by the central bank, the banks are supposed to have an effective
compliance culture, independent corporate compliance function and strong compliance risk
management programme both at the bank and group level.
 As per the central bank, this independent compliance function is to be headed by the Chief
Compliance Officer (COO). The COO is expected to manage compliance risk effectively. COO will be
appointed for a minimum fixed tenure of not less than 3 years.
 The compliance function is responsible to manage the compliance risk of the bank. Compliance
risk which is an integrity risk, associated with risk of legal sanctions, regulatory sanctions,
financial loss, or the loss which bank may suffer if not followed with the applicable laws,
regulations, codes of conduct etc.
 Compliance policy defined by RBI ensures expectations on compliance culture covering from
accounts, incentive structure and effective communications and challenges. It also defines the role
of COO, defines processes for identifying, assessing, monitoring, managing and reporting on
compliance risk throughout the bank.
 Duties of Compliance functions: (a) To appraise the board and management on rules and
regulations on any further development (b) Clarifying on any compliance-related issues (c)
Conduct assessment of compliance risk at least once in a year by developing risk-oriented activity
plan for compliance assessment and to submit activity plan to ACB for approval and for internal
audit process (d) To periodically report to respective authority in case of any major changes
related to compliance risk and compliance failures (e) To conduct representative compliance
testing.
 Role of COO: (a) To conduct audits, inspections and to ensure that banks adhere to internal and
external laws (b)To analyze risk areas and ensure bank’s operations are with respect to federal
laws (c) To assess policies and ensure that policies are in line with rules on mortgage and
customer deposits (d) To give compliance advice to risk management unit of an organisation (e)
To work coordinately with bank’s COO and to conduct compliance programs to train and educate
bank staff on the formation of new regulations.
 Static Part:
o HQ of RBI: Mumbai
CONCLAVE ON ‘SCHOOL EDUCATION IN 21ST CENTURY’
Current Context: A two-day conclave on ‘School Education in 21st Century’ began on 10th Sep
2020 in a virtual mode.
KEY POINTS
 The conclave was addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
 The conclave is the part of New Education Policy 2020.
 It was organized by the Ministry of Education as the part of Shiksha Parv 2020 initiative, which
is to be celebrated like an education festival from 8th Sep to 25th Sep 2020.
 PM Narendra Modi addressed the conclave speaking about NEP 2020 and assured that NEP 2020
is the proper way to fulfil new aspirations and new hopes of India. He also appreciated the efforts
of teachers from India for their contribution to MyGov.
 PM Narendra Modi addressed that Indian Students must-have skills of the 21st century. The skills
are Critical thinking, collaboration, creativity and communication.
 PM Modi announced to set up National Evaluation Centre ‘Parakh’ which will be responsible for
overall development in the evaluation system.
 Technical sessions and discussion conducted in the conclave were on the topics: (a)
‘Foundational Literacy and Numeracy’ (b) ‘Art Integrated and Toy integrated Pedagogy’ (c) ‘Early
Childhood Care and Education (d) ‘Teaching in Mother Tongue’ (e) ‘No Hard Separation’.
 Static Part:
o Union Education Minister: Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank
10TH EAST ASIA SUMMIT (EAS) 2020
Current Context: The 10th East Asia Summit 2020 was conducted virtually. The agenda of the
meet was about international and national developments and to mitigating measures for COVID-
19.
DETAILS
 India was represented by External Affairs Minister for State, V. Muraleedharan.
 The meeting was chaired by Deputy PM and Foreign Minister of Vietnam, Pham Bin Minh.
 In the meeting, the dignitaries discussed the ways to strengthen the EAS platform and make it
responsible to handle upcoming challenges.
 The ministers discussed the views for mitigating and fast recovery from coronavirus
 They also discussed the work progress in the Manila Plan of Action.
 V. Muraleedharan also acknowledged Vietnam’s work in providing supervision towards ‘Cohesive
and Responsive ASEAN’ during the pandemic state of COVID-19.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Vietnam: Hanoi
o Currency of Vietnam: Vietnamese Dong
CLIMATE SMART CITIES ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORK 2.0
Current Context: Climate-Smart Cities Assessment Framework 2.0 (CSCAF 2.0) is launched by
Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs (independent charge) Hardeep Singh Puri.
ABOUT
 Along with this, the minister also launched ‘Street for People Challenge’.
 Both the initiatives were launched during a virtual event organized by Smart Cities Mission under
the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
 The objective of CSCAF 2.0: (a) To provide a roadmap to cities to fight climate change (b) To
build a climate-sensitive approach to urban planning and development.
 There are total of 28 indicators which are divided into 5 categories for CSCAF 2.0.
 The 5 categories are: (a) Energy and Green Buildings (b)Urban Planning, Green Cover and
Biodiversity (c) Mobility and Air Quality (d) Water Management (e) Waste Management.
 ‘Street for People Challenge’: The challenge aims to inspire Indian cities to adopt measures in
order to make cities more walkable and pedestrian-friendly.
PIGGERY MISSION—MEGHALAYA
Current Context: The government of Meghalaya launched ‘Piggery Mission’ with an aim to reduce
annual import of pork to Rs 150 crore and to make Meghalaya Aatma Nirbhar in pork production
in the upcoming 3 years.
HIGHLIGHTS
 The funds allotted for this scheme is Rs 209 crores.
 The Piggery Mission is launched under Meghalaya Livestock Enterprises Advancement
Society (MLEADS).
 The financial support to this scheme is offered by National Cooperative Development
Corporation (NCDC).
 Under this scheme, the piggery sector will be totally transformed in terms of quality enhancement,
skill development, value addition and input cost estimation.
 Under this mission, a regular income source will be provided to members of 300 PACCS (Primary
Agriculture Cooperative Credit Societies). Interest-free loans will be offered to the state farmers.
 Piggery Mission is implemented under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment
Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
 Static Part:
o CM of Meghalaya: Conrad Sangma
o Governor of Meghalaya: Satya Pal Mallik
o HQ of NCDC: New Delhi
‘ISTARTUP 2.0’—ICICI BANK
Current Context: In order to have a comprehensive banking programme for Indian Startups, ICICI
Bank has launched a new product with the ‘iStartup 2.0’.
KEY POINTS
 The ‘iStartup 2.0’ will help the startups and entrepreneurs in the requirements like
regulatory assistance, analytics, acquisition, staffing, accounting and digital platform for its
customers and in all other banking and allied activities.
 The ‘iStartup 2.0’ will combine all businesses, trade and their related banking requirements under
the one single platform of mobile or internet banking.
 The initiative will offer customers with a current account in three variants namely, Platinum, Gold
and Silver.
 The new businesses which are upto 10 years old, in or without partnerships, private or public
limited companies and limited liabilities partnerships are eligible to open a current account under
‘iStartup 2.0’.
 On opening the current account under ‘iStartup 2.0’, the startups will be given with an account
number instantly at the time of incorporation as ICICI Bank has integrated its APIs with the
Ministry of Corporate Affair’s website.
 ‘iStartup 2.0’ will offer many startups with features like instant GST payments, easy bulk
connections, payment option through multiple modes, automatic bank reconciliation and inward
or outward remittances among others.
 Static Part:
o Tagline of ICICI Bank: Hum Hai Na, Khayal Aapka
o MD and CEO of ICICI Bank: Sandeep Bakhshi
24TH GLOBAL ECONOMIC FREEDOM INDEX 2020
Current Context: Canada’s Fraser Institute in partnership with Centre for Civil Society, New Delhi
based think tank has released Global Economic Freedom Index 2020.
ABOUT
 As per the Global Economic Freedom Index 2020, India is ranked at 105th position.
 The ranking position is topped by Hong Kong.

 The second and third position is ranked by Singapore and New Zealand respectively.
 The least rank position is marked by Venezuela.
 The report is published by the CATO Institute of America in association with more than 70 think
tanks in the world.
 The index is measured in 5 broad areas with respect to Degree of freedom: (1) Size of
Government (2) Legal System and Property Rights (3) Sound Money (4) Freedom to take
Internationally (5) Regulation.
17TH SHANGHAI COOPERATION ORGANIZATION’S CULTURE MINISTERS

MEET 2020
Current Context: The 17th Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s Culture Ministers Meet 2020 was
held virtually.
KEY FACTS
 India was represented by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Culture and
Tourism, Prahlad Singh Patel.
 The meeting was held to develop mutual cultural cooperation within SCO and to place a dignified
role of culture during the global crisis situation.
 Prahlad Singh Patel highlighted his view that the main aspect which unites all SCO nations is the
shared heritage of Buddhist philosophy and its art.
 He expressed his view that in order to deepen the cultural cooperation in SCO nations, digital
technology is a vital medium which must be adopted to awaken the custom, culture and tradition.
 Also to promote the mutual bonding among SCO nations, the National Museum of India is in the
process to organize the first SCO Exhibition on Shared Buddhist Heritage.
 Also, India is with an aim to share literature works with SCO nations, for this, the Sahitya Akademi,
India’s National Academy of letters will translate 10 Indian literature works into Russian and
Chinese languages.
 Static Part:
o HQ of SCO: Shanghai, China
o Secretary-General of SCO: Vladimir Norov
LIBERTY GENERAL INSURANCE LTD PARTNERED WITH SPICEJETS
Current Context: Liberty General Insurance Ltd has partnered with SpiceJet's to offer a travel
insurance policy.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 The name of the travel insurance policy is ‘Liberty Secure Travel’.
 This policy is for the customers who book tickets through the airline’s website.
 The ‘Liberty Secure Travel’ policy offers zero cancellation service which allows customers to
cancel the tickets and 100% reimbursement of cancellation charges. This facility is applicable to
the domestic network of SpiceJet's.
 The customers who opt for zero cancellation insurance can claim for full cancellation fee
reimbursement only for a flight whose booking is made in advance i.e. not beyond 90 days.
 Sum insured on cancellation of tickets is Rs 5000.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Liberty General Insurance Ltd: Mumbai
o HQ of SpiceJet: Gurgaon, Haryana
o Chairman and MD of SpiceJet: Ajay Singh
INDIA’S GDP AT -11.5% FOR FY 2021—BY MOODY’S RATING AGENCY
Current Context: The Moody’s rating agency has forecasted that India’s GDP to contract 11.5% for
financial year 2020-21.
DETAILS
 It has also projected that the Indian economy will grow at 10.6% for FY 2021-22.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Moody: New York, United States
o President and CEO of Moody: Raymond W. McDaniel Jr.
2+2 INTER-SESSIONAL MEET BETWEEN INDIA AND US
Current Context: The bilateral 2+2 Inter-sessional meeting between India and United States was
conducted in virtual manner.
ABOUT
 India was represented by Joint Secretary for America in the ministry of external affairs,
Vani Rao and Joint Secretary for International Cooperation in the ministry of defence,
Somnath Ghosh.
 The meeting was held to discuss the regional and multilateral issues related to COVID-19
pandemic, counter-terrorism and about Indo-Pacific Region.
 The dignitaries also discussed Indian’s membership in UNSC (United Nation Security Council).
 They discussed to deepen US-India-Australia-Japan quadrilateral consultations.
 They reviewed the work progress in sectors of defence, security, foreign policy and decided to tale
efforts for recent destabilizing actions in South Asia.
 Static Part:
o Capital of United States: Washington DC
o Currency of United States: US Dollar
27TH ASEAN REGIONAL FORUM MINISTER MEET
Current Context: The 27th ASEAN Regional Forum Minister Meet was conducted via video
conference.
HIGHLIGHTS
 India was represented by Union Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan.
 The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Vietnam.
 V Muraleedharan discussed about the counter-terrorism, COVID-19 Pandemic and maritime
security.
 Three major aspects were adopted during the meet: (a)Cooperation to prevent the outbreak of
infectious diseases (b) Treating childrens who were recruited with terrorist organisations (c)
Boost cooperation in sectors of security, Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
 Static Part:
o Union Minister for External Affairs: S Jaishankar
o ASEAN 2020 Chairmanship: Vietnam
o ASEAN Secretariat: Jakarta, Indonesia
INDIA'S GDP TO CONTRACT 9% FOR FY 21—BY S&P GLOBAL RATINGS
Current Context: The Standards and Poors Global Rating platform have projected Indias Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) to contract at 9% for the fiscal year 2020-21.
HIGHLIGHTS
 S&P marked 5% of India's GDP contraction in their previous estimation.
 The reason behind the reduction in GDP is the rising cases of COVID-19 which is impacting on
economy of India. The rising COVID-19 cases are keeping private spending and investment at low.
 S&P has projected economic growth for India at 10% for the fiscal year 2021-22.
 Static Part:
o HQ of S&P Global Ratings: New York, United States
o President of S&P Global Ratings: John Berisford
 Economic growth predictions for India by other rating agencies:-
Name of Agency Projected growth for India
Morgan Stanley 5%
Fitch -10.5%
Goldman Sachs -14.8%
India Ratings and Research 11.8%
Nomura -10.8%
Moody 11.5%
CARE -8% to -8.2%
Current Context: Rajnath Singh: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is appointed to head
Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) to look into Corporatisation of Ordinance Factory Board
(OFB).
ABOUT
 Static Part:
o HQ of OFB: Kolkata
 Sameer Kumar Khare: He is appointed as Executive Director of Asian Development Bank
(ADB) for a tenure of 3 years.
 Static Part:
o President of ADB: Masatsugu Asakawa
 Takeo Konishi: Asian Development Bank has appointed Takeo Konishi as Country Director of
India. He has replaced Kenichi Yokoyama.
 Static Part:
 Rajesh Khullar: He is appointed as Executive Director of World Bank for a tenure of 3 years.
 Static Part:
o HQ of World Bank: Washington DC, United States
o President of World Bank: David Malpass
 Jane Fraser: She is appointed as CEO of Citigroup. She will be replacing Michael Corbat. She has
become first female CEO for Citigroup.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Citigroup: New York, United States
 Subhash Kamath: He is appointed as Chairman of Advertising Standards Council of India
(ASCI). He has replaced Rohit Gupta.
 Static Part:
o HQ of ASCI: Mumbai
 NS Rajan: He is appointed as Vice Chairman of Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI).
 Static Part:
o HQ of ASCI: Mumbai
 Harivansh Narayan Singh: He is re-appointed as Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha.
 Yoshihide Suga: He is appointed as Prime Minister of Japan. He has replaced Shinzo Abe.
 Static Part:
o Currency of Japan: Yen
EMPOWERED GROUP OF MINISTERS TO LOOK INTO CORPORATISATION OF

ORDINANCE FACTORY BOARD
Current Context: Government of India has formed a Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) to
look into Corporatisation of Ordinance Factory Board (OFB).
KEY FACTS
 The EGoM will be chaired by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
 The other members of EGoM are: Amit Shah (Union Home Minister), Nirmala Sitharaman
(Union Finance Minister), Ravi Shankar Prasad (Union Minister for Law and Justice), Santosh
Kumar Gangwar (Union Minister for Labour and Employment) and Jitendra Singh (Union Minister
for Personnel, Public Grievance and Pension).
 The aim behind this formation of group of ministers to oversee Corporatisation of OFB is that GOI
has decided to improve the autonomy, accountability and efficiency in ordinance supplies. For this
purpose, the GOI has decided to convert OFB into one or more government owned corporate
agencies.
 Currently, OFB is the subordinate office of the defence ministry.
 Role of EGoM: To look into entire process of corporatisation, to help in transition support and
conduct redeployment plans of employees by managing ad safeguarding their wages and
retirements. They will decide treatment for land assets of OFB.
 Static Part:
o HQ of OFB: Kolkata
o Director General of OFB: C S Vishwakarma
o Currently, OFB has 41 factories under it which produce ordnance for Indias armed forces
IFSCA SIGNS MOU WITH IGPC OF IIM AHMEDABAD
Current Context: The International Financial Services Centre Authority (IFSCA) has signed MoU
with Indian Gold Policy Centre of IIM Ahmedabad (IGPC-IIMA) to build the International Bullion
Exchange (IBE) in India.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 IFSCA will roll out to establish IBE in India and IGPC-IIMA will be the knowledge partner in
this establishment of IBE in India.
 IGPC-IIMA is having expertise in the area of gold markets and hence will offer a proper approach
to establish smooth functioning bullion exchange.
 The IBE will be responsible to reduce the current inefficiency in the market in terms of
Indian bullion trade and will create a transparent platform for bullion trading in India.
 It will help to achieve price discovery, quality and service in coordination with
international standards and will be led to market development in respect to higher degree
compliance, traceability and product innovation.
 The reason behind establishing IBE in India is that the global gold consumption share of India is
20-25% and even after 2 decades of launching gold market in India there is lack of infrastructure
facility which will help in creating world connections. And thus if IBE is established it will pave a
way to create world connections and will be answered to rest of the challenges and will lead to
bringing gold to the Indian economy.
 Static Part:
o HQ of IFSCA: Gandhinagar, Gujarat
o Chairman of IFSCA: Injeti Srinivas
ADB TO OFFER $15 MILLION TO SUGUNA FOODS PRIVATE LTD
Current Context: Asian Development Bank has entered with an agreement for debt financing for
Suguna Foods Private Ltd.
DETAILS
 The agreement of $15 million is signed between ADB and Suguna Foods Pvt LTD.
 The financial support will help to sustain poultry farming operations, efficiency in rural
livelihoods and enhancing food security.
 ADB's liquidity support to Suguna will lead to build inventory buffers and make timely
payments to their contract farmers and suppliers.
 Static Part:
o HQ of ADB: Mandaluyong, Philippines.
TRAI RECOMMENDS TO SETUP AN INDUSTRY BODY FOR CLOUD SERVICE

PROVIDERS
Current Context: The Telecomm Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended to form
an industry body for cloud service providers (CSP).
HIGHLIGHTS
 This recommendation by TRAI is the part of ‘light-touch regulatory framework’.
 Therefore, the TRAI has given authority to Department of Telecom (DoT) to start with the process
of setting up of the industry body in this regard and has asked cloud service providers to become
its members. Thus, the first industry body will be set by DoT and it will be the non-profit
body.
 Steps to set up the first industry body by DoT: (1) Enrollment of CSP operating in India (2)
Formation of adhoc body to frame rules, organizational structures and election process (3)
Election of office bearers to work as a regulator industry body.
 The industry body will work in coordination with TRAI and DoT.
 The industry body will allow the stakeholders to be in the right spot in the sequence.
 It will review its work and experience and will take further decision to form multiple industry
bodies for various purposes so that it will be able to address multiple market segments.
 Initially, the CSP will be limited to providers who are offering infrastructure as a service and
platform as service.
 The membership is not made compulsory for software as service provider. But if they wish , they
can acquire for membership on a volunteer basis.
 Static Part:
o HQ of TRAI: New Delhi
INDIA’S GDP TO CONTRACT 9% FOR FY 2020-21
Current Context: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has forecasted that India’s GDP to contract
9% for the financial year 2020-2021.
KEY POINTS
 This projection by ADB is published in its ‘Asian Development Outlook 2020 Update-September
2020’.
 ADB has mentioned the reason that the economic growth has slowed down because of the
outbreak of coronavirus, which has affected the economy of India.
 However, ADB has forecasted that GDP will grow by 8% in FY 2021-2022.
 As per projection, inflation is expected to reduce in the remainder of FY2020 to 4.5% with rising
food prices and decreased economic activities and then it will reduce to 4% in FY 2021.
 As per ADB, the current account deficit for India is expected to shrink to 0.3% of GDP for this fiscal
year. In FY 2022, it will then widen to 0.6% of GDP.
 ADB has also forecasted that developing Asia’s GDP to contract by 0.7% in FY 2020.
 Static Part:
BRAND AMBASSADOR’S SELECTIONS ON 16TH SE PTEMBER 2020
Current Context: Sachin Tendulkar: He is appointed as brand ambassador of Paytm First

Games. Paytm First Games is the subsidiary of Paytm.
ABOUT
 Static Part:
o HQ of Paytm: Noida, Uttar Pradesh
o President of Paytm: Amit Nayyar
 Amitabh Bachchan: He is selected by Amazon for its Alexa Voice Assistant. He has become the
first Indian to deliver his voice to Alexa.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Amazon: Seattle, Washington, US

o CEO of Amazon: Jeff Bezos
 Virat Kohli: He is appointed as brand ambassador for Great Learning, an online education
platform.
FM INTRODUCED BANKING REGULATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 2020 IN LS
Current Context: The Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has introduced Banking Regulation
Amendment Bill 2020 in Lok Sabha.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 The new Banking Regulation Amendment Bill 2020 aims to give power to restructure
cooperative banks by RBI in order to protect the interest of depositors.
 Now, the powers of RBI will be extended to cooperative banks after the ratification of bill.
 After the amendment of the bill, Cooperative banks will be able to raise money by public
issues or by private placements of equity or by preference shares as well as by unsecured
debentures; by having prior recommendations and approvals from RBI.
 Static Part:
o HQ of RBI: Mumbai
10TH DTTI GROUP MEET BETWEEN INDIA AND US
Current Context: The 10th Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) Group Meeting was
held virtually between India and the United States.
ABOUT MEETING
 India was represented by Raj Kumar, Secretary of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence and the
United States were represented by Ellen M Lord, Secretary of Defence for Acquisition and
Sustainment, US Department of Defence.
 In the meet, a Statement of Intent (SoI) was signed between two nation’s Defence delegations.
 The SoI is signed to strengthen bilateral dialogue on defence technology cooperation between
India and the US.
 To achieve the motto of SoI, the dignitaries assured to pursue detail planning and make
measurable progress by coordinating with each other.
 The DTTI meet aims to achieve sustain leadership by focusing on bilateral defence trade relations
between India and the US. It also aims to create opportunities for co-production and co-
development of defence equipment.
 Under DTTI, four joint working groups namely, land, naval, air and aircraft carrier technologies
are established in order to conduct projects in their respective domains.
‘BACKYARD HORTICULTURE’ PROGRAMME: JAMMU AND KASHMIR
Current Context: The Horticulture Department of Jammu and Kashmir launched a ‘Backyard
Horticulture’ Programme.
HIGHLIGHTS
 The programme is launched under the Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) scheme at Pachyat Jaswan,
Marh Block, Jammu district.
 The ‘Backyard Horticulture’ Programme aims to increase the production of organic fruits
for home consumption and to fulfil individual requirements in terms of economic and
health.
 Under this programme, three fruit yielding plants costing to Rs 200 will be distributed to
the farmers at 90% subsidy.
 The programme is expected to be beneficial to around 600 homes in Zone Marh, Jammu District.
 The methods to plant these fruit yielding plants in the backyard place of homes are given to the
farmers.
 Static Part:
o Lt Governor of J&K: Manoj Sinha
o State animal of J&K: Kashmir Stag (aka Hangul)
o National Parks and Wild Life Sanctuaries in Jammu and Kashmir: Dachigam NP,
Kazinag NP, Hemis NP, Salim Ali NP, Kishtwar NP, Jasrota WLS, Nandini WLS, Overa WLD,
Ram Nagar WLS, Surinsar WLS
INDIA’S GDP TO CONTRACT 10.2% FOR FY 2020-21—BY OECD
Current Context: The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has
forecasted that India’s GDP to contract 10.2% for the financial year 2020-2021.
KEY FACTS
 This projection by OECD is released in its Global Economic Forecast for 2020.
 As per OECD, the global economy will shrink at 4.5% for the current fiscal year.
 And the growth projection is projected to 5% by OECD.
 OECD in its June forecast has projected India’s GDP to contract by 16.7% for FY 2020-21.
 OECD has projected India’s GDP to grow 10.7% for FY 2021-2022.
 Static Part:
o HQ of OECD: Paris, France
o Secretary-General of OECD: Jose Angel Gurria
CORPORATE AGENCY AGREEMENT SIGNED BETWEEN SBI GENERAL

INSURANCE AND YES BANK
Current Context: SBI General Insurance has signed a Corporate Agency Agreement with Yes Bank.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 The agreement is signed to distribute SBI General Insurance Company’s products to the
customers of Yes Bank.
 The partnership between SBI General insurance and Yes Bank will offer non-life insurance
products and services along with the deployment of technology to the customers in order to
provide superior and secured finance transactional experience to them.
 Static Part:
o HQ of SBI General Insurance: Mumbai
o MD and CEO of SBI General Insurance: Prakash Chandra Kandpal
o HQ of Yes Bank: Mumbai
o Tagline of Yes Bank: Experience your Expertise
o MD and CEO of Yes Bank: Prashant Kumar
RBI ISSUES DRAFT RUPEE INTEREST RATE DERIVATIVES DIRECTIONS,

2020
Current Context: The Reserve Bank of India has released Draft Rupee Interest Rate Derivatives
Directions, 2020 to allow foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) to undertake exchange-
traded rupee interest rate derivatives transactions subject to an overall ceiling of Rs 5,000 crore.
DETAILS
 It is released under Section 45W, RBI Act 1934.
 The aim behind issuing Draft Rupee Interest Rate Derivatives Directions, 2020 is to motivate
higher non-resident participation, enhance the role of makers of the domestic market in the
offshore market, to increase the transparency and to achieve better regulation in this regards.
 As per the draft, the FPIs can transact in allowed exchange-traded IRDs subjected to the
conditions, ‘the net long position of FPIs, collectively and across all exchanges, in exchange-
traded IRDs should not exceed Rs 5000 crore.’ Also, the net short position of an FPI on
exchange-traded IRDs should not exceed its long position in gov. securities and in other
rupee debt securities.
 Also, the draft states that the reason for offering rupee IRD contracts to a user is that the
market maker should classify the user either as a retail user or as non- retail user. Non-
retail user is the entities regulated by RBI, SEBI, IRDAI or PFRDA or resident companies
having a minimum net worth of Rs 500 crore.
 Static Part: What is Interest Rate Derivatives? : These are the contracts whose values are derived
from one or more interest rates, prices of interest-rate instruments or interest rate indices.
o HQ of RBI: Mumbai
IBSA FOREIGN MINISTERS MEETING 2020
Current Context: India-Brazil- South Africa (IBSA) Foreign Ministers Meeting was held virtually.
ABOUT MEETING
 India was represented by external affairs Minister S Jaishankar, South Africa was represented by
Grace Naledi Mandisa Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of Republic of
SA and Brazil was represented by Fabio Marzano, Secretary for National Sovereignty and
Citizenship of the Federation Republic of Brazil.
 In the meet, the ministers discussed the issue related to security, peace, counter-terrorism, trading
systems, climate change and sustainable development
 They assured to offer cooperation with international organisations such as African Union Peace
and Security Council, United Nations etc. They exchanged their views to boost cooperation in IBSA
and appreciated the work done by IBSA to eradicate poverty and hunger issues especially during
COVID-19 pandemic situation. The ministers adopted and released the IBSA Joint Ministerial
Statement on the Reform of UN Security Council.
 Static part:
o Capital of Brazil: Brasilia Currency of Brazil: Brazilian Real Capital of South Africa: Pretoria
(Executive Capital), Bloemfontein (Judicial capital) and Cape Town (Legislative)
o Currency of South Africa: South African Rand
4TH GLOBAL AYURVEDA SUMMIT 2020
Current Context: Vice President of India, Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated the 4th Global Ayurveda
Summit 2020 virtually.
ABOUT SUMMIT
 The theme for 4th global Ayurveda Summit 2020: ‘Emerging Opportunities for Ayurveda
during Pandemic’.
 Events included in the summit: 8-day international conference, 30-day international exhibition,
business meets.
 The summit has received the participation from more than 25 countries having the objective to be
the part of Ayurveda and understand its immunity power.
 The summit will highlight the Ayurveda immunity model at a global level as a solution named as
‘Health as one’ and ‘Immunity through Ayurveda’.
 Summit is organized by Confederation of Indian Industry, Kerala, Ministry of AYUSH, AMAI
(Ayurveda Medical Association of India), AMMOI (Ayurvedic Medicine Manufacturers
Organisation in India) and AHMA (Ayurveda Hospital Management Association).
 Static part:
o HQ of CII: New Delhi
WORLD BANKS HUMAN CAPITAL INDEX 2020
Current Context: World Bank has released its annual report for Human Capital Index 2020.
HIGHLIGHTS
 The index report is released with the title, The Human Capital Index 2020 Update: Human
Capital in the time of COVID-19.
 Human Capital Index includes the analysis of vital elements of human capital across countries. It is
based on health and education analytical data for about 174 countries.
 The index is the collaboration between Human Development Practice Group and the Development
Economic Group of World Bank.
 India has marked a rank position of 116th in the Human Capital Index 2020.
 India scored 0.49 in the current human capital index. However, the score is increased to 0.49
from 0.44 in 2018.
 The index is topped by Singapore with a score of 0.88.
 The Second position is marked by Hong Kong and China with a score of 0.81. Japan marked the
third rank position with a score of 0.80.
 Static Part:
INDIA'S GDP TO CONTRACT BY 8.6% FOR FY 2020-21—BY UBS

SECURITIES
Current Context: The UBS Securities has forecasted that India's GDP to contract 8.6% for the
financial year 2020-2021.
KEY FACTS
 Earlier it has projected GDP contraction to 5.8%.
 As per UBS Securities, India's potential rate of growth has reduced to 5.75- 6.25% as per the
estimation against 7.1%.
 It has also projected that India's GDP will show the growth by 10% for the financial year 2021-
2022.
 Static Part:
o HQ of UBS Securities: Beijing, China
INDIA HAPPINESS REPORT 2020
Current Context: The India Happiness Report 2020 is released which covers all Indian states and
union territories.
ABOUT REPORT
 The report measures happiness across the country contributing to peoples happiness and COVID-
19 impact on happiness.
 The report is the analytical study covering 16,950 people between March 2020 to July 2020. The
study is done by Prof. Rajesh K Pillania.
 Overall States and UT which marked the first three rank position in India Happiness Report
2020: Mizoram (Rank 1), Punjab (Rank 2) and Andaman and Nicobar (Rank 3).
 The big States which marked the first three rank position in India Happiness Report 2020:
Punjab (Rank 1), Gujarat (Rank 2) and Telangana (Rank 3).
 The small States which marked the first three rank position in India Happiness Report
2020: Mizoram (Rank 1), Sikkim (Rank 2) and Arunachal Pradesh (Rank 3).
 Union Territories which marked the first three rank position in India Happiness Report
2020: Andaman and Nicobar Island (Rank 1), Puducherry (Rank 2) and Lakshadweep
(Rank 3).
 As per the report, worst Impact of COVID-19 is on Maharashtra, Delhi and Haryana.
WHATSAPP PARTNERED WITH COMMON SERVICES CENTERS
Current Context: Facebook-owned WhatsApp messaging app has entered into a partnership with
Common Service Centers (CSC).
DETAILS
 They have entered into the partnership for a WhatsApp chatbot which will work to
empower and educate rural people by offering them Digital literacy services and resources
at their doorstep.
 They will work to remove the digital divide gap in the rural economy and will create
livelihood by promoting rural entrepreneurship.
 The WhatsApp chatbot is expected to be beneficial to about 10 million people by August 2021.
 The CSC and WhatsApp in collaboration will offer cost-effective videos, voice content, data content
in the sector of education, health, e-governance, telemedicine and other private services.
 To avail the benefit of WhatsApp chatbot people can send "Namaste" at CSC Academy's
WhatsApp contact number +91 9999189321 to access the details and benefits of digital
literacy chatbot service.
 People can also avail course modules of flagship programs like Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital
Shaksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) and Digital Beti initiative in English and other regional
languages.
10TH BRICS NSA MEET
Current Context: The 10th edition of BRICS National Security Advisor (NSA) took place virtually.
ABOUT MEETING
 The meeting was chaired by the Russian Federation.
 India was represented by Ajit Doval, NSA of India.
 The dignitaries discussed anti-terrorism draft strategy.
 They also discussed combating terrorism and focusing on global and regional security.
 Static part:
o Currency of Russia: Russian Rouble
SMART CITY INDEX 2020
Current Context: The Smart City Index 2020 is released by the Institute for Management
Development in collaboration with Singapore University for Technology and Design.
HIGHLIGHTS
 Total 109 Indian cities are surveyed in Smart City Index 2020, by considering the perceptions of
120 residents of each city.
 The smart city index is based on the data for economic and technology availability and
development in the cities. This data is collected from residents of the city.
 The Smart City Index 2020 is topped by Singapore.
 The second and third rank is marked by Helsinki and Zurich respectively.
 From India, Hyderabad has topped among all Indian cities, with the rank of 85th position.
 Other rank position for Indian cities: New Delhi (86th Rank), Mumbai (93rd Rank), Bengaluru
(95th Rank).
 As per the analysis of Smart City Index 2020, Indian cities have witnessed a decline in their rank
position compared to previous estimations.
‘APNA GHAR DREAMZ’ HOME LOAN SCHEME—BY ICICI HOME FINANCE
Current Context: The ICICI Hone Finance has launched a home loan scheme with the name ‘Apna
Ghar Dreamz’.
KEY FACTS
 The scheme is launched for skilled labourers like electricians, mechanics, painters, grocery store
owners etc. in the informal sector of Delhi.
 The credit amount under ‘Apna Ghar Dreamz’ loan scheme ranges from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 50
lakhs.
 The scheme also allows for the customer to avail the benefits of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana
(PMAY), credit-linked subsidy scheme (CLSS) for lower-income groups or economically weaker
sections (EWS/LIG) and Middle-income groups (MG- I &II).
 As the ‘Apna Ghar Dreamz’ loan scheme is for the informal working sector, the scheme does not
demand any documents which are required to get a loan from a formal financial institute.
 A special 20-year tenure loan is offered under this scheme, which requires basic documents like
PAN Card, Aadhar Card and bank statement of the past 6 months.
 The beneficiaries is required to have a minimum balance of Rs 1500 for a loan up to Rs 5 lakh and
a minimum balance up to Rs 3000 for loan above Rs 5 lakh.
 Static Part:
o MD and CEO of ICICI Home Finance: Anirudh Kamani
‘ARTHIKA SPANDANA’-- KARNATAKA
Current Context: Government of Karnataka launched the loan disbursal programme with the
name ‘Arthika Spandana’.
KEY POINTS
 The programme aims to disburse the loan of Rs 39,300 crore from various cooperative
institutions.
 Rs 15,300 crore will be disbursed to the agriculture sector and Rs 24,000 crore will be allotted for
non-agri sectors.
 Around 1549 cooperatives will be benefited by this programme.
 Static Part:
o CM of Karnataka: B S Yediyurappa
o Governor of Karnataka: Vajubhai Vala
o NationaL Parks and Wild Life Sanctuaries of Karnataka: Nagarhole NP, Bandipur NP,
Anshi NP, Bannerghatta NP, Malai Mahadeshwara WLS, Melkote Temple WLS, Nugu WLS
TWO MAJOR AGRICULTURE AND RAISING FARMER’S INCOME BILL PASSED

IN LS
Current Context: Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Rural Development and
Panchayat Raj, Narendra Singh Tomar introduced the two major farm reformative bills in Lok
Sabha (LS). Both the bills are passed by Lok Sabha.
KEY FACTS
 The bills passed by LS are: (a)Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and
Facilitation) Bill, 2020 (b)Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance
and Farm Services Bill, 2020.
 Both the bills aim to bring development in agriculture sector and to raise the income of
farmers.
o Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020: This
bill offers barrier free inter-state and intra-state trade operations for farmers. The farmers
and traders can sell and purchase agri produce at remunerative prices through competitive
alternative trading channels. The bill also offers framework for electronic trading and the
matters related to it. It has also provided framework for electronic trading in the
transaction platform to ensure seamless trade electronically.
o Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm
Services Bill, 2020: This bill aims to create a framework for farming agreements which
will empower farmers so that they can engage themselves in agri-allied activities like agri-
business firms, wholesale, exports and retail operation of farm produce. The bill transfers
the risk of market unpredictability from farmer to the sponsor so that farmers will be able
to utilise modern technology. The bill aims to increase farmers income and reduce the cost
of marketing for them.
APPOINTMENTS, RESIGNATION AND BRAND AMBASSADOR ON 19TH SEP

2020
Current Context: Lt Gen Rajesh Pant: He is appointed as head of the committee to look into and
examine the reports of digital surveillance on prominent Indian Nationals by Chinese firm
Shenzhen Zhenhua Data Information Technology Company Ltd.
ABOUT
 Ajay Tirkey: He is appointed to head the committee to prepare the roadmap to regularize the
land leasing activity in agriculture sector. He is secretary of department of land resources,
under rural development ministry.
 Harsimrat Kaur Badal: She is the Union Minister and offered her resignation from Union
Minister of food processing industries, which was accepted by President Ram Nath Kovind with
immediate effect.
 Suresh Raina: He is appointed as brand ambassador for 9stacks which is the online poker
platform.
MUKHYAMANTRI MAHILA UTKARSH YOJANA-- GUJARAT
Current Context: Government of Gujarat launched a Mukhyamantri Mahila Utkarsh Yojana

(MMUY). MMUY offers interest-free loans to the women’s group of Gujarat.
ABOUT SCHEME
 Under this yojana, a Joint Liability and Earning Group (JLEG) will be formed. Around 50,000
JLEG will be formed in the rural and urban areas of the state. Each group will be comprised of 10
women members.
 Around 10 lakh women will get the benefit of MMUY.
 In the rural areas of Gujarat, the yojana will be implemented by Gujarat Livelihood Promotion
Company and in the urban areas of Gujarat, the yojana will be implemented by Gujarat Urban
Livelihood Mission.
 Static Part:
o CM of Gujarat: Vijaybhai R Rupani
o Governor of Gujarat: Acharya Dev Vrat
o National Parks and Wild Life Sanctuaries in Gujarat: Blackbuck NP, Gir NP, Vansda NP,
Balaram Amji WLS, Gir WLS, Girnar WLS, Gaga Great Indian Bustard WLS, Jambugodha
WLS, Jessore WLS, Khijadiya WLS, Nal Sarovar WLS, Pniya WLS, Porbandar Lake WLS, Thol
Lake WLS, Wild Ass WLS
NATIONAL GENERIC DOCUMENT REGISTRATION SYSTEM—JAMMU AND

KASHMIR
Current Context: Lieutenant Governor of Union Territory Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha
launched the National Generic Document Registration System (NGDRS).
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 The NGDRS is the shift from a manual registration system to the online registration system
launched for having online registration and transactions for sale-purchase of land.
 NGDRS is developed by National Informatics Centre under the Digital India Land Records
Modernization Programme.
 Also, the stamp papers are replaced by e-stamps which are developed in coordination with
Stockholding Corporation of India.
 After launching NGDRS, J&K has become 10th in the state/UT to be the part of NGDRS.
 NGDRS will provide transparency in registration and transactions related to land, hassle-
free service delivery, online process for uploading documents without having a manual
visit at the registration office for submission.
 The entire process is reduced to 15 minutes and with minimum personal visit to the
registration office.
 NGDRS is the one forward step towards National Integration and towards, ‘One Nation, One
Software’ goal.
 Static Part:
o State animal of J&K: Kashmir Stag (aka Hangul)
o National Parks and Wild Life Sanctuaries in J&K: Dachingam NP, Kazinag NP, Hemis NP,
Salim Ali NP, Kishtwar NP, Jasrota WLS, Nandini WLS, Overa WLS, Ram Nagar WLS,
Surinsar WLS
NITI AAYOG PARTNERED WITH INDIAN SCHOOL OF PUBLIC POLICY
Current Context: NITI Aayog has entered into partnership with the Indian School of Public Policy
(ISPP). They have entered into partnership to offer training, mentorship and capacity building to
government officials and public policy scholars.
KEY FACTS
 They aim to have faster intermediation of knowledge and its use within public domain system
 Both the organisation will jointly conduct evidence building exercises, conferences and podcast
series
 Under this partnership, ISPP officers will interact with DMEO and NITI Aayog’s experts regarding
the current policies.
 Static Part:
o Chairperson of NITI Aayog: Narendra Modi
o Vice Chairperson of NITI Aayog: Rajiv Kumar
o CEO of NITIAayog: Amitabh Kant
APPOINTMENTS ON 20TH SEP 2020
Current Context: Narendra Singh Tomar: He is given with additional charge of Ministry of Food
Processing Industries. He is Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
ABOUT
 Anil Dhasmana: He is appointed as Chief of the National Technical Research Organisation
(NTRO). He has replaced Satish C. Jha.
 Static Part:
o HQ of NTRO: New Delhi
 Retd. Col. Dr Girija Shanker Mungali: He is appointed as member of Asian Football
Confederation Task Force. Currently, he is the Chairman of Club licensing committee of AIFF (All
India Football Federation).
MINISTRY OF AYUSH SIGNS MOU WITH MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD

DEVELOPMENT
Current Context: An MoU is signed between Ministry of AYUSH and Ministry of Women and Child
Development to control malnutrition in India.
HIGHLIGHTS
 Both the ministries will work to combat malnutrition under POSHAN Abhiyan. Thus they
will integrate AYUSH into POSHAN Abhiyan and will control malnutrition through
Ayurveda, Yoga and AYUSH mechanisms.
 Both the ministries will adopt the time-tested and scientifically proven health solution, probably
AYUSH solutions to control and eradicate malnutrition among children and womens of India.
 Under this MoU, medicinal, nutri gardens and yoga programmes will be developed at anganwadi
centers.
 They will frame the baseline data in nutritional status for target population.
 Also, #Ayush4Aganwadi awareness campaign will be launched by both ministries under
Digital India initiative.
 Static Part:
o Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy,
Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy): Shripad Yesso Naik
o Union Minister for Women and Child Development: Smriti Irani
EMMY AWARDS 2020
Current Context: The Primetime Emmy Awards, which honors the best in television were held.
This was the 72nd edition of Emmy awards. The categories for which the winners were declared is
mentioned below:
AWARDS LIST
Award Category Winner
Outstanding Drama Series Succession
Outstanding Comedy Series Schitt’s Creek
Outstanding Limited Series Watchmen
Best Actor (Drama) Jeremy Strong (Succession)
Best Actress (Drama) Zendaya (Euphoria)
Best Actor (Comedy) Eugene Levy (Schitt’s Creek)
Best Actress (Comedy) Catherine O’Hara (Schitt’s Creek)
Outstanding Television Movie Bad Education
Outstanding Variety Talk Show Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Outstanding Director (Drama) Andrij Parekh (Succession)
Outstanding Director (Comedy) Daniel Levy (Schitt’s Creek)
INDIA OFFERS FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO MALDIVES TO COMBAT COVID-19
Current Context: Government of India has extended financial support to the Maldives to combat
the impact of COVID-19. India has offered the loan amount of 250 million dollars to the Maldives.
KEY FACTS
 The loan amount is the revenue and budgetary support for tackling COVID-19 impact on the
Maldivian economy.
 Under this loan agreement, the State Bank of India will subscribe to a Treasury Bond which will be
issued by Government of Maldives with a comfortable 10 year tenor of repayment
 Static Part:
o Capital of Maldives: Male
o Currency of Maldives: Maldivian Rufiyaa
o President of Maldives: Ibrahim Mohamed Solih
EPIDEMIC DISEASES (AMENDMENT) BILL 2020 PASSED IN RAJYA SABHA
Current Context: The Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Bill, 2020 is passed in Rajya Sabha. The bill
was introduced by the Union Health and Family Welfare Minister, Dr Harsh Vardhan.
ABOUT
 The bill amends the Epidemic Diseases Act 1897.
 The bill includes protection rights for healthcare workers who are doing their jobs in
combating epidemics.
 The bill also includes an extension of powers for the central government so that they can
take required action and frame rules to limit the spread of the pandemic in their respective
states.
 The one who harms the health care workers will be given imprison punishment for 3
months to 5 years along with fine amount between Rs 50,000 to 2 lakhs.
 The bill provides safety rights to health care workers including, public and clinical health care
providers like doctors, nurses, people who take initiative to work to combat the epidemic, or any
person or group designated by the state government to work to combat the epidemic.
 The bill states ‘act of violence’ performed against health care workers like harassment at their
workplaces, harm to their personal and professional equipment, harm or injury or danger to their
lives, loss or damage to their property or not obeying their suggestions.
 Complaint cases registered under this will be investigated within 30 days by police officers.
‘GHAR TAK FIBRE’ SCHEME AND 9 HIGHWAY PROJECTS-- BIHAR
Current Context: To boost the self-reliant goal in Bihar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched
the ‘Ghar Tak Fibre’ Scheme and laid the foundation stone for Nine Highway Projects.
HIGHLIGHTS
 The ‘Ghar Tak Fibre’ scheme is launched by following the motto of Digital India programme
and the scheme will be connecting 45,945 villages of Bihar through optical fibre internet
service.
 The ‘Ghar Tak Fibre’ scheme will help the citizens of Bihar to avail digital services like e-education,
e-agriculture, telemedicine, tele-law and other digital-based schemes of Bihar state.
 The scheme will be executed by the Department of Telecom (DoT), Ministry of Electronics
and Information Technology and Common Services Centers.
 Also, PM Modi launched Nine Highway Projects allotted with the funds of Rs 14,528 crores.
 The Nine Highway Projects includes constructing six-lane highways and three bridges on rivers.
The highway project will construct the roads of 350 km.
 The highway roads will offer connectivity among Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh.
 Static Part:
o CM of Bihar: Nitish Kumar
o Governor of Bihar: Phagu Chauhan
o National Parks and Wild Life Sanctuaries of Bihar: Valmiki NP, Bhimbandh WLS,
Kaimur WLS, Barela Jheel Salim Ali-Jubba Sahni Bird Sanctuary, Gautam Buddha WLS,
Kanwar Jheel Bird Sanctuary, Pant WLS, Udaipur WLS, Vikaramshila Gangetic Dolphin WLS,
Nagi Dam Bird Sanctuary, Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary
FERTILISERS AND CHEMICALS TRAVANCORE LTD SIGNED MOU WITH ITI

KALAMASSERY
Current Context: Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore Limited (FACT) has entered into an
agreement with Industrial Training Institute (ITI) Kalamassery with an aim to improve industry-
institute interaction.
KEY FACTS
 The FACT is the PSU which comes under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers.
 Under this MoU, various interactive programmes will be implemented which will allow the
sharing of training facilities in order to have academic and industrial interaction between ITI
students and FACT employees.
 Various technical courses, seminars, presentations, workshops will be conducted by FACT to train
the ITI students.
 Also, industrial visits, joint projects and on-job training in FACT will be conducted under this
agreement.
 Static Part:
o MDHQ of FACT: Kochi
VISA INC. AND IFUNDWOMEN TO SUPPORT WOME N ENTREPRENEURS
Current Context: Visa Inc. and its global partner IFundWomen has launched a grant program to
offer support to Indian Women Entrepreneurs.
KEY POINTS
 IFundWomen is itself a funding marketplace for women businesses.
 Under this grant program, Indian Women Entrepreneurs will be able to receive fund from
Visa and thus can expand their businesses. Women Entrepreneurs can avail the fund
through a series of grants.
 For promoting this program, Visa has partnered with FLO, which is the ladies wing of FICCI
and with Instamojo.
 Under the grant program, Visa has asked women, entrepreneurs, to submit their application for
funds requirement from 21st Sep to 20th Oct 2020.
 They are also asked to submit a small video on the website which will describe their business in
short.
 3 winners will be shortlisted and they will receive grants of Rs 7, 00,000 each. They will also get
training and coaching regarding their business by Visa and IFundWomen.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Visa Inc.: California, United States
o HQ of IFundWomen: New York, United States
SBI CARDS AND PAYMENT SERVICES LTD PARTNERED WITH GOOGLE
Current Context: The SBI Cards i.e. SBI Cards and Payment Services Ltd has entered into a
partnership with Google.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 They have entered into a partnership to allow SBI customers to use their SBI Credit Cards
to make payments via Google Pay app on their smartphones.
 Now onwards, SBI Card users will be able to make online transactions via Google Pay through
options like Tap and Pay, Bharat QR and online payments.
 They have also assured to offer safe and secured payment transactions to the customers.
 Static Part:
o HQ of SBI Cards and Payment Services Ltd: Gurgaon, Haryana
o MD and CEO of SBI Cards and Payment Services Ltd: Ashwini Kumar Tewari
o HQ of Google: California, US
o CEO of Google: Sundar Pichai
INDIA’S NOMINAL GDP TO GROW BY 19%: MINISTRY OF FINANCE
Current Context: Ministry of Finance, GOI estimated that India’s nominal Gross Domestic Product
(GDP) will grow by 19% for the financial year 2021-2022 on a low base.
DETAILS
 This estimation was informed by the Chief Economic Advisor to Finance Ministry, Krishnamurthy
Subramanian.
 The Nominal GDP means it takes into consideration a country’s GDP using current prices without
adjusting for inflation.
 Static Part:
o Union Minister for Finance: Nirmala Sitharaman
NATIONAL RHINO CONSERVATION STRATEGY
Current Context: On the occasion of World Rhino Day which is observed on 22nd Sep, Union
Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar launched National Rhino Conservation Strategy.
HIGHLIGHTS
 It is launched for Indian one-horned rhinoceros.
 The conservation initiatives which are undertaken for rhino till now has led to enrich grassland
management which has ultimately helped to reduce negative impacts of climate change through
carbon sequestration.
 The National Rhino Conservation Strategy will work to conserve rhino species under 5
objectives namely, protection, expanding the distribution range , research, monitoring and
adequate and sustained funding.
 Static Part: In India, the population of rhino is high in West Bengal, Assam and Uttar Pradesh.
Also, Rhinoceros is the only large mammal species in all over Asia, which is down-listed from
endangered to vulnerable in the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature).
o HQ of IUCN: Gland, Switzerland
RS PASSED INDIAN INSTITUTES OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY LAWS

(AMENDMENT) BILL 2020
Current Context: On 22nd Sep 2020, Rajya Sabha (RS) passed Indian Institutes of Information
Technology Laws (Amendment) Bill 2020.
KEY POINTS
 In Lok Sabha, the Indian Institutes of Information Technology Laws (Amendment) Bill 2020
was passed on 20th March 2020.
 The bill proposes to declare 5 IIITs in PPP (Public-Private Partnership) mode at Surat,
Bhopal, Bhagalpur, Agartala and Raichur as institutions having national importance equal
to 15 IIITs. That is, the statutory status will be granted to these 5 IIITs by this bill.
 As per the bill, the institutions will be entitled to use the nomenclature of B.Tech or M.tech or PhD
degree like the one which is issued by Universities or Institutes having National Importance.
 Currently, Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs) are working as societies
which are registered under Societies Registration Act,1860. After the passage of the bill,
they will be registered under the IIIT (PPP) Act 2017 with other 15 IIITs.
 Thus this bill will attract students to take admission to theses IIITs to pursue education which is
required to develop a firm research base in Information Technology in India.
YUWAAH: A MULTI-STAKEHOLDER PLATFORM
Current Context: A Statement of Intent (SoI) is signed between the Ministry of Youth Affairs &
Sports and UNICEF (United Nations Children Fund) to launch a global multi-stakeholder platform
named ‘YuWaah’.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 ‘YuWaah’, the multi-stakeholder platform is launched to make youth and young people
career ready.
 It will provide entrepreneurship coaching both in online and offline manner so as to develop an
entrepreneurial mindset among the young people.
 It will also boost digital skills, life skills and professional skills and ethics in them.
 YuWaah will create economic opportunities for young people by providing them jobs or by
making them self-employed.
 It will also offer career guidance through career portal and will make them skilled to explore their
career of choice.
 Department of Youth Affairs will motivate experts to join YuWaah Technical Working Groups or
Taskforces so as to offer training, guidance to the young people in their respective career.
 Static Part:
o Union Minister of State (IC) for Youth Affairs and Sports: Kiren Rijiju
o HQ of UNICEF: New York, United States
GOOGLE PAY ROLLS OUT TOKENISATION ON ITS PLATFORM
Current Context: Google Pay has launched a feature for card based payments through tokenisation
on its platform.
DETAILS
 For this purpose, Google pay has entered into partnership with Visa.
 This tokenisation feature will allow consumers to perform payment transactions by using
credit or debit cards without sharing the card details through the secure digital token
which will be attached to their smart phones.
 The feature will offer the use of the tap-to-pay feature on near-field communications (NFC)
enabled POS terminal and online merchants.
 It will work with online merchants, offering with seamless One Time Password (OTP) experience,
without directing to 3D secure sites.
 The Goggle Pay’s tokenisation feature will allow the secure omni-channel experience to the users.
 The feature will be rolled out to the users of Axis, SBI Card and Kotak bank.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Visa: California, United States
APPOINTMENTS ON 23RD SEPTEMBER 2020
Current Context: Simanchala Dash: He is appointed as Advisor to Executive Director of

International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a tenure of 3 years.
ABOUT
 Static Part:
o HQ of IMF: Washington DC, United States
o MD of IMF: Kristalina Gerogieva
 Retd. Col. Bah Ndaw: He is appointed as Interim President of Mali.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Mali: Bamako
o Currency of Mali: West African CFA Franc
 Col. Assimi Goita: He is appointed as Vice President of Mali.
 Static Part:
 Harsh Kumar Bhanwala: He is appointed to head the committee formed by SEBI to develop a
framework for onboarding non-profit organisation and for profit enterprises. They will also
develop framework for prescribing disclosure requirements related to performance and aspects
for social audits and social impact.
 Static Part:
o HQ of SEBI: Mumbai
o Chairman of SEBI: Ajay Tyagi
MUKHYA MANTRI KISAN KALYAN YOJANA—MADHYA PRADESH
Current Context: Government of Madhya Pradesh will be launching Mukhya Mantri Kisan Kalyan
Yojana for the state farmers.
HIGHLIGHTS
 The yojana will be following the path of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, the initiative of
central government.
 Under this yojana, the farmers who are getting Rs 6000 per annum, will be getting
additional finance support of Rs 4000. Thus, the state farmers, will be getting Rs 10,000 as
annual financial support.
 The scheme will be beneficial to 80 lakh farmers.
 Static Part:
o CM of Madhya Pradesh: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
o Governor of Madhya Pradesh: Anandiben Patel
o National Parks and Wild Life Sanctuaries of Madhya Pradesh: Kanha NP, Bandhavgarh
NP, Panna NP, Satpura NP, Madhav NP, Ghatigaon WLS, Kheoni WLS
RAJYA SABHA PASSED T HREE LABOUR CODES FOR THE WELFARE OF

COUNTRY’S WORKERS
Current Context: Rajya Sabha (RS) passed three labour codes namely (1) Industrial Relations
Code, 2020 (2) Code on Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 (3) Social
Security Code, 2020.
KEY POINTS
 The labour codes are passed with an aim to provide overall welfare to the worker community of
India.
 Under the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, effective dispute resolution mechanism will be
followed in the time-bound manner at every institution.
 The Code on Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 will provide
safe working environment for all workers especially to women. This code will offer safety to
workers while on the job.
 The Social Security Code, 2020 will provide the framework in which the workers belonging to
organized and un-organized sectors will be included under social security measures. The code
contains provisions related to EPFO, ESIC, building construction workers, maternity benefits,
gratuity for un-organized sectors. The code will fulfill Prime Minister’s vision of Social Security.
 All these 3 codes will prove beneficial to about 50 crore workers from organized and un-organized
sectors.
 Static Part:
o Union Minister of Labour and Employment: Santosh Kumar Gangwar
‘KRITAGYA’ HACKATHON
Current Context: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) under the National
Agricultural Higher Education Project (NAHEP) launched a Hackathon named as ‘Kritigya’.
KEY FACTS
 The hackathon is launched to promote potential technology solutions which will enhance
farm mechanism with the focus on women-friendly equipments.
 The hackathon is open for participation to students, teaching faculties, and innovators,
entrepreneurs and other stakeholders from any institute/university/organisation. A group of
maximum 4 participants is allowed to form to participate in hackathon.
 The participants are supposed to provide innovative approaches and technical solutions by
adopting technology which will enhance farm productivity and profitability so as to meet
the aim of achieving potential technology solution in farm mechanism.
 The prize amount declared for the winners is Rs 5 lakhs , Rs 3 lakhs and Rs 1 lakh for first, second
and third winners respectively.
 Static Part:
o Union Minister of agriculture and farmers welfare: Narendra Singh Tomar
INDIA’S ICREATE SIGNS MOU WITH ISRAEL
Current Context: India’s International Centre for Entrepreneurship and Technology (iCreate) has
signed MoU with Israel’s Start-Up Nation Central to boost the innovation and technology bilateral
cooperation between startups and corporates of India and Israel.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 As per the MoU, the innovators and entrepreneurs of both nations will collaberately work on
various projects.
 iCreate and Start-Up Nation Central will launch an Online Acceleration Program for market
penetration with relevant technologies which fulfill the requirements of Indian
corporations. This program will help to shortlist the most relevant solutions and
technology providers.
 This MoU will help to realize and adapt India’s and Israel’s tech solutions and to develop
innovative technologies in various sectors.
 Static Part:
o HQ of iCreate: Ahmedabad, Gujarat
o Chairman of iCreate: Manoj Kumar Das
Current Context: AK Dixit: He is appointed as New Administrator of Punjab and Maharashtra

Cooperative (PMC) Bank by Mumbai. He has replaced JB Bhoria.
ABOUT
 Static Part:
o HQ of PMC Bank: Mumbai
o CEO of PMC Bank: Surinderpal Singh Ram Singh
 Alexander Lukashenko: He is appointed as President of Belarus.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Belarus: Minsk
o Currency of Belarus: Ruble
 Ishmael Toroma: He is appointed as President of Bougainville, an autonomous region of
Papua New Guinea.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Bougainville: Buka Island
o Currency of Bougainville: PNG Kina
 Khushi Chindaliya: She is 17 year old Indian girl who is appointed as Regional Ambassador for
India by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)- Tunza Eco Generation
(Green). The program is to be held in Sep 2020.
 Static Part:
o HQ of UNEP: Nairobi, Kenya
PM NARENDRA MODI LAUNCHED ‘AGE APPROPRIATE FITNESS PROTOCOL’
Current Context: To celebrate and promote the first anniversary of Fit India Movement, Prime
Minister Narendra Modi launched ‘Age Appropriate Fitness Protocol’ virtually at Fit India
Dialogue.
HIGHLIGHTS
 The Fit India Dialogue was organized to address the first anniversary of Fit India Movement.
 In the Fit India Dialogue, PM Modi interacted with various sportsperson, fitness experts and many
more via video conferencing. PM Modi interacted to Virat Kohli (Indian Cricket player), Milind
Soman (Model, Actor and Runner), Rujuta Diwekar (Nutritionist) were among them.
 The fitness protocols are defined by fitness enthusiast by following the aim of good health and
fitness of people belonging to a different category of age.
 There are three categories of age for which the fitness protocols are defined namely, 5-18
years age category, 18-65 years age category, 65+ years age category.
 At the dialogue, PM Modi laid the mantra of ‘Fitness ka Dose, Adha ghanta Roz’ (Fitness dose, Half
an Hour every day). He also urged to practise yoga, play different sports for at least half an hour
daily to Indian citizens.
 Static Part: Fit India Movement: It was launched on the occasion of National Sports Day in 2019
(29 August 2019).
‘STRENGTHENING CLINI CAL TRIAL RESEARCH CAPACITY IN NEIGHBORING

COUNTRIES’ PROGRAMME
Current Context: Department of Biotechnology (DBT) in partnership with the Ministry of External
Affairs launched the first phase of the programme for ‘Strengthening Clinical Trial Research
Capacity in Neighboring Countries’.
KEY POINTS
 The ‘Strengthening Clinical Trial Research Capacity in Neighboring Countries’ is the
training programme which is launched to support researchers and investigators to
strengthen their clinical trial capabilities in compliance with ICH-GCP (International
Conference on Harmonization-Good Clinical Practice).
 The programme was launched to attain the objective of Ind-CEPI mission (India Centric Epidemic
Preparedness) for Rapid Vaccine Development and Supporting Indian Vaccine Development which
is supported by the global initiative of CEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovation).
Aim of Ind-CEPI mission is to support capacity building and regional networking for Low and
Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).
 Thus under this training programme launched by DBT, India wants to fulfil its commitment to
achieving moto of Ind-CEPI mission.
 The Training Programme was attended by different departments of countries like Nepal, Maldives,
Bangladesh, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Afghanistan.
RBI RELEASED CYBER SECURITY VISION FRAMEWORK FOR UCBS
Current Context: The Reserve Bank of India released Cyber Security Vision Framework for Urban
Cooperative Banks(UCBs).
KEY FACTS
 The central bank has released this vision under the title ‘Technology Vision for Cyber
Security for UCBs 2020-2023’.
 Under this framework of vision, RBI has mentioned 4 guiding principles for UCBs. The guiding
principles are formulated because of heterogeneity of UCBs in India in terms of size, region, digital
depth and finance capability.
 In order to prescribe cyber security controls for UCBs, RBI has decided to follow differentiated
tier-wise approach. The tiers would be decided by depending on risk exposure of digital services
offered by UCBs.
 The approach will look into that UCBs with high IT penetration and offering all payment services
are brought at par with other banks who are having mature cyber security infra and practices.
 Also, the board of UCBs will be assigned to implement the primary responsibilities of cyber
security controls.
 As per RBI, the implementation of cyber security framework will be a cost intensive process,
therefore responsibility of implementation, monitoring, compliance and response will be assigned
from board level to user level.
 Also, RBI has asked the banks to include review on cyber security posture and specific indicators
as a part of calendar of reviews, which is to be submitted to the BOD during meetings. This is to be
implemented in 2020.
 Also, RBI has directed that UCBs need to develop their own technology vision document which
mentions their plans to use IT solutions in their banking businesses in a secured manner. For
UCBs in levels 2 to 4 will have to achieve this by 2021 and for UCBs in level 1, will have to achieve
by 2022.
 The cyber security framework is aimed to achieve its objective like: (1)Governance Oversight
(2)Utile Technology Investment (3)Appropriate Regulation (4)Robust Collaboration
(5)Developing IT and Cyber security skill sets and infrastructure.
 Static Part:
o HQ of RBI: Mumbai
‘MOKSHA KALASH YOJANA 2020’—RAJASTHAN
Current Context: Chief Minister of Rajasthan has given approval to launch ‘Moksha Kalash Yojana
2020’.
KEY POINTS
 The ‘Moksha Kalash Yojana 2020’ is the initiative of Rajasthan State Broad Transport
Corporation.
 ‘Moksha Kalash Yojana 2020’ aims to offer free bus travel to two members of the family of
the deceased to immerse ashes of their loved ones in the river Ganga at Haridwar.
 The expenses for the travel will be undertaken by the Devasthan Department, Government of
Rajasthan.
 Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation will manage the scheme and will look into the
registration process and other facilities of travel of family members.
 Static Part:
o CM of Rajasthan: Ashok Gehlot
o Governor of Rajasthan: Kalraj Mishra
o National Parks and Wild Life Sanctuaries of Rajasthan: Desert NP, Machiya Safari Park,
Keoladeo Ghana NP, Ranthambore NP, Sariska NP, Kumbhalgarh WLS, Darrah NP,
MountAbu WLS, Sita Mata WLS, Keladevi WLS
APPOINTMENTS, EXTENSION AND BRAND AMBASSADOR ON 25TH

SEPTEMBER 2020
Current Context: Rajat Sud: He is appointed as MD of Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL). He has
replaced S Gopal. EESL is the joint venture of PSUs under the Ministry of Power.
ABOUT
 Static Part:
o HQ of EESL : New Delhi
o Chairman of EESL: Rajeev Sharma
 Mohamed Hussein Roble: He is appointed as Prime Minister of Somalia.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Somalia: Mogadishy
o Currency of Somalia: Somali Shilling
 Uday Kotak: His tenure to be the Non-Executive Chairman of Infrastructure Leasing and
Financial Services (IL&FS) has been extended to one year i.e. till October 2021.
 Static Part:
o HQ of IL&FS: Mumbai
 Sonu Sood: He is appointed as Brand Ambassador of Acer India.
‘MUKHYAMANTRIR GRAMMYA PARIBHAN ACHONI YOJANA’—ASSAM
Current Context: Government of Assam launched ‘Mukhyamantrir Grammya Paribhan Achoni

Yojana’.
HIGHLIGHTS
 The ‘Mukhyamantrir Grammya Paribhan Achoni Yojana’ belongs to state transport department.
 Under this yojana, light motor vehicle service will be provided villages of Assam in order to
improve rural connectivity and to generate employment.
 The light motor vehicle will be provided to one beneficiary of each village.
 In the first stance of scheme, 10,000 villages will be covered under funds of Rs 100 crore.
 The state government will provide 25% cost of the vehicle or Rs 1 lakh to the eligible
entrepreneur.
 In future, the yojana will be offering rural connectivity to about 26000 villages of Assam.
 Static Part:
o CM of Assam: Sarbananda Sonowol
o Governor of Assam: Jagdish Mukhi
o National Parks and Wild Life Sanctuaries of Assam: Orang NP, Dibru Saikhowa NP, Nameri
NP, Manas NP, Kaziranga NP, Garampani WLS, Bornadi WLS, Chakrashila WLS, Panidehing
WLS
WORLD RISK INDEX 2020
Current Context: The United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security
(UNU-EHS) and Bundnis Entwicklung Hilft and University of Stuttgart, Germany has released the
World Risk Index 2020.
KEY POINTS
 The World Risk Index 2020 is the part of the World Risk Report 2020.
 As per the ranking in the index, India has been ranked at the 89th Position among 181
countries. India is termed under the category of Medium Risk.
 The ranking is topped by Vanuatu which is termed under the category of Very High Risk.
The second position is marked by Tonga, termed in the category of Very High Risk.
 The 181st Rank position is marked by Qatar, termed under the category of Very Low Risk.
 The World Risk Index is the analytical and statistical model for analysing the global risk of
disasters like earthquakes, floods, droughts, storms and sea-level rise. It is calculated by analysing
each country through the multiplication of exposure to extreme climatic conditions and natural
calamities.
 As per the report, Global Hotspots are in Oceania, South East Asia, Central America, West and
Central Africa.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Vanuatu: Port Vila
o Currency of Vanuatu: Vanuatu Vatu
‘U-RISE’ PORTAL – UTTAR PRADESH
Current Context: Government of Uttar Pradesh launched ‘U-Rise’ Portal. It is the Unified Portal.
The significance of Unified U-Rise portal is ‘Unified Re-imagined Innovation for Student
Empowerment’.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 The U-Rise portal is launched to empower students through practical and technical
knowledge in the areas of making familiar to online exams, digital content, digital
assessment, digital exam papers, online webinars, internships, e-library, online video
contents etc. in their academics.
 The portal will empower around 20 lakh students of UP state.
 It will also deliver information regarding career counselling, employment opportunities for
the students.
 The portal is developed by Dr A P J Abdul Kalam Technical University.
 Uttar Pradesh has become the first state to launch this portal and also the first state to
implement National Education Policy 2020.
 Static Part:
o CM of Uttar Pradesh: Yogi Adityanath
o Governor of Uttar Pradesh: Anandiben Patel
‘SAFEPAY’ CONTACTLESS DEBIT CARD FACILITY—IDFC FIRST BANK
Current Context: IDFC First Bank will be launching ‘SafePay’, a contactless debit card facility.
DETAILS
 Under this digital facility, the user will be able to perform contactless debit card payments
by waving a smartphone against a Near Field Communication (NFC)-Enabled POS Terminal.
 The NFC-enabled POS facility is encorporated in the IDFC First Mobile App.
 The operation and features of SafePay are verified by Visa. The facility is developed in order to
maintain social distancing norms as there will be no need to handle the card to a merchant for
payment.
 SafePay allows the contactless payments for upto Rs 2000 per transactions or upto a limit of Rs
20,000 per day.
 Static Part:
o HQ of IDFC First Bank: Mumbai
o MD and CEO of IDFC First Bank: V Vaidyanathan
MINISTERIAL ROUNDTABLE DIALOGUE ON BIODIVERSITY 2020
Current Context: Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Prakash Javadekar
attended Ministerial Roundtable Dialogue on Biodiversity 2020.
ABOUT MEETING
 The Ministerial Roundtable Dialogue on Biodiversity 2020 was hosted by the People’s
Republic of China.
 The dialogue was conducted virtually because of pandemic COVID-19 and the topic for dialogue
was ‘Biodiversity beyond 2020: Building a Shared Future for All Life on Earth’.
 Union Minister Prakash Javadekar elaborated India’s role in the conservation of biodiversity by
hosting COP (Conference of Parties).
 He also highlighted that India is taking efforts to conserve the tiger population. And it has resulted
in double in tiger population from the last decade.
 He mentioned that India’s forest cover is currently at 25%. And India has set the target to restore
26 million hectares of degraded land and to achieve land degradation neutrality by the year 2030.
 He also mentioned India has set up 25 lakh Biodiversity Management Committee which accesses
the benefits of the convention on biological diversity.
 Static Part:
o Capital of China: Beijing
o Currency of China: Renminbi
AYUSH MINISTRY SIGNS MOU WITH HERBAL INDUSTRY BODIES
Current Context: The National Medicinal Plants Boards (NMPB), Ministry of AYUSH has signed
agreement with Herbal Industry Bodies.
KEY POINTS
 They have signed an agreement to promote medicinal plant cultivation.
 The industry bodies included in this MoU are: ADMA, Mumbai (Ayurvedic Drug Manufacturers
Association), AMAM, New Delhi (Association for Manufacturers of Ayurvedic Medicines), AMMOI,
Thrissur (Ayurvedic Medicines Manufacturers Organisations of India), AHNMI, Mumbai
(Association for Herbal and Nutraceutical Manufacturers of India), FICCI and CII.
 Under this MoU, AYUSH ministry will carry out sustainable supply of quality raw materials
to AYUSH, Nutraceutical and Herbal industries.
 The NMPB will provide the buy-back guarantee to the farmers/gatherers on NMPB
supported medicinal plan cultivation and collection programs.
 Static Part:
o Minister of State (IC) of AYUSH: Shripad Yesso Naik
QUAD GROUP MEET 2020
Current Context: The senior's officials from foreign ministries virtually attended the Quad Group
of countries meet.
ABOUT MEETING
 The meet was held during the 74th session of the United Nations high-level week.
 The Quad Group meeting was the part of having periodic consultation and discussion of
Indo-Pacific Region.
 Quad Group is the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QSD) which is the formation of the
United States, Australia, Japan and India.
 In the Quad Group Meet of 2020, the senior officials of foreign ministries from this Quad
countries discussed the current and proposed practical cooperation in the areas of
infrastructure development, counter-terrorism, cybersecurity and maritime security.
 They discussed the role and importance of digital connectivity, secure networks for establishing
5G services.
 Michael Pompeo, Foreign Secretary of the US, discussed his work of promoting clean telcos in
order to stop China’s 5G giant Huawei technologies from establishing shop networks in other
countries.
 He also mentioned that the United States has selected a list of companies which will work to offer
security in various areas like cyber, maritime etc from the Chinese government.
 The senior officials from foreign ministries assured to support the ASEAN centrality in the Indo-
Pacific Region. They will work cooperatively to promote the leadership of ASEAN in farming the
architecture of Indo-Pacific Region.
 They assured to cooperate to work together in the Mekong sub-region, South China Sea in order to
support international law and to have regional stability. They also assured to attain quick recovery
efforts during the post-pandemic period.
CONTACTLESS PAYMENT SOLUTION FOR MASS TRANSPORT-FINO

PAYMENTS BANK & FINTECH PARTNERS
Current Context: The NFC (Near Field Communication) based Contactless Payment Solution for
Mass Transit System is introduced by Fino Payments Bank Ltd and Fintech Partners.
HIGHLIGHTS
 The NFC based Contactless Payment Solution for mass transportation will be worthy for state bus
transport during this pandemic situation where social-distancing ad minimum contact is
important to avoid the spread of the virus.
 The NFC based prepaid smart card system provides contactless or tap-and-go payments
enabling the cashless ticket system and also promotes digital cash usage.
 This solution can be used offline for ticket collection and customers can recharge their smart card
in online as well as in offline mode.
 Currently, the system is utilised in Maharashtra’s State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) and
will be extended to other states as well.
 To develop this contactless payment solution, Fino Payments Bank Ltd partnered with
Fintech Partners like City Cash.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Fino Payments Bank Ltd: Mumbai
o MD and CEO of Fino Payments Bank Ltd: Rishi Gupta
APPOINTMENT AND BRAND AMBASSADORS ON 27TH SEPTEMBER 2020
Current Context: Flight Lieutenant Shivangi Singh: She has become India’s first woman fighter pilot
to fly Rafale Combat Aircraft which was inducted in IAF on 10th Sep 2020.
ABOUT
 Static Part:
o Chief of Air Staff in IAF: Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria
 Aamir Khan: He is appointed as Brand Ambassador for CEAT Limited.
 Yuvraj Singh: He is appointed as Brand Ambassador for Akash Educational Service Ltd.
4TH JIMEX 2020
Current Context: The 4th edition of JIMEX 2020 Maritime exercise commenced on 26th Sep 2020.
ABOUT EXERCISE
 JIMEX is the bilateral naval exercise conducted between India and Japan.
 JIMEX signifies Japan-India Maritime bilateral Exercise.
 JIMEX 2020 commenced in North Arabian Sea.

 This year’s JIMEX observed the norms of non-contact at-sea-only format because of COVID-19.
 The Indian Navy was represented by: (1) Indigenously built stealth destroyer Chennai (2) Teg
class stealth frigate Tarkash (3) Fleet Tanker.
 The Japan Navy was represented by: (1) JMSDF Ships Kaga (2) Guided Missile destroyer,
Ikazuchi (3) Commander Escort Flotilla-2 (4) P81 long-range maritime patrol aircraft, integral
helicopters and fighter aircraft.
 The navies of both countries showcased a high degree of inter-operability and performed jointly
operational skills.
 They conducted various advanced naval exercises across the spectrum of maritime operations.
 They conducted multi-faceted exercise which included weapon firings, cross deck helicopter
operations, anti-submarine and air warfare drills.
 Static Part:
o Chief of Naval Staff: Admiral Karambir Singh
ADB APPROVES LOAN FOR SECONDARY TOWNS OF RAJASTHAN
Current Context: The Asian Development Bank has approved loan to develop water supply
services and sanitation infrastructure in secondary towns (localities having 20,000 to 1 lakh
residents) of Rajasthan.
KEY FACTS
 A loan amount of 300 million dollars is approved by ADB to secondary towns of Rajasthan.
 The loan amount will improve the access to water services for about 5.7 lakh people of Rajasthan.
 The sanitation services will prove beneficial to about 7.2 lakh people of 14 secondary towns of
Rajasthan.
 With the help of this loan, water supply facilities in 8 project towns will be developed by 2027
with the help of various implementation projects.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Asian Development Bank: Mandaluyong, Philippines
o President of Asian Development Bank: Masatsugu Asakawa
o National Parks and Wild Life Sanctuaries in Rajasthan: Ranthambore NP, Sariska NP,
Desert Natural Sanctuary, Mukundara Hills NP, Darrah NP, Mount WLS, Kumbhalgarh WLS,
Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary
WORLD BANK OFFERS LOAN TO BANGLADESH
Current Context: World Bank has approved loan to Bangladesh to improve access to clean and
safe water services and to develop sanitation services in rural parts of the country.
KEY POINTS
 For this purpose, the World Bank has approved a loan amount of 200 million dollars to
Bangladesh.
 The loan amount will be utilised for Bangladesh Rural Water, Sanitation and Hygiene project.
 The Bangladesh Rural Water, Sanitation and Hygiene project will be beneficial to about 6 lakh
people of Bangladesh as they will get access to clean water through piped water schemes.
 The sanitation facilities built under Bangladesh Rural Water, Sanitation and Hygiene project, will
be beneficial to over 3.6 million rural people of the country.
 Thus because of access to water facilities, there will be prevention in spreading diseases like
diarrhoea, will also reduce stunting problems in children under the age of 5 years.
 Bangladesh has also decided to use this loan amount to build 2500 handwashing stations in public
places with water facilities in order to stop the spread of pandemics.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Bangladesh: Dhaka
o Currency of Bangladesh: Taka
IRDAI IDENTIFIES LIC, GIC AND NEW INDIA ASSURANCE AS D-SIIS
Current Context: The Insurance Regulatory Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has identified
LIC (Life Insurance Corporation of India), GIC (General Insurance Corporation of India) and New
India Assurance as D-SIIs (Domestic-Systematically Important Insurers).
DETAILS
 IRDAI has also asked these three insurance companies to increase the level of corporate
governance, by identifying relevant risks and to have risk free management culture.
 They are also asked to increase regulatory supervision by IRDAI.
 The mark of D-SIIs refers to insurers of such size, market importance level and global inter-
connections whose failure or distress can result in a significant dislocation in the country’s finance
system. Therefore, to fulfil the mark of D-SIIs, these insurers have to function their operation
without any interruptions in insurance services to the economy of the country.
 The D-SIIs are perceived as insurers which are ‘too big or too important to fail’ (TBTF).
 The parameters defined by IRDAI to identify such insurers, monitor them, identify their
methodology and supervision of their mark of D-SIIs are: Size of operations with respect to
total revenue, including premium underwritten and the value of assets and global activities with
more than one jurisdiction.
 Static Part:
o HQ of IRDAI: Hyderabad
o Chairman of IDRAI: Subhash C Khuntia
o HQ of LIC, GIC, New India Assurance: Mumbai
INDIA AND DENMARK SIGNS MOU FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

COOPERATION
Current Context: India and Denmark has entered into MoU agreement for Intellectual Property
(IP) Cooperation.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 The MoU is signed to increase IP cooperation between two nations so that can share best
practices, experiences and knowledge related to IP and its way of creating awareness
among authorities.
 The DPIIT (Deportment for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade) signed MoU with
Danish Patent and Trademark Office, Ministry of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs,
Denmark.
 India has signed MoU with an objective of National IPR Policy and becomes a major economy in
global innovation.
 Both the nations will develop a biennial work plan to build this MoU and to achieve cooperation in
IP activities.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Denmark: Copenhagen
o Currency of Denmark: Danish Krone
APPOINTMENT AND RESIGNATION ON 28TH SEPTEMBER 2020
Current Context: Neetu David: She is appointed as Chairman of Women’s National Selection Panel
by BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India). She was the finest women cricketer of India in the 90s.
The other members of the Women’s National Selection Panel are Mithu Mukherjee, Renu Margrate, Arati
Vaidya and V Kalpana.
ABOUT
 Static Part:
o HQ of BCCI: Mumbai
o President of BCCI: Sourav Ganguly
 Mustapha Adib: He has announced his resignation to be the Prime Minister of Lebanon.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Lebanon: Beirut
o Currency of Lebanon: Lebanese Pound
HEALTH IN INDIA REPORT 2020
Current Context: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation released the ‘Health in
India Report 2020’.
ABOUT REPORT
 The report describes data related to the health sector of the country.
 To draft this report, the information was provided by NSS Schedule 25.0 (Household
Consumption: Health).
 The report is framed on the basis of survey which was conducted from around 1.13 households
which covered around 5.55 lakh people.
 As per the report, nearly 7.5% of Indians are suffering from disease.
 In rural area, 6.8% are suffering from an ailment, and in urban area, 9.1% are suffering
from an ailment.
 The report also describes the heath sector on the basis of religious community across country.
 As per the data from report, the Zoroastrian community are most susceptible to
ailments. As per the analysis, 31.1% of Zoroastrian, are suffering from ailments.
 The data for other religious community is: Jains (11.2%), Sikhs (11%), Christians (10.5%),
Muslims (8.1%), Buddhists (8%) and Hindus (7.2%).
 As per the gender classification of health, females are more susceptible to suffering from ailments
than men.
 In rural areas, 6.1% male and 7.6% females are suffering from ailments.
 In urban areas, 8.2% male and 10% females are suffering from ailments.
 Static Part:
o Union Minister of state of Statistics and Programme Implementation (IC): Rao Inderjit
Singh
DESTINATION NORTH EAST 2020 FESTIVAL
Current Context: The ‘Destination North East 2020 Festival’ was inaugurated by Union Home
Minister, Amit Shah via video conference.
HIGHLIGHTS
 The theme for ‘Destination North East 2020 Festival’: ‘The Emerging Delightful
Destinations’.
 The festival is held from 27th Sep-30th Sep 2020.
 It is launched to introduce various Indian cultures, tourist destinations from North-East parts of
India so that the whole country will get the knowledge about the North-East culture and its
tourism.
 The festival promotes and showcases heritage, tourism, culture and business of North east India.
 In this 4 day festival, audio visual presentation describing tourist destinations of NE states is
showcased. Also, the handicraft works, local products of each NE state is presented in this festival.
 Static Part:
o Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (IC): Jitendra Singh
o Union Minister of Tourism and Culture: Prahlad Singh Patel
RBI TO LAUNCH ‘POSITIVE PAY SYSTEM’ FOR CHEQUE TRUNCATION

SYSTEM
Current Context: The Reserve Bank of India is set to introduce ‘Positive Pay System’ for Cheque
Truncation System (CTS).
KEY POINTS
 For this purpose, RBI has issued directive under Section 10 (2) read with Section 18 of the
Payments and Settlement System Act 2007.
 RBI will start this ‘Positive Pay System’ from 1st January 2021.
 The ‘Positive Pay System’ is announced in order to prevent frauds related to bank cheques.
 The system will developed by National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI).
 All the banks will have to enable the system for all account holders issuing cheques for
amount of Rs 50,000 and above.
 However, the usage of this system is as per the choice of account holder, but banks may
make it compulsory in case of cheques pertaining to the amount of Rs 5 lakhs and above.
 Working Mechanism of ‘Positive Pay System’: Under this system, the issuer of the cheque will
have to submit details of cheque like date, name of the beneficiary, payee and amount. Further, all
these details will be cross verified before the cheque is presented for payment. In case if any
discrepancy is found by CTS to the drawee and presenting bank, redressal measured will be taken.
 Static Part:
o HQ of RBI: Mumbai
o HQ of NPCI: Mumbai
INDIA’S GDP FOR FY 2021 AT -12.6%-- BY NCAER
Current Context: The National Council of Applied Economics Research (NCAER) has projected that
India’s GDP growth is at -12.6% for the financial year 2020-2021 with the remaining three
quarters expected to observe a fall.
DETAILS
 Also, the NCAER has predicted India’s GDP to grow by 7% for financial year 2021-2022.
 Static Part:
o HQ of NCAER: New Delhi
APPOINTMENT AND BRAND AMBASSADOR ON 29TH SEPTEMBER 2020
Current Context: Moctar Ouane: He is appointed as Prime Minister of Mali.
ABOUT
 Static Part:
 Meeta Makhan: She is appointed to head the 3 member committee which will run the daily
affairs of Lakshmi Vilas Bank (LVB). The appointment of the committee is approved by RBI. The
committee will exercise the discretionary powers of MD and CEO of LVB in an ad-interim.
 Static Part:
o HQ of LVB: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
o Tagline of LVB: Changing Face of Prosperity
 Amitabh Bachchan: He is selected by Reserve Bank of India for the customer awareness
campaign to prevent frauds in user accounts.
 Static Part:
o HQ of RBI: Mumbai
 Robin Uthappa: He is appointed as brand ambassador for Kerala based startup named
‘Entri’, a local language learning app for job opportunities.
 Static Part:
o HQ of RBI: Mumbai
INDIA’S GDP TO CONTRACT BY 11% IN FY21 --- ICRA
Current Context: Investment Information and Credit Rating Agency (ICRA) has revised its forecast
rating for the contraction of India’s GDP for FY 2021.
HIGHLIGHTS
 As per domestic rating agency ICRA, India’s GDP to contract by 11% in FY 2020-21.
 Earlier ICRA has projected a contraction of 9.5% in FY 2020-21. But, now they have revised the
contraction rating because of continuous impact of COVID-19 on the Indian economy.
 ICRA has projected India’s GDP contraction of 12.4% in Q2FY21.
 It has also revised its projection for its year-on-year (YOY) forecasts for Q3FY21 to (-)5.4% from (-
)2.3% and for Q4FY21 to (-)2.5% from (+)1.3%.
 Static Part:
o HQ of ICRA: Gurugram, Haryana
PFC SIGNS MOU WITH MINISTRY OF POWER
Current Context: The Power Finance Corporation (PFC) has signed MoU with the Ministry of
Power, GOI to detail the targets to be achieved by PFC during FY 2020-21.
KEY POINTS
 Government of India has set a revenue target of Rs 36,000 crores for the current financial
year.
 Along with this revenue target, GOI has also set performance-related targets, which are to
be achieved during this fiscal year.
 The performance related targets set for current fiscal year, defined by GOI are Operating profit as
a percentage of revenue from operation, Profit After Tax (PAT) as a percentage of average net
worth and non-financial parameters related to Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS).
 The MoU agreement was signed by Sanjiv Nandan Sahai, Secretary of Power, GOI and R S Dhillion ,
CMD of PFC.
 Static Part:
o HQ of PFC: New Delhi
o CMD of PFC: R S Dhillion
o Minister of State (IC) of Power: Raj Kumar Singh
BSE SIGNS MOU WITH YES BANK
Current Context: The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) has signed MoU with private sector bank, Yes
Bank.
DETAILS
 The MoU is signed to empower SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises).
 Under this MoU, BSE and Yes Bank will work together to empower SMEs by making them more
competitive, develop solutions for their growth and will address the challenges of SMEs.
 They will conduct knowledge events and will also arrange export promotion facilities for SMEs.
 SMEs will also be guided with finance solution and support by BSE and Yes Bank.
 Customized services and products of Yes Bank will be offered to the SMEs which are listed under
the BSE platform.
 Static Part:
o HQ of BSE: Mumbai
o MD and CEO of BSE: Ashish Kumar Chauhan
o Tagline of Yes Bank: Experience our Expertise
PM MODI INAUGURATED 6 MEGA PROJECTS IN UTTARAKHAND
Current Context: Under the Namami Gange Mission, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 6
mega projects in Uttarakhand.
KEY FACTS
 The 6 mega projects will be undertaken for: Upgradation of 27MLD plant at Jagjeetpur,
Haridwar, Construction of 68 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), Construction of 18 MLD STP at
Sarai, Haridwar.
 The 68 MLD Jagjeetpur project is the first sewage project taken up on hybrid annuity of PPP
mode.
 PM Modi inaugurated six STPs located in Hardwar, Rishikesh and Badrinath.
 This inauguration of STPs is considered very vital as Hardwar-Rishikesh zone contributes to 80%
of waste water load of Uttarkhand into river Ganga.
 Along with these projects, PM Modi also inaugurated first-of-its-kind a museum on River Ganga at
Chandi Shat, Haridwar. The name of museum is ‘Ganga Avalokan’. The museum is established by
the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG).
 ‘Ganga Avalokan’ Museum will showcase the traditional culture and rejuvenation activities of
River Ganga.
 Also, PM Modi released the book titled as ‘Rowing Down the Ganges’. The book defines the story
of Ganga.
 Also, the logo for Jal Jeevan Mission was released by PM Modi.
 At the same event, PM Modi introduced ‘Margdarshika for Gram Panchayats and Paani
Samities under Jal Jeevan Mission’.
 Static Part:
o CM of Uttarakhand: Trivendra Singh Rawat
o Governor of Uttarakhand: Baby Rani Maurya
APPOINTMENT AND BRAND AMBASSADOR ON 30TH SEPTEMBER 2020
Current Context: S S Deswal: He is given an additional charge to be the DG of NSG (National Security
Guard). He is also serving as DG of ITBP (Indo Tibetan Border Police).
ABOUT
 P D Vaghela: He is appointed as Chairman of TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of
India). He has replaced R S Sharma.
 Static Part:
o HQ of TRAI: New Delhi
 Shekhar Kapur: He is appointed as President of FTII (Film and Television Institute of
India). He has replaced BP Singh.
 Sunil Sethi: He is appointed as Advisor to KVIC (Khadi and Village Commission). He has
replaced Ritu Beri. Currently, Sunil Sethi is also the Chairman of Fashion Design Council of India.
 Static Part:
o HQ of KVIC: Mumbai
o Chairman of KVIC: Vinai Kumar Saxena
 Aamir Khan: He is appointed as Brand Ambassador of Vedantu, Online Learning Platform.
Recently he was also appointed as Brand Ambassador of CEAT.
Monthly Current Affairs GK Digest: October 2020
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Defence Minister launched DISC-4, iDEXFauji Initiative and PMA Guidelines .................................... 5
Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize 2020 ............................................................................................... 6
NITI Aayog and Embassy of Netherland signs SoI ............................................................................ 7
‘IB-eNote’, a Green Tech Initiative & ‘Ind Guru’, an E-learning Platform ............................................. 7
‘Digital Suraksha Group Insurance’- Flipkart and Bajaj Allianz .......................................................... 8
6th Joint Consultative Commission Meet between India and Bangladesh ......................................... 8
CSIR Technologies for Rural Development Launched ....................................................................... 9
RBI defers Basel III Provisions amid COVID Uncertainty ................................................................... 9
Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM) ......................................................... 10
Appointment and Brand Ambassador on 2nd Oct 2020................................................................... 11
Crime in India Report 2019 ............................................................................................................. 11
SBI and HUL signs MoU.................................................................................................................. 12
Tribal Entrepreneurship Development Programme ......................................................................... 12
NABARD launched Refinance Scheme for WASH Programme ........................................................ 13
‘Pathashree Abhijan’ Scheme— West Bengal .................................................................................. 13
Data Governance Quality Index....................................................................................................... 14
Operational Integration of Ayush Grid with NDGM .......................................................................... 14
Time Use in India 2019 Survey ....................................................................................................... 15
ISRO set to launch First Venus Mission ‘Shukrayaan-1’ in 2025 ..................................................... 16
Swachh Bharat Awards 2020 .......................................................................................................... 16
India and Bahrain to cooperate in Finance and Business Sector ..................................................... 17
Virtual Vaishvik Bharatiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) ............................................................................ 17
Appointment on 5th October 2020 ................................................................................................. 18
‘Yudh Pradushan Ke Virudh’—Delhi................................................................................................. 18
DRDO successfully Flight Tested SMART ....................................................................................... 18
PM Narendra Modi inaugurated RAISE 2020 .................................................................................. 19
International Webinar on Textile Traditions .................................................................................... 19
MoHUA signs MoU with Swiggy ..................................................................................................... 20
RGICL partnered with SatSure Analytics ......................................................................................... 20
ICICI offers Debit card for Customers who avail LAS ...................................................................... 21
Quad Foreign Ministers Meet ......................................................................................................... 21
My Ganga My Dolphin Campaign .................................................................................................... 22
www.BankExamsToday.com Page 1
Appointment, Resignation and Brand Ambassador on 7th October 2020 ........................................ 22
‘Digital Seva Setu Programme’-- Gujarat ........................................................................................ 23
MoU signed between ISLRTC and NCERT ....................................................................................... 23
IFFCO and Prasar Bharti to promote new Agricultural Innovations and Technology ........................ 24
‘PARAM Siddhi-AI’—India’s fastest HPC-AI Supercomputer ........................................................... 24
‘MSME Prerana’—Indian Bank’s Business Mentoring Programme ................................................... 25
‘Jan Andolan Campaign’ for COVID-19 Appropriate Behavior ......................................................... 25
API Integration between PM SVANidhi and SBI’s eMudra Portal ..................................................... 26
Appointments and Extension on 9th October 2020 ......................................................................... 26
RBI’s 3rd Bi-Monthly Monetary Policy Statement 2020-21 ............................................................. 27
India’s GDP to contract by 9.6% in FY21—By World Bank ................................................................ 28
‘Poverty and Shared Prosperity 2020: Reversal of Fortune’ ............................................................ 28
‘Gyan Circle Ventures’ inaugurated by Union Education Minister .................................................... 29
Appointment and Brand Ambassador on 10th October 2020 .......................................................... 29
NABARD signs 3 MoU with SBI ....................................................................................................... 29
DRDO successfully Test-Fired ‘Rudram-1’ ...................................................................................... 30
Amazon India partners with IRCTC ................................................................................................. 30
Indian Navy and ICG conducted ‘Sagar Kavach’ Coastal Security Exercise ...................................... 31
‘Mukhya Mantri Saur Swarojgar Yojana’--Uttarakhand.................................................................... 31
9th to 15th October 2020—National Postal Week ........................................................................... 32
‘Swanirbhar Nari: Atma Nirbhar Assam Scheme’ ............................................................................ 33
Physical distribution of Property Cards under SVAMITVA Scheme ................................................. 33
Tree Plantation Policy passed by Delhi Gov. ................................................................................... 34
Department of Science (DST) partnered with IBM........................................................................... 34
13th Animal Discoveries 2019 & 13th Plant Discoveries 2019 Reports by ZSI and BSI .................... 35
3rd Edition of CRI Index 2020 ......................................................................................................... 35
RBI to move NGTA to manage Forex and Gold Reserves ................................................................. 36
Kerala—First state in India to make Public Schools Completely Digital ........................................... 36
ADB offers Finance Support to Develop Rajasthan’s Secondary Towns .......................................... 37
India’s 8 beaches get International Blue Flag Certification ............................................................. 37
Intel, IIIT-H, PHFI and Telangana Gov. to launch Applied AI Research Center ................................. 38
Exercise Suraksha Kavach ............................................................................................................. 39
Axis ACE Credit Card ...................................................................................................................... 39
‘Tech for Tribals’ Initiative.............................................................................................................. 40
India’s GDP to contract 10.3% in FY 2020-21—By IMF .................................................................... 40
Impact Based Cyclone Warning System ......................................................................................... 41
5th India-Mexico High Level Group on Trade, Investment & Cooperation ........................................ 41
RBI increases Bank’s Aggregate Exposure limit for Small Businesses ............................................ 42
MasterCard partners with Signzy—For Video based KYC ................................................................ 42
Cabinet approves World Bank supported STARS Project ................................................................ 43
Gujarat to Setup World’s Biggest Zinc Smelter Project ................................................................... 43
Appointments on 17th Oct 2020 ..................................................................................................... 44
PhonePe and Bajaj Allianz Launched Car & Bike Insurance ............................................................ 44
‘KAPILA’ Kalam Program ................................................................................................................ 45
Webinar and Expo Held for India-Kazakhstan Defence Cooperation................................................ 45
‘Salary Card’--- Launched by EarlySalary and NPCI......................................................................... 46
Appointments, Resignation and Brand Ambassador on 16th October 2020 .................................... 46
DG of Shipping notified as National Authority for Recycling of Ships .............................................. 47
‘Saral Jeevan Bima’ from 1st Jan 2021—By IRDAI .......................................................................... 47
‘The HealthyLife Programme’—HDFC Bank and Apollo Hospitals .................................................... 48
Gov Tech Thon 2020—By NIC, IEEE Computer Society and Oracle .................................................. 48
Appointments on 18th October 2020 .............................................................................................. 49
SCALE India Android App—By LSSC ............................................................................................... 49
14th India-International Food and Agri Week 2020 ......................................................................... 49
7th Meet of Ministers of Justice of SCO ......................................................................................... 50
Global Hunger Index 2020 .............................................................................................................. 50
TATA Motors partners with HDFC Bank.......................................................................................... 51
SLINEX 2020 Naval Exercise .......................................................................................................... 51
‘My Town My Pride’ Programme – Jammu and Kashmir ................................................................. 52
India successfully Test Fired BrahMos Missile ............................................................................... 52
CRPF Partners with IIT Delhi, DRDO and JATC ............................................................................... 53
‘Invest 4G’- By Canara HSBC OBC Life Insurance ........................................................................... 54
Ayushman Sahakar Scheme ........................................................................................................... 54
1st ISA Solar Awards 2020 ............................................................................................................. 55
Asia Power Index 2020................................................................................................................... 55
India successfully Test Fired ‘SANT’ Missile .................................................................................. 56
ADB to provide loan for Road Improvements in Maharashtra .......................................................... 56
Frontier Technologies CIC—By NITI Aayog and Amazon Web Services ........................................... 57
44th OECD International Migration Outlook 2020 Report ................................................................ 57
9th India-Oman Joint Commission ................................................................................................. 58
BSE signs MoU with Telangana Gov. and GlobalLinker ................................................................... 58
Indian Tourism Statistics 2020 Report ........................................................................................... 59
CUReD—Website launched by Health Minister ................................................................................ 59
18th Meet Prosecutors General of SCO .......................................................................................... 60
Appointments on 22nd October 2020 ............................................................................................. 60
Microsoft partners with SpaceX to connect Azure Platform to Satellites ........................................ 61
‘COVIRAP’: A COVID-19 Test Kit by IIT Kharagpur .......................................................................... 61
IND Spring Board—By Indian Bank and IIT Madras Incubation Cell.................................................. 62
USAID announced $5 million to support Indian COVID-19 initiatives............................................... 62
Appointments and Brand Ambassador on 23rd October 2020 ........................................................ 63
World Bank-IMF Annual Meet 2020 ................................................................................................ 63
‘YSR Bima’ Scheme—Andhra Pradesh ............................................................................................ 64
1st Ministerial Meet of G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group ........................................................... 65
MasterCard partners with Atlantis .................................................................................................. 65
Appointments and Brand Ambassador on 24th October 2020......................................................... 65
‘Life in Miniature’ Project ............................................................................................................... 66
IIT Kharagpur partners with TCS .................................................................................................... 67
‘CII Agro and Food Tech: India International Food and Agri Week’ .................................................. 67
RBI fixed minimum NOF size to HFCs at Rs 25 crore ...................................................................... 68
PM Modi launched three projects in Gujarat ................................................................................... 68
IMD commissioned Flash Flood Guidance Service in South Asia .................................................... 69
‘Delhi Metro-SBI Card’ .................................................................................................................... 69
Survey on Himalayan Brown Bear—By ZSI ...................................................................................... 70
India Australia Circular Economy Hackathon (I-ACE) ...................................................................... 70
SVC Co-operative Bank partners with NPCI .................................................................................... 71
India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue .................................................................................................. 72
Mobile App for Geo Tagging of components of PMKSY-AIBP ......................................................... 72
Two Centers of Excellence for Tribal Welfare—By MoTA and AoL................................................... 73
RBI asks lenders to Implement Waiver of Interest on Interest Scheme ........................................... 73
IIT Kanpur and ASI signed MoU with two Institutes of Italy ............................................................. 74
India Post and US Postal Service enters into Agreement ................................................................ 74
Low cost technology anti-ageing compound—By IIT Guwahati ....................................................... 75
CSB Bank Ltd partners with IIFL Finance Ltd .................................................................................. 75
6th BRICS Parliamentary Forum ..................................................................................................... 76
SBI signs loan agreement with JBIC and Other Finance Lenders .................................................... 76
DST-IIEST Solar PV Hub inaugurated by Union Education Minister ................................................. 77
Cochin Shipyard Ltd signed MoU with Fincantieri S.P.A. ................................................................ 78
‘Sumangal’ and ‘Integrated Odisha State Scholarship Portal’ launched ........................................... 78
National Program and Project Management Policy Framework ...................................................... 78
19th Meet of SCO Ministers of Foreign Economy and Foreign Trade .............................................. 79
Microsoft partners with NSDC to Empower Women with Digital Skills ............................................ 80
Global Finances Safest Banks 2020 ............................................................................................... 81
Indian Army launched IMS Software and SAI messaging application .............................................. 81
ICSSR signs pact with European Commission ................................................................................ 82
8th India-Mexico Joint Commission Meet ...................................................................................... 82
IndusInd Bank—First Bank to go live on RBI’s ‘Account Aggregator Framework’ ............................. 83
Indian Navy test fired Anti- Ship Missile ......................................................................................... 83

OCTOBER 2020
DEFENCE MINISTER LAUNCHED DISC-4, IDEXFAUJI INITIATIVE AND PMA

GUIDELINES
Current Context: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched ‘Defence India Startup
Challenge-4’ (DISC-4) at the iDEX event (iDEX event was launched in 2018 by Department of
Defence Production).
HIGHLIGHTS
 Along with this challenge, the Defence Minister also launched iDEXFauji initiative and
guidelines for Product Management Approach (PMA).
 All these initiatives are launched with an aim to facilitate and promote iDEX-DIO (Defence
Innovation Organisation).
 These initiatives will scale up innovation and technology utilised in Defence and Aerospace
sector.
 DISC-4: Under this initiative, 11 challenges from armed forces are made for startups, innovators
and MSMEs to carry out innovation ideas in technology related to defence sector.
 The challenges under DISC-4 are: (1)Autonomous Underwater Swarm Drones (2)AI based
Satellite Image Analysis (3)Predictive, Preventive and Prescriptive Machine Monitoring (4)
Reduction of RCS of Naval Warships (5) Super Resolution of Improving Spatial Resolution (6)
Computer generated targets for virtual training (7) Target Detection in Chaff Environment (8)
Remote real time in-flight health monitoring of aircrew (9) MF-TDMA based Wideband SATCOM
Modem (10) Prediction and forecasting of atmospheric visibility (11) Foliage Penetration Radar.
 iDEXFauji initiative: It is launched to support innovations which are identified by the Indian
Armed Forces. It will strengthen the innovation ideas which are gained from soldiers as it allows
the soldiers to become the part of this initiative and be the reason for innovation.
 Product Management Approach (PMA) Guidelines: They are launched to develop a ready
product under the moto of ‘Right product and the Product Right’. The guidelines will monitor the
overall product development as per the requirements set by services and OFBs (Ordinance
Factory Board).
SHANTI SWARUP BHATNAGAR PRIZE 2020
Current Context: The Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (SSB) Prize is given every year to mark the
outstanding contribution to science and technology.
ABOUT PRIZE 2020

 It is the science award given by CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) for
outstanding work in research, applied or fundamental, in physics, biology, chemistry,
environmental science, engineering , mathematics and medicine.
 This year the CSIR announced SSB award to 14 scientists. The awards were announced by Union
Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr. Harsh Vardhan. He is also Vice President of CSIR.
 The winners for each category of SSB award 2020 are:
Category Name of Winner
Biological Science Dr Subhadeep Chatterjee
Dr Vatsala Thirumalai
Chemical Science Dr Jyotirmayee Dash
Dr Subi Jacob George
Earth, Atmosphere, Ocean and Planetary Dr Abhijeet Mukherjee
Science Dr Suryendu Dutta
Engineering Science Dr Amol Arvindrao Kulkarni
Dr Kinshuk Dasgupta
Mathematics Science Dr UK Anandavardhanan
Dr Rajat Subhra Hazra
Medicine Science Dr Bushra Ateeq
Dr Ritesh Agrawal
Physics Science Dr Rajesh Ganapathy
Dr Surajit Dhara
NITI AAYOG AND EMBASSY OF NETHERLAND SIG NS SOI
Current Context: NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog and Embassy of
Netherland, New Delhi has signed Statement of Intent (SoI).
KEY POINTS
 The SoI is signed to support Decarbonization and Energy Transition Agenda for utilising
and accommodating cleaner and more energy.
 The SoI will build a strategic partnership which will create comprehensive collaboration among
stakeholders, industrial bodies, policymakers, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and
private sectors.
 This strategic partnership will lead to development of innovative technologies by leveraging skills
and expertise among all these entities.
 Both NITI Aayog and Embassy of Netherland will work collaberately for: (1) lowering net
carbon footprint in sectors like transports and industry (2) release target potential of natural gas
and promote bio-energy technologies (3) develop and adopt clean air technologies (4) financial
frameworks to deliver and adopt climate change finance.
 Static Part:
o CEO of NITI Aayog: Amitabh Kant
o Capital of Netherland: Amsterdam
o Currency of Netherland: Euro
‘IB-ENOTE’, A GREEN TECH INITIATIVE & ‘IND GURU’, AN E-LEARNING

PLATFORM
Current Context: Indian Bank launched a green tech initiative named as ‘IB-eNote’.
DETAILS
 ‘IB-eNote’ initiative is launched to support paperless working environment.
 ‘IB-eNote’ allows the processing and tracking of notes in digital format.
 Feature of Microsoft named as Sharepoint, is customized by Indian Bank in order to support
activities of ‘IB-eNote’ initiative.
 ‘IB-eNote’ helps to improve turnaround time, saves cost of papers, reduces printing costs and also
other administrative expenses.
 Also, Indian Bank has launched ‘Ind Guru’, which is an E-learning platform for its
employees. ‘Ind Guru’ is the technology based learning providing solution.
 ‘Ind Guru’ provides skill development and cross functional learning to the employees of the Indian
Bank.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Indian Bank: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
o MD and CEO of Indian Bank: Padmaja Chunduru
o Tagline of Indian Bank: Your Own Bank, Banking That’s Twice as Good
‘DIGITAL SURAKSHA GROUP INSURANCE’- FLIPKART AND BAJAJ ALLIANZ
Current Context: Bajaj Allianz General Insurance in collaboration with E-commerce platform, Flipkart
has launched a cyber insurance cover for online financial frauds.
KEY FACTS
 The name of cyber insurance cover is ‘Digital Suraksha Group Insurance’.
 This insurance cover allows customers to protect themselves from finance frauds like
cyber-attacks and other malicious activities.
 ‘Digital Suraksha Group Insurance’ is an effort of Flipkart to make online shopping safe and
secure.
 Customers can avail this insurance with one year cover at premium of Rs 183 for a cover of
Rs 50,000, at premium of Rs 312 for a cover of Rs 1 Lakh and at premium of Rs 561 for a
cover of Rs 2 lakh.
 It will compensate for financial loss due to unauthorized digital financial transactions as a result of
identity theft arising out of cyber-attacks, SIM Jacking etc.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Bajaj Allianz General Insurance: Pune
o MD and CEO of Bajaj Allianz General Insurance: Tapan Singhel
o HQ of Flipkart: Bengaluru
o CEO of Flipkart: Kalyan Krishnamurthy
6TH JOINT CONSULTATI VE COMMISSION MEET BETWEEN INDIA AND

BANGLADESH
Current Context: The 6th Joint Consultative Commission (JCC) meet by India and Bangladesh was
held virtually.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 India was represented by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. And Bangladesh was
represented by Foreign Minister, A K Abdul Momen.
 Both the dignitaries discussed the bilateral relations at the meet.
 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar focused that Bangladesh is the important nation in India’s
‘Neighborhood First Policy’.
 He also assured to follow the commitment to supply COVID-19 vaccine to Bangladesh.
 Both the ministers focused on their commitment to finalize the agreement for sharing waters of
Teesta and also mentioned the need to complete the framework of interim agreement on sharing
waters of six rivers namely Muhuri, Gumti, Manu, Khowai, Dudhkumar and Dharla.
 At the meeting, ministers released commemorative postal stamp issued by Bangladesh on the
occasion of 150th Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Also, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar
announced that India is planning to launch commemorative postal stamp on the occasion birth
centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Dec 2020.
 Both the nations discussed to achieve border security, cooperation in energy sector and to initiate
‘air travel bubble ‘flights.
 Static Part:
o PM of Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina
CSIR TECHNOLOGIES FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT LAUNCHED
Current Context: Union Minister of Science and Technology, Earth Sciences and Health and Family
Welfare launched CSIR Technologies for Rural Development.
DETAILS
 CSIR Technologies for Rural Development was launched on the occasion of 40th Foundation Day
of CSIR-NISTADS (CSIR- National Institute of Science, Technology and Development Studies).
 The CSIR Technologies for Rural Development is the joint initiative of CSIR (Council of
Scientific and Industrial Research), IIT Delhi, UBA (Unnat Bharat Abhiyan) and VIBHA
(Vijnana Bharti).
 The initiative is launched to allow CSIR technologies to reach rural community of India.
 All the associated entities with this initiative will work collaberately on framework for scientific
intervention to create sustainable lifestyle and opportunities in the rural part of India.
 At this launching event, Dr Harsh Vardhan also released CSIR-NISTADS e-Compendium and a e-
Coffee Table Book.
RBI DEFERS BASEL III PROVISIONS AMID COVID UNCERTAINTY
Current Context: The Reserve Bank of India has deferred the implementation of Basel III
provisions due to uncertainty of COVID-19.
ABOUT
 In this regard, RBI will repel the final tranche of Capital Conservation Buffer (CCB) and the
implementation of Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR) by 6 months i.e. 1st April 2021.
 Capital Conservation Buffer (CCB): It is an additional pool that banks build in normal times.
Bank makes use of this during the periods of stress. RBI has asked banks to build CCB to the
required 2.5% in the stages. The last stage of 0.625% was to start on 30th Sep 2020. But now this
is deferred to 1st April 2021. RBI has earlier deferred the implementation by 6 months from 31st
March 2020.
 Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR): NSFR requires banks to fund their activities with sufficiently
stable sources of funding over a time of a year to reduce future funding risks for banks. As per the
prescribed timeline, banks were required to maintain 100% of NSFR from 1st April 2020 but now
RBI has deferred it for a second time to 1st April 2021.
 RBI has also extended enhanced borrowing facility provided to the banks under MSF
(Marginal Standing Facility) by 6 months i.e. till 31st March 2021. This borrowing limit for
scheduled banks is increased from 2% to 3% of their NDTL (Net Demand Time Liabilities).
 RBI increased the timeline for additional market borrowing provided to states/UT by 6
months: In April 2020, RBI increased the Ways and Means Advances (WMA) limits and Overdraft
(OD) regulations for states and UTs till 30th Sep 2020 in order to deal with crisis arisen due to
COVID-19. But now, RBI has extended this timeline by 6 months i.e. till 31st March 2021. Also, RBI
has decided to increase the number of days which states and UTs can be overdraft continuously to
21 working days from 14 working days. Also, the number of days for which states and UTs can be
in overdraft in a quarter is increased to 50 working days from 36 working days.
 Static Part:
o HQ of RBI: Mumbai
AMBEDKAR SOCIAL INNOVATION AND INCUBATION MISSION (ASIIM)
Current Context: The Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM) was launched
by Thaawarchand Gehlot, Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment.
ABOUT MISSION
 ASIIM is launched under Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes (SC).
 Aim of this mission is to promote innovation and enterprise among SC students who are
pursuing education in higher educational institutions.
 Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes (SC) will focus on students and youth who are working
in Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) and will offer them guidance, mentoring, finance and
training.
 Under this fund, 117 companies are sanctioned financial assistance to build business ventures.
These 117 companies are promoted by SC entrepreneurs.
 The mission is said to be beneficial to around 1000 SC youths who will be trained for the next 4
years.
 Budget sanctioned for ASIIM is Rs 19,320 lakhs.
 ASIIM will work in accordance with GOI’s Start-Up India Programme.
APPOINTMENT AND BRAND AMBASSADOR ON 2ND OCT 2020
Current Context: Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah: He is the crown prince of Kuwait and is
sworn in as new emir of Kuwait. He has replaced Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
ABOUT
 Static Part:
o Capital of Kuwait: Kuwait City.
o Currency of Kuwait: Kuwaiti Dinar.
 Ajay Kumar Bhalla: He is appointed to head the panel set by GOI to examine all Chinese Foreign
Investment Proposals. He is also secretary of DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and
Internal Trade).
 Sourav Ganguly: He is appointed as the brand ambassador of Bengal Peerless Housing
Development Company Limited, a Kolkata based real estate developer.
CRIME IN INDIA REPORT 2019
Current Context: ‘Crime in India 2019’ Report was published by National Crime Records Bureau
(NCRB).
ABOUT REPORT
 As per the reported crime against Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs)
increased to 7% and 26% respectively in 2019 as compared to 2018.
 A total of 45,935 cases are there related to crime against SCs in 2019. In 2018, there were
42,793 cases related to crime against SCs. Thus it shows an increase of 7.3% in 2019.
 Uttar Pradesh has recorded the highest number of crimes against SCs in 2019 with the
number of 11,829 cases.
 Uttar Pradesh is followed by Rajasthan with the criminal cases against SCs are 6749.
 A total of 8257 cases are registered for the crime against Scheduled Tribes (STs). There is
increase of 26.5% in crime cases against STs compared to 2018.
 Madhya Pradesh has registered the highest crime cases against STs with the number of
1922 cases.
 Madhya Pradesh is followed by Rajasthan with the criminal cases against STs are 1797.
 Static Part:
o HQ of NCRB: New Delhi
SBI AND HUL SIGNS MOU
Current Context: State Bank of India (SBI) and Hindustan Unilever (HUL) has entered into MoU to
offer Digital Payment Solutions and Financial Solutions to retailers and distributors of HUL.
KEY FACTS
 Initially, the services related to this MoU will be available to retailers and distributors of HUL in
Mumbai and Bengaluru.
 Under this MoU, SBI will provide paperless OD (overdraft) facility of up to Rs 50,000 to retailers
for their billings and finance facilities to distributors of HUL.
 The Point of Sale (PoS) machine will be installed by SBI at various HUL touchpoints so that
products and services of HUL reached customers in smaller towns as well.
 SBI will also offer UPI based solutions to retailers to have safe and hassle free cashless payments
to dealers through an app called ‘Shikhar’.
 A corporate package will be offered to HUL employees which will provide them retail products at
competitive prices.
 Also, SBI will be integrating its YONO app with HUL’s ‘Shikhar’ app.
 Static Part:
o HQ of SBI: Mumbai
o Chairman of SBI: Rajnish Kumar
o HQ of HUL: Mumbai
o Chairman and MD: Sanjiv Mehta
TRIBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
Current Context: The Tribal Entrepreneurship Development Programme was launched by Union
Minister of Tribal Affairs, Arjun Munda.
ABOUT
 The programme is the joint initiative of Ministry of Tribal Affairs and ASSOCHAM
(Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India).
 The Tribal Entrepreneurship Development Programme is a three year initiative which will
develop the potential of tribal community and will enhance their potential so that they can
contribute to socio-economic growth.
 To promote and to highlight this programme and to commemorate birth anniversary of Mahatma
Gandhi, ASSOCHAM conducted a webinar titled as ‘Khadi: Symbol of independent Aatma
Nirbhar Bharat’.
 During the launching event, Union Minister Arjun Munda addressed and motivated all the
stakeholders and industry members to join this programme and help in developing abilities of
tribal communities for overall social and economic growth of this community.
NABARD LAUNCHED REFINANCE SCHEME FOR WASH PROGRAMME
Current Context: NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) launched
refinance scheme for the WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) programme.
KEY POINTS
 The special refinance facility of Rs 800 crore for FY 2020-21 has been sanctioned by
NABARD for WASH programme.
 NABARD offers concessional refinance facilities to financial institutions like RRBs, commercial
banks and cooperative banks with the repayment period of upto 36 months.
 This support of NABARD will be transferred to fund the WASH activities, thrust area eligible for
95% refinance.
 This refinance support will also be extended to NBFCs and MFIs.
 Static Part:
o HQ of NABARD: Mumbai
o Chairman of NABARD: G R Chintala
‘PATHASHREE ABHIJAN’ SCHEME— WEST BENGAL
Current Context: Government of West Bengal launched ‘Pathashree Abhijan’ Scheme.
ABOUT SCHEME
 Pathashree Abhijan’ Scheme is the road repair scheme.
 This scheme will conduct road repair activities for more than 7000 stretches of roads comprising
12,000 km in the state.
 A fund of Rs 500 crores has been sanctioned for ‘Pathashree Abhijan’ Scheme.
 The state government has set a deadline of Dec-Jan 2021 to complete the repair activates of the
roads under this scheme.
 The list of roads which will be repaired under this scheme are collected with the help of ‘Didi Ke
Bolo’ initiative of state government, which was launched in 2019 to address public grievances.
 Static Part:
o CM of West Bengal: Mamata Banerjee
o Governor of West Bengal: Jagdeep Dhankhar
DATA GOVERNANCE QUALITY INDEX
Current Context: The Data Governance Quality Index (DGQI) was conducted by Development
Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO), NITI Aayog.
HIGHLIGHTS
 DGQI is conducted to analyse and assess the performance of various ministries and
departments on the implementation of Central Sector Schemes (CS) and Centrally
Sponsored Schemes (CSS).
 The survey assesses data preparedness based on various standards for various ministries and
departments.
 The survey aims to have an healthy competition among departments and ministries so as to
promote cooperative peer learning practices to attain their best performances.
 As per the analysis from the Data Governance Quality Index (DGQI), the Department of
Fertilisers marked the 2nd position among 16 ministries and departments.
 The Department of Fertilisers also secured 3rd rank position among 65 ministries and
departments with a score of 4.11 out of scale of 5.
 The Department of Fertilisers comes under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers.
 To generate this scorecard on based on various parameters of analysis, DMEO, NITI Aayog
conducted a survey exercise named as ‘Self-assessment based review of data preparedness levels’.
 For this survey exercise, an online questionnaire was framed under the 6 themes of
DGQI: (1) Data Generation (2) Data Quality (3) Usage of Technology (4) Data Analysis, use and
Dissemination (5) Data Security (6) HR Capacity and Case Studies.
 To each of these themes, weightage was assigned and sub-weightage to each question of each
theme to give a final DGQI score between 0-5 for every scheme.
 Ministries or Departments were classified in 6 categories namely : (1) Administration (2)
Strategies (3) Infrastructure (4) Social (5) Economic (6) Scientific
 Inputs were collected from 65 ministries and departments implementing 250 CS and CSS schemes
and their scores were calculated accordingly.
 Static Part:
o Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog: Rajiv Kumar
o Chairman of NITI Aayog: Narendra Modi
o Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilisers: D V Sadananda Gowda
OPERATIONAL INTEGRATION OF AYUSH GRID WITH NDGM
Current Context: A high level committee chaired by Vd. Rajesh Kotech, secretary of Ministry of
AYUSH held a meeting and announced the operational integration of Ayush Grid with National
Digital Health Mission (NDHM).
KEY FACTS
 Ayush Grid is the emerging IT backbone for the AYUSH sector.
 This integration is made to avail of health benefits to the public.
 This integration of Ayush Grid with NDHM will also accelerate mainstreaming the AYUSH
discipline of healthcare.
 To integrate this, initially the Secretary of AYUSH ministry conducted a review to analyse current
status of IT initiatives undertaken under Ayush Grid projects.
 And after the review, Secretary observed that in the last two years Ayush Grid has performed
successfully to bridge the digital gap in Ayush sector.
 He also observed that Ayush Grid has successfully implemented various critical healthcare IT
projects.
 The integration will lead to digitization of AYUSH sector which will transform its fields like
healthcare delivery at all levels including research, education, various health programmes and
regulation of drugs.
 It will also help in achieving national and global healthcare goals.
 Static Part: What is Ayush Grid?: It is a project initiated by Ministry of AYUSH in 2018 to have a
IT support to AYUSH ministry.
o Activities held by Ayush Grid: Creation of COVID-19 dashboard, Ayush Sanjivani App,
Yoga locator mobile app, AHMIS (AYUSH Health Management Information System)
o Union Minister of State (IC) for AYUSH: Shripad Yesso Naik
TIME USE IN INDIA 2019 SURVEY
Current Context: A survey titled as ‘Time Use Survey’ was conducted by the Ministry of Statistics
and Programme Implementation.
DETAILS
 The survey shows the measurement of participation of men and women in paid and unpaid
activities during the period of January 2019 to December 2019.
 The survey was conducted by analysing 1.39 lakh households comprising 4.47 lakh people over
the age of 6 years.
 This survey gives information related to time spent in unpaid caregiving activities, volunteer
work, unpaid domestic services of household members, time spent on learning, leisure activities,
self-care activities etc.
 As per the survey report, 38.2% of population engage themselves in employment and related
activities They spend around 7 hours and 9 minutes daily each day for this purpose.
 When compared gender-wise, only 18.4% women engage themselves in employment and related
activities when compared with 57.3% men.
 Men spend 7 hours 39 minutes and women spend 5 hours 33 minutes in employment and related
activities.
 In Unpaid domestic work, women’s participation is around 81.2% as compared to men to 26.1%.
The Unpaid domestic work includes cleaning, cooking housekeeping and household activities.
 In Unpaid domestic work, women contribute around 5 hours of time and men contributes 1 hour
37 minutes of time. Thus, women contributes thrice as much as time in Unpaid domestic work
than men.
 In Unpaid Care giving activities, women participates to around 27.6% of time and men
participates 14% of the time.
 As per the survey in India, participation in culture, leisure, mass-media and sports activities
through reading ,watching TV is high i.e. at 86.9%, which comprises to around 165 minutes per
day on an average.
 Participation in social activities like chatting, community participation, mass-media is high i.e. at
91.3%, which comprises to around 143 minutes per day on an average.
ISRO SET TO LAUNCH FIRST VENUS MISSION ‘SHUKRAYAAN-1’ IN 2025
Current Context: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch its first Venus
mission in 2025.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 The name of ISRO’s first Venus Mission is ‘Shukrayaan-1’.
 ISRO will be launching this mission with participation of French Space Agency CNES and
Swedish Institute of Space Physics (IRF).
 Venus Mission will be launched to study atmospheric chemistry, compositional variations and
dynamics of Venus planet. Through this mission , planet Venus will be explored through satellite
instrument VNA (Venusian Neutrals Analyzer).
 To launch this mission, ISRO has selected VIRAL (Venus Infrared Atmospheric Gases Linker),
which is an instrument co-developed with Roscosmos , Russia’s federal space agency and the
LATMOS (Atmospheres, Milieux, Observations Spatiales Labrotor) which will be attached to the
CNRS.
 Static Part:
o HQ of ISRO: Bengaluru
o Chairman of ISRO: K Sivan
SWACHH BHARAT AWARDS 2020
Current Context: Union Jal Shakti Minister, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Minister of State for Jal
Shakti, Rattan Lal Khataria announced and conferred the Swachh Bharat Awards 2020 to the best
performing states/UTs, Gram Panchayats, Districts and Blocks.
KEY POINTS
 The awards were presented under cleanliness and drinking water categories.
 The categories under which Swachh Bharat Awards 2020 were given are: (1) Swachh Sundar
Samudayik Shauchalaya (SSSS) Campaign (2) Samudayik Shauchalaya Abhiyan (SSA) (3) Gandagi
se Mukt Campaign.
 Swachh Sundar Samudayik Shauchalaya (SSSS) Campaign: Gujarat (Best State), Tirunelveli,
Tamil Nadu (Best District), Kachrod, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh (Best Block) Chinnaur (Best Gram
Panchayat).
 Samudayik Shauchalaya Abhiyan (SSA): Uttar Pradesh (GKRA- Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyan)
and Gujarat (Non GKRA) (Best State), Prayagraj (GKRA) and Bareilly (Non GKRA) (Best district),
Borigaon, Bongaigaon, Assam (Best Gram Panchayat).
 Gandagi se Mukt Campaign: Telangana and Haryana (Best State), Moga, Punjab (Best District).
INDIA AND BAHRAIN TO COOPERATE IN FINANCE AND BUSINESS SECTOR
Current Context: India and Bahrain held the bilateral meet to enhance cooperation in financial
and business sector.
KEY FACTS
 The bilateral meet was attended by India’s ambassador to Bahrain, Piyush Srivastava and
Minister of Finance and National Economy of Bahrain, Shaikh Salman Bin Khalifa Al
Khalifa.
 Both the dignitaries discussed various ways to enhance economic partnership between the two
nations.
 They assured for investment in various sector in the future.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Bahrain: Manama
o Currency of Bahrain: Dinar
VIRTUAL VAISHVIK BHARATIYA VAIGYANIK (VAIBHAV)
Current Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi ‘Vaishvik Bharatiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV)
Summit 2020’.
ABOUT MEETING
 VAIBHAV is the summit of overseas and resident of Indian Researchers and Academicians.
 The summit will be held till 31st Oct 2020.
 The summit is conducted to bring experts from various institutes and organisations across
the world under one single platform to have a debate upon mechanisms to boost science
and technology base in India for overall global development.
 The summit is organized by 200 academic institutions and Science and Technology deportments
which are headed by Krishnaswamy Vijay Raghvan , Principal Scientific Advisor.
APPOINTMENT ON 5TH OCTOBER 2020
Current Context: G Subramonia Iyer: He is appointed as head of 3 member interim Committee of

Directors (CoD) to exercise the power of MD and CEO of Dhanlaxmi Bank Ltd.
ABOUT
 Static Part:
o HQ of Dhanlaxmi Bank ltd: Thrissur, Kerala
 Charanjit Attra: He is appointed as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of State Bank of India.
 Static Part:
o HQ of State Bank of India: Mumbai
o Chairman of State Bank of India: Rajnish Kumar
‘YUDH PRADUSHAN KE VIRUDH’—DELHI
Current Context: Chief Minister of Delhi launched ‘Yudh Pradushan Ke Virudh’ campaign.
HIGHLIGHTS
 ‘Yudh Pradushan Ke Virudh’ is the mega anti-pollution campaign.
 Under this campaign, the government of Delhi will be making use of technology by Pusa
Agriculture Institute to control the threat of stubble burning.
 The campaign is launched with an aim to reduce air pollution and will work to reduce the dust
level in the atmospheric air.
 The campaign will be initiated in the 13 hotspot areas which are identified by the government of
Delhi.
 For this campaign, ‘Green Delhi App’ is also launched , it is the photo-based app launched to
lodge complaints related to pollution for citizens.
 Static Part:
o Lt Governor of Delhi: Anil Baijal
DRDO SUCCESSFULLY FLIGHT TESTED SMART
Current Context: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully

conducted flight test of Supersonic Missile Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART).
KEY POINTS
 SMART was flight tested from Dr. Abdul Kalam Island, formerly known as Wheeler Island
off the coast of Odisha.
 The test mission objectives like missile flight upto the range and altitude, separation of the nose
cone, release of Torpedo and deployment of VRM (Velocity Reduction Mechanism) were perfectly
observed and met the requirements as well.
 SMART is the missile assisted release of Anti-Submarine Torpedo system which will be used for
ASW (Anti-Submarine Warfare) operations.
 Static Part:
o HQ of DRDO: New Delhi
o Chairman of DRDO: G Satheesh Reddy
PM NARENDRA MODI INAUGURATED RAISE 2020
Current Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated ‘RAISE 2020- Responsible AI for
Social Empowerment 2020’ virtually.
KEY FACTS
 It is the mega virtual summit on Artificial Intelligence (AI) held from 5th oct to 9th Oct
2020.
 It is jointly organized by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and NITI
Aayog.
 During the inauguration ceremony, PM Modi addressed to leverage AI for inclusive development,
so that AI will represent ‘India’s AI for ALL’ and will lead to achieve moto of Sabka Sath Sabka
Vikas.
 PM Modi highlighted his view about the aspects related to Technology and Human Empowerment.
He mentioned that collaboration between AI and Humans can do wonders in every sector for
planet Earth.
 He also mentioned that the focus must be on the positive productivity of AI. He noted that we must
protect the world from weaponization of AI by Non-State Actors. He focused to have transparent
algorithm strategy for AI in order to build trust in this AI technology.
 In this virtual summit, PM Modi announced the formation of National Educational Technology
Forum.
 In this summit, around 15,000 stakeholders from various research areas across the world have
taken their participation.
INTERNATIONAL WEBINAR ON TEXTILE TRADITIONS
Current Context: The first of its kind ‘International Webinar on Textile Traditions’ was addressed
by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
ABOUT WEBINAR
 The webinar was organized by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and Uttar
Pradesh Institute of Design (UPID).
 The webinar was conducted to commemorate the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
 The theme for the webinar: ‘Weaving Relations: Textile Traditions’.
 The webinar was organized with an aim to exchange ideas and inculcate best practices among
weaves of different countries and to boost the creation of new avenues for collaborations.
 The webinars were participated by weavers from countries like Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Bahrain,
Indonesia, Thailand, Afghanistan, Republic of Korea, Sri Lanka, Vietnam , Bangladesh and Bhutan.
 Static Part:
o Union Minister of Textiles: Smriti Irani
MOHUA SIGNS MOU WITH SWIGGY
Current Context: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs signed MoU with food aggregator
Swiggy in order to provide online platform for street food vendors.
DETAILS
 The MoU is signed under PM Svanidhi Scheme.
 Initially, the partnership between MoHUA and Swiggy will be initiated in 5 Indian cities like
Chennai, Ahmedabad, Indore, Varanasi and Delhi.
 On the first day of this initiative, 250 vendors from these 5 cities were taken on-board and the
initiative is said to be beneficial to around 50 lakh street vendors.
 The street vendors will be provided with FSSAI registration, PAN Registration, training to handle
Swiggy app. They will be offered with training related to hygiene packing system, technology and
menu digitization.
 This initiative will enhance income of street vendors.
 Static Part:
o Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs: Hardeep Singh Puri
RGICL PARTNERED WITH SATSURE ANALYTICS
Current Context: The Reliance General Insurance Company Limited (RGICL) has entered into
partnership with SatSure Analytics, which is a Bengaluru based company.
HIGHLIGHTS
 They have entered into partnership to improve crop insurance business operations, to
develop satellite based crop monitoring and to have predictive analytics support for risk
management.
 SatSure Analytics, the wholly owned subsidiary of SatSure AH Switzerland, provides agricultural
data infrastructure support through SPARTA. The SPARTA is the proprietary platform. It also
provides decision analytics tool through SAGE in agriculture, climate change and infra sectors.
 RGICL in coordination with SatSure Analytics will launch a crop insurance by investing
technology and innovative solutions.
 RGICL will combine Earth Observation Data and will generate reports with the help of SatSure
Analytics’ SAGE platform . This data will help to address the key factors of crop health, soil
moisture and crop yields and loss estimations.
 Then this reports will enable timely support of insurance services and will enable the monitoring
of risk remotely so as to take accurate financial actions.
 Static Part:
o HQ of RIGCL: Mumbai
o Executive Director and CEO of RIGCL: Rakesh Jain
ICICI OFFERS DEBIT CARD FOR CUSTOMERS WHO AVAIL LAS
Current Context: ICICI Bank and Visa has partnered to launch a debit card facility for the customers who
avail Loans Against Securities (LAS) from the bank.
KEY POINTS
 Thus ICICI Bank has become the first bank in India to launch this facility after RBI allowed banks
to issue electronics cards to customers who avail OD (Overdraft) facility.
 The card is made available on Visa platform and any new customer who avails for LAS will be
issued with this debit card.
 Customer can make use of this card to make payments through POS (Point of Sale) and online
transactions by making use of sanctioned LAS account.
 The maximum daily transaction limit is Rs 3 lakhs.
 The card can be also accessed on ICICI bank’s app iMobile app.
 Static Part:
QUAD FOREIGN MINISTERS MEET
Current Context: The Quad or Quadrilateral Countries’ Foreign Ministers Meet was held on 6th Oct
2020 in Tokyo, Japan.
ABOUT MEETING
 The group of quad countries in this includes United States, Japan, India and Australia.
 In this meet, India was represented by External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar. United States was
represented by US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, Australia was represented by their Foreign
Minister, Marise Payne and Japan was represented by their Foreign Minister, Toshimintsu Motegi.
 The dignitaries discussed about the FOIP (Free and Open Indo-Pacific) initiative.
 They also held discussion related to post COVID-19 international order assured to work
coordinately to tackle various challenges emerging due to pandemic.
MY GANGA MY DOLPHIN CAMPAIGN
Current Context: The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
and Forest Department launched a ‘My Ganga My Dolphin’ Campaign.
KEY FACTS
 It is the first-of-its -kind Dolphin based eco-tourism programme based campaign.
 It was launched on the occasion of Ganga River Dolphin Day which is marked on 5th October.
 The aim behind this campaign is to achieve sustainable tourism and to motivate dolphin
conservation for ecotourism across the river Ganga.
 Under this campaign, census under the stretch of river Ganga will also be conducted. Census will
be conducted in 250 km stretch from Bijnor (UP) to Narora (UP).
 Dolphin Safari will also be conducted under this campaign at six sites of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and
West Bengal.
 Static Part: River Dolphin is National Aquatic Animal of India
APPOINTMENT, RESIGNATION AND BRAND AMBASSADOR ON 7TH

OCTOBER 2020
Current Context: IPS MA Ganapathy: He is appointed as Director General (DG) of the Bureau of Civil
Aviation Security (BCAS).
ABOUT
 Static Part:
o HQ of BCAS: New Delhi
 Prof Ashima Goyal, Prof Jayanth R Varma and Dr Shashanka Bhide: They all are Economist
and are appointed as members of RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). The selection of
this committee members was headed by Tarun Bajaj, Secretary of Economic Affairs.
 Dinesh Kumar Khara: He is appointed as Chairman of State Bank of India (SBI) for a tenure of
3 years. He has replaced Rajnish Kumar.
 Static Part:
o HQ of SBI: Mumbai
 Madhabi Puri Buch: Her tenure to be the Whole-Time Member (WTM) of SEBI (Securities
Exchange Board of India) is extended by 1 year by the Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC)
headed by PM Narendra Modi.
 Static Part:
 Omar Al-Razzaz: He has submitted his resignation to be the Prime Minister of Jordan.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Jordan: Amman
o Currency of Jordan: Jordanian Dinar
 Ajinkya Rahane: He is appointed as Brand Ambassador of Hudle, which is a sports tech startup.
 Static Part:
o Currency of Jordan: Jordanian Dinar
‘DIGITAL SEVA SETU PROGRAMME’-- GUJARAT
Current Context: Government of Gujarat has launched the ‘Digital Seva Setu Programme’ for rural
areas.
HIGHLIGHTS
 The programme aims to offer maximum utilization and benefit of technology for public
welfare.
 The programme is initiated by Centre’s BharatNet Project which covers the village panchayats
through a fibre network.
 The villages will be connected with a 100MBPS optical fibre network technology. Total 10,000
village panchayats will be connected via this high-speed internet technology.
 In the first phase of this programme, 2000 village panchayats will be connected via optical fibres.
 The programme will offer 20 services including issuance of duplicate ration card, income
certificate, senior citizen certificate, caste certificate etc. Under this programme, these services can
be availed by citizens by paying Rs 20 as the fee amount.
 The programme is making use of provisions of Article -3 of Oaths Act 1969, in which the Gujarat
Government will grant the powers of the affidavit to the Talati-cum-Secretary at the village
panchayat level so that the villagers do not have to visit notary officers located in cities.
 Also, the facility of e-signature is offered. Thus, under this programme, rural people can avail
benefits and have necessary documents at just a click of a button of mobile phone.
 Static Part:
o CM of Gujarat: Vijay Rupani
o Governor of Gujarat: Acharya Devrat
MOU SIGNED BETWEEN ISLRTC AND NCERT
Current Context: The Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC) has signed
MoU with National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) with an aim to make
educational materials accessible to hearing-impaired children.
KEY POINTS
 This will prove highly beneficial to the students having difficulty in speaking or hearing and will
thus lead to educate and empower differently abled students.
 Under this MoU, NCERT notes in Indian languages will make educational contents available to
hearing-impaired students in Indian Sign Languages.
 All the academic contents will be converted into Digital Sign Languages, which will allow
the access of NCERT notes to the hearing impaired students.
 The MoU is signed to fulfill the aim of UNICEF’s initiative of ‘Accessible Digital Textbooks for All’.
 Static Part:
o HQ of ISLRTC: New Delhi
o HQ of NCERT: New Delhi
IFFCO AND PRASAR BHARTI TO PROMOTE NEW AGRICULTURAL

INNOVATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY
Current Context: Indian Farmers Fertilisers Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) has signed MoU with
Prasar Bharti.
KEY FACTS
 The MoU is signed to broadcast and promote the latest agricultural innovation and
technology during a program organized in Prithi Bhavan, New Delhi.
 Under this MoU, the DD Kisan program will broadcast various technology and innovations in the
agri sector through a series of 30 minutes program consisting approx 25 episodes.
 The IFFCO and Prasar Bharti have entered into this MoU with an aim to make Indian Farmers self-
reliant and to make them aware about latest innovation and technology in farming sector so that
they can utilise them in their farms and increase their source of income.
 Static Part:
o HQ of IFFCO: New Delhi
o MD and CEO of IFFCO: Dr. Udai Shanker Awasthi
o HQ of Prasar Bharti: New Delhi
o CEO of Prasar Bharti: Shashi Shekhar Vempati
‘PARAM SIDDHI-AI’—INDIA’S FASTEST HPC-AI SUPERCOMPUTER
Current Context: The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing has announced that it will
be commissioning India’s largest HPC-AI Supercomputer named as ‘PARAM Siddhi –AI’.
DETAILS
 The aim behind this development is to place India among top countries in world in the
sector of AI supercomputing research and innovation.
 This initiative was headed by Abhishek Das, Scientist and Program Director (HPC-AI
Infrastructure Development) at C-DAC. He has led this idea and designed architecture of
India’s largest HPC-AI infrastructure.
 The ‘PARAM Siddhi –AI’ supercomputer is a machine with 210 AI Petaflops (6.5 Petaflops Peak
DP). It will be based on NVIDIA GDX SuperPOD Reference Architecture which is comprised of 42
NVIDIA GDX A100 Systems, connected with NVIDIA Mellanox HDR Infiband networking with HPC-
AI engine, software frameworks and cloud platform of C-DAC.
 It will be established under NSM C-DAC, NITI Aayog, Ministry of Electronics and Information
Technology, Dept. of Science and Technology and Central Government.
 Static Part:
o HQ of C-DAC: Pune
o DG of C-DAC: Hemant Darbari
o HQ of NVIDIA: California, United States
‘MSME PRERANA’—INDIAN BANK’S BUSINESS MENTORING PROGRAMME
Current Context: Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman, launched
the programme named as ‘MSME Prerana’.
ABOUT
 The programme is an online business mentoring programme for MSMEs.
 The programme is developed by Indian Bank and Poornatha & Co.
 ‘MSME Prerana’ is the first-of-its-kind initiative by a bank for MSME sector.
 The programme will help to develop the businesses in the areas like Business skills,
Communications, Human Resources etc.
 The program will offer inputs in simple formats and in local languages for MSMEs. Total 12
sessions will be offered under this programme.
 Poornatha & Co. will co duct the sessions related to managerial and financial skills and banking
related sessions will be conducted by Indian Bank.
 On completion of these courses, the business firm will be granted with a certificate from Indian
Bank, Poornatha & Co. and MADE (Michigan Academy for Developing Entrepreneurs), United
States.
 This programme will offer MSME with complete knowledge related to Loan application,
management of cash flow, government schemes etc.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Indian Bank: Chennai
o Tagline of Indian Bank: Your Own Bank
‘JAN ANDOLAN CAMPAIGN’ FOR COVID-19 APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR
Current Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the ‘Jan Andolan Campaign’ for COVID-
19 Appropriate Behavior.
HIGHLIGHTS
 For the launching and promotion of this campaign, PM Modi made a tweet
of #Unite2FightCorona.
 The campaign aims to have appropriate behaviour of people regarding the following of
safety norms for COVID-19, especially during the upcoming festive seasons and winter
season.
 PM Modi has made an appeal to citizens to unite to fight COVID-19. He has asked people to wear a
mask, wash hands, maintain hygiene and observe the cleanliness of themselves and in their
surroundings. He has also urged people to maintain social distancing norms by following the
protocol of ‘Do Gaz Ki Doori’.
 The campaign will be conducted through the participation of people in awareness activities like
wall paintings, displaying hoardings and installing electronic display boards in premises of
government offices.
 Also, people’s participating is expected through social media by spreading the message of
awareness by region-specific targeted communication so that the awareness message reach each
and every person.
API INTEGRATION BETWEEN PM SVANIDHI AND SBI’S EMUDRA PORTAL
Current Context: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has launched an Application Programming
Interface (API) integration between PM SVANidhi portal and SBI Banks’ eMudra portal.
KEY POINTS
 This API integration will allow uninterrupted data flow between these two portals in a
secure manner. This will help to accelerate the loan sanctioning and loan disbursement
process to the street vendors who want to avail the benefits of PM SVANidhi scheme.
 Also, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is in the process to integrate this PM SVANidhi
portal with others banks of India via API integration platform.
 Static Part:
o Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs (IC): Hardeep Singh Puri
 PM SVANidhi scheme: It was launched by Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in June 2020.
This scheme aims to offer working capital support by providing affordable loan option to the
street vendors. It offers working capital loan of upto Rs 10,000 and is to be paid in monthly
installments over a period of 1 year The scheme is implemented by SIDBI.
APPOINTMENTS AND EXTENSION ON 9TH OCTOBER 2020
Current Context: J Venkatramu: He is appointed as MD and CEO of India Post Payments Bank
(IPPB). He has replaced Suresh Sethi.
ABOUT
 Static Part:
o HQ of IPPB: New Delhi
 Bishr Al-Khasawneh: He is appointed as Prime Minster of Jordan.
 Static Part:
o Currency of Jordan: Dinar
 Sadyr Zhaparov: He is appointed as Acting Prime Minster of Kyrgyzstan.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Kyrgyzstan: Bishkek
o Currency of Kyrgyzstan: Kyrgyzstani Som
 Nilesh Shah: He is re-elected as Chairman of AMFI (Association of Mutual Funds in India).
 Saurabh Nanavati: He is re-elected as Vice-Chairman of AMFI (Association of Mutual Funds in
India).
 R K Chhibber: He is offered with an extension to serve as CMD of Jammu and Kashmir Bank
for another 6 months. The extension is offered by RBI.
 Static Part:
o HQ of J&K Bank: Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir.
o Tagline of J&K Bank: Serving to Empower
RBI’S 3RD BI-MONTHLY MONETARY POLICY STATEMENT 2020-21
Current Context: Shaktikanta Das, Governor of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced the 3rd Bi-
Monthly Monetary Policy Statement for 2020-21.
DETAILS
 The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) evaluated domestic and global macroeconomic and
financial conditions and thus has kept the repo rate under the Liquidity Adjustment Facility
(LAF) unchanged to 4%.
 The reverse repo rate under LAF is also kept unchanged to 3.35%.
 There is also no change in the Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) and Bank Rate which are at
4.25%.
 Another announcement includes that RBI will introduce on-tap Targeted Long Term Repo
Operations (TLTRO) for the banks to borrow upto Rs 1 trillion from the window and invest in
corporate bonds or debt instruments. The on-tap TLTRO will have tenors of upto 3 years at a
floating rate linked to the policy repo rate. The on-tap TLTRO scheme will be available upto 3rd
March 2021.
 The committee has predicted real GDP growth for FY 2021 to contract by 9.5%.
 Static Part:
o HQ of RBI: Mumbai
o Composition of MPC: Shaktikanta Das (Governor of RBI), Dr Michael Debabrata (Deputy
Governor of RBI), Dr Mridul K. Saggar, Prof. Ashima Goyal, Prof Jayanth R Varma and Dr
Shashanka Bhide
INDIA’S GDP TO CONTRACT BY 9.6% IN FY21—BY WORLD BANK
Current Context: World Bank has predicted that India’s GDP to contract by 9.6% in financial year
of 2021.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 This prediction is based on the current nationwide lockdown situation and due to the income
shock experienced by households and businesses due to outbreak of Coronavirus.
 Earlier in June 2020, World Bank predicted that the Indian economy will shrink by 3.2% in FY21.
 As per the World Bank, India’s growth is projected to rebound to 5.4% in 2022.
 Also, regional growth for South Asia is expected to rebound to 4.5% in 2021.
 As per predictions by World Bank, fiscal deficit to rise above 12% in FY2021, assuming that
combined deficit of the states is within 4.5% to 5% of GDP.
 Public debt is predicted to remain elevated around 94%.
 Static Part:
o HQ of World Bank: Washington DC, US
‘POVERTY AND SHARED PROSPERITY 2020: REVERSAL OF FORTUNE’
Current Context: World Bank Group has released a Biennial report titled ‘Poverty and Shared
Prosperity 2020: Reversal of Fortune.
HIGHLIGHTS
 As per the data of the report, around 150 million people will be pushed into extreme
poverty by the end of 2021 because of COVID-19 pandemic.
 Around 88 million to 115 million will be pushed to extreme poverty due to this COVID-19
pandemic in 2020.
 This report states that this time it is first to rise in extreme poverty percentage in the past 20
years.
 The aspects which lead to an increase in global poverty are: COVID-19, Armed Conflicts and
Climate Change.
 Around 82% of people from middle-income countries will be dragged into extreme poverty.
 In order to reduce poverty, the World Bank has suggested that nations need to limit and stop
COVID-19 and must provide economical support to households to uplift their economies.
 Static Part:
‘GYAN CIRCLE VENTURES’ INAUGURATED BY UNION EDUCATION

MINISTER
Current Context: Union Education Minister, Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank inaugurated ‘Gyan Circle
Ventures’ virtually.
KEY POINTS
 ‘Gyan Circle Ventures’ is a Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology funded TBI
(Technology Business Incubator) of IIIT Sri City, Andhra Pradesh.
 ‘Gyan Circle Ventures’ will work as a Technology Incubation and Development of
Entrepreneurs (TIDE 2.0) incubation centre.
 Aim of this incubation centre is to develop entrepreneurship skills in youths and guide
them to become innovators.
 It will motivate youths to use advanced technologies like AI, Block chain, Cyber Physical Systems ,
Cyber security, IoT, Machine Learning and Robotics.
 ‘Gyan Circle Ventures’ will be a hub for innovators and for startups. It will offer youth with
financial investment support, infra support, mentorship supports, advertisement and promotional
support.
 Static Part:
o Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology: Ravi Shankar Prasad
APPOINTMENT AND BRAND AMBASSADOR ON 10TH OCTOBER 2020
Current Context: Piyush Goyal: He is appointed as an additional charge of Ministry of Consumer

Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. He is appointed for this ministry because of the demise of Ram
Vilas Paswan. Currently, Piyush Goyal is the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry and Railways.
ABOUT
 Chetan Anand: He is appointed as Brand Ambassador of Transform, which India’s first
homegrown badminton brand. Chetan Anand is an Indian Badminton player.
NABARD SIGNS 3 MOU WITH SBI
Current Context: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has signed
three MoUs with the State Bank of India (SBI).
DETAILS
 The MoU is signed to extend credit support for NABARD Projects.
 SBI will offer credit support for NABARD projects. The MoU was signed to offer finance for joint
liability group, SHG ,Farmers Producers Organisations (FPOs) and Watershed development
projects.
 Credit support will be offered to different sections of society including the priority sector.
 Static Part:
o HQ of SBI: Mumbai
o Chairman of SBI: Dinesh Kumar Khara
DRDO SUCCESSFULLY TEST-FIRED ‘RUDRAM-1’
Current Context: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully test
fired ‘Rudram-1’.
KEY POINTS
 ‘Rudram-1’ is a new generation anti-radiation missile.
 It was test fired at Wheeler Island off the coast of Odisha and was launched from SU-30 Mk1
fighter aircraft.
 ‘Rudram-1’ is having speed of Mach two or two times the sound speed. It is capable of bringing
down wide range of enemy radar system, communication networks and air defence systems
within a range of 250 km.
 Rudram is developed by DRDO for Indian Air Force, it is encorporated with INS-GPS navigation
system with Passive Homing Head for the final attack. The Passive Homing Head detects, classify
and engage the targets over a wide band of frequencies.
 It can hit the radiation target with pin-point accuracy.
 Static Part:
o Chairman of DRDO: G Satheesh Reddy
AMAZON INDIA PARTNERS WITH IRCTC
Current Context: Amazon India has entered into partnership with Indian Railway Catering and
Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) to offer facility of online train ticket bookings on Amazon platform.
KEY FACTS
 Thus due to this partnership, Amazon Pay adds another travel category on their online platform.
 Now, users will be able to check seat and quota availability for all trains on the Amazon app
platform.
 Amazon Pay is also offering 10% cashback on the first train ticket booking and prime members
will be offered 12% cashback for these bookings.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Amazon: Seattle, Washington, US
o Founder of Amazon: Jeff Bezos
INDIAN NAVY AND ICG CONDUCTED ‘SAGAR KAVACH’ COASTAL SECURITY

EXERCISE
Current Context: Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted the half-yearly Coastal
Security Exercise, ‘Sagar Kavach’.
HIGHLIGHTS
 The exercise was conducted at coastal areas of Kerala, Karnataka and Lakshadweep.
 The exercise was monitored from Joint Operations Central, Kochi, Kerala and was reviewed by
Southern Naval Command Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C) Vice Admiral Anil Kumar
Chawla.
 The aim of ‘Sagar Kavach’ exercise is to check the coastal security and improve and update
standard operating procedures. This exercise is assumed to be of high significance in the
backdrop of the prevailing security mechanism in India.
 Along with Indian Navy and ICG, other stakeholders like Coastal Police, Coastal District
Administration, Cochin Port, Fisheries department, Customs, Marine Enforcement Wing (MEW),
Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), IB and Lighthouse department also participated in the
exercise.
 20 Ships of Indian and ICG along with 50 patrol crafts manned by security agencies participated in
this exercise. The participants were divided into 2 teams namely Red (attack team) and Blue
(defence team).
 Static Part:
‘MUKHYA MANTRI SAUR SWAROJGAR YOJANA’--UTTARAKHAND
Current Context: Government of Uttarakhand launched ‘Mukhya Mantri Saur Swarojgar Yojana’.
KEY POINTS
 The Yojana was launched at Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali Auditorium, Dehradun Uttarakhand.
 The yojana is launched with an aim to boost self-employment capability in youth and
promote the production of Green Energy.
 The scheme is specially launched for the youths and migrants who have returned to the state and
have lost their jobs due to pandemic COVID-19.
 The scheme will offer employment opportunities in Green Energy Sector to around 10,000
youths and migrants.
 The beneficiaries will be allotted with solar plants of 25KW each.
 To set up these plants, 1.5-2 nails of land and Rs 10 lakhs at Rs 40,000 per unit is required.
 These solar plants will generate 38,000 units of electricity per annum which will be brought by
Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited for 25 years.
 The loan for this scheme will be granted by Cooperative Banks and Private Banks at an interest of
8% per year for the tenure of 15 years.
 Static Part:
o CM of Uttarakhand: Trivendra Singh Rawat
o Governor of Uttarakhand: Baby Rani Maurya
9TH TO 15TH OCTOBER 2020—NATIONAL POSTAL WEEK
Current Context: The Department of Post, Ministry of Communication, GOI is observing National
Postal Week from 9th Oct to 15th Oct 2020.
ABOUT
 Every Year National Postal Week is marked to create awareness about the role of postal
services in the country.
 It is celebrated to commemorate the establishment of Universal Postal Union in 1874 in
Switzerland.
 Under this celebration of National Postal Week, an online campaign will be organized which will
promote services offered by Post Offices to the nation, also post forum meeting will be held in this
week.
 It also promotes saving schemes offered by Post office Saving Banks and products of IPPB.
 ‘Know your Postman Campaign will be conducted in this week.
 The week is observed in 6 regions, namely, Goa, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Nagpur, Pune and
Aurangabad.
 Significance of Each day of National Postal Week is: World Post Day (9th Oct), Savings Bank
Day (10th Oct), Postal Life Insurance Day (12th Oct), Philately Day (13th Oct), Business
Development Day (14th Oct) and Mail Day (15th Oct).
 Static Part:
o HQ of Universal Postal Union: Bern, Switzerland
o HQ of India Post and IPPB: New Delhi
o DG of Postal Services: Vineet Pandey
o MD and CEO of IPPB: J Venkatramu
‘SWANIRBHAR NARI: ATMA NIRBHAR ASSAM SCHEME’
Current Context: Assam Government launched a new scheme named as Swanirbhar Nari: Atma
Nirbhar Assam’.
ABOUT SCHEME
 The scheme aims to empower women who are economically backward in Assam.
 The scheme is said to be beneficial to around 4 lakh families.
 Around 3.72 lakh Sustainable Individual Assets and 822 Community Assets will be created
for this scheme.
 5 activities will be implemented in case of Individual Asset creation and 20 activities will be
implemented in case of Community Assets creation.
 The scheme will be implemented in-line with other schemes and missions of Assam like Assam
State Rural Livelihood Mission, Agriculture and Horticulture, Fishery, Animal Husbandry,
Handloom, textiles, and Forest.
 Static Part:
o CM of Assam: Sarbananda Sonowol
o Governor of Assam: Jagdish Mukhi
PHYSICAL DISTRIBUTION OF PROPERTY CARDS UNDER SVAMITVA

SCHEME
Current Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched physical distribution of property card
programme under SVAMITVA Scheme.
HIGHLIGHTS
 SVAMITVA Scheme stands for Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology
in Village Areas (SVAMITVA).
 The scheme was launched in April 2020 with an aim to grant record of rights to document the
residential properties to the owners of village households and to issue them property cards.
 Now after the distribution of property cards, the owners will have the proof of owning their
houses.
 Until now, around 100,000 beneficiaries have received this property card as legal document. The
beneficiaries are from states like Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar
Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
 Because of this property card, the beneficiaries can also opt for loans as loans are easily available
from the bank on the basis of the record of the property. Also the property card will also provide a
way to buy and sell the property without any dispute for the villagers.
TREE PLANTATION POLICY PASSED BY DELHI GOV.
Current Context: Government of Delhi has passed Tree Plantation Policy with an aim to preserve
tress and focus on tree plantation.
DETAILS
 Delhi has become the first state to have a Tree Plantation Policy.
 The policy was approved by state cabinet headed by Chief Minister of Delhi.
 Under this policy, around 80% of trees which were affected due to construction or
development activities will be transplanted in Delhi.
 Also, under this policy, the government will look further in the survival of minimum 80%
tress in Delhi.
 To make this policy work in progress, the Delhi Government will form a panel of agencies which
will look after tree plantation activities and survival of tress in the state.
 The Tree Plantation Policy is the part of ‘Yuddh Pradushan Ke Viruddh’ initiative.
 Static Part:
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE (DST) PARTNERED WITH IBM
Current Context: The Department of Science (DST) has entered into partnership with IBM
(International Business Machines) with an aim to receive support from IBM in two of the
initiatives of DST.
KEY FACTS
 Under this partnership, the scope of two DST initiatives namely, Vigyan Jyoti and Vigyan
Prasar (Engage with Science).
 Vigyan Jyoti and Vigyan Prasar initiatives aim to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering
and Mathematics) among students, mostly in girls so that they get motivated to pursue career in
STEM sectors.
 Both DST and IBM, will collaberately work to promote Science and Tech. in academic education.
The promotion will be conducted through short term courses, workshop, mentorships and content
communication for students as well as for teachers.
 The partnership will also offer scholarships, science visits to institutes, science camps etc.
 The mentorship related to Science and Tech. will be offered to girls from grades 9th to 12th.
 IBM will encourage students to be part and innovate in tools like Artificial Intelligence and
Machine Learning.
 Static Part:
o HQ of DST: New Delhi
o Union Minister of Science and Technology: Dr. Harsh Vardhan
o HQ of IBM (International Business Machines): Armonk, New York, US
o CEO of IBM (International Business Machines): Arvind Krishna
13TH ANIMAL DISCOVERIES 2019 & 13TH PLANT DISCOVERIES 2019

REPORTS BY ZSI AND BSI
Current Context: The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and Botanical Survey of India (BSI)
published reports titled ‘13th Animal Discoveries 2019’ and ‘13th Plant Discoveries 2019’
respectively.
DETAILS
 The reports were launched by Babul Supriyo, Union Minister of State for Environment,
Forest and Climate Change in an event held in West Bengal.
 ‘13th Animal Discoveries 2019’: Total 368 animal species as new to the science are listed and
116 species as first records from India are listed. Among the new species, 294 are invertebrates
and 74 are vertebrates. Therefore, total species of animals in India is 102161 i.e. 6.52% of total
species on the earth.
 ‘13th Plant Discoveries 2019’: Total 180 new plant species are listed and 73 new records
discovered from India are listed in this report. Total plant discovery contains 134 seed plants, 6
bryophytes, 51 fungi, 23 algae, 16 microbes, 5 fern and its allies and 18 lichen. Out of total
discoveries, 55% contributed as vascular plants and 45% contributed as non-vascular plants.
3RD EDITION OF CRI INDEX 2020
Current Context: The Commitment to Reducing Inequality (CRI) Index 2020 is released by ‘Oxfam
International and Development Finance International.
HIGHLIGHTS
 As per the released ranking in this report, India has been ranked at 129th position among
158 countries.
 The CRI ranking index is topped by Norway. The second and third position is marked by
Denmark and Germany respectively.
 South Sudan has the lowest ranking at 158th position in CRI Index 2020.
 The third edition of the CRI index focuses on fighting inequality during the time of COVID-19
pandemic. The index measures what governments are doing to reduce the gap between rich and
poor.
 The report analyses measures adopted by the nation and its government’s policies or actions in
major three areas which are related to tackle and reduce inequality.
 The three major areas of analysis are: Social Spending, Progressive Taxation Policies and
Labour Rights.
 CRI Index 2020 highlights for India: As per the index report, India is among the world’s worst-
performing countries in tackling inequality especially during COVID-19 pandemic. India has spent
only 4% of its budget amount on health to tackle COVID-19, which is the 4th lowest in the world.
As per the report, only half population of India has access to basic health care remedies.
 India’s rank is 141 in public service ranking domain with a score of 0.16.
 India’s rank is 19 in progressive taxation policies ranking domain with a score of 0.75.
 India’s rank is 151 in labour rights ranking domain with a score of 0.35.
RBI TO MOVE NGTA TO MANAGE FOREX AND GOLD RESERVES
Current Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced to move Next Generation
Treasury Application (NGTA) with an aim to manage the country’s foreign exchange and gold
reserves.
KEY POINTS
 The application of NGTA will help to improve the functioning of RBI.
 NGTA is basically a web-based application which will provide scalability and flexibility in
introducing new products and securities to the central bank.
 It will also support multi-currency transactions and settlements like Fixed Income (FI),
Forex, Money Market (MM) and Gold.
 The NGTA web-based application will collect security or contract related details from a trading
platform.
 The utilization of the NGTA platform will help to manage forex in a more efficient manner as it will
also help to mitigate risk factor and will offer operational efficiency in dealing with asset classes
and reports.
 The objective of NGTA application are: (a) Reserve Management (b) Workflow Management (c)
Portfolio Management (d) Integration with third-party and in-house systems, (e) To establish
dashboards to provide reports and widgets (f) To deal with FI Securities, MM, Forex and Gold
 Static Part:
o HQ of RBI: Mumbai
KERALA—FIRST STATE IN INDIA TO MAKE PUBLIC SCHOOLS COMPLETELY

DIGITAL
Current Context: Kerala has become the first state in India to make its public education
completely digital.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 Kerala has achieved this goal within 2 years.
 The goal is achieved at a cost of Rs 42.36 crores. Out of this amount, Rs 34.75 crores were
contributed by KIIFB (Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board).
 All the public educational schools were converted to digital under the support of KITE
(Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education) and KIIFB.
 Under this project, 3,74,274 digital services are distributed in 16027 public schools of Kerala.
 Around 11275 schools are also equipped by high tech labs and more than 12,678 schools are
equipped by a high-speed broadband Internet connection.
 Around 45,000 high tech classrooms to 4752 public schools are built under this project.
 To make familiar with this advance teaching technology, the teachers of these schools were
provided with information and communication training sessions.
 Each classroom of the public schools is incorporated with laptops, DSLR camera, Television,
Webcams and other digital equipment.
 Kerala started this project of converting 100% of public schools to digital in 2018.
 Static Part:
o CM of Kerala: Pinarayi Vijayan
o Governor of Kerala: Arif Mohammad Khan
ADB OFFERS FINANCE SUPPORT TO DEVELOP RAJASTHAN’S SECONDARY

TOWNS
Current Context: The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a
loan agreement to improve various facilities total 14 secondary towns of Rajasthan.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 The loan agreement of $300 million is signed between ADB and GOI.
 Under this loan amount, sustainable water supply and sanitation (WSS) services and infra
will be developed in Rajasthan’s secondary towns.
 This will ensure improved WSS services in line with the urban sector development plan of the
Rajasthan government.
 Under this project, at least 8 towns will be improved with water supply services by 2027, which
will prove beneficial to more than 570,000 citizens and sanitation services at 14 secondary towns
will prove beneficial to about 720,000 citizens.
 Static Part:
o Chairman of ADB: Masatsugu Asakawa
INDIA’S 8 BEACHES GET INTERNATIONAL BLUE FLAG CERTIFICATION
Current Context: Denmark based Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) has awarded the
recognition of ‘Blue Flag’ to 8 Indian Beaches.
DETAILS
 The name of 8 beached recognized with ‘Blue Flag’ are: Shivrajpur (Gujarat), Kasarkod
(Karnataka), Pudubidri (Karnataka), Golden Beach (Odisha), Radhanagar (Andaman and Nicobar
island), Ghoghla (Diu), Kappad (Kerala) and Rushikonda (Andhra Pradesh).
 India has become the first country to be recognized with the Coveted International Blue Flag
certificate for 8 beaches in the single attempt itself.
 The selection of the beaches for Blue Flag certificate was made by an international jury consisting
from UNEP (United Nations Economic Programmes), UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism
Organisations), FEE & IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature).
 GOI has set a target to bring a total of 100 Indian Beaches under the certificate of ‘Blue Flag’ in the
next five years.
 Criteria for receiving Blue Flag certificate for Beaches are: Water Quality, Environmental
Education and Information, Environment Management and Safety and Services.
 Static Part:
o HQ of FEE: Copenhagen, Denmark
INTEL, IIIT-H, PHFI AND TELANGANA GOV. TO LAUNCH APPLIED AI

RESEARCH CENTER
Current Context: Intel India partnered with Government of Telangana, IIIT-Hyderabad and Public
Health Foundation of India (PHFI) to launch applied AI (Artificial Intelligence) Research (INAI)
Center in Hyderabad.
HIGHLIGHTS
 Intel announced this collaborative initiative in an inaugural session of ‘all.ai 2020 Virtual Summit’.
 ‘all.ai 2020 Virtual Summit’: It was organized by Intel India in collaboration with industries,
academic institutions and government to promote AI usage in problem-solving of Indians.
 INAI is an initiative to apply AI to population-scale problems in the Indian context.
 INAI will focus on solving problems and challenges associated with smart mobility
segments. The challenges and problem will be solved through strong ecosystem
collaboration.
 INAI will work as a supportive entity and catalyst which will accelerate India in AI technology. It
will help to create innovation and entrepreneurship through datasets, computing infrastructure,
tools and frameworks.
 It will work to attract and motivate talents across the globe in the research area of AI and to make
AI usage in overall social development.
 INAI centre will bring institutions and organisations together under a single platform to develop
the solutions having a societal-scale impact.
 The focus of INAI will be on improving road safety, reduce road accidents in the country in order
to achieve the goal of smart mobility domain. It will also develop a solution to enhance health
coverage to every individual in the country. It will work to develop advance research for
prediction of non-communicable diseases in an efficient manner.
EXERCISE SURAKSHA KAVACH
Current Context: Agnibaaz Division (41 Artillery Division) of Indian Army organized an exercise
named as Suraksha Kavach.
KEY POINTS
 The Suraksha Kavach Exercise is the joint exercise of Maharashtra Police and Indian Army.
 The exercise was conducted in Lulla Nagar, Pune, Maharashtra.
 The aim of this exercise is to harmonise anti-terror responses.
 In this exercise Indian Army and Maharashtra Police cooperated, coordinated and streamlined
their drills and procedures.
 The Suraksha Kavach Exercise was conducted to harmonize the procedures of Indian Army and
Maharashtra Police in order to activate the QRTs (Quick Reaction Teams) to counter any terrorist
actions.
 QRTSs, Army’s Bomb disposal teams, Anti-Terrorism Squad, QRTs of Maharashtra Police and Dog
Squads participated in this exercise.
AXIS ACE CREDIT CARD
Current Context: Axis Bank partnered with Google Pay and Visa to launch ‘Axis ACE Credit Card’.
DETAILS
 The aim behind launching ‘Axis ACE Credit Card’ is to increase users participation in the
digital world.
 The card will offer a seamless digital experience to users right from application to issuance
activities.
 Visa has offered the facility of tokenization in ‘Axis ACE Credit Card’. This facility will allow
users to make transactions using Google Pay with secured digital token attached to their
phones without any need of using card physically.
 Joining and Annual fee structure for ‘Axis ACE Credit Card’: Users who apply for this card in
2020, will not have to pay joining fees which id Rs 499. This joining fee will be applicable from
next year. The joining fee will be reversed if expenses exceed Rs 10,000 within 45 days of issuance
in 2021. Also, users who reach Rs 2 lakhs spending in the year, need not have to pay an annual fee
of Rs 499.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Axis Bank: Mumbai
o MD and CEO of Axis Bank: Amitabh Chaudhry
‘TECH FOR TRIBALS’ INITIATIVE
Current Context: The ‘Tech for Tribals’ initiative is launched by TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative
Marketing Development Federation of India), IIT-Kanpur and Chhattisgarh MFP Federation.
KEY FACTS
 The initiative is launched with an aim to develop entrepreneurship skills, soft skills,
Information Technology (IT) skills and Business Development in the tribal community.
 The initiative aims to make tribal community self-reliant.
 For this initiative, TRIFED has joined hands with MSME ministry under the ESDP initiative
(Entrepreneurship Skill Development Programme).
 The ‘Tech for Tribals’ initiative will provide 6-weeks long training to the beneficiaries. The
training module is framed by IIT-Kanpur.
 The ‘Tech for Tribals’ initiative is based on three pillars of Engagement, Capacity Building and
Market Linkages. The initiate will focus to make tribal community educated with IT technology,
business and market skills so that they can increase their source of income and become a self-
reliant community.
 The initiative will be operated through SHGs which are under Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs).
The Van Dhan beneficiaries in all districts of Chhattisgarh will be given training for micro-
enterprise setup, its management and promotion.
 Static Part:
o Union Minister of Tribal Affairs: Arjun Munda
INDIA’S GDP TO CONTRACT 10.3% IN FY 2020-21—BY IMF
Current Context: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released a report titled as ‘World
Economic Outlook’.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 As per the report, the IMF has projected India’s GDP to contract 10.3% in FY 2020-21.
 Earlier, IMF projected India’s GDP to contract by 4.5% due to the pandemic of COVID-19.
 Also as per the report, India’s GDP to grow at 8.8% in FY 2021-22. Earlier prediction for GDP was
6% for FY 2021-22.
 Also as per IMF, world economy to contract by 4.4% in FY 2020-21.
 Static Part:
o HQ of IMF: Washington DC, US
o MD and Chairman of IMF: Kristalina Georgieva
o Chief Economist of IMF: Gita Gopinath
IMPACT BASED CYCLONE WARNING SYSTEM
Current Context: The India Meteorological Departments (IMD) has launched the Impact Based
Cyclone Based Warning System.
HIGHLIGHTS
 The system is launched to reduce economic losses and property damage which is caused
due to cyclones that hit Indian coast every year.
 The system was introduced by IMD in a presentation titled as ‘Chasing the Cyclones’ which was
organized to mark the World Space Week.
 The system will deliver specific warnings to reduces economic and property damage losses.
 The system will deliver warnings with respect to location-wise or district-wise.
 The system is commissioned from this particular cyclone season i.e. Oct-Dec.
 Static Part:
o HQ of IMD: New Delhi
o MD of IMD: Mrutyunjay Mohapatra
o IMD functions under Ministry of Earth Sciences, whose Union Minister is Dr Harsh Vardhan
5TH INDIA-MEXICO HIGH LEVEL GROUP ON TRADE, INVESTMENT &

COOPERATION
Current Context: The 5th meet of India-Mexico High Level Group on Trade, Investment and
Cooperation were conducted through video-conference.
KEY POINTS
 India was represented by Commerce Secretary of GOI, Anup Wadhawan and Mexico was
represented by Vice Minister of Foreign Trade Ms Luz Maria de la Mora.
 In this meet, India and Mexico reviewed and discussed about their bilateral trade, investment and
cooperation activities.
 They held discussion about bilateral investment treaty and audio-visual co-production.
 They also assured to coordinate in trade related to sectors like pharmaceuticals, medical
equipments, healthcare, agri products, fisheries, food processing industries and aerospace.
 They discussed about Cooperation framework on phytosanitary and sanitary products along with
discussions related to cooperation in intellectual property, tourism and assured to improvise
people to people contact.
 India and Mexico signed two MoUs: (1) MoU between India’s ESC (Electronic and Computer
Software Export Promotion Council) and Mexico’s CANIETI (Mexican Chamber of Electronics,
Telecommunication, and Information Technologies) (2) MoU between FICCI (Federation of Indian
Chambers of Commerce and Industry) and COMCE (Mexican Business Council of Foreign Trade,
Investment and Technology).
 Static Part:
o Capital of Mexico: Mexico City
o Currency of Mexico: Mexican Peso
RBI INCREASES BANK’S AGGREGATE EXPOSURE LIMIT FOR SMALL

BUSINESSES
Current Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced to increase the bank’s maximum
aggregate retail exposure limit to small businesses (turnover upto Rs 50 crore) to Rs 7.5 crore.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 Earlier, this limit was Rs 5 crore.
 This enhancement in the limit will lead to an increase in credit flow for small businesses.
 The risk weight of 75% will apply to all fresh exposures as well as to existing exposures where
incremental exposures may be taken by banks upto the revised limit i.e. upto Rs 7.5 crore.
 Also, RBI has announced to extend the existing enhanced Held to Maturity (HTM) limit of
22% for SLR securities acquired between 1st Sep 2020 and 31st Mar 2021 and 31st Mar
2022.
 Thus banks may continue to hold such excess SLR securities in HTM category upto 31st Mar 2022.
 The enhanced HTM limit will be restored to 19.5% in a phased manner, beginning from the
quarter ending of 30th June 2022.
 Static Part:
o HQ of RBI: Mumbai
MASTERCARD PARTNERS WITH SIGNZY—FOR VIDEO BASED KYC
Current Context: MasterCard has entered into partnership with Signzy, a leading RegTech startup
to roll out Signzy’s video based KYC (Know Your Customer) Solution.
KEY FACTS
 Signzy’s video based KYC solution will be based on AI and Machine Learning technologies.
 It will be highly secured in order to avoid unauthorized system intrusion and frauds.
 The Signzy’s video based KYC solution offers industry-leading scalability to handle high volumes
of Video based KYC processes.
 It is faster than paper based KYC process and helps to reduce paper based KYC activity.
 It is highly useful to SMEs who have to perform KYC verification activity and is thus a complete
contactless KYC process as it can be performed remotely.
 Static Part:
o HQ of MasterCard: New York, United States
CABINET APPROVES WORLD BANK SUPPORTED STARS PROJECT
Current Context: The union cabinet chaired by PM Narendra Modi has approved the
implementation of STARS Project under the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
HIGHLIGHTS
 The Significance of STARS Projects is Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for
States.
 The total costing of the project is Rs 5718 crores and the project is the partnership between
India and the World Bank. Hence for this project, World Bank is providing finance support
of Rs 3700 crore.
 STARS Project will be implemented as a centrally sponsored scheme under Department of School
Education & Literacy, Education Ministry.
 Aim of this project is to strengthen the education system and to grant the right to education for all.
 The project will involve setting up of National assessment Centre, PARAKH which will be an
independent and autonomous institution.
 Also, STARS Projects will be comprised of Contingency Emergency Response Component
(CERC). CERC will help in rapid re-categorization of financing and developing streamlined
financing request procedures. It will also responds and address to the situations like school
closure, infrastructure damage, inadequate facilities and usage of technology.
 Initially, the project will be launched in 6 states namely, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra,
Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala and Odisha.
 Thus STARS project will help to strengthen the Union Education ministry’s national data systems
and will boost learning assessment systems in India.
 Static Part:
GUJARAT TO SETUP WORLD’S BIGGEST ZINC SMELTER PROJECT
Current Context: Government of Gujarat has announced to setup World’s biggest Zinc Smelter
Project.
HIGHLIGHTS
 For this purpose, the state government has signed MoU with Vedanta Group firm Hindustan
Zinc Limited (HZL).
 The project will be setup in Dosawada in Tapi district of Gujarat.
 For this project, the HZL, makers of zinc, will be investing upto Rs 10,000 crore.
 The World’s Biggest Zinc Smelter Project will be having a production capacity of 300 KTPA (Kilo
Tonnes Per Annum).
 The project will be a boon to develop employment opportunities for local youth.
 The first phase of the plant will be in operation within 3 years and will satisfy the needs of
domestic as well as global need by increasing exports.
 The project will be utilising zero discharge technology and automation and is said to generate
5000 jobs opportunities directly and indirectly.
 Static Part:
o Governor of Gujarat: Acharya Devvrat
o National Parks and Wild Life Sanctuaries in Gujarat: Gir Forest NP, Blackbuck NP,
Marine NP, Vansda NP, Wild Ass WLS, Kutch Desert WLS, Barda WLS, Narayan Sarovar
WLS, Pania WLS, Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary, Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary
APPOINTMENTS ON 17TH OCT 2020
Current Context: Dr Michael Irani: He is appointed as Interim President of International

Weightlifting Federation (IWF). He is from Great Britain.
ABOUT
 Static Part:
o HQ of IWF: Budapest, Hungary
 Vishal V. Sharma: He is appointed as next Permanent Representative of India to UNESCO’s
Permanent Delegation of India with the rank of Ambassador. He has replaced Jawed Ashraf.
 Justice Madan Lokur: He is appointed by Supreme Court to monitor steps to prevent stubble
burning in the states of Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, amid rising level of pollution in Delhi
and adjoining regions.
PHONEPE AND BAJAJ ALLIANZ LAUNCHED CAR & BIKE INSURANCE
Current Context: PhonePe has partnered with Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company to launch
car and bike insurance products on its platform.
KEY FACTS
 Now the PhonePe users will be able to buy a car and bike insurance products within 2 minutes
from newly added motor insurance page under Insurance-> My Money tab of app.
 The 2 wheeler insurance starts from Rs 482 and car insurance starts from Rs 2,072.
 Instant claim amount will be received to the user within 20 minutes.
 Also the insurance buyers can customize their plans ad select from value added services such as
zero depreciation,24x7 roadside assistance and engine protection.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company: Pune
o MD and CEO of Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company: Tapan Singhel
o HQ of PhonePe: Bengaluru, Karnataka
o CEO of PhonePe: Sameer Nigam
‘KAPILA’ KALAM PROGRAM
Current Context: Union Education Minister virtually launched ‘KAPILA’ Kalam Program to mark
the Intellectual Property (IP) Literacy and Awareness campaign.
KEY POINTS
 The ‘KAPILA’ Kalam Program signifies ‘Kalam Program for Intellectual Property and
Awareness Campaign’.
 It is launched to mark the 89th Birth anniversary of former President and Scientist Late. Dr A P J
Abdul Kalam.
 Through this KAPILA Kalam Program, GOI will spread the awareness and importance of
patenting and inventions.
 Also, it is decided to mark 15th Oct to 23rd Oct 2020 as ‘Intellectual Property Literacy
Week’.
 During this week, awareness about the IP and its process to apply will be promoted via various
activities like debates, posters, quiz and community meets.
 Static Part:
WEBINAR AND EXPO HELD FOR INDIA-KAZAKHSTAN DEFENCE

COOPERATION
Current Context: A webinar and expo between India and Kazakhstan was held.
DETAILS
 The theme for this webinar and expo was:- ‘Make in India for the World, India-Kazakhstan
Defence Cooperation: Webinar and Expo’.
 The webinar was organized by Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence
through FICCI.
 This webinar was conducted to be one of the part of series of webinars which are conducted with
friendly foreign countries to boost defence exports and achieve export target of $5 billion in 5
years.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Kazakhstan: Nursultan
o Currency of Kazakhstan: Kazakhstani Tenge
‘SALARY CARD’--- LAUNCHED BY EARLYSALARY AND NPCI
Current Context: EarlySalary joined hands with NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India) to
launch ‘Salary Card’.
HIGHLIGHTS
 ‘Salary Card’ is the Zero-Touch Digital Card.
 The credit solution of this card is powered by Rupay.
 The card is launched to provide immediate access for salaried professionals, which will help them
to make instant purchases across merchants in India.
 The ‘Salary Card’ allows user to setup a dynamic credit limit as per their requirements. This
feature helps user to observe tight control over their finance expenditure.
 The card is supported with Machine Learning technology and has the mechanism of risk-oriented
decision making.
 The card will be activated by accessing EarlySalary mobile application within seconds.
 Static Part:
o HQ of EarlySalary: Pune, Maharashtra
o MD and CEO of NPCI: Dilip Asbe
APPOINTMENTS, RESIGNATION AND BRAND AMBASSADOR ON 16TH

OCTOBER 2020
Current Context: M S Ananth: He is appointed to head the committee which will frame the
Professional Engineers Bill. The committee is formed by AICTE.
ABOUT
 Rajiv Gauba: He is appointed to head the panel of secretaries set up by GOI to streamline
Telecom Spectrum Allocation.
 Gurdeep Singh: His tenure to be the CMD of NTPC Limited is extended up to 2025.
 Static part:
o HQ of NTPC: New Delhi
 Sooronbai Jeenbekov: He has resigned from the post of President of Kyrgyzstan.
 Static part:
o Capital of Kyrgyzstan: Bishkek
o Currency of Kyrgyzstan: Kyrgyzstani Som
 Costantina Dita: She is appointed as the brand ambassador of World Athletics Half Marathon
Championships 2020 which will be held from 17th Oct in Poland part.
DG OF SHIPPING NOTIFIED AS NATIONAL AUTHORITY FOR RECYCLING OF
SHIPS
Current Context: Government of India has notified Directorate General (DG) of Shipping as
National Authority for Recycling of Ships.
HIGHLIGHTS
 Thus, the DG Shipping is notified with the designation with apex authority for ship
recycling industry of India under Section 3, Recycling of Ships Act 2019.
 Being the apex authority, DG Shipping will administer, supervise and monitor activities related to
ships recycling, as it will be responsible for sustainable development of the ship recycling industry
of India.
 DG shipping will be the final authority for approvals required by ship recycling yard owners and
state governments.
 In this regards, the office for the National Authority of Ship Recycling will be setup in Gandhinagar,
Gujarat.
 Static Part:
o Minister of State (IC) for Ministry of Shipping: Mansukh Mandaviya
‘SARAL JEEVAN BIMA’ FROM 1ST JAN 2021—BY IRDAI
Current Context: The guidelines for ‘Saral Jeevan Bima’ are released by IRDAI (Insurance
Regulatory and Development Authority of India).
KEY POINTS
 IRDAI has made mandatory of offering this insurance policy by all life insurance companies
from 1st Jan 2021.
 The Saral Jeevan Bima’ will be non-linked non-participating individual pure risk premium life
insurance plan and has no maturity benefit.
 The insurance plan offers optional accident benefit and permanent disability rider. The sum
assured will be paid to the nominee in case of death of holder of the policy.
 The minimum amount for ‘Saral Jeevan Bima’ is Rs 5 lakh and maximum amount is upto Rs 25
lakhs. Policy term is from 5 to 40 years.
 The policy offers three premium payment options: Regular Premium, Limited premium
payment term for 5 years, 10 years and Single Premium.
 Static Part:
o HQ of IRDAI: Hyderabad, Telangana
o Chairman of IRDAI: Subhash Chandra Khuntia
‘THE HEALTHYLIFE PROGRAMME’—HDFC BANK AND APOLLO HOSPITALS
Current Context: India’s private sector bank, HDFC Bank in partnership with Apollo Hospitals has
launched a ‘HealthyLife Programme’ for its customers.
DETAILS
 The ‘HealthyLife Programme’ is the holistic heathcare solution.
 The aim of this programme is to make a healthy life easily accessible and affordable to the
customers of HDFC Bank.
 Under this programme, customers will get access to emergency 24x7 from Apollo doctors at no
cost on the digital platform of Apollo.
 The programme also offers choice of payments options and ease of finance for treatment feature
at all Apollo Hospitals.
 Along with this, loan amount upto Rs 40 lakhs can also be availed for medical expenses under this
programme.
 Static Part:
o UHQ of HDFC Bank: Mumbai
o CEO of HDFC Bank: Aditya Puri
o Tagline of HDFC Bank: We Understand Your World
GOV TECH THON 2020—BY NIC, IEEE COMPUTER SOCIETY AND ORACLE
Current Context: Gov Tech Thon 2020 will be jointly organized by GOI’s National Informatics
Centre (NIC), IEEE Computer Society and Oracle Corporation.
HIGHLIGHTS
 Gov Tech Thon 2020 is a pan India 36 hours virtual hackathon.
 It will be commencing from 30th Oct to 1st Nov 2020.
 This virtual hackathon will be organized under Ministry of Electronics and Information
Technology.
 In the hackathon, students, working professionals, teaching faculty ,freelancers and other IT
service professionals can take participation.
 The experts from NIC, Oracle and IEEE Computer Society will provide mentorship to the
participants. Also, experts from ministry of agriculture, education and transport departments
under GOI will provide guidance to the participants.
 Participants will be handling advanced tools from Oracle, Oracle Autonomous Database and built-
in and easy to handle cloud security services.
 With the help of guidance and utilization of various tech tools, participants will be developing
prototypes which will be used in practical applications.
 Static Part:
o Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology: Ravi Shankar Prasad
APPOINTMENTS ON 18TH OCTOBER 2020
Current Context: Rohan Jaitley: He is elected unopposed as President of Delhi and District Cricket
Association (DDCA).
ABOUT
 Jacinda Ardern: She is re-elected as Prime Minister of New Zealand for a second consecutive
three-year term.
 Static Part:
o Capital of New Zealand: Wellington
o Currency of New Zealand: New Zealand Dollar
 Rajkiran Rai G: He is appointed as Chairman of India Bank’s Association (IBA). He has
replaced Rajinish Kumar. Also, Rajkiran Rai G is currently serving as MD and CEO of Union Bank of
India.
 Dinesh Kumar Khara: He is appointed as Deputy-Chairman of India Bank’s Association
(IBA). He is currently serving as Chairman of SBI.
 Static Part:
o HQ of IBA: Mumbai
SCALE INDIA ANDROID APP—BY LSSC
Current Context: The Leather Sector Skill Council (LSSC) has launched the SCALE India Android
phone application.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 SCALE India app signifies Skill Certification Assessment for Leather Employees (SCALE).
 The app is launched with an aim to provide a single platform to assist the employees so that they
can upgrade their skill sets and can sustain in dynamic changing market.
 The app will fulfill industry demands and will offer the latest certified courses.
 SCALE India app will offer micro learning modules which will help to beige the identified skill
gaps.
 It will integrate employees and stakeholders associated with the leather sector.
 Static Part: LSSC is set up after the approval from NSDC (National Skill Development Corporation)
which works to meet the demands of employees in leather industry in India.
14TH INDIA-INTERNATIONAL FOOD AND AGRI WEEK 2020
Current Context: Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar inaugurated 14th session of India-
International Food and Agri Week virtually.
DETAILS
 The India-International Food and Agri Week is observed from 16th Oct to 22nd Oct 2020.
 CII in partnership with Ministry of Agriculture and farmers welfare, ministry of fisheries and
animal husbandry and ministry of food processing industries has organized its first-ever CII Agro
and food tech: India International Food and Agri on CII HIVE.
 The aim of this India-International Food and Agri Week is to create a platform for the benefit of
the stakeholders in Agri and allied sectors.
 This event will focus on the usage of technology in food and Agri sectors so as to increase farmers
income.
7TH MEET OF MINISTERS OF JUSTICE OF SCO
Current Context: The 7th meeting of Ministers of Justice of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
(SCO) was held through video conference.
KEY FACTS
 The meet was hosted by India and was addressed by Minister of Justice, Ravi Shankar
Prasad.
 In the meet, he discussed about the initiatives adopted by India to provide affordable and easy
access to justice.
 He also highlighted Pro Bono Legal Services to provide free legal aid to marginalized section of
Indian society.
 Ravi Shankar Prasad also mentioned the impact of tele-law service launched in India in 2017. He
mentioned that uptill now, 3 lakh and 44 thousand free legal consultation have been given to the
economically lower class of people.
 Also, he highlighted that during COVID-19 situation, around 25 lakh hearings took place through
video conference at various courts of India , out of which 9000 virtual hearings were conducted by
the Supreme Court.
 All the justice ministers’ agreed to promote the exchange of ideas and follow best practices related
to justice and also assured to widen the spectrum of activities being undertaken by SCO forum.
 Static Part:
o HQ of SCO: Beijing, China
GLOBAL HUNGER INDEX 2020
Current Context: The Global Hunger Index of 2020 is released.
HIGHLIGHTS
 India has marked the rank position of 94th among 107 countries in this index.
 The indicators for the assessment of Global Hunger Index are: Undernourishment, Child
Wasting, Child Stunting and Child Mortality.
 As per the report, India comes under ‘serious category’ with a score of 27.2.
 A score of India in each assessment category: For child stunting, rate is 37.4%. Wasting rate is
17.3% , undernourishment rate is 14% and under 5 mortality rate is 3.7%.
 Other neighboring countries of India which are under serious category are Bangladesh (75th) ,
Myanmar (78th) and Pakistan (88th).
 Nepal (73rd) and Sri Lanka (64th) are in moderate category in Global Hunger index 2020.
TATA MOTORS PARTNERS WITH HDFC BANK
Current Context: TATA Motors announced a partnership with HDFC (Housing Development
Finance Corporation) with an aim to finance its vehicles.
KEY FACTS
 Through this partnership, two schemes are launched namely: (a) Gradual Step Up Scheme
(b) TML Flexi Drive Scheme.
 The schemes are launched with an aim to make TATA vehicles more accessible and thus to
increase sale.
 Both the scheme are available on upto November 2020.
 Also, both schemes can be redeemed on entire new Bharat Stage (BS)- VI range of cars and SUVs
(Sports Utility Vehicles) along with EV range of the company.
 The schemes offer 100% ex-showroom financing on entire PV (Passenger Vehicle) products.
 Gradual Step Up Scheme: Under this, EMI options are as low as Rs 799 per lakh per month,
depending on product and variant. EMI payments gradually increase over a period of 2 months as
per the payment convenience of buyer.
 TML Flexi Drive Scheme: Under this, customer can choose any three months to pay a minimum
EMI of Rs 789 per lakh per month, depending on product and variant.
 Static Part:
o HQ of HDFC Bank: Mumbai
o CEO of HDFC Bank: Sashidhar Jagdishan (He replaced Aditya Puri)
o HQ of TATA Motors: Mumbai
o MD and CEO of TATA Motors: Guenter Butschek
SLINEX 2020 NAVAL EXERCISE
Current Context: Indian Navy and Sri Lankan Navy jointly conducts annual joint exercise named as
SLINEX 2020.
DETAILS
 The 8th SLINEX 2020 has begun from 19 Oct 2020 and will be held till 21st Oct 2020.
 The naval exercise is conducted off the Trincomalee coast.
 Indian Navy is represented by: Indigenously built ASW Corvettes Kamorata and Kiltan under the
command of Rear Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag officer Commanding Eastern Fleet. Also, Indian
Navy Advanced Light Helicopter, Chetak Helicopter and Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft will be
participating in this exercise.
 Sri Lankan Navy is represented by: SLN Ships Sayura and Gajabhau and will be led by Rear
Admiral Bandara Jayathilaka, Flag Officer Commanding Naval Fleet in Sri Lankan Navy.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Sri Lanka: Colombo, Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte
o Currency of Sri Lanka: Sri Lankan Rupee
‘MY TOWN MY PRIDE’ PROGRAMME – JAMMU AND KASHMIR
Current Context: Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir announced a programme called as
‘My Town My Pride’.
HIGHLIGHTS
 The programme commenced from 19th Oct 2020 in the UT of J&K.
 The programme is basically an urban connect programme which aims to provide
governance facilities at the doorsteps in urban areas of J&K.
 The programme follows the similar pattern of initial ‘Back to Village’ programme conducted in
J&K.
 Objectives of ‘My Town My Pride’ Programme: (a)To strengthen grassroots democracy (b)
Public outreach in towns (c) To offer service delivery at doorsteps
 ‘My Town My Pride’ Programme will look after on-the-spot addressing of grievances redressals,
offer immediate service delivery to people and offer ground speedy execution of people centric
schemes and projects.
 The programme also aims to offer time-bound delivery of documents like caste certificates,
revenue and income certificate, old-age and physically handicapped pension registration, ration
card updation, Aadhaar card enrollments etc at doorsteps. It will ensure immediate delivery of
benefits like government schemes like pensions, scholarships, PMAY, health golden cards, Ladli
Beti etc.
 Static Part:
o Lt Governor of Jammu and Kashmir: Manoj Sinha
INDIA SUCCESSFULLY TEST FIRED BRAHMOS MI SSILE
Current Context: India successfully carried out test firing operation of BrahMos missile.
KEY POINTS
 BrahMos is basically a supersonic cruise missile.
 It was test fired from an indigenously developed stealth destroyer of the Indian Navy in the
Arabian Sea. The stealth destroyer was the INS Chennai, from which it was fired.
 The missile performed extremely complex manoeuvres and hit the target with pin-point accuracy.
 BrahMos missile is prime striking operation missile which ensures warship invincibility. It
engages naval surface targets at long ranges.
 India and Russia have jointly designed, developed and produced BrahMos missile. Both the
nations have developed this missile under a joint venture called BrahMos Aerospace.
 It is developed by DRDO (India) and NPO Mashinostroyenia (Russia).
 The BrahMos name to the missile is given after Brahmaputra river and Moskva.
 BrahMos can be launched from submarines, ships, aircrafts and land platforms.
 The missile topped the speed of Mach 2.8, which is three times the speed of sound.
 Static Part:
o Chairman of DRDO: Dr G Satheesh Reddy
CRPF PARTNERS WITH IIT DELHI, DRDO AND JATC
Current Context: The CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) has entered into partnership with IIT
Delhi, DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) and JATC (Joint Advanced
Technology Centre) to strengthen its Research and Development capabilities.
KEY FACTS
 The partnership will help to augment capacity building in order to make optimal usage of police
technologies.
 Also under this partnership, CRPF will be integrated with DRDO labs for the purpose of realistic
indigenisation of technologies on the internal security grid.
 Also, IIT Experts will work to conduct R&D and will provide operational feedback on futuristic
technologies to CRPF.
 A certified course under IIT Delhi’s education program will be offered to a batch of engineering
graduate officers or subordinate officers of CRPF. They will be undergoing trainings and certified
course for the duration of 3-6 months.
 Under this partnership, the trained CRPF officers will be associated with research projects
undertaken by DRDO and IIT Delhi related to defence and security technology sector.
 Static Part:
o HQ of CRPF: New Delhi
o DG of CRPF: AP Maheshwari
o Chairman of DRDO: Dr, G Satheesh Reddy
‘INVEST 4G’- BY CANARA HSBC OBC LIFE INSURANCE
Current Context: Canara HSBC Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC) Life Insurance Company has
launched ‘Invest 4G’.
HIGHLIGHTS
 ‘Invest 4G’ is a unit-linked individual life insurance cum savings plan.
 It can be customized as per the customer’s requirements and is suitable for new-age digital
buyers.
 It provides one and unmatched Portfolio Management Options and is flexible which gives choice to
avail for protection, suiting the demand for individual and also provide opportunity to save future
goals.
 ‘Invest 4G’ comes with 3 options: Life Option, Care Option and Century Option.
 Life Option ensures financial security to the family during the customer’s demise. Care Option
provides life coverage with premium funding benefits feature. Century option is a full life option
available to policyholders upto the 100 years of age.
 The ‘Invest 4G’ also adds to one’s savings through loyalty additions, wealth boosters and returns
the mortality charges on policy maturity thus by increasing savings.
 In this, a single premium payment option is added which includes 10x cover multiple and 1.25x
cover multiple.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Canara HSBC OBC Life Insurance Company: Gurugram, Haryana
o MD and CEO: Anuj Mathur
AYUSHMAN SAHAKAR SCHEME
Current Context: Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Agriculture Minister has launched Ayushman
Sahakar Scheme.
DETAILS
 The scheme is drafted by National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), an apex
autonomous development finance institution which comes under Ministry of Agriculture and
Farmers Welfare.
 This Ayushman Sahakar scheme is an unique way which will assist cooperatives to play a
vital role in creating healthcare infrastructure in India.
 For this purpose, NCDC will extend term loans to cooperatives by Rs 10,000 crores.
 Also, NCDC will provide interest subvention of 1% to cooperatives where the majority of
women is higher.
 The scheme will provide working capital and margin money which will meet the operation
requirements to set up healthcare infra in the country.
 The scheme will focus on National Health Policy 2017.
 Static Part:
o HQ of NCDC: New Delhi
1ST ISA SOLAR AWARDS 2020
Current Context: The International Solar Alliance (ISA) has presented first edition of ISA Solar
Awards 2020.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 The awards giving ceremony took place virtually during 3rd Assembly of ISA.
 Distinguished scientist, organisations who excelled their work in providing reliable and
sustainable solar energy were awarded ISA Solar Award 2020.
 The awards were conferred in three categories: (a) Visvesvaraya Award- This award was
given to recognize the countries with a maximum floating solar capacity in every 4 regions of
ISA. (b) Kalpana Chawla Awards- This award was given to mark the outstanding contribution of
scientist and engineers associated with solar energy sector. (c) Diwakar Award- This award was
given recognize institutions and organisations who are working for the benefit of differently-abled
people and have increased the use of solar energy in the host country.
 Winners in each category of ISA Solar Award 2020: (a) Visvesvaraya Award- Japan (Asia Pacific
region) and Netherland (Europe and other regions) (b) Kalpana Chawla Awards- Dr Bhim Singh
(IIT Delhi, India) and Dr. Aaesha Alnuaimi (UAE). (c) Diwakar Award- Arpan Institute (Haryana)
and Arushi Society.
 Static Part:
o HQ of ISA: Gurugram, Haryana
o Leader of ISA: Upendra Tripathy
ASIA POWER INDEX 2020
Current Context: Sydney based Lowy Institute has released Asia Power Index 2020.
KEY FACTS
 As per the index rankings, India has been ranked at 4th spot with a score of 39.7 out of 100.
 The index shows the ranking for 26 countries and territories on the basis of an analytical tool
which ranks the countries based on what resources they have and the way they utilise their
resources for the upliftment of their respective country in each sector.
 The index is topped by United States with a score of 81.6.
 The second and third position is marked by China (76.1 score) and Japan (41 score) respectively.
INDIA SUCCESSFULLY TEST FIRED ‘SANT’ MISSILE
Current Context: India successfully tests fired SANT Missile (Standoff Anti-Tank Missile) from
Integrated Test Range (ITR) off Odisha coast.
HIGHLIGHTS
 It was tested from a rooftop launcher of the ground-based platform.
 SANT Missile is developed by DRDO for India Air Force and is the upgraded version of anti-tank
missile named HeliNa (Helicopter Launched Nag).
 SANT Missile is additionally equipped with the advanced node-mounted seeker.
 SANT Missile is equipped with Lock-on After Launch and Lock-on Before Launch capabilities.
 It can hit the target from a range of 15 to 20km away.
 Static Part:
ADB TO PROVIDE LOAN FOR ROAD IMPROVEMENTS IN MAHARASHTRA
Current Context: Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Government of India has signed a loan
agreement with an aim to improve roads in Maharashtra state.
KEY FACTS
 The loan agreement of $177 million is signed between them.
 This loan amount will be used to upgrade 450km of highways and major district roads in
Maharashtra.
 This project will improve transport roads connectivity between rural and urban areas of
Maharashtra.
 The improved road connectivity will help to provide better transport access to markets, will
increase employment opportunities and other services in the state.
 Also, there will be increase in road safety measures as the project will be developing road safety
audit framework.
 Under this upgradation of roads in Maharashtra, two major district roads and 11 state highways ,
with a combined length of 450 km will be upgraded.
 Under this project, the road maintenance system will be updated on the basis of 5 year
performance-based maintenance contracts.
 Static Part:
o CM of Maharashtra: Uddhav Thackeray
o Governor of Maharashtra: Bhagat Singh Koshyari
o National Parks and Wild Life Sanctuaries in Maharashtra: Tadoba NP, Sanjay Gandhi NP,
Chandoli NP, Gugamal NP, Navegaon NP, Bhimashankar WLS, Bhamragarh WLS, Malvan
Marine Sanctuary, Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Phansad Bird Sanctuary, Dajipur WLS,
Sagareshwar Deer Sanctuary, Nagzira WLS
FRONTIER TECHNOLOGIES CIC—BY NITI AAYOG AND AMAZON WEB

SERVICES
Current Context: National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog in partnership with
Amazon Web Services launched First of its kind, a Frontier Technologies Cloud Innovation Center
(CIC).
KEY POINTS
 The Frontier Technologies CIC is developed to address societal challenges through digital
technology.
 It will address the societal challenges related to agriculture, healthcare and skill development.
 This is the first Cloud Innovation Center in India and 12th Cloud Innovation Center in the whole
world.
 This Cloud Innovation Center will allow the innovators and startups to make use of emerging
technologies like AI, IoT, Robotics and Blockchain to develop cloud-centric digital innovations.
 Thus under this Frontier Technologies Cloud Innovation Center (CIC) platform, local enterprises,
startups, researchers and universities will perform experiments and will build prototypes on AWS
Cloud.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Amazon Web Services: Seattle, Washington DC, US
o CEO of Amazon Web Services: Andrew R Jasy
44TH OECD INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION OUTLOOK 2020 REPORT
Current Context: The report on 44th edition of OECD International Migration Outlook 2020 is
released by Jose Angel Gurria Trevino, Secretary General at OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-
operation and Development).
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 As per this report, India has marked the 2nd rank position in terms of migrants going to
OECD countries and acquiring citizenship of those countries.
 China has marked the first rank in this ranking.
 The third position is marked by Romania.
 From India, 3.3 lakh migrants moved to OECD which is an increase of 10% compared to last
edition report analysis.
 Static Part:
o HQ of OECD: Paris, France
9TH INDIA-OMAN JOINT COMMISSION
Current Context: The 9th session of India and Oman Joint Commission was held virtually.
DETAILS
 India was represented by Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of State of Commerce and Industry.
 Oman was represented by Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry
and Investment.
 The 9th session focused to review the current activities and developments in trade and
investment during the pandemic state of COVID-19.
 Both India and Oman assured to work coordinately in expanding bilateral trade and investment
activities with eachother.
 Also, both nations assured to work coordinately in sectors like agriculture, food security, tourism,
IT, MSMEs, Space and Aviation, Renewable Energy, education, Mining and Culture.
 They also discussed and agreed to expedite the process of signing and ratification of protocol
amending India-Oman Double Taxation Agreement and conclusion of India-Oman Bilateral
Investment Treaty.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Oman: Muscat
o Currency of Oman: Omani Rial
BSE SIGNS MOU WITH TELANGANA GOV. AND GLOBALLINKER
Current Context: Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) has signed MoU with Industries and Commerce
Department of Telangana Government and GlobalLinker.
HIGHLIGHTS
 The three entities have signed MoU with an aim to support MSMEs in Telangana in order to
raise equity funds.
 The entities will support MSMEs by addressing their challenges which arise due to limited
alternate finance sources.
 BSE will support MSME in tackling their finance access issues and will help to increase their
credibility.
 Also, BSE will provide intellectual and manpower support with an aim to raise awareness about
importance and benefits of listing.
 GlobalLinker portal will help in promoting MSMEs in simple and profitable manner.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Telangana: Hyderabad
o CM of Telangana: K Chandrashekar Rao
o Governor of Telangana: Tamilisai Soundararjan
o HQ of BSE: Mumbai
o MD and CEO of BSE: Ashishkumar Chauhan
INDIAN TOURISM STATISTICS 2020 REPORT
Current Context: Ministry of Tourism has released Indian Tourism Statistics 2020 report.
KEY FACTS
 As per the report, Uttar Pradesh has emerged as the top destination for attracting a large
number of an Indian tourist in the state in 2019.
 Around 53.6 crores domestic tourist visited UP in 2019. This estimation contributes to 23.1% of
total travellers.
 The second and third position is marked by Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh respectively in
domestic visitors list category.
 However, Tamil Nadu has topped in the list of attracting foreign visitors in the state in
2019. Nearly, 68 lakh foreigners visited Tamil Nadu in 2019.
 The second and third position is marked by Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh respectively in
Foreign visitors list category.
 Static Part:
o Union Minister of Tourism and Culture: Prahlad Singh Patel
CURED—WEBSITE LAUNCHED BY HEALTH MINISTER
Current Context: Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan launched website named as CUReD.
KEY POINTS
 CUReD signifies ‘CSIR Ushered Repurposed Drugs’.
 The CUReD portal is launched to provide informational data about numerous COVID-19 clinical
trials in which CSIR is engaged with other industries, ministries or governmental departments.
 The portal will also provide details about clinical trials of diagnostics and other health
equipments.
 The data related to partnered institutions for developing clinical trials and other health
equipments will also be provided on this portal.
 CSIR is working in collaboration with AYUSH Ministry for conducting clinical trials of AYUSH
Drugs.
 Static Part:
o HQ of CSIR: New Delhi
o President of CSIR: PM Narendra Modi
o Vice-President of CSIR: Dr. Harsh Vardhan
o DG of CSIR: Shekhar C. Mande
18TH MEET PROSECUTORS GENERAL OF SCO
Current Context: The 18th meeting of Prosecutors General of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
(SCO) was held virtually.
ABOUT
 The meet was organised by the General Prosecutor’s Office of Uzbekistan from Tashkent.
 India was represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.
 The dignitaries discussed about strengthening cooperation to combat corruption, develop mutual
legal assistance and exchange of regulatory legal acts.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Uzbekistan: Tashkent
o Currency of Uzbekistan: Uzbekistani Som
 India to host SCO Prosecutors General Meet in 2021.
APPOINTMENTS ON 22ND OCTOBER 2020
Current Context: Madhabi Puri Buch: She is appointed to head the Market Data Advisory Committee
(MDAC) which is setup by SEBI. The committee is setup to achieve data culture through Data
Democratization.
DETAILS
 Static Part:
 P Umesh: He is appointed to head 9 member panel setup by IRDAI to examine the need for
Standard Cyber Liability Insurance for individuals and organisations so that they can manage
their cyber risks, thus to curb the increasing cyber-attack situations.
 Static Part:
o HQ of IRDAI: Hyderabad, Telangana
o Chairman of IRDAI: Dr Subhash Chandra Khuntia
MICROSOFT PARTNERS WITH SPACEX TO CONNECT AZURE PLATFORM TO
SATELLITES
Current Context: Microsoft has teamed up with satellite operator named SpaceX with an aim to
provide uninterrupted Azure service to its customers.
HIGHLIGHTS
 This partnership is made to target space customers.
 Microsoft’s partnership with SpaceX Starlink will provide high speed with an minimum
latency for satellite broadband service for Microsoft’s Azure Modular Datacenter.
 For this purpose, Microsoft has formed a team of space industry veterans so that they can
collaboratively work with product engineers and scientist.
 The Microsoft team and product engineers and scientist will be developing cloud capabilities
which will lead to space exploration.
 They will work in innovation areas related to space missions, discovering insights from satellite
data and to fuel innovation at the ground as well as orbit level.
 Once the space mission gets coupled with Azure’s high-performance computing platform, machine
learning and data analytics abilities for satellites will then open new opportunities for
organisations.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Microsoft Corporation: Redmond, Washington, US
o CEO of Microsoft: Satya Nadella
o HQ of SpaceX: Hawthorne, California, US
o CEO of SpaceX: Elon Musk
‘COVIRAP’: A COVID-19 TEST KIT BY IIT KHARAGPUR
Current Context: Researchers from IIT Kharagpur has developed a low-cost COVID-19 test kit
named as ‘COVIRAP’.
KEY FACTS
 The COVIRAP diagnostic machine is successfully validated by ICMR (Indian Council of
Medical Research) because of efficient features.
 The result provided by COVIRAP machine are similar to RT-PCR and gives result in less than an
hour.
 The cost of testing using this machine is around Rs 500.
 COVIRAP is a cuboid-shaped portable machine whose developing cost is around Rs 5000.
 Along with coronavirus test, other tests like influenza, malaria, dengue, tuberculosis can also be
performed using COVIRAP.
IND SPRING BOARD—BY INDIAN BANK AND IIT MADRAS INCUBATION
CELL
Current Context: Indian Bank partnered with IIT Madras Incubation Cell (IITMIC) to launch ‘IND
SpringBoard’, which is the credit facility to fund startups.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 ‘IND SpringBoard’ will offer an exclusive credit facility of up to Rs 50 crore for startups in
order to fulfil their capital requirements and purchase of machinery and equipment.
 Under this ‘IND SpringBoard’, IITMIC will refer startups with adequate technology cash flows to
the bank. They will also extend advisory to the bank on the business model.
 The bank will then offer loan up to Rs 50 crore to such startups.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Indian Bank: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
o Tagline of Indian Bank: Your Own Bank
o Allahabad Bank is merged with Indian Bank
o CEO of IITMIC: Dr Tamaswati Ghosh
USAID ANNOUNCED $5 MILLION TO SUPPORT INDIAN COVID-19

INITIATIVES
Current Context: The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced
to awards of $5 million to Catalyst Management Service’s COVID Action Collaborative (CAC) and to
Wadhwani Institute for Artificial Intelligence.
ABOUT
 The award is offered as the part of US Government’s support to India’s COVID-19 response.
 Out of this $5 million award, $3 million will be used for CAC for two years to strengthen the
capacity of 100 local organisations, 10 local governments and 15 association of healthcare
providers, retailers and street vendors who are affected financially during this pandemic state.
CAC will link them with government and private sector resources so that around 10 million
individuals will get the benefit of this award.
 And rest $2 million will be used by Wadhwani Institute for Artificial Intelligence to develop tools
which will forecast the disease pattern of COVID-19.
 Static Part:
o HQ of USAID: Washington DC US
o Acting Administrator of USAID: John Barsa
APPOINTMENTS AND BRAND AMBASSADOR ON 23RD OCTOBER 2020
Current Context: Harish Kumar and Umesh Sinha: They are appointed in 2 membered committees
which is formed by Election Commission of India (ECI) to review the expenditure limit of candidates
contesting in Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. Harish Kumar is former DG Investigation and Umesh
Sinha is Secretary-General and DG Expenditure.
DETAILS
 Static Part:
o HQ of ECI: New Delhi
o Chief Election Commissioner of ECI: Sunil Arora
 Lewis Hamilton: He is appointed as brand ambassador for LG Signature, which is the home
solution brand of LG Electronics.
 Static Part:
o HQ of LG Electronics: South Korea
 Priyanka Chopra: She is appointed as brand ambassador for B-Fizz, fruits plus fizz portfolio
of Parle Agro.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Parle Agro: Mumbai
o Chairman of Parle Agro: Schauana Chauhan
 Neena Malhotra: She is appointed as next Ambassador to the Republic of San Marino.
 Static Part:
o Capital of San Marino: San Marino
o Currency of San Marino: Euro
WORLD BANK-IMF ANNUAL MEET 2020
Current Context: The annual meeting of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF)
was held virtually.
DETAILS
 The meeting was addressed by the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr Harsh
Vardhan.
 The meeting was held under two themes: (a) ‘Unleashing the South Asian Century through
Human Capital for All’ (b) ‘Investing in COVID-19 Vaccines and Primary Healthcare Delivery
System’.
 Dr Harsh Vardhan mentioned that India followed the ‘Whole of Society, Whole of Government’
approach to tackle the pandemic situation in the country.
 Also, he appreciated the support from private firms of India in providing PPE kits, N95 masks,
oxygen supply, ventilators with an aim to ensure self-sufficiency.
 He highlighted that medical infrastructure in India from March has risen from having one lab in
March 2020 to 2000 labs till now.
 He focused that India’s current agenda is to provide affordable COVID-19 vaccine and to ensure its
equal distribution though electronic Vaccine Intelligent Network (e-Vin).
 For this purpose, the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration under the leadership of PM
Narendra Modi is set up. This expert group will ensure equal distribution of vaccine in rural and
remote areas.
 Static Part:
o HQ of IMF: Washington DC, US
o MD of IMF: Kristalina Georgieva-Kinova
o Economic Counsellor and Research Development Director of IMF: Gita Gopinath
‘YSR BIMA’ SCHEME—ANDHRA PRADESH
Current Context: Andhra Pradesh Government launched ‘YSR Bima’ Scheme.
HIGHLIGHTS
 The scheme will offer insurance cover to the beneficiary in case of death or accident of their
family members.
 The insurance cover amount will be directly credited into the bank account of the beneficiary
within 15 days of making claim.
 Immediate assistance of Rs 10,000 will be provided to the families of victims through village and
ward secretaries.
 The accidental death and total permanent disability for people between age group 18-50 years is
Rs 5 lakh.
 The accidental death and total permanent disability for people between age group 51-70 years is
Rs 3 lakh.
 Natural death case of the people between age 18-50 years is Rs 2 lakh.
 For partial permanent disability in an accident case of people between age 18-70 years is Rs 1.5
lakhs.
 Static Part:
o CM of Andhra Pradesh: YS Jagan Mohan Reddy
o Governor of Andhra Pradesh: Biswa Bhushan Harichandan
o Major Irrigations Dams and Reservoirs in Andhra Pradesh: Srisailam Dam, Nagarjuna Sagar
Dam, Somasila Dam, Polavaram Project, Kalyani Dam, Mylavaram Dam, Tatipudi Reservoir,
Jeedipalli Reservoir
1ST MINISTERIAL MEET OF G20 ANTI-CORRUPTION WORKING GROUP
Current Context: The first-ever Ministerial meeting of G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group was
held.
KEY POINTS
 The meeting was dressed by Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of Personnel, Public Grievances
and Pensions.
 Saudi Arabia hosted the meeting and thus become the first country to host the G20 Anti-
Corruption Working Group meeting.
 Union Minister Jitendra Singh mentioned that India is truly committed to the policy of zero
tolerance against corruption and unaccounted money.
 He mentioned about India’s policies like Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act 2018 and
Fugitive Economic Offenders Act 2018 in combating corruption.
 He also highlighted India’s initiative to operationalize Lokpal to check corruption.
 Static Part: The G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group was formed in June 2010 at G20 Summit
held in Toronto.
o 2020 Presidency of G20: Saudi Arabia
o Theme of 2020 for G20: Realizing Opportunities of the 21st Century for all
MASTERCARD PARTNERS WITH ATLANTIS
Current Context: MasterCard has entered into a partnership with Atlantis with an aim to expand
the Digital First Program in India.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 Under this partnership, customers of MasterCard will be provided with a technology
solution which will provide them with ease in digital banking.
 The partnership will soon be extended to counties like Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore.
 Customers will be benefited with immediate account access and convenient payment solutions.
 Digital First Program is operational with prepaid, debit and credit cards and account-based
payments through any digital device.
 Static Part:
o HQ of MasterCard: New York, US
o HQ of Atlantis: Singapore
APPOINTMENTS AND BRAND AMBASSADOR ON 24TH OCTOBER 2020
Current Context: Saad al-Hariri: He is reappointed as Prime Minister of Lebanon.
ABOUT
 Static Part:
o Capital of Lebanon: Beirut
o Currency of Lebanon: Lebanese Pound
 Sushil Kumar Singhal: He is appointed as next High Commissioner of India to Solomon
Islands.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Solomon Islands: Honiara
o Currency of Solomon Islands: Dollar
 Apurva Chandra: He is appointed as Chairperson of Governing Body of International Labour
Organisation (ILO). Currently, he is serving as Secretary (Labour and Employment) under
Ministry of Labour and Employment.
 Static Part:
o HQ of ILO: Geneva, Switzerland
o DG of ILO: Guy Ryder
o Union Minister of state (IC) for Labour and Employment: Santosh Kumar Gangwar
 Rajiv Kumar: He is appointed to head the committee which will evaluate reforms in urban
planning education system. There will be 14 members in the committee and is formed by NITI
Aayog. Rajiv Kumar is serving as Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog.
 Static Part:
 Rohit Sharma: He is appointed as brand ambassador for Vega.
‘LIFE IN MINIATURE’ PROJECT
Current Context: ‘Life in Miniature’ Project is launched by Prahlad Singh Patel, Union Minister of
State for Culture and Tourism (Independent Charge).
HIGHLIGHTS
 The project is launched by the National Museum, New Delhi, Ministry of Culture and Google
Arts and Culture.
 Under this project, hundreds of miniature paintings from the National Museum will be
displayed and viewed on Google Arts and Culture app.
 People across the world can experience the first augmented reality-powered art gallery designed
with traditional Indian architecture with the help of Google Arts and Culture app.
 The miniature work will be captured with the help of technologies like machine learning,
augmented reality and digitization with the help of HD specific cameras.
 The app also possesses the feature of ‘Magnify Miniatures’ which will allow the users to magnify
artwork and paintings.
 The artwork will be showcased based on five universal themes namely, Human relationship with
nature, love, celebration, faith and power.
 The showcased art and painting collection include Ramayana, Royal Saga and Pahari style
paintings.
IIT KHARAGPUR PARTNE RS WITH TCS
Current Context: IIT Kharagpur has partnered with TCS to develop novel Industry 4.0 technology.
KEY POINTS
 Industry 4.0 technology is developed to remotely control factory operations and to have
real-time quality corrections in industries.
 This technology is developed to set a new trend in the manufacturing sector of India.
 Industry 4.0 technology will help manufacturing industries to achieve standard quality goals,
reduce possibilities of rejection, hence lowering the cost of production.
 The technology is developed by Prof. Surjya K Pal, who is in-charge at the Centre of Excellence in
Advanced Manufacturing Technology.
 The Industry 4.0 technology will help to acquire real-time data about welding activities via
sensors and will allow online controlling of welding quality with the help of cloud-based
data transfer with the friction stir welding machine.
 The technology conforms to standards and thus will inform about any defect during monitoring
tasks.
‘CII AGRO AND FOOD TECH: INDIA INTERNATIONAL FOOD AND AGRI
WEEK’
Current Context: Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar
inaugurated first ‘CII Agro and Food Tech: India International Food and Agri Week’ during 14th
Agro and Food Tech event.
ABOUT
 The ‘CII Agro and Food Tech: India International Food and Agri Week’ was observed from 16th Oct
to 22nd Oct 2020.
 It was organised by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in partnership with the ministry
of fisheries, animal husbandry and dairying and ministry of food processing industries.
 The week was observed with an aim to use technology in the food and agriculture sector so
as to boost farmers income.
 Along with this observation of week, ministry of food processing also launched ‘Anna Devo Bhava’,
which is an awareness campaign.
 Static Part:
o DG of CII: Chandrajit Banerjee
o President of CII: Uday Kotak
RBI FIXED MINIMUM NOF SIZE TO HFCS AT RS 25 CRORE
Current Context: Reserve Bank of India, is the new regulatory body for Housing Finance Companies
(HFCs) has proposed changes to the prescribed for HFCs.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 These changes are made with an aim to increase the efficiency of HFCs and address their issues
related to liquidity and double financing.
 In this regard, RBI has revised regulatory framework for HFCs under which minimum Net
Owned Funds (NOF) size for HFCs is fixed to Rs 25 crore.
 As per this, HFC having CoR (Certificate of Registration) and having NOF less than Rs 25 crore will
be required to achieve NOF of Rs 15 crore by 31st March 2022 and Rs 25 crore by 31st March
2023.
 Also, it would be mandatory upon such HFCs whose NOF is currently below Rs 20 crore to submit
a statutory auditor’s certificate to RBI within a month evidencing compliance with the prescribed
levels.
 HFCs not fulfilling the prescribed level within the stipulated amount of time will not be eligible to
hold CoR.
 Also, HFCs will not impose foreclosure charges or pre-payment penalties on any floating rate term
loan sanctioned for purposes other than business to individual borrowers, with or without co-
obligates.
 HFCs lending against the collateral of listed shares will have to maintain an LTV (Loan to Value)
ratio of 50% for loans granted against the collateral of shares.
 HFCs will be mandated to maintain the LTV ratio not more than 75% for loans granted against the
collateral of gold jewellery.
 Static Part:
o HQ of RBI: Mumbai
PM MODI LAUNCHED THREE PROJECTS IN GUJARAT
Current Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched ‘Kisan Suryoday Yojana’, ‘Girnar
Ropeway’ and ‘Paediatric Heart Hospital in UN Mehta Heart Research Institute’ in Gujarat state.
KEY FACTS
 The ‘Kisan Suryoday Yojana’ is launched to provide day time power supply for irrigation facility in
Gujarat.
 The state farmers will be provided with a power supply between 5 am to 9 pm.
 The funds allotted for ‘Kisan Suryoday Yojana’ is Rs 3500 crores, which will be used to install
transmissions lines in which each transmission line will carry 66KW of power.
 Also, 22kv substations will also be installed with the help of these funds.
 PM Modi also inaugurated ropeway located in Mount Girnar in Junagadh district of Gujarat. This
ropeway is considered as longest ropeway in Asia.
 Total costing of this ropeway is Rs 130 crore and is 2320 meters long, with the capacity of carrying
1000 passengers in one hour.
 PM Modi also inaugurated the Paediatric Heart Hospital at UN Mehta Institute of Cardiology and
Research Centre at Civil Hospital campus of Ahmedabad and Mobile Application for telecardiology.
The funds utilised for this is Rs 470 crore.
 Static Part:
IMD COMMISSIONED FLASH FLOOD GUIDANCE SERVICE IN SOUTH ASIA
Current Context: India Meteorological Department (IMD) has commissioned FFGS (Flash Flood
Guidance Service) in South Asian Countries.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 FFGS is commissioned in India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
 The Flash Flood Guidance Service is an advanced and robust system which provides
warnings about threats in advance 6 hours and warnings about risks in advance 24 hours.
 The warnings for flash floods are provided in advance at the watershed level with a resolution of
4kmX4km.
 This system was approved at 15th World Meteorological Congress.
 It is created by following two concepts namely, Flash Flood Guidance and Flash Flood Threat.
 Flash Flood Guidance refers to an index which indicates how much rainfall is required to
overcome channel storage capacities and soil storage capacities which will cause minimum flood
condition in a basin.
 Flash Flood Threat refers to an index that provides an indication of areas where flood occurs and
immediate action is needed.
 Static Part:
o HQ of IMD: New Delhi
o GD of IMD: Dr M Mohapatra
‘DELHI METRO-SBI CARD’
Current Context: SBI Card and Payment Services (SBI Cards) in partnership with Delhi Metro Rail
Corporation (DMRC) launched ‘Delhi Metro-SBI Card’.
DETAILS
 The ‘Delhi Metro-SBI Card’ is a multipurpose credit card which is launched for Delhi Metro
passengers.
 The card is a credit card as well as a metro smart card.
 It is launched with an aim to support digital finance movement and to promote cashless
transactions in Delhi Metro.
 The card has an access to 100 metro stations across Delhi and NCR.
 The card gets automatically recharged from its linked bank account, whenever the balance reaches
below Rs 100.
 The ‘Delhi Metro-SBI Card’ also offers an insurance cover of Rs 50,000.
 It also offers a 10% discount on metro travel and 1% fuel surcharge waiver at all petrol pumps to
the user.
 Annual fees will be reversed on the spending of Rs 1 lakh.
 Static Part:
o HQ of SBI Cards: Gurgaon, Haryana
o MD and CEO of SBI Cards: Ashwini Kumar Tewari
o MD OF DMRC: Mangu Singh
SURVEY ON HIMALAYAN BROWN BEAR—BY ZSI
Current Context: The Zoological Survey of India released a report of its survey on Himalayan
Brown Bear.
KEY POINTS
 As per this report, the Himalayan Brown Bear habitat has shown a decline in the biological
corridors.
 As per the survey, a massive decline of about 73% in the habitat of the Himalayan brown
bear will be seen by 2050.
 The survey was conducted in the western part of Himalayas.
 This habitat was considered for their survey as Himalayan Brown Bear are considered to be top
carnivore of the Himalayan region.
INDIA AUSTRALIA CIRCULAR ECONOMY HACKATHON (I-ACE)
Current Context: The ‘India Australia Circular Economy Hackathon (I-ACE)’ will be organised by
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) in association with Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and
Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 This hackathon on the circular economy will be held on 7th and 8th Dec 2020.
 The hackathon will be based on four themes: (a) Innovation in reducing packaging waste (b)
Innovation in food supply chains avoiding waste (c) Creating opportunities for plastic waste
reduction (d) Recycling critical energy metals and e-waste.
 The aim behind conducting this hackathon is to address the issues and challenges being faced by
the circular economy.
 Under this hackathon, various innovative solutions will arise which will help to reduce the
problems related to eliminating and reusing waste.
 This will result in making the economy less resource-intensive and will provide a path to grow the
economy in an ecological manner.
 Students, experts, startups and MSMEs from India and Australia will be developing innovative
technology-based solutions which will help to boost the circular economy of both nations.
 Two winners for each theme from each country will be awarded in an award ceremony which will
be held on 11th Dec 2020.
 Static Part:
SVC CO-OPERATIVE BANK PARTNERS WITH NPCI
Current Context: The Shamrao Vithal Co-operative Bank Ltd (SVC Bank) has entered into a
partnership with National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
KEY POINTS
 They have entered into a partnership to launch a rewards programme.
 They launched loyalty management program with an aim to provide ease and rewardable banking
experience to the customers.
 Under this reward program, customers will earn points upon using SVC Bank’s cards and its
digital solutions.
 The reward points can be redeemed to purchase products and services like electronics, sports,
home decor, lifestyle, health etc.
 Static Part:
o HQ of SVC Co-operative Bank: Mumbai
o MD of SVC Co-operative Bank: Ajit E Venugopalan
Current Context: Luis Arce: He will be appointed as President of Bolivia.
ABOUT
 Static Part:
o Capital of Bolivia: Sucre and La Paz
o Currency of Bolivia: Boliviano
 Wavel Ramkalawan: He is appointed as President of Seychelles.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Seychelles: Victoria
o Currency of Seychelles: Seychellois Rupee
 Alpha Conde: He is appointed as President of Guinea for 3rd term.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Guinea: Conakry
o Currency of Guinea: Guinean Franc
 PM Narendra Modi: He is will be heading a high level 70 member committee to
commemorate 400th birth anniversary of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur. The committee will work
to formulate and approve policies, plans, programmes and will look after supervision and
guidance for commemoration, deciding broad dates for the programme.
INDIA-US 2+2 MINISTERIAL DIALOGUE
Current Context: The 3rd India-US 2+2 Dialogue is conducted on 27th Oct 2020.
HIGHLIGHTS
 The dialogue is held to discuss global, bilateral and regional issues between India and the
United States.
 The meet is attended by US Secretary of Defence, Mark T. Esper and US Secretary of State, Michael
R. Pompeo. India is represented by Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister,
S Jaishankar.
 During this meet, both the nations will be signing BECA Agreement (Basic Exchange and
Cooperation Agreement for Geo-Spatial Cooperation).
 This agreement will allow India to access extremely accurate geo-spatial data.
 This spatial data will be having military applications which will improve the accuracy of India’s
missile systems.
 BECA is the agreement between National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency of the US Defence
Department and Indian Union Ministry of Defence.
 Under this agreement, both nations will be able to share important military information like
advanced satellite and topographical data, geophysical data, geodetic data, geomagnetic data,
gravitational data and nautical and aeronautical charts.
MOBILE APP FOR GEO TAGGING OF COMPONENTS OF PMKSY-AIBP
Current Context: Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Rattan Lal Kataria has launched a mobile
app for geotagging project components under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana-
Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (PMKSY-AIBP).
KEY FACTS
 The mobile app is developed by Bhaskaracharya National Institute of Space Applications
and Geo-Informatics (BISAG-N).
 The mobile application will be useful for monitoring authorities of various projects to capture the
images of project components like location, type of canal, completion status etc.
 The app can be used online as well as offline mode.
 Static Part:
o Union Minister of Jal Shakti: Ganjendra Singh Shekhawat
TWO CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE FOR TRIBAL WELFARE—BY MOTA AND

AOL
Current Context: Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) in partnership with Art of Living (AoL)
developed two Centers of Excellence (CoE) for the welfare of the tribal community.
HIGHLIGHTS
 Both the CoE was launched by Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, Arjun Munda.
 During the launching occasion, Arjun Munda praised the support from Art of Living in developing
Centre of Excellence.
 The First CoE is related to the field of training tribal farmer communities, set up in Aurangabad
district of Maharashtra. This CoE will provide training based on sustainable natural farming
through Go-Adharith farming techniques.
 The Second CoE is related to the field of ‘Strengthening PRIs’ (Panchayati Raj Institutions) in 5
districts covering 30-gram panchayats and 150 villages of Jharkhand.
 Strengthening PRIs will include providing education to the tribals about their constitutional rights
which will lead to their overall development.
 Through both the CoEs, tribes will be made aware of schemes set by GOI for them, personality
development training to tribes youths and development of a sense of social development in
tribals.
RBI ASKS LENDERS TO IMPLEMENT WAIVER OF INTEREST ON INTEREST

SCHEME
Current Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has asked lending institutions including NBFCs,
to implement waiver of interest on interest for loans of up to Rs 2 crore for 6 months moratorium
period beginning from 1st March 2020.
KEY POINTS
 GOI has announced the scheme for grant of ex-gratia payment of the difference between
simple interest and compound interest for 6 months to borrowers in specific loan
accounts.
 Now banks and NBFCs will be mandated to grant ex-gratia payment for certain categories of
borrowers by crediting the difference between simple interest and compound Interest
between 1st March 2020 to 31st August 2020.
 The centre has asked lending institutions to complete the crediting of amount in the
accounts of borrowers by 5th Nov 2020.
 The housing loans, educational loans, credit card loans, MSME loans, consumer durable loans, auto
loans and consumption loans are included under this scheme.
 The scheme is applicable for those who have not availed the moratorium scheme and has
continued with repayment of loans.
 Under this scheme, the difference will be credited to the eligible borrowers accounts for the said
period irrespective whether a borrower has fully or partially availed moratorium on loan
announced by RBI initially on 27th Mar 2020.
 Static Part:
o HQ of RBI: Mumbai
IIT KANPUR AND ASI SIGNED MOU WITH TWO INSTITUTES OF ITALY
Current Context: IIT Kanpur and Archeological Survey of India (ASI) has signed Mou with Italy’s
Ca’ Foscari University of Venice and Soprintendenza Archeologia, Belle Arti E Paesaggio, Venice.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 They have entered into MoU to create a network of sharing skills for restoration and
protection of historical monuments.
 All these 4 entities from India and Italy will collaberately work in areas like scientific studies, skill-
sharing, knowledge exchange along with conducting joint field studies.
 Prof. Mukesh Sharma, Civil Engg Dept., IIT Kanpur, will manage and coordinate the activities
under this MoU.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Italy: Rome
o Currency of Italy: Euro
o HQ of ASI: New Delhi
o DG of ASI: V. Vidyavathi
INDIA POST AND US POSTAL SERVICE ENTERS INTO AGREEMENT
Current Context: An agreement is signed between India Post and US Postal Service.
KEY FACTS
 They have entered into an agreement for the purpose of electronic exchange of customs
data related to postal shipments between India and the US.
 This agreement will lead to ease of exports through postal channels between both nations.
 Both entities will transmit and receive electronic data of international postal items being shipped
even before their arrival. This advance data will helps the customs to clear the postal items before
the shipment reaches the port.
 This will thus lead to improve the postal service’s reliability, visibility and security.
 Static Part:
o Capital of US: Washington DC
o Currency of US: UD Dollar
o HQ of India Post: New Delhi
LOW COST TECHNOLOGY ANTI-AGEING COMPOUND—BY IIT GUWAHATI
Current Context: IIT Guwahati has developed a low-cost technology which helps to produce anti-
ageing compounds.
DETAILS
 It is developed from agricultural products like tea, orange peels, onions, pulses, sea
buckthorn, berries and parsley.
 This technology does not use any organic solvents, which results in an increase in price.
 This low-cost technology is developed by Mihir Kumar Purkait, head of the Centre for
Environment ad Professor in Chemical Eng. Department along with student named V L Dhadge.
 It is based on using size-based pressure driven membrane separation process, in which extracts of
plants and fruits are passed through fabricated membranes which separate selected flavonoids.
 After this, moisture containing part is fridge dried in order to get the powered product.
CSB BANK LTD PARTNERS WITH IIFL FINANCE LTD
Current Context: Catholic Syrian Bank Ltd partnered with IIFL Finance Ltd to offer gold loans in
untapped locations of rural areas.
HIGHLIGHTS
 They have entered into a partnership to source and manage the retail gold loan assets.
 IIFL, which is an NBFC, will perform the role of Business Correspondent of the bank.
 With the vast network of IIFL, it will source new business from markets especially from the
locations where CSB bank is not having its branch network.
 This will help CSB Bank to handle customers from rural areas as well.
 Static Part:
o HQ of CSB Bank: Thrissur, Kerala
o MD and CEO of CSB Bank: C VR Rajendran
o HQ of IIFL Finance Ltd: Mumbai
o MD of IIFL Finance Ltd : R Venkataraman
6TH BRICS PARLIAMENTARY FORUM
Current Context: The 6th BRICS Parliamentary Forum was conducted virtually under the
chairmanship of Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of Russian Parliament.
DETAILS
 The forum was held under the theme: ‘BRICS partnership in the interest of global stability,
general safety and innovation growth: Parliamentary dimension’.
 From India, the forum was represented and addressed by Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla.
 Also from India, Chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Chemicals and
Fertilisers, Kanimozhi Karunanidhi participated in the forum.
 The BRICS Parliamentary Forum is an effective platform which allows having inter-parliamentary
dialogue and parliamentary diplomacy among BRICS nations. This helps to strengthen the roles of
Parliament in addressing global issues.
 Om Birla addressed the forum to intensify the collaborative fight against terrorism and
highlighted to immediately stop funding for terrorist activities.
 He also focused his opinion on the ongoing pandemic state in every nation and motivated that the
pandemic will not lead to a halt in progress in achieving Agenda of 2030 for Sustainable
Development Goals.
 He also highlighted initiatives taken by GOI to tackle COVID-19 pandemic.
 The points discussed in 6th BRICS Parliamentary Forum were: (a)Improvement in standards
and quality of life of people of BRICS Nations (b) Adopting legislative initiatives to improve health
care systems and mechanism (c) Issues of social protection and economic recovery in the
pandemic state (d) Strengthening parliamentary cooperation with BRICS nations.
 Also, the Draft BRICS Counter-Terrorism Strategy was agreed in the forum.
 Static Part:
o BRICS Chairmanship for 2020: Russia
SBI SIGNS LOAN AGREEMENT WITH JBIC AND OTHER FINANCE LENDERS
Current Context: The State Bank of India (SBI) has signed a loan agreement with the Japan Bank
for International Cooperation (JBIC) and other finance lenders.
KEY FACTS
 The loan agreement of up to $1 billion is signed.
 The loan agreement is signed to promote the smooth flow of funds for various range of
operations of Japan’s automobile manufacturers in India. The loan amount will facilitate
the operation of Japan’s automobile sector companies in India.
 This loan agreement will also prove beneficial to achieve the motto of ‘Make in India’ initiative.
 $600 million will be financed by JBIC and $400 million will be financed by other finance
participating lenders which include Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, MUFG Bank, Shizuoka
Bank, Bank of Yokahama and Mizuho Bank.
 Static Part:
o HQ of SBI: Mumbai
o HQ of JBIC: Tokyo, Japan
o President and CEO of JBIC: Tadashi Maeda
DST-IIEST SOLAR PV HUB INAUGURATED BY UNION EDUCATION

MINISTER
Current Context: Union Education Minister, Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank inaugurated DST-IIEST
Solar PV Hub.
DETAILS
 It is inaugurated at Shibpur in Howrah district, West Bengal.
 It is established through approval and support from the Department of Science and Technology
(DST), GOI under the aegis of CoE for Green Energy ad Sensor System at IIEST, Shibpur.
 The hub is equipped with world-class research facilities and will play a role of a central node for
R&D activities in the field of solar energy, solar photovoltaics, testing of solar cells, solar PV
modules and solar PV systems. This hub will prove beneficial to the entire North-Eastern states of
India.
 The DST-IIEST Solar PV Hub will allow national as well as local industries, startups, and research
institutes to work collaberately with ‘Make in India’ initiative to have the smooth transition from
fossil fuel energy to solar energy.
 Static Part:
o Capital of West Bengal: Kolkata
o CM of West Bengal: Mamata Banerjee
o Governor of West Bengal: Jagdeep Dhankhar
o National Parks and Wild Life Sanctuaries of West Bengal: Gorumara NP, Buxa NP, Singalila
NP, Sunderban NP, Jaldapara NP, Senchal WLS, Raiganj WLS, Ramnabagan WLS, Buxa Tiger
Reserve, Chapramai WLS
COCHIN SHIPYARD LTD SIGNED MOU WITH FINCANTIERI S.P.A.
Current Context: Cochin Shipyard Ltd has signed MoU with Italy’s Fincantieri S.P.A.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 They have signed MoU to achieve the cooperation in the areas of Design, Shipbuilding, ship
repayments, marine equipment manufacturing, training and skills development to
manpower.
 Italy’s Fincantieri S.P.A. is one of the world’s largest shipbuilding group which is operating 18
shipyards in four continents.
 This partnership will prove beneficial for business development with mutual benefits.
 It will also be helpful to achieve cooperation in line with Aatma Nirbhar Bharat and Make in India
initiative The partnership will develop the latest technology products for India as well as for
global markets.
‘SUMANGAL’ AND ‘INTEGRATED ODISHA STATE SCHOLARSHIP PORTAL’

LAUNCHED
Current Context: Chief Minister of Odisha launched two web portals.
KEY POINTS
 The two web portals are: (a) Sumangal Portal (b)Integrated Odisha State Scholarship Portal.
o Sumangal Portal: This portal is launched to provide incentives to the inter-caste marriage.
It is developed by ST and SC Development Department. One time incentives of Rs 2.5 lakhs
will be provided to the inter-caste married couples.
o Integrated Odisha State Scholarship Portal: This web portal will provide scholarship to
the eligible students of the state. It will provide 21 scholarships by 8 different state
departments. It is predicted that around 11 lakhs students belonging to SC, ST and other
backward classes will be benefited through this portal. The scholarship amount will be
directly credited to the accounts of eligible students.
 Also, the portal will administer the professional programs of various state departments like SC
and ST department, Higher education department, school and mass education department, ESI
department, agriculture department and skill development and technical education department.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Odisha: Bhubaneswar
o CM of Odisha: Naveen Patnaik
o Governor of Odisha: Ganeshi Lal
NATIONAL PROGRAM AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT POLICY FRAMEWORK
Current Context: NITI Aayog in partnership with Quality Council of India (QCI) has launched the
‘National Program and Project Management Policy Framework (NPMPF)’.
HIGHLIGHTS
 The NPMPF is launched to transform the infrastructure sector of India.
 The NPMPF was launched by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister Piyush Goyal and
Amitabh Kant and Adil Zainulbhai.
 Along with this, ‘Indian Infrastructure Body of Knowledge (InBoK)’ which is a book on NPMPF.
The book is unveiled to serve as a reference medium for all practitioners of infra sector industry.
 The major action plans for NPMPF are: (1) Adoption of program and project management
strategies to develop infra sector (2)institutionalize and promote profession of program and
project management (3) Build skilled workforce for this profession (4) Enhancing institutional
capacity and capabilities in professionals.
 Static Part:
o Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways and MSME: Nitin Gadkari
o Union Minister of Railways and Commerce and Industry: Piyush Goyal
o HQ of QCI: New Delhi
o Chairman of QCI: Adil Zainulbhai
19TH MEET OF SCO MINISTERS OF FOREIGN ECONOMY AND FOREIGN

TRADE
Current Context: The 19th meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Ministers of
Foreign Economy and Foreign Trade was held virtually.
ABOUT MEETING
 The meet was chaired by Union Minister for Commerce and Industries, Piyush Goyal. The
meet was also attended by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Hardeep Singh
Puri.
 Union Minister Piyush Goyal addressed the meet that countries must work collaboratively to
strengthen their economic strengths in order to increase trade and investment so as to achieve
speedy recovery form pandemic.
 Also, the cooperation will help to achieve global economic growth as SCO nations contribute to
1/7th global trade in goods and 1/8th global trade in commercial services.
 Four major documents were adopted in the meet: (1) Statement on the response on COVID-19
(2) Statement on Multilateral Trading System (3) Statement on SCO Cooperation on Intellectual
Property Rights (4) Action Plan for the implementation of MoU for increasing cooperation in
MSMEs.
 First-ever SCO Startup Forum: It was launched by Union Minister Piyush Goyal ahead of this
meet. The forum will perform the role of the foundation for multilateral cooperation and will allow
engagement of SCO nations to develop startup ecosystems. The forum is the initiative of the
Ministry of Commerce and Industry in partnership with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
 Static Part:
o HQ of SCO: Beijing, China
o Secretary-General of SCO: Vladimir Norov
MICROSOFT PARTNERS WITH NSDC TO EMPOWER WOMEN WITH DIGITAL

SKILLS
Current Context: Microsoft has entered into a partnership with National Skill Development
Corporation (NSDC) to provide digital skills training to underserved women.
KEY FACTS
 The digital skill training will be provided to 1 lakh underserved women in India for the
next 10 months.
 This partnership is the extension of the initiative of Microsoft and NSDC to provide digital
skills to 1 lakh youths of India.
 Under this partnership, Microsoft and NSDC will provide live training sessions and digital skilling
drives to girls and women.
 This will be helpful for girls and women to seek job opportunities.
 eSkill India, which is an initiative of NSDC will support in building this partnership through its
skilling ecosystem like sector skill councils, training partners and training centres.
 Also upon completing the course, the girls and women will be provided with e-certificate for the
same.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Microsoft: Redmond, Washington, United States
o CEO of Microsoft: Satya Nadella
o HQ of NSDC: New Delhi
o Chairman of NSDC: A M Naik
Current Context: Yashvardhan K Sinha: He is appointed as Chief Information Commissioner of

India.
ABOUT
 Static Part:
o HQ of CIC: New Delhi
 Rohit Sharma: He is appointed as Brand Ambassador for Dr Trust, which is a healthcare firm.
 Static Part: Rohit Sharma is also serving as brand ambassador for IIFL Finance, CricKingdom,
Oakley, Vega and Masimo Batteries.
GLOBAL FINANCES SAFEST BANKS 2020
Current Context: The Global Finances has released its 29th annual ranking of World’s Safest
Banks.
KEY POINTS
 As per the ranking, DBS Bank, Singapore is recognized as the Safest Bank in Asia for 12th
consecutive year.
 Also, DBS Bank is ranked at 4th position as the safest commercial bank in the world.
 And, DBS bank is ranked at 14th position as safest bank globally from 2019 and 2018.
 World’s Safest Banks 2020: KfW, Germany (Rank1), Zuercher Kantonalbank, Switzerland
(Rank2) and BNG Bank, Netherland (Rank3).
 Asia’s Safest Banks 2020: DBS Group, Singapore (Rank1), Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation,
Singapore (Rank2) and United Overseas Bank, Singapore (Rank3).
 State Bank of India is the safest bank in India as per Global Finances.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Global Finances: New York, USA
INDIAN ARMY LAUNCHED IMS SOFTWARE AND SAI MESSAGING

APPLICATION
Current Context: Indian Army has launched software named as ‘Infrastructure Management
System’ (IMS) and secured messaging application platform called ‘Secure Application for the
Internet’ (SAI).
HIGHLIGHTS
 ‘Infrastructure Management System’ (IMS): It is launched for the purpose of automation for
functions related to infrastructure development, management for the availability of land, planning
and for the purpose of monitoring working activities. The software was inaugurated by Chief of
Army Staff, General Manoj Mukund Naravane at the Army Commanders Conference.
 The IMS Software will help to automate work initiation, it will help to accord administrative
approvals, manage cantonment roads, making of online availability of land works and quartering
policies etc.
 ‘Secure Application for the Internet’ (SAI): It is launched to serve the motto of ‘Aatmanirbhar
Bharat Mission’. It is developed by Colonel Shankar of the Indian Army. The app will ensure secure
communication among the Indian Army personnel. It will allow end-to-end secure voice, text and
video calling services.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Indian Army: New Delhi
o Chief of Army Staff: General Manoj Mukund Naravane
ICSSR SIGNS PACT WITH EUROPEAN COMMISSION
Current Context: Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) has signed a pact with
European Commission virtually.
DETAILS
 They have signed a pact to enhance the scientific cooperation between them.
 The pact was virtually signed by Member Secretary of ICSSR, Virendra Kumar Malhotra and
Ambassador of European Union to India, Ugo Astuto.
 Because of this agreement, top Indian Social Scientist, who is supported by ICSSR, will be able to
perform research activities in collaboration with European researchers who are supported by the
European Research Council (ERC).
 The ICSSR and REC will allow contacts between respective scholar scientist who intend to work
for international cooperation works.
 Static Part:
o HQ of ICSSR: New Delhi
o Chairman of ICSSR: Prof. Bhushan Patwardhan
8TH INDIA-MEXICO JOINT COMMISSION MEET
Current Context: The 8th India-Mexico Joint Commission Meeting was held virtually to review the
bilateral cooperation in various sectors of both nations.
KEY POINTS
 India was represented by External Affairs Minister, Dr S Jaishankar and Mexico was
represented by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mexico, H.E. Marcelo Ebrard.
 Both the dignitaries discussed bilateral cooperation in sectors like agriculture, investment, trade,
education and health.
 They assured to strengthen their cooperation to achieve economic strengths, growing regional
and global profile status.
 They also assured to cooperate in new sectors like Trade and Commerce, Energy, Space, Health,
Science & Technology, Culture & Education.
 Both nations agreed to make use of the UN Security Council to strengthen multilateralism and
make it more representative and effective.
 They assured each other to collaboratively work to tackle post-COVID-19 recovery.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Mexico: Mexico City
o Currency of Mexico: Mexican Peso
INDUSIND BANK—FIRST BANK TO GO LIVE ON RBI’S ‘ACCOUNT
AGGREGATOR FRAMEWORK ’
Current Context: IndusInd Bank has gone live as a ‘Financial Information Provider’ (FIP) under
the new ‘Account Aggregator Framework (AAF)’ of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
HIGHLIGHTS
 Thus, IndusInd Bank has become the first bank to do so.
 Due to this, customers will now be able to view statements of their accounts, track deposits, plan
investments, avail credit cards on a single-window platform.
 As FIP, IndusInd Bank also allows customers to share their finance info with financial information
users in a more secure manner, basis exclusive from the customer on the AAF.
 Other benefits which customers will avail are: (1) Elimination of the need to submit documents
physically (2) Better Control on shared financial info (3) SMEs and individuals can share financial
info digitally which offers security.
 RBI announced ‘Account Aggregator Framework (AAF)’ in June 2016. This AAF allows to transfer
the client data, without storing it. It is medium for financial service companies to get approval
from their customers before using their personal info to optimize their products offerings. This
allows customers to select their preferred product and services from banks.
 Static Part:
o Headquarter of RBI: Mumbai, Maharashtra
o HQ of IndusInd Bank: Mumbai
o Tagline of IndusInd Bank: We make you feel richer
o MD and CEO of IndusInd Bank: Sumant Kathpalia
INDIAN NAVY TEST FIRED ANTI- SHIP MISSILE
Current Context: Indian Navy test fired the Anti-Ship Missile (AShM) from INS Kora in the Bay of
Bengal.
KEY FACTS
 The Anti-Ship Missile (AShM) successfully hit the target with precise accuracy form maximum
range.
 The Anti-Ship Missile (AShM), which is a guided missile and is designed for use against ships and
large boats.
 The INS Kora is Indian Navy’s Kora-class guided missile corvette, which was commissioned to
Indian Navy in 1998.
 The INS Kora is equipped with Kh-35 anti-ship missiles.
 Static Part:
Monthly Current Affairs GK Digest: November 2020
CONTENTS
India’s first seaplane service launched by PM Modi ......................................................................................................................... 5

SERB-POWER Initiative of DST ...................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Appointment and Extension on 1st November 2020 ........................................................................................................................ 6
Green Delhi App .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
5th Public Affairs Index 2020 ........................................................................................................................................................................ 7
‘Visa Direct’—By RBL Bank and Visa ......................................................................................................................................................... 7
IISc signs MoU with Indian Oil ....................................................................................................................................................................... 8
‘Strategic Policy and Facilitation Bureau’ ............................................................................................................................................... 8
Fortified Rice Distribution Scheme--Chhattisgarh ............................................................................................................................ 8
Swami Atmanand Government English Medium School Scheme--Chhattisgarh ............................................................... 9
IITM COVID Game—IIT Madras .................................................................................................................................................................... 9
IREDA signs MoU with MNRE .......................................................................................................................................................................10
Appointments on 3rd November 2020 ...................................................................................................................................................10
Accelerator for Electronics Technologies (ACE)--Kerala .............................................................................................................10
Malabar Naval Exercise 2020.......................................................................................................................................................................11
AI enabled Solution to Automate Motor claim Settlements ........................................................................................................12
Life + 36 Critical Illness Insurance—Aegon Life Insurance Company Limited ................................................................12
Appointments on 4th November 2020 ...................................................................................................................................................13
2020 Annual Political Dialogue between India and GCC Troika ..............................................................................................13
MoU between India and Spain in Astronomy- Approved by Union Cabinet ......................................................................13
Visa partners with DigitSecure and HDFC Bank ................................................................................................................................14
ADB approves loan to Improve Power Distribution in Meghalaya .........................................................................................14
Tourist Facilitation Centre-- Kerala .........................................................................................................................................................15
MoU between India and UK in ICT Sector- Approved by Union Cabinet ..............................................................................16
DRDO successfully Test Fired advanced version of Pinaka Rocket ........................................................................................16
5th Joint Working Group on Coal between India-Indonesia ......................................................................................................17
Prasar Bharti signed MoU with BISAG-N ...............................................................................................................................................18
First India-Nordic-Baltic Conclave ............................................................................................................................................................18
‘ICICI Bank Mine’, a Comprehensive Banking Programme ..........................................................................................................19
4th High-level meet of the India-OPEC Energy Dialogue ..............................................................................................................19
‘Sagar Kavach’-- A two-day Joint Coastal Security Exercise Commenced ............................................................................20
IIT-Madras partnered with DG Takano ..................................................................................................................................................20
ISRO launched all Weather Earth Observation Satellite & 9 Customer Satellites ..........................................................20
1 www.BankExamsToday.com
Appointments, Resignation and Ambassador on 8th November 2020 ................................................................................21

40th Meet of SAARC Central Bank Governors Meet .........................................................................................................................21
‘Bull Strike’ -- A Triservice Exercise .........................................................................................................................................................22
PM Modi laid Foundation Stone for Development projects in Varanasi ..............................................................................22
Virtual Global Investor Roundtable (VGIR) 2020 Conference...................................................................................................23
‘Parivarthanam Scheme’-- Kerala..............................................................................................................................................................23
AAI signed MoU with NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam (NVVN) ..........................................................................................................24
‘AIM–Sirius Innovation Programme 3.0’................................................................................................................................................24
‘Smart Drive Private Car Insurance'.........................................................................................................................................................25
Pakke Tiger Reserve offers Insurance cover against Covid-19 for Green Soldiers .......................................................25
Appointments on 10th November 2020 ................................................................................................................................................26
Inter-Ministerial Approval Committee Meet.......................................................................................................................................26
Marg ERP partnered with Paytm ...............................................................................................................................................................27
Creation of National Database for Unorganised Workers ...........................................................................................................27
Four Agreements signed between India and Maldives..................................................................................................................28
'Covid Shield+'—By Edelweiss Tokio Life Insurance ......................................................................................................................28
Australia-India Water Centre Inaugurated ..........................................................................................................................................29
Cabinet approved Production-Linked incentive Scheme .............................................................................................................29
'SmartHub Merchant Solutions 3.0’ ..........................................................................................................................................................30
IBSA Report on ‘Deepening Cooperation in IBSA..............................................................................................................................31
Indian Astronomers joined hands with 2020 Physics Nobel Laureate ................................................................................31
20th SCO Council of Heads of State Summit .........................................................................................................................................32
‘Payout Links’ by Paytm ..................................................................................................................................................................................32
Mission COVID Suraksha ................................................................................................................................................................................33
India’s GDP at -8.9% for FY 2020—By Moody’s Rating Agency ................................................................................................33
‘Project Air Care’-- Haryana ..........................................................................................................................................................................33
AGS Transact partnered with Utimaco ...................................................................................................................................................34
Indian Navy launched the fifth Scorpene submarine ‘Vagir’ ......................................................................................................34
MNRE Amends Guidelines for PM-KUSUM Scheme ..........................................................................................................................34
‘Bharat Darshan–Dakshin Bharat Yatra’ ...............................................................................................................................................35
‘Aatma Nirbhar Madhya Pradesh 2023’ .................................................................................................................................................35
‘Local4Diwali’ Campaign of Textile Ministry.......................................................................................................................................36
17th ASEAN-India Virtual Summit ............................................................................................................................................................36
Jeevan Seva App...................................................................................................................................................................................................37
India Test Fired Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) ...........................................................................................37
15th East Asia Summit 2020 .........................................................................................................................................................................38

Sports Ministry to Provide Incentives Under Khelo India Initiative .....................................................................................38
PM Modi unveiled ‘Statue of Peace’ ..........................................................................................................................................................39
8th BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation Ministerial Meeting ....................................................................................39
3 months SAANS Campaign by MoHFW ..................................................................................................................................................39
SBM Bank India partnered with PayNearby ........................................................................................................................................40
DIPAM signs agreement with World Bank ...........................................................................................................................................40
Appointments and Extension on 17th November 2020 ................................................................................................................41
‘Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)’ ..........................................................................................................41
StashFin partners with Visa ..........................................................................................................................................................................42
‘Eva’-- Unique Saving Account for Women ............................................................................................................................................42
RBI creates Innovation Hub ..........................................................................................................................................................................43
Appointments and Brand Ambassador on 18th November 2020 ...........................................................................................43
BRICS Nations adopted Counter Terrorism Strategy......................................................................................................................44
RBI Imposed a moratorium on Lakshmi Vilas Bank .......................................................................................................................44
‘Mooh Band Rakho Campaign’—HDFC Bank .......................................................................................................................................44
3rd Annual Bloomberg New Economy Forum ....................................................................................................................................45
EESL signed MoU with DNRE, Goa ..............................................................................................................................................................45
India’s GDP to contract at 10.3% in FY2021—By Goldman Sachs...........................................................................................46
7th round of FoC between India and Kazakhstan .............................................................................................................................46
‘CASA Mobilisation Campaign’—HDFC Bank .......................................................................................................................................47
TRACE Bribery Risk Matrix 2020 ..............................................................................................................................................................47
India signs loan agreement with World Bank for transport sector in Meghalaya .........................................................47
India’s GDP for FY 21 at -6.4%—By Barclays ......................................................................................................................................48
1st India-Luxembourg Virtual Summit...................................................................................................................................................48
‘Project Kirana’—Mastercard and USAID..............................................................................................................................................49
Capacity Building Component of PM-FME & GIS ODOP Digital Map of India .....................................................................49
33rd Stop TB Partnership Board Meet ...................................................................................................................................................50
GOI sanctions loan for micro irrigation projects in Tamil Nadu ..............................................................................................50
30th Indo-Thai CORPAT ..................................................................................................................................................................................51
SITMEX-2020.........................................................................................................................................................................................................51
Kotak ESG Opportunities Fund ...................................................................................................................................................................51
Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich Satellite ..............................................................................................................................52
GOI signs MoU for Compressed Bio-Gas Plants ..................................................................................................................................52
1st Fisheries Award ...........................................................................................................................................................................................53
15th G20 Summit ................................................................................................................................................................................................53
ADB approved loan for Operational Efficiencies & Resource Planning in WB .................................................................54
SIMBEX-20 ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................54
2020 APEC Summit ............................................................................................................................................................................................55
Himachal Pradesh joined hands with ADB ...........................................................................................................................................55
23rd Bengaluru Tech Summit 2020 .........................................................................................................................................................56
International version of the UMANG Application .............................................................................................................................56
Har Ghar Nal Yojana ..........................................................................................................................................................................................57
Varunastra: The heavy weight torpedo delivered to Indian Navy ..........................................................................................57
FICCI FLO signs MoU with IESC of IIM Shillong ...................................................................................................................................58
NSDL Payments Bank partnered with HDFC ERGO ..........................................................................................................................58
‘Abhayam App’—Andhra Pradesh .............................................................................................................................................................58
PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana........................................................................................................................................................................59
India test fired Brahmos Supersonic Missile ......................................................................................................................................59
SDG Investor Map for India ...........................................................................................................................................................................60
Indian Railways partnered with Indian School of Business, Hyderabad ............................................................................60
10th National Science Film Festival .........................................................................................................................................................61
HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank to support SMEs and Start-ups ........................................................................................................62
RE-Invest 2020 .....................................................................................................................................................................................................62
National Portal for Transgender Persons .............................................................................................................................................63
India signs MoU with Finland ......................................................................................................................................................................63
NAFED’s Honey FPO Programs launched by Agriculture Minister..........................................................................................64
India and Israel partners to build future with low carbon and pollution ..........................................................................64
SMS Pay Function —By Yes Bank and Wordline ...............................................................................................................................65
Shanghai- World’s most connected City .................................................................................................................................................66
India’s GDP contracts 7.5% in September quarter ..........................................................................................................................66
33rd PRAGATI interaction by PM Modi ..................................................................................................................................................66
Defence Ministers meet of India and Vietnam ...................................................................................................................................67
Sahakar Pragya Programme.........................................................................................................................................................................67
BSE signs MoU with Mission Youth, Gov. of J&K ................................................................................................................................68
India’s GDP at -10.5% for FY21— By UBS .............................................................................................................................................68
UP Governor gave assent to an Ordinance against Forcible Religious Conversion .......................................................69
‘Jagananna Thodu’- An interest free Loan Scheme ..........................................................................................................................69

NOVEMBER 2020
INDIA’S FIRST SEAPLANE SERVICE LAUNCHED BY PM MODI
Current Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched India’s first-ever seaplane service
connecting Statue of Unity in Kevadia with Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad.
HIGHLIGHTS
 It is the 19 seater seaplane and will be managed by SpiceJet airline.
 The seaplane service will cover 200km of distance in around 40-45 minutes.
 There will be four flights a day between Ahmedabad and Kevadia on each side i.e. there will be
four arrivals and four departures.
 The ticket price for per person is Rs 4800.
 It is fitted with a twin Otter 300, efficient Twin Turboprop Pratt & Whitney PT6A-27 engines.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Gujarat: Gandhinagar
o State animal of Gujarat: Asiatic Lion
o Dams in Gujarat: Ukai Dam (Tapti River), Dharoi Dam (Sabarmati River), Kadana Dam
(Mahi River), Dantiwada Dam (Banas River)
SERB-POWER INITIATIVE OF DST
Current Context: The Union Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Harsh Vardhan launched the
initiative called SERB-Power.
KEY FACTS
 The significance of SERB-POWER is (Science and Engineering and Research Board-
Promoting Opportunities for Women in Exploratory Research).
 The initiative is of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. SERB
is the statutory body of the DST.
 The SERB-POWER is framed exclusively for women scientists with an aim to encourage
emerging women scientist so that they get motivated to undertake R&D activities in various
scientific and engineering areas.
 The initiative has two components of fellowship and research grants. Both components will serve
as a benchmark of recognition in the national scenario.
 The initiative will empower women scientists, will cultivate a women-friendly culture and will
ensure more women in leadership positions in decision-making bodies.
 To apply for this initiative, women researchers must belong to the age group of 35-55 years.
 The SERB-POWER supports in the form of: (a) Fellowship of Rs. 15,000 per month in addition
to regular income (b) Research grant of Rs. 10 lakh per annum (c) Overhead of Rs 90,000 per
annum
 The duration of SERB-POWER initiative is 3 years and can be availed once in a year by the women
researchers.
APPOINTMENT AND EXTENSION ON 1ST NOVEMBER 2020
Current Context: PVG Menon: He is appointed as CEO of Electronics Sector Skill Council of India
(ESSCI). He has replaced N K Mohapatra.
ABOUT
 Static Part:
 HQ of ESSCI: New Delhi
 Chairman of ESSCI: Ajai Chowdhry
 Justice Bansi Lal Bhat: His tenure to be Chairperson of National Company Law Appellate
Tribunal(NCLAT) has been extended till 31st Dec 2020 by Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
 Static Part:
o Union Minister of Corporate Affairs: Nirmala Sitharaman
GREEN DELHI APP
Current Context: The Chief Minister of Delhi launched the Green Delhi mobile application.
DETAILS
 The app is launched for citizens so that they can bring into the government’s notice about
the pollution causing activities in the capital.
 The app will keep a track on rising air pollution along with data related to pollution causing
activities like burning waste, industrial pollution and dust.
 It is designed in such a way that it can be used to register photo and video complaint. Citizens can
click photos or make a video of pollution causing activities and can upload it in the app.
 The app will then identify the location and will automatically transfer the complaint to the
concerned department for time-bound redressal.
 Delhi Government has made strict timelines for each type of complaint received on the
application.
 Once the department resolves the complaint, they are required to post a picture of it.
 Static Part:
5TH PUBLIC AFFAIRS INDEX 2020
Current Context: The 5th Edition of Public Affairs Index 2020 based on Governance is released.
ABOUT INDEX
 Following is the ranking for each category:
o Large States: Kerala (Rank1) (Score: 1.388), Tamil Nadu (Rank2) (Score:
0.912), Andhra Pradesh (Rank3) (Score: 0.531).
o Small States: Goa (Rank1) (Score: 1.745), Meghalaya (Rank2) (Score: 0.797), Himachal
Pradesh (Rank3) (Score: 0.725).
o Union Territories: Chandigarh (Rank1) (Score: 1.057), Puducherry (Rank2) (Score:
0.520), Lakshadweep (Rank3) (Score: 0.003).
 The performance parameters for Public Affairs Index 2020 based on Governance
are: Equity, Growth and Sustainability.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Public Affairs Center: Bengaluru, Karnataka
o Chairman of Public Affairs Center: K Kasturiranjan
‘VISA DIRECT’—BY RBL BANK AND VISA
Current Context: The Ratnakar Bank i.e. RBL Bank in partnership with Visa launched ‘Visa Direct.
KEY POINTS
 The ‘Visa Direct’ is a processing capability of Visa which allows safe and secure funds
delivery in real-time to financial accounts using credit and debit cards.
 The ‘Visa Direct’ follows RBL Bank’s philosophy of ‘Partners Ka Bank.
 This ‘Visa Direct’ will enable RBL Bank to increase its offerings to fintech firms.
 It will also help RBL bank to advance tech-based banking solutions which will address the needs of
its partners which will thus create a standardized digital payment solution experience to their
customers.
 The fintech will get access to domestic transactions and benefits programme like refunds, card bill
payments, cashback and disbursements through Visa Direct.
 Static Part:
o HQ of RBL Bank: Mumbai
o Tagline of RBL Bank: Apno Ka Bank
o MD and CEO of RBL Bank: Vishwavir Ahuja
IISC SIGNS MOU WITH INDIAN OIL
Current Context: The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has signed MoU with Indian Oil Corporation
Research and Development Centre with an objective to develop Hydrogen Generation Technology
based on biomass gasification.
KEY FACTS
 The hydrogen generated will be used to power fuel cell buses.
 This technology will be developed to produce Fuel Cell Grade Hydrogen at an affordable price.
 This will also help to address the challenge of biomass waste.
 The Hydrogen Generation Technology based on biomass gasification will be demonstrated
at the Indian Oil Research and Development Centre at Faridabad.
 Both the organisations will work coordinately to optimize both biomass gasification and hydrogen
purification processes.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Indian Oil Corporation: New Delhi
‘STRATEGIC POLICY AND FACILITATION BUREAU’
Current Context: The AYUSH Ministry has partnered with Invest India to set up ‘Strategic Policy &
Facilitation Bureau’ (SPFB).
DETAILS
 The ‘Strategic Policy & Facilitation Bureau’ will help to provide systematically and planned
growth of the Ayush sector.
 It will help in policy-making for AYUSH ministry along with framing strategic initiatives which will
be helpful for the full potential development of the sector.
 The SPFB will also be supported by the stakeholders of Ayush sector.
 Activities which will be undertaken by SPFB: (a) Knowledge Creation and Management (b)
Strategic and policy making support (c) Coordination among different states, department, and
organisations (d) Conduction of Skill development initiatives (e) Setting up strategic intelligence
research unit (f) Monitoring inter-ministerial groups and committees.
 Invest India will help to frame plan for ‘Strategic Policy & Facilitation Bureau’ and it will
play a role to define long term and short term plans for this bureau.
 Invest India will appoint experts to execute the plan of this partnership with Ministry of AYUSH.
 Static Part:
o Union Minister of State (IC) for AYUSH: Shripad Yesso Naik
FORTIFIED RICE DISTRIBUTION SCHEME--CHHATTISGARH
Current Context: The Chhattisgarh government has launched Fortified Rice Distribution Scheme.
HIGHLIGHTS
 The scheme was launched to mark the occasion of Statehood Day celebrations.
 The aim of this scheme is to reduce malnutrition and anaemia.
 Under this scheme, fortified rice will be distributed through the Public Distribution System
(PDS). This fortified rice is comprised of Vitamin-B12, iron and folic acid which helps to control
malnutrition and anaemia.
 The scheme was launched in Kondagaon district of Chhattisgarh.
 Static Part:
o CM of Chhattisgarh: Bhupesh Bhagel
o Governor of Chhattisgarh: Anusuiya Uikey
o Dams in Chhattisgarh: Tandula Dam, Almatti Dam, Kori Dam, Bango Dam, Dudhawa Dam,
Gangrel Dam
SWAMI ATMANAND GOVERNMENT ENGLISH MEDIUM SCHOOL SCHEME--

CHHATTISGARH
Current Context: The Government of Chhattisgarh launched Swami Atmanand Government

English Medium School Scheme to mark the occasion of statehood day.
KEY FACTS
 This amount allotted for this scheme is Rs 130 crore.
 The aim of this scheme is to build English medium schools in the state so as to give an
education facility in the English language also.
 Under this scheme, initially,52 English medium schools will be started.
 These schools will be having online learning facilities and will be comprised of computer labs,
science lab and state-of-the-art library.
 Other Schemes and facilities launched in the state on the same occasion are: (a)
Mukhyamantri Sahari Slum Swasthya Yojana (b) Third instalment of Rs 1500 crores was released
under Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana. (c) 132/33 KV power substation in the district of Bijapur
(d) 87.5 km long electricity line to supply 23 remote villages in the Naxal affected regions.
 Static Part:
o Folk Dance of Chhattisgarh: Saila Dance, Karma Dance, Sua Nacha, Pandavani, Panthi Dance
IITM COVID GAME—IIT MADRAS
Current Context: The ‘IITM COVID Game’ is developed and launched by the Indian Institute of
Technology, Madras.
KEY POINTS
 The game is launched to create awareness about COVID-19 amongst children.
 It is a browser-based software game which can be played on any device.

 The game is available in 12 different Indian languages.
 Static Part: Other Similar games launched recently to create awareness on COVID-19 are: (a) ‘Can
You Save the World?’(This is the world’s first COVID-19 game which was launched at the
University of Hertfordshire) (b) ‘Corona Fighters’ Awareness Video Game (Launched by Dr Harsh
Vardhan)
IREDA SIGNS MOU WITH MNRE
Current Context: The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) Limited has signed
MoU with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 They have entered into an agreement in order to frame targets for the year 2020-21.
 Under this MoU, GOI has allotted a revenue target of Rs 2,406 crore from the renewable energy
industry.
 The MoU was signed by Indu Shekhar Chaturvedi, Secretary, MNRE and Pradip Kumar Das, CMD,
IREDA.
 Until now, IREDA has financed more than 2700 renewable energy projects in India by offering a
loan of Rs 57,000 crores.
 It has also supported green power capacity addition of 17,259 MW in India.
 Static Part:
o Union Minister of State (IC) for New and Renewable Energy: Raj Kumar Singh
APPOINTMENTS ON 3RD NOVEMBER 2020
Current Context: Priyanca Radhakrishnan: She has become New Zealand’s first-ever Indian origin
minister after PM Jacinda Ardern appointed 5 new ministers into her executive.
ABOUT
 Static Part:
o Capital of New Zealand: Wellington
o Currency of New Zealand: New Zealand Dollar
 Rajiv Jalota: He is appointed as Chairman of Mumbai Port Trust. He has replaced Sanjay Bhatia.
ACCELERATOR FOR ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGIES (ACE)--KERALA
Current Context: Kerala has launched Accelerator for Electronics Technologies (ACE), which is the
state-of-the-art technology.
HIGHLIGHTS
 It was inaugurated by Chief Minister of state.
 The ACE technology is launched to boost and strengthen the southern state’s startups that
are striving to scale up as sustainable enterprises.
 The technology is jointly developed by Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) and Centre for
Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC).
 The ACE will develop itself to be the leading accelerator for the country’s electronics technologies.
It will boost the developments for high-tech startups in the electronics sector.
 The technology is complementary to the KSUM, which is the supported incubator for electronics
technologies.
 In this partnership initiative, CDAC will play the role of providing mentorships to the startups. It
will provide startups with access to the latest technologies and infrastructure.
 CDAC will support the R&D activities of high-end electronic systems, tools and services.
 ACE technology will be the employment providing platform to around 1000 youths.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Kerala: Thiruvananthapuram.
o Folk Dances of Kerala: Kathakali, Ottan Thullal, Mohiniyattam, Kaikottikal
o Festivals of Kerala: Onam, Vaikathashtami, Vishu, Bisu sankramana
MALABAR NAVAL EXERCISE 2020
Current Context: The Navies of India, the United States, Japan and Australia have begun the four-
day-long Malabar naval exercise in the Bay of Bengal.
KEY FACTS
 The Phase-I of the exercise will be held from 3rd Nov to 6th Nov 2020 in the Bay of Bengal.
 The Phase-II of the exercise will be held from 17th Nov to 20th Nov 2020 in the Arabian Sea.
 India’s side will be represented by: Destroyer Ranvijay, frigate Shivalik, off-shore patrol vessel
Sukanya, fleet support ship Shakti, submarine Sindhuraj, advanced jet trainer Hawk, long-range
maritime patrol aircraft P-8I, Dornier maritime patrol aircraft and several helicopters.
 Whereas, US Navy Ship USS John S McCain which is the Guided-missile destroyer, Australian Navy
Ship HMAS Ballarat which is the long-range frigate and Japan’s Maritime Self Defence Ship named
as Ship JS Onami will be participating in the drill.
 In the first ongoing phase of the exercise, complex and advanced naval drills like anti-submarine
and anti-air warfare operations, cross deck flying, seamanship evolutions and weapon firing will
be witnessed by the navies.
 Static Part: Malabar Exercise: It was started in 1992 as a bilateral exercise between the Indian
Navy and US Navy. Japan became a permanent member of this drill form 2015. This is the first
time where the Quad member nations are participating in the exercise together after 2007.
AI ENABLED SOLUTION TO AUTOMATE MOTOR CLAIM SETTLEMENTS
Current Context: HDFC Ergo General Insurance has launched an Artificial Intelligence (AI) based
tool to automate motor claim settlements.
DETAILS
 The name of the AI tool by HDFC Ergo is IDEAS (Intelligent Damage detection Estimation
and Assessment Solution).
 AI tool IDEAS is based on Neural Network image processing & Analytics, Machine Learning and
Natural Language. These advances features in AI tool will support instant damage detection and
will calculate claims for same for the surveyors to help in motor claims settlement in real-time.
 The AI tool is trained and developed using more than 3,00,000 images from last 2 years and is
integrated in the surveyor mobile app.
 The IDEAS AI tool of HDFC Ergo will improve the efficiency of surveyor by speeding up the claims
process.
 The entire process is conducted under three main functions which will read vehicle number, make
of the vehicle and its model, the second function is to detect the vehicle parts, damaged parts and
severity of damaged parts. The third function is auto assess or estimation of claim amount
depending upon the severity of motor damage using AI-assisted intelligent rate masters.
 This AI tool IDEAS, also proves beneficial as it minimizes the risk of fraudulent claims.
 Static Part:
o HQ of HDFC Ergo: Mumbai
o MD and CEO of HDFC Ergo: Ritesh Kumar
LIFE + 36 CRITICAL ILLNESS INSURANCE—AEGON LIFE INSURANCE

COMPANY LIMITED
Current Context: The Aegon Life Insurance Company Limited has launched ‘Life + 36 Critical
Illness Insurance’ on Flipkart.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 Under this insurance, the policyholder will get the life protection benefit, when diagnosed
with any of the 36 critical illnesses.
 The insurance cover against coronavirus infection will be availed by the policyholder immediately
via Flipkart app.
 The initial premium amount for the plan is Rs 153 with a life cover of Rs 1 lakh plus critical
illness cover of Rs 10,000.
 Also, to avail this policy plan, no medical checkup of KYC is required.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Aegon Life Insurance Company: Mumbai
o HQ of Flipkart: Bengaluru, Karnataka
APPOINTMENTS ON 4TH NOVEMBER 2020
Current Context: Alassane Ouattara: He has won third term elections to be the President of Ivory
Coast.
ABOUT
 Static Part:
o Capital of Ivory Coast: Yamoussoukro
o Currency of Ivory Coast: West African CFA franc
 Duarte Pacheco: He is appointed as 30th President of Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) for a
tenure of three years. He is Portugal Parliamentarian. He has replaced Cuevas Barron.
 Static Part:
o HQ of IPU: Geneva, Switzerland
2020 ANNUAL POLITICAL DIALOGUE BETWEEN INDIA AND GCC TROIKA
Current Context: The Annual Political Dialogue between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council
(GCC) Troika was held virtually.
HIGHLIGHTS
 India was represented by Union Minister for External Affairs, Dr S. Jaishankar and GCC was
represented at the Troika-level by Secretary-General of GCC, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bahrain
and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, UAE.
 Also dignitaries from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar also participated in the dialogue.
 All the dignitaries reviewed their work in detail which they coordinately handled since last few
years.
 They also discussed the satisfactory cooperation between India and GCC countries during COVID-
19 pandemic state.
 Both India and GCC agreed to develop the cooperation to address challenges like Covid-19
pandemic, Terrorism, climate change and sustainable development.
 Also, GCC welcomed and congratulated India to be included in the UNSC as a non-permanent
member from January 2021.
 Static Part: The GCC is comprised of all Arab states of the Persian Gulf namely, Bahrain, Kuwait,
Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
MOU BETWEEN INDIA AND SPAIN IN ASTRONOMY - APPROVED BY UNION

CABINET
Current Context: The MoU between India and Spain in the field of Astronomy, was approved by
Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
KEY POINTS
 The MoU is signed to develop scientific and technical cooperation between both nations in
the Astronomy sector.
 MoU agreement is signed by Indian Institute of Astrophysics and Instituto de Astrofiscia de
Canarias of Spain.
 Activities related to Astronomy sector like New Technologies, New Scientific results, Joint
Scientific Projects and the Capacity building will be collaboratively handled under this MoU by
India and Spain
 Also, both the nation will conduct collaborative research training, programmes, seminars and
conference in order to increase scientific interaction among the experts.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Spain: Madrid
o Currency of Spain: Euro
VISA PARTNERS WITH DIGITSECURE AND HDFC BANK
Current Context: Visa has entered into a partnership with DigitSecure and HDFC Bank to deploy
the world’s first live PCI certified tap to phone card acceptance solution.
KEY FACTS
 It is launched with an aim to have safe and contactless card-based payments within seconds
through an app on NFC based android phones. This solution does not need any dedicated
card acceptance machine to perform a transaction.
 Thus DigitSecure has become the first company in Asia-Pacific to receive PCI security certification
for deploying this technology.
 This solution has made India join the list of over 15 markets which provides Visa tap to phone
technology for merchants to carry out contactless card payments.
 This solution is towards the achievement of Visa’s global commitment to digitize 50 million small
businesses.
 Static Part:
o MD and CEO of HDFC Bank: Sashidhar Jagdishan
ADB APPROVES LOAN TO IMPROVE POWER DISTRIBUTION IN

MEGHALAYA
Current Context: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved the loan to improve and
upgrade the power distribution network in Meghalaya.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 The loan of USD 132.8 million is approved by ADB.
 This loan amount will be used to improve and upgrade the power distribution system & financial
sustainability of the Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Limited (MePDCL).
 Also, MePDCL has an outstanding against the power purchased from central power generating
stations and to the Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL). So, this loan amount will be
used to clear these outstanding dues.
 Under this project, 23 substations will be constructed along with renovation and modernization of
45 substations in the state.
 Installation and up-gradation of 2214 km of distribution lines and developing provision of control
room equipment and protection systems will be carried out under this project.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Meghalaya: Shillong
o CM of Meghalaya: Conrad Sangma
o Governor of Meghalaya: Satya Pal Malik
Current Context: Dilip Rath: He is elected to the Board of International Dairy Federation (IDF). He is
Chairman of National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).
ABOUT
 Static Part:
o HQ of IDF: Brussels, Belgium
 Piercristiano Brazzale: He is elected as President of International Dairy Federation (IDF). He
has replaced Dr Judith Bryans.
 Static Part:
o HQ of IDF: Brussels, Belgium
 John Magufuli: He is appointed as President of Tanzania.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Tanzania: Dodoma
o Currency of Tanzania: Tanzanian Shilling
TOURIST FACILITATION CENTRE-- KERALA
Current Context: The ‘Tourist Facilitation Centre’ was inaugurated at Guruvayur, Kerala.
HIGHLIGHTS
 The inauguration was done by Union Minister of State (I/C) for Tourism and Culture,
Prahlad Singh Patel.
 The ‘Tourist Facilitation Centre’ is constructed under the “Development of Guruvayur” project of
PRASAD Scheme, which is the scheme of the Ministry of Tourism.
 The center is constructed at a cost of Rs 11.57 crores.
 The centre is comprised of CCTV Network infrastructure, multi-level car parking and tourist
amenities centre.
 Static Part: PRASAD Scheme: Its full form is Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation
Drive. It was launched by the Ministry of Tourism in 2014-15. The objective of the scheme is to
perform integrated development of identified pilgrim and heritage destinations in India.
MOU BETWEEN INDIA AND UK IN ICT SECTOR- APPROVED BY UNION

CABINET
Current Context: The MoU between India and the United Kingdom in the Information
Communication Technologies and Telecommunications (ICT) sector was approved by Union
Cabinet chaired by PM Narendra Modi.
KEY POINTS
 The MoU was signed between Department of Digital, Media and sports of UK and Ministry of
Communications of India.
 Both the nations will seek cooperation to strengthen telecommunication sector.
 They will explore the cooperation in the areas like: (a) ICT policy regulation (b) Spectrum
Management (c) Telecommunication connectivity including mobile roaming (d)
Telecommunications/ICT technical standardization and testing and certification (e) Wireless
Communication (f) Boost trade and investment in ICT through visits, exhibitions and other similar
events.(g) Technological Development and advancement in IoT, Cloud Computing etc. (h) Build
expert capacity (i) Enhance security using telecommunication.
 This MoU will also open several opportunities for India post Brexit.
 Static Part:
o Capital of UK: London
o Currency of UK: Pound sterling
DRDO SUCCESSFULLY TEST FIRED ADVANCED VERSION OF PINAKA

ROCKET
Current Context: The Defence Research Development Organization (DRDO) has successfully test-
fired the advanced version of Pinaka rocket system.
KEY FACTS
 It was test-fired from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha.
 This advanced version of the Pinaka rocket system has replaced Pinaka Mk-I rockets.
 The Pinaka rocket system can hit the target which is 45-60 km away, while its old version Pinaka
Mk-I rockets have a range of 40 km.
 Basically, Pinaka is a multi-barrel rocket launcher system which can fire 12 rockets in 44 seconds.
 In this test-fire operation, a total of six rockets was launched.
 Static Part:
o Chairman of DRDO: D.G Satheesh Reddy
5TH JOINT WORKING GROUP ON COAL BETWEEN INDIA-INDONESIA
Current Context: The meeting for the 5th joint working group on coal between India and
Indonesia was held virtually.
DETAILS
 The meet was hosted by India.
 India was represented by Vinod Kumar Tiwari, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal, and
Indonesia was represented by Jonson Pakpahan, Director for Mineral and Coal, Non-Tax State
Revenue of Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Republic of Indonesia.
 The meeting observed the discussion related to Indian Coal Policy reforms, Coking Coal
Exploration and Commercial Mining.
 Indonesia also held presentation talks related to Coal Policy and Current Coal Business, Deep
Seated Coal Potential in their country.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Indonesia: Jakarta
o Currency of Indonesia: Indonesian rupiah
Current Context: AK Gupta: He is appointed as MD and CEO of ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL).
ABOUT
 Static Part:
o HQ of OVL: New Delhi
 Shashi S. Vempati: He is appointed to head the 4 member committee which will review
‘Guidelines on Television Rating Agencies in India’. The committee is constituted by the Ministry of
Information and Broadcasting. He is CEO of Prasar Bharti.
 Static Part:
o Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting: Prakash Javadekar
 Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane: He is conferred the honorary rank to be the
General of Nepal Army.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Nepal: Kathmandu
o Currency of Nepal: Nepalese Rupee
o President of Nepal: Bidhya Devi Bhandari
o Prime Minister of Nepal: KP Sharma Oli
PRASAR BHARTI SIGNED MOU WITH BISAG-N
Current Context: India’s largest public broadcasting agency, Prasar Bharati has signed MoU with
BISAG- State level agency by Government of Gujarat i.e. with Bhaskaracharya National Institute
for Space Applications and Geo-Informatics.
HIGHLIGHTS
 They have signed MoU with an aim to launch DTH educational TV channels to all DD free
dish viewers.
 All the 51 DTH education channels will be available as DD co-branded channels to all DD Fresh
Dish viewers.
 Those 51 DTH education channels include 22 channels of Swaymprabha,12 channels of e-Vidya for
classes 1 to 12, 16 channels of Vande Gujarat and 1 channel of DigiShala.
 This partnership will provide quality online educational programmes in rural and remote areas.
 The services can be availed in free of cost for all viewers for 24x7.
 This partnership will also lead to achieving the target of GOI of ‘Education to all’.
FIRST INDIA-NORDIC-BALTIC CONCLAVE
Current Context: The First India-Nordic-Baltic Conclave was held virtually.
KEY POINTS
 The Indian side was represented by Union Minister of External Affairs, Dr S Jai Shankar.
 The First India-Nordic-Baltic Conclave was hosted by Ministry of External Affairs in
partnership with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
 The theme for the conclave was: ‘An Innovation-Driven Partnership for Growth in New World’.
 The dignitaries discussed the adoption of clean technologies and renewable energies.
 They also held discussion related to Artificial Intelligence, supply chain logistics and blockchain
led transformation.
 Static Part: Nordic Countries: Group of five nations in Northern Europe- Sweden, Denmark,
Norway, Iceland, and Finland.
o Baltic Countries: Three sovereign nations in Northern Europe which are on the east coast
of the Baltic sea- Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania.
‘ICICI BANK MINE’, A COMPREHENSIVE BANKING PROGRAMME
Current Context: ICICI Bank has launched a comprehensive banking programme for its millennial
customers belonging to the age group of 18 to 35 years.
KEY FACTS
 The name of a comprehensive banking programme is ‘ICICI Bank Mine’.
 This is India’s first comprehensive banking programme for millennials which is inspired by
‘Millennial Network’.
 The ‘ICICI Bank Mine’ offers an instant savings account, driven with the feature of iMobile
application which offers investment guidance to suit the demand of millennials, curated credit and
debit card, instant personal loans & overdrafts, and even an experiential branch with social
engagement space.
 Thus the new product will provide a simple, secured and customized banking solution to the
millennial customers of ICICI Bank.
 It also offers Instant personal loan and overdraft facility. The ‘Insta Personal Loan’ facility up to Rs
25 lakh in just three seconds can be availed by the customers.
 Static Part:
o Tagline of ICICI Bank: Hum Hai Na, Khayal Apka
4TH HIGH-LEVEL MEET OF THE INDIA-OPEC ENERGY DIALOGUE
Current Context: The 4th High-level meeting of the India-OPEC Energy Dialogue was held virtually.
DETAILS
 The meet was co-chaired by Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Steel,
Dharmendra Pradhan.
 Also, the meeting observed the participation by OPEC Member countries, Secretary Ministry of
Petroleum and Natural Gas, and CMD & MDs of India’s oil and gas industry.
 The dignitaries discussed assessing COVID-19 induced disruptions of oil supply.
 Indian side urged to OPEC to address the anomalies that are prevalent in differential crude oil
prices.
 Static Part: About Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC): It was founded in
Baghdad, Iraq in 1960. Its HQ is in Vienna, Austria.
‘SAGAR KAVACH’-- A TWO-DAY JOINT COASTAL SE CURITY EXERCISE

COMMENCED
Current Context: The ‘Sagar Kavach’, joint coastal security exercise was launched at Paradip Coast,
Odisha.
HIGHLIGHTS
 The exercise is a joint effort of Odisha and West Bengal governments.
 It is being conducted to prevent a repeat of the Mumbai attacks by sea.
 The exercise includes participation from the Indian Navy, the Indian Coast Guard, the Odisha
Police, the local fishermen, the forest department, and the port marine department.
 Static Part:
o Chief of Naval Staff: Admiral Karambir Singh.
o DG of Indian Coast Guard: Krishnaswamy Natarajan
IIT-MADRAS PARTNERED WITH DG TAKANO
Current Context: The International Centre for Clean Water (ICCW), which is an initiative of IIT
Madras has entered into a partnership with a Japanese firm, named DG Takano.
HIGHLIGHTS
 They have collaborated with an aim to develop new clean water technologies in India.
 Both ICCW and DG Takano will work to develop innovative products which will solve current
challenges being faced by society and the environment in terms of clean and safe drinking water.
 Both the organisations will work on projects like clean water, water treatment, water security and
wastewater.
 They will conduct jointly Research and Developments activities with an aim to implement proven
technologies and to conduct field testing of emergent technologies.
 To implement this partnership they will conduct educational training and internship programs.
 Technical support with respect to the analysis of groundwater, clean water, treated water,
assessment of water security, selection and development of the most appropriate technology and
its implementation, local technical training and maintenance support will be provided by ICCW.
 Also, various water technology solutions of DG Takano will be tested and implemented by ICCW.
ISRO LAUNCHED ALL WEATHER EARTH OBSERVATION SATELLITE & 9

CUSTOMER SATELLITES
Current Context: The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has launched all-weather Earth
Observation Satellite, EOS-01 using PSLV-C49 and nine customer satellites.
KEY FACTS
 The launching took place from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
 Also, the launch vehicle carried on board an experimental satellite from Lithuania, four
marine-based application satellites from Luxembourg, and four remote sensing application
based satellites from the United States.
 The all-weather Earth Observation Satellite, EOS-01 will be used for agriculture, forestry, and
disaster management support.
 Static Part:
o HQ of ISRO: Bengaluru, Karnataka
o Chairman of ISRO: K. Sivan
APPOINTMENTS, RESIGNATION AND AMBASSADOR ON 8TH NOVEMBER

2020
Current Context: Gyanendro Ningombam: He is appointed as President of Hockey India.
ABOUT
 Mohd Mushtaque Ahmad: He is appointed as Senior Vice President of Hockey India.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Hockey India: New Delhi
 Joseph Robinette Biden Jr.: He is elected to be the 46th President of the United States. He has
replaced Donald Trump.
 Kamala Harris: She is elected to be the first black and Indian-American Woman to serve as Vice-
President of the United States.
 Vidisha Maitra: She is elected to the United Nations Advisory Committee on Administrative
and Budgetary Questions.
 Yashvardhan Kumar Sinha: He is appointed as the Chief Information Commissioner of
Central information Commission for a tenure of three years.
 Hashim Thaci: He has resigned from the post of President of Kosovo. Also, Vjosa Osmani will
work as acting President of Kosova.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Kosova: Pristina
o Currency of Kosava: Euro
 Rajkummar Rao: He is appointed as Brand Ambassador for Syska Group.
 Chacha Chaudhary: He is appointed as Brand Ambassador for Namami Gange Project.
40TH MEET OF SAARC CENTRAL BANK GOVERNORS MEET
Current Context: The 40th Meeting of the SAARCFINANCE Governors' Group was held virtually.
ABOUT MEETING
 The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Reserve Bank of India Governor,
Shaktikanta Das.
 The current chairmanship of SAARCFINANCE is with Reserve Bank of India.
 The meeting was attended by Governors of SAARC Central Banks.
 During the meet, RBI Governor inaugurated the SAARCFINANCE Sync, which is a closed user
group secure communication network.
 RBI Governor highlighted to develop close partnership and to boost cooperation among SAARC
Member countries in order to fight COVID-19 pandemic situation.
 The dignitaries reviewed the macroeconomic situation in the SAARC region and held discussions
about current SAARCFINANCE initiatives.
 Static Part: About SAARCFINANCE: It was established in 1998 and it is a network of central bank
governors and finance secretaries of the SAARC region.
o Current Chairmanship of SAARCFINANCE: Reserve Bank of India
o List of Central Banks in SAARCFINANCE group: Bangladesh Bank, Central Bank of Sri
Lanka, Da Afghanistan Bank, Maldives Monetary Authority, Nepal Rastra Bank, Reserve
Bank of India, Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan, State Bank of Pakistan.
‘BULL STRIKE’ -- A TRISERVICE EXERCISE
Current Context: The ‘Bull Strike’, triservice exercise was conducted at Teressa Island in Nicobar
Group of Islands.
DETAILS
 It was a three-day Tri-Service Combat Exercise conducted by Andaman and Nicobar
Command (ANC).
 In the exercise, three services components of ANC, elements of Indian Army’s Parachute Brigade,
MARCOS (Marine Commando Force) and Special Forces took participation.
 Training activities held in the exercise were: (a) Combat free fall and paradrop from Advanced
Airlifter C-130J “Super Hercules” by a company of Para Commando (b) Action by MARCOS of
Indian Navy (c) Special Heli Borne Operations (SHBO) by Indian Army Ghatak platoons. (d) Search
and Rescue (SAR) operation and medical evacuation procedures.
PM MODI LAID FOUNDATION STONE FOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN

VARANASI
Current Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of
various development projects to be conducted in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
KEY POINTS
 The development projects are related to agriculture, tourism and infrastructure.
 Project costing is Rs 614 crore.
 The inaugurated projects are: Upgradation of Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital Ramnagar, sewerage
related works, infrastructure facilities for protection and conservation of cows, a housing complex
for players in Sampurnanand Stadium, multipurpose seed storehouse and Sarnath Light and
Sound show.
 PM Modi laid the foundation stone for projects like: Redevelopment of Dashashwamedh Ghat
and Khidkiya Ghat, redevelopment of a multipurpose hall in Girija Devi Sanskritik Samkul,
building barracks for PAC Police force and repair activities for roads.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Uttar Pradesh: Lucknow
o CM of Uttar Pradesh: Yogi Adityanath
o Governor of Uttar Pradesh: Anandiben Mafatbhai Patel
VIRTUAL GLOBAL INVESTOR ROUNDTABLE (VGIR) 2020 CONFERENCE
Current Context: The Virtual Global Investor Roundtable (VGIR) 2020 Conference was chaired by
Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
DETAILS
 The conference was organized by the Ministry of Finance in coordination with the National
Investment and Infrastructure Fund.
 The conference was attended by 20 top institutional investors from the US, Europe, Canada, Korea,
Japan, Middle East, Australia and Singapore.
 Aim of this conference was to attract investment in the country.
 So the conference allowed a discussion of dialogue between leading global institutional investors,
Indian business leaders and the highest decision-makers of GOI and financial market regulators.
 The main focus of the discussion was on India's economic and investment outlook, structural
reforms and vision of GOI to make India a USD 5 trillion economy.
‘PARIVARTHANAM SCHEME’-- KERALA
Current Context: The Kerala government has launched ‘Parivarthanam Scheme’, which is a
pioneering eco-sustainable programme.
ABOUT SCHEME
 The scheme is launched for the betterment of the Fishing Community.
 The management and implementation of the scheme will be headed by Kerala State Coastal Area
Development Corporation (KSCADC).
 The procurement and processing of fish and quality of fish will be looked after by the Central
Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) of Union governments.
 The ‘Parivarthanam Scheme’ is launched to improve the livelihood skills of youngsters
living along the coastline along with upliftment of the fishing community.
 The scheme will offer a fixed price to fish-catchers as fair compensation.
 The scheme also offers employment job opportunities to college dropouts and migrant
workforce who returned to their home town due to COVID-19.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Kerala: Thiruvananthapuram.
AAI SIGNED MOU WITH NTPC VIDYUT VYAPAR NIGAM (NVVN)
Current Context: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has signed MoU with NTPC Vidyut Vyapar
Nigam (NVVN), which is the subsidiary of NTPC.
DETAILS
 They have signed MoU to promote the use of electric vehicles and setting up solar power
plants at airports of AAI.
 Under this MoU, NVVN will be providing adequate land and rooftop space at free of cost at AAI
airports in order to build solar plants.
 The initial phase of MoU will be conducted in airports at Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan, where solar
capacity required, is around 55 MW and 8 MW, respectively to become 100 per cent solar-
powered airports.
 Also, both AAI and NVVN will support GOI’s initiative to adopt electric vehicles by developing a
public charging infrastructure.
 Static Part:
o HQ of AAI: New Delhi
o Chairman of AAI: Arvind Singh
o HQ of NTPC: New Delhi
‘AIM–SIRIUS INNOVATION PROGRAMME 3.0’
Current Context: The Atal Innovation Mission (an initiative of NITI Aayog) in partnership with
Russia’s Sirius (Scientific International Research In Unique terrestrial Station) launched ‘AIM–
Sirius Innovation Programme 3.0’.
HIGHLIGHTS
 The programme is launched for Indian and Russian school-going children.
 It is the 14-day virtual programme which is the first Indo-Russian bilateral youth innovation
initiative.
 This programme aims to develop technological solutions in both web and mobile-based
areas for India and Russia.
 During this programme, 48 students and 16 educators and mentors will be participating to create
8 virtual products and mobile applications which will help to address global challenges especially
for the issues faced in this pandemic period of COVID-19.
 The global challenges will be addressed in the areas like culture, distance education, applied
cognitive science, health, sports, chemistry, AI and digital financial assets in the wake of COVID-19.
 The solutions developed in this programme will leverage 21st-century technologies like app
development, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cybersecurity, machine learning, data analytics,
UI/UX, virtual reality, augmented reality, gamification, 3D design, and rapid prototyping etc.
 Static Part:
o Currency of Russia: Ruble
‘SMART DRIVE PRIVATE CAR INSURANCE'
Current Context: The Airtel Payments Bank has partnered with Bharti AXA General Insurance to
offer comprehensive car insurance.
KEY POINTS
 The name of the car insurance is ‘Smart Drive Private Car Insurance'.
 This insurance policy offers protection against damage to the vehicle in case of accident, theft, and
natural and man-made disasters.
 Also, this insurance policy offers compensation for injury or damages caused to another person or
property due to a car accident.
 A personal accident cover is offered to the policyholder. In case of death due to accident, the
financial protection is offered to the family through this insurance policy.
 The ‘Smart Drive Private Car Insurance' can be purchased from Airtel Thanks app within few
minutes without any paper-based processes.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Airtel Payments Bank: New Delhi
o MD and CEO of Airtel Payments Bank: Anubrata Biswas
o HQ of Bharti AXA General Insurance: Mumbai
o MD and CEO of Bharti AXA General Insurance: Sanjeev Srinivasan
PAKKE TIGER RESERVE OFFERS INSURANCE COVER AGAINST COVID-19

FOR GREEN SOLDIERS
Current Context: The Pakke Tiger Reserve (PTR) which is in Arunachal Pradesh offers insurance
cover against COVID-19 for “green soldiers”.
DETAILS
 Thus, PTR in Arunachal Pradesh has become first in the eight-state of the northeast to do
so.
 Under this, 57 frontline staff i.e. green soldiers of the PTR park are insured for 9 months against
health issues related to coronavirus.
 The insurance amount was paid by Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) which is an NGO with the support
from Foundation Serge.
 The insurance coverage is of Rs. 1 lakh each is given and a few who would be retiring soon has
been insured for Rs. 50,000.
 Static Part:
o CM of Arunachal Pradesh: Pema Khandu
o Governor of Arunachal Pradesh: B.D. Mishra.
o Dams in Arunachal Pradesh: Dibang Dam, Ranganadi Dam and Subansiri Dam
Current Context: Akshay Kumar Singh: He is appointed as MD and CEO of Petronet LNG Ltd. He has
replaced Prabhat Singh.
ABOUT
 Michael Holding: He is appointed as new patron of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC)
Foundation.
 Static Part:
o Director of MCC Foundation: Sarah Fane
INTER-MINISTERIAL APPROVAL COMMITTEE MEET
Current Context: Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Minister of Rural Development
and Minister of Food Processing Industries, Narendra Singh Tomar chaired the Inter-Ministerial
Approval Committee meeting.
KEY FACTS
 In this meeting, the minister approved 29 projects leveraging the investment of Rs 443
crores.
 Under this projects, Rs 189 crore was allocated to the Scheme of Integrated Cold Chain and Value
Addition and Rs 15 crores was allocated to the BFL (Backward and Forward Linkages) scheme
which is the part of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana.
 These projects will be generating 15,000 employment opportunities which will be beneficial to
around 2 lakh Indian farmers.
 The projects will be implemented in 10 Indian states namely, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat,
Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Kerala, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Telangana,
Nagaland.
 These projects are approved with an aim to provide effective and seamless backward and forward
integration for the processed food industry by making the availability of the raw material and
linkage with the market. Also, these projects will benefit farmers.
MARG ERP PARTNERED WITH PAYTM
Current Context: The Marg ERP, which is the biggest enterprise solutions providers in India has
entered into a partnership with Paytm.
HIGHLIGHTS
 They have partnered to resolve MSMEs payment issues digitally, thus to facilitate seamless
transactions for MSMEs.
 Under this partnership, both entities will provide a new integrated payments solution
called ‘MargPay’ which is developed by Marg ERP to MSMEs.
 This payment solution will also help to expand the business of MSMEs in India.
 ‘MargPay’ payment solution will provide efficient payment transactions in a cost-effective manner
which will help MSMEs to keep a track record of payment receipts for the payments made using
multiple methods.
 The payment solution helps MSMEs to reconcile all payment transactions.
 Also, merchants will be able to connect ‘MargPay’ payment solution with less efforts to their
billing and accounting system.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Marg ERP Ltd: New Delhi
o CEO of Marg ERP Ltd: Krishnam Raju D
o CEO of Paytm: Vijay Shekhar Sharma
CREATION OF NATIONAL DATABASE FOR UNORGANISED WORKERS
Current Context: The Ministry of Finance has approved the creation of the National Database for
Unorganised Workers (NDUW).
KEY FACTS
 This is the first national database created for migrant workers and unorganised sector workers.
 It will be created with an aim to give a proper platform to the migrants so that it will
become convenient and easy for the government to implement various programmes and
schemes to this unorganised sector.
 The database will be developed by the Ministry of Labour and Employment by using Aadhaar
Number in which migrant workers and unorganised sector workers will be enrolled.
 This database will help the government to implement schemes, job opportunities in order to
maintain the economic life of migrant workers and unorganised sector workers on the proper
track.
 Also, in this database, the workers can also elaborate their skill sets in order to get job
opportunities.
 The total costing for creating this database is Rs 650 crore.
 Static Part:
o Union Minister for Finance: Nirmala Sitharaman
o Union Minister of State (IC) for Labour and Employment: Santosh Kumar Gangwar
FOUR AGREEMENTS SIGNED BETWEEN INDIA AND MALDIVES
Current Context: India and Maldives have entered into four agreements during the visit of India’s
Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla to the Maldives.
DETAILS
 Agreement (1): The grant of $100 million by India for the Greater Male Connectivity Project
(GMCP). This will allow linkage of Male (Capital of Maldives) with three islands. The total cost of
this particular project is $500 million in which the rest $400 million will also be provided by India.
 Agreement (2): The grant of 1.71 million Maldivian rufiyaas for the purpose of setting up of a
plant and soil testing lab.
 Agreement (3): The grant of 7.7 million Maldivian rufiyaas to establish a drug detox facility.
 Agreement (4): To increase bilateral cooperation in sports and youth affairs.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Maldives: Male
o Currency of Maldives: Maldivian Rufiyaa
'COVID SHIELD+'—BY EDELWEISS TOKIO LIFE INSURANCE
Current Context: The Edelweiss Tokio Life Insurance launched the insurance products called
'Covid Shield+'.
KEY POINTS
 The 'Covid Shield+' is India’s first individual Covid-19 life insurance product.
 It provides financial protection against the impact of COVID-19.
 It is the new niche product category in the insurance industry, which fulfil the increased
protection need of people, which is vital during this pandemic state.
 It is a cost-effective product which requires no medical test and also provides immediate support
to the policyholder.
 The 'Covid Shield+' has a tenure of 1 year with its premium rates starting from Rs 5,329.
 It offers a critical illness benefit of minimum Rs 10 lakh post-24-hour ICU or HDU hospitalization
owing to Covid-19.
 Also if diagnosed with COVID-19, the product also triggers minimum enhanced term cover worth
Rs25 lakh sum assured.
 People belonging to the age group of 18 to 65 years can opt for this insurance product.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Edelweiss Tokio Life Insurance: Mumbai
o MD and CEO of Edelweiss Tokio Life Insurance: Sumit Rai
AUSTRALIA-INDIA WATER CENTRE INAUGURATED
Current Context: The Australia-India Water Centre was inaugurated virtually through a webinar
held with a view of COVID-19 pandemic.
DETAILS
 The centre is an initiative of IIT Guwahati, University of Western Sydney of Australia and 21
other partners from India and Australia.
 The water centre is developed with an aim to enhance water security which is the critical
challenge faced by both India and Australia.
 So both nations agreed to enhance cooperation in this sector in order to improve water
management and sustainable economic development.
 The Australia-India Water Centre will allow the collaboration work in water research activities
along with joint Master’s level programme in water future.
 This water centre will conduct programmes, training and workshops for students, staff and
government agencies.
 Static Part:
CABINET APPROVED PRODUCTION-LINKED INCENTIVE SCHEME
Current Context: The Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs has approved the Continuation and
Revamping of the Scheme for Financial Support to Public-Private Partnership in Infrastructure
Viability Gap Funding Scheme till 2024-25.
HIGHLIGHTS
 This is extended with an outlay of Rs 8,100 crore.
 This will help to promote and strengthen PPP (Public-Private Partnership) in the social and
economic infrastructure domain.
 This financial support will allow proper operation and maintenance, efficient creation of assets
and will make the socially essential projects commercially viable.
 This grant amount will help to develop water supply, wastewater treatment, Health and Education
sectors.
 Also, the committee said that the centre will provide 30% of the total project cost while the state
governments and sponsoring ministry will have to provide additional support of up to 30% of the
total project cost.
Current Context: Arun Goel: He is appointed to head the committee set up by GOI to strengthen
Capital Goods Sector. He is serving as secretary of Department of Heavy industries in Ministry of Heavy
Industries and Public Enterprise.
ABOUT
 Static Part:
o Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprise: Prakash Javadekar
 Sandip Bhagat: He is appointed to head the committee to review the frameworks of share-
based employee benefits and issue of sweat equity and to suggest policy changes. The
committee is set up by SEBI (Securities Exchange Board of India).
 Static Part:
 R Chandrasekaran: He is appointed to head the committee which will work to revisit the
retail business of engineering tariff. The committee is set up by IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory
and Development Authority of India).
 Static Part:
o HQ of IRDAI: Hyderabad
o Chairman of IRDAI: Dr Subhash C Khuntia
'SMARTHUB MERCHANT SOLUTIONS 3.0’
Current Context: The private sector bank, HDFC Bank in partnership with Visa launched the
‘SmartHub Merchants Solutions 3.0’.
KEY POINTS
 The solution is termed to be India’s first comprehensive banking and payment solution for
merchants.
 The ‘SmartHub Merchants Solutions 3.0’ allows merchants and self-employed professionals to
open a current account instantly and to accept payments in-store and in an online way.
 This solution will prove beneficial to 20 million small & medium merchants and self-employed
professionals.
 The solution is available in the form of app-based, web-based and in range of PoS devices.
 It allows payment collection through Bharat QR, Aadhaar Pay, UPI, SMS, Google Pay, Credit cards
and debit cards etc.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Visa: California, US
o Chairman and CEO of Visa: AlfredF Kelly Jr.
IBSA REPORT ON ‘DEEPENING COOPERATION IN IBSA
Current Context: The India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) report on ‘Deepening Cooperation in IBSA:
Perspectives from Key Sectors’ was launched.
KEY POINTS
 It was launched by Economic Relations Secretary of Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Rahul
Chhabra.
 The report was drafted by the second batch of the fellows of the IBSA Visiting Fellow Program.
 The report was drafted by analyzing and performing research on cooperation at the UN in areas like
Traditional Medicine, Intellectual Property Rights, and Financial Sector Cooperation & Trade in Banking
Services & Energy.
INDIAN ASTRONOMERS JOINED HANDS WITH 2020 PHYSICS NOBEL

LAUREATE
Current Context: Indian astronomers have collaborated with Prof.Andrea Ghez, who is 2020
Physics Nobel Laureate.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 They have joined hands to design the back-end instruments and study possible science
prospects of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) project.
 The TMT is considered to be extremely large telescope (ELT) which will be installed at Maunakea
on the island of Hawaii.
 Basically, the TMT project is an international collaborative project of CalTech, Universities of
California, Canada, Japan, China, and India.
 This project aims to revolutionize the understanding of the universe and the enigmas in it.
 Name of Indian astronomers who collaborated with Prof. Andrea Ghez are: Dr Annapurni
Subramanium, Director of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) and Dr Shashi Bhushan
Pandey, a scientist at Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES).
20TH SCO COUNCIL OF HEADS OF STATE SUMMIT
Current Context: The 20th Summit of SCO Council of Heads of State was held virtually.
KEY FACTS
 The Indian delegation was led by PM Narendra Modi and it was chaired by Vladimir Putin,
President of Russia.
 In the meet, PM Modi addressed that India being a non-permanent member of UNSC, beginning
from 1st Jan 2021, will work by focusing on the theme of ‘reformed multilateralism’.
 This will help to bring a positive impact to achieve desirable changes in global governance.
 He also highlighted that India will strengthen the connectivity and collaboration in SCO in its
initiatives like International North-South Transport Corridor , Chabahar Port and Ashgabat
Agreement.
 He also mentioned that India’s pharma sector supported with essential medicines supply to more
than 150 nations during COVID-19 pandemic.
 Static Part:
o Secretariat of SCO: Beijing, China
‘PAYOUT LINKS’ BY PAYTM
Current Context: The ‘Payout Links’ platform is launched by Paytm.
HIGHLIGHTS
 It is basically launched for businesses with an aim to allow them to instantly process
payouts i.e. payments to their customers, employees and vendors without collecting their
bank details.
 The Payout Links will help business belonging to the sectors like gaming, retail, manufacturing,
exports and e-commerce.
 With the help of this platform, incentives or refunds can be sent to the customer’s bank accounts
or wallet accounts in a seamless manner.
 For this purpose, the sender of payments has to create a payout link and must share it with
customers, vendors and employees.
 On opening the link by the receiver, a list of saved documents is displayed like Paytm wallet,
Paytm UPI, connected bank accounts. From these displayed options, the receiver has to select the
mode of reception of payments.
 Thus ‘Payout Links’ platform allows the receiver to have control in selecting accounts for
payments reception and thus can maintain privacy with respect to bank details.
 Static Part:
o CEO of Paytm: Vijay Shekhar Sharma
MISSION COVID SURAKSHA
Current Context: Union Minister of Finance Nirmala Sitharaman launched the Mission COVID
Suraksha.
KEY POINTS
 For this mission, the GOI has inducted Rs 900 crores.
 The inducted amount will be utilized for the research and development of COVID-19
vaccines in India.
 The Mission COVID Suraksha is one of the parts of a stimulus package of worth Rs 2.65 lakh
crores.
 Also, FM made an announcement to induct Rs 10,000 crores for PM Garib Kalyan Rozgar Yojana
with an aim to increase employment.
INDIA’S GDP AT -8.9% FOR FY 2020—BY MOODY’S RATING AGENCY
Current Context: The Moody’s Rating Agency has projected that GDP of India at -8.9% for FY 2020.
KEY FACTS
 Earlier the rating agency projected GDP for India at -9.6%.
 Also, Moody’s rating agency has redefined India’s GDP growth for FY 2021 at 8.6%, which initially
was 8.1%.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Moody’s: New York
o President and CEO of Moody’s: Raymond W. Mc Daniel Jr.
‘PROJECT AIR CARE’-- HARYANA
Current Context: The Haryana Government has launched ‘Project Air Care’.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 This project is launched with an aim to combat air pollution in Gurgaon.
 Under this project, 65 Wing Augmentation Air Purifying Units (WAYU) will be set up having high
AQI (Air Quality Indices) which will help to improve the quality of air in Gurgaon.
 The air purifiers are developed by CSIR-NEERI and by IIT-Bombay.
 The ‘Project Air Care’ is the joint initiative of Gurgaon Metropolitan Development Authority
(GMDA) and by GSK.
 Static Part:
o CM of Haryana: Manohar Lal Khattar
o Governor of Haryana: Satyadev Narayan Arya
AGS TRANSACT PARTNERED WITH UTIMACO
Current Context: The AGS Transact Technologies Limited partnered with Utimaco (based in
Germany).
DETAILS
 They have entered into a partnership for the purpose of Cyber Defence Technology.
 The Cyber Defence Technology will offer high-security level for digital payment based
transactions and will offer automated solutions to firms and organisations like banking, retail etc
in India and South East Asia region.
 They will offer crypto key security solutions to the organisations.
 This cybersecurity solution will be offered on the hosted model and on the sales model.
 Static Part:
o HQ of AGS Transact Technologies Limited: Mumbai
o HQ of Utimaco: Aachen, Germany
INDIAN NAVY LAUNCHED THE FIFTH SCORPENE SUBMARINE ‘VAGIR’
Current Context: The Indian Navy launched the fifth Scorpene submarine ‘Vagir’. It was launched
at Mazagon Dock of south Mumbai.
KEY POINTS
 The ‘Vagir’ Scorpene submarine has the capability to handle missions like anti-submarine warfare,
anti-surface warfare, mine laying, intelligence gathering and area surveillance.
 ‘Vagir’ is the part of six Kalvari class submarine that is being built in India.
 They are designed by the French Navy and an energy company DCNS.
 They are built under Project-75 of Indian Navy.
 Basically, the name ‘Vagir’ is named after the Sand Fish, which is the deep-sea predator in the
Indian Ocean.
 The first ‘Vagir’ was from Russia and was commissioned in 1973.
 The Scorpene submarine type has additional air-independent propulsion which allows the non-
nuclear submarines to operate without accessing atmospheric or surface oxygen.
MNRE AMENDS GUIDELINES FOR PM-KUSUM SCHEME
Current Context: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has amended the implementation
guidelines of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyaan (PM-KUSUM)
Scheme.
ABOUT
 The PM KUSUM Scheme is meant for the Indian farmers which aim to install solar pumps, grid-
connected solar and other renewable power plants across the country.
 Components of PM-KUSUM Scheme: (Components A): Installation of Decentralized Ground
Mounted Grid Connected Renewable Power Plants.
 (Components B): Installation of standalone Solar-Powered Agriculture Pumps.
 (Components C): Solarisation of grid-connected agriculture Pumps.
 Amendments made in each component are: (Components A): Solar plants can now also be
installed on Pasturelands and marshy lands of farmers. The solar power projects smaller than 500
kW will also be allowed, considering the increasing participation of small farmers. The completion
period is increased from 9 to 12 months. No penalty for the shortfall in a generation.
 (Components B): The CFA will be allowed for solar pump capacity of higher than 7.5 HP. A
separate bid price for solar water pumping system with Universal Solar Pump Controller (USPC)
will be invited and subsidy will be made available for these pumps as per the benchmark price of
solar pumps without USPC.
 (Components C): MNRE will keep 33% of eligible service charges for national Information
Education and Communication (IEC) activities. The provisions are made for the release of Service
charges to implement agencies for preparatory activities.
 Static Part:
o PM-KUSUM Scheme: It was approved by Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)
on 19th Feb 2019 and has the target to set up solar and other renewable power plants of
capacity of 25,750 MW by 2022.
o Union Minister of State (IC) of New and Renewable Energy: Raj Kumar Singh
‘BHARAT DARSHAN–DAKSHIN BHARAT YATRA’
Current Context: The ‘Bharat Darshan–Dakshin Bharat Yatra’ will be started by Indian Railway
Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 It will commence on 12th Dec 2020.
 The journey will start from Hyderabad and Secunderabad from 12th Dec to 18th Dec 2020.
 Theme for yatra is: ‘Show India to Indians’
 The boarding and de-boarding facility of this tourist train will be available at Secunderabad,
Khammam, Nellore, Vijayawada, Warangal, Ongole, and Renigunta.
 The tourist train will be having 12 sleeper coaches, one 3-tier AC coach and a pantry car.
 The fare amount for sleeper coaches will be Rs 7,140 and for three-tier AC will be Rs 8,610.
‘AATMA NIRBHAR MADHYA PRADESH 2023’
Current Context : The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh launched a roadmap to ‘Aatma Nirbhar
Madhya Pradesh 2023’.
KEY POINTS
 The roadmap for this initiative focuses on health and education in the state.
 To frame the roadmap, four seminars were conducted related to physical infrastructure, good
governance, health and education
 On basis of inputs received from these seminars, the roadmap for ‘Aatma Nirbhar Madhya Pradesh
2023’ was framed
 Under this initiative, a network of hospitals will be established in Madhya Pradesh which will
focus on improving the health sector
 The initiative also focuses on economy and employment development
 It also aims to develop small and cottage industries of the state
 During the launching ceremony, CM transferred interest-free loan of Rs 10,000 under Mukhya
Mantri rural Street Vendor Loan Scheme. Under the scheme, the state government will bear 14%
interest subsidy per loan beneficiary (for loans upto Rs 10,000).
 Static Part:
o CM of Madhya Pradesh: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
o Governor of Madhya Pradesh: Anandiben Patel
‘LOCAL4DIWALI’ CAMPAIGN OF TEXTILE MINISTRY
Current Context: The Textile Ministry launched ‘Local4Diwali’ campaign for Diwali. The campaign
is launched with a moto to promote the Indian handicraft, which is India’s cultural heritage and a
source of income to people.
HIGHLIGHTS
 Also, as per data, the sector of handicraft is a major background responsible for women
empowerment as 55% of workers and artisans belonging to this sector are women.
 The campaign is launched to motivate people to purchase or gift Indian handicraft products
on this Diwali festive season.
 This will boost the handicraft sector and will thus help artisans to increase their income.
 Thus this due to this campaign, the sales and promotion of handicraft will increase.
 After the promotion of the idea of ‘Vocal for Local’ by PM Modi, every sector is working to promote
and boost local businesses and strengthen the moto of Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.
 Static Part:
o Ministry of Textiles: Smriti Zubin Irani
17TH ASEAN-INDIA VIRTUAL SUMMIT
Current Context: The 17th ASEAN-India Summit was recently held virtually. Prime Minister
Narendra Modi co-chaired the summit.
ABOUT SUMMIT
 The summit was chaired by Prime Minister of Vietnam, Nguyen Xuan Phuc.
 Vietnam is the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
 At this summit, India declared a contribution of USD 1 million to Covid-19 ASEAN Response Fund.
 The overall focus of the summit was on tackling pandemic COVID-19,solve regional and
international issues of common interest related to South China Sea and Terrorism.
 During this summit, both dignitaries welcomed the adoption of new ASEAN-India Plan of Action
for 2021-25.
 Static Part:
o About ASEAN: Members of ASEAN are Brunei, Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos,
Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
o 2020 Chairmanship for ASEAN: Vietnam
o The currency of Vietnam: Vietnamese dong
JEEVAN SEVA APP
Current Context: The Jeevan Seva App is launched by Satyendar Jain, who is the Health Minister of
Delhi. The app is launched to offer safe and timely transportation of Corona patients to the
healthcare facilities and hospitals.
DETAILS
 For this initiative, the Government of Delhi partnered with EVERA, which is an EV cab
facility. This facility was launched by Prakriti E-Mobility Pvt Ltd.
 The app will allow the transport of not so critical coronavirus patients to and from their homes,
hospitals or health care centers from any location in Delhi at free of cost and in a timely and safe
manner.
 The cab service under this app is available for 24 hours.
 The EV cab which will be used for transportation will provide zero pollution and zero-emission
transport facility.
 Also after each ride, the cabs will be properly sanitized.
 Static Part:
o Lieutenant Governor of Delhi: Anil Baijal
INDIA TEST FIRED QUI CK REACTION SURFACE-TO-AIR MISSILE (QRSAM)
Current Context: India conducted a successful test firing of all-weather Quick Reaction Surface-to-
Air-Missiles (QRSAM). It was test-fired from Chandipur Test Fire Range, off the Odisha coast.
HIGHLIGHTS
 The QRSAM is the canister-based system, having a range of 30km and is capable of the striking
aerial target at a height of 15 km.
 It is propelled by a single stage solid propellant rocket motor.
 It is developed by using all indigenous subsystems.
 The QRSAM was launched from a mobile launcher capable of carrying 6 canisterised missiles.
 It achieved the major milestone by a direct hit on to a Banshee Pilotless Target aircraft at medium
range and medium altitude.
 It is developed by DRDO, Bharat Dynamics and Bharat Electronics Limited.
15TH EAST ASIA SUMMIT 2020
Current Context: The Union Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S Jaishankar attended the 15th East
Asia Summit. The summit was chaired by Prime Minister of Vietnam, Nguyen Xuan Phuc.
ABOUT SUMMIT
 The Indian side expressed their view on enhancing cooperation in order to tackle post COVID
period.
 The Union Minister also highlighted to increase international cooperation in order to fight
terrorism, climate change and pandemics.
 Static Part:
o Currency of Vietnam: Vietnamese dong
SPORTS MINISTRY TO PROVIDE INCENTIVES UNDER KHELO INDIA

INITIATIVE
Current Context: The Union Minister of Sports, Kiren Rijiju announced that Sports Minister, GOI
will be providing incentives to private academics under Khelo India initiative.
KEY POINTS
 Around 500 such private academics will be provided with incentive support.
 For this purpose, the private academics are to be graded into different categories based on the
quality of achievement of the players.
 Initially, under this initiative, monetary assistance will be provided to 14 Olympic sports
disciplines.
 The 14 priority disciplines which are selected for excellence in the Olympics 2028 are eligible to
receive support.
 The incentive will help private academics to improve their resources, infrastructure and Sports
Sciences.
PM MODI UNVEILED ‘STATUE OF PEACE’
Current Context: India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled ‘Statue of Peace’ The ‘Statue of
Peace’ is unveiled to mark the 151st birth anniversary of Jain Acharya Shree Vijay Vallabh
Surishwer Ji Maharaj.
KEY FACTS
 The ‘Statue of Peace’ was unveiled in Pali district of Rajasthan via video conference.
 It is 151 inches tall and made up of Ashtadhatu (an octo-alloy).
 Static Part:
8TH BRICS SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION MINISTERIAL

MEETING
Current Context: The 8th BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Ministerial Meeting was
held virtually. The Indian side was represented by Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare,
Dr Harsh Vardhan.
ABOUT MEETING
 The meeting helped to strengthen science and technology cooperation among BRICS nations
 The meeting was chaired under Russian Federation as Russia is the chair holder for BRICS 2020
 The meeting observed the adoption of BRICS STI Declaration 2020.
 While addressing the meeting, Dr Harsh Vardhan mentioned his view to developing cooperation to
tackle COVID-19 pandemic
 He also highlighted that ‘COVID 19 pandemic has been a test, demonstrating that multilateral
cooperation is the key to overcoming such global challenges
 He assured that India will also support scientific activities under BRICS MoU on Science,
Technology and Innovation.
3 MONTHS SAANS CAMPAIGN BY MOHFW
Current Context: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched a three months SAANS
campaign.
HIGHLIGHTS
 The SAANS signifies Social Action and Awareness to Neutralize Pneumonia Successfully.
 This campaign is launched to reduce death because of pneumonia in children.
 Under this campaign, people will be made aware of symptoms of childhood pneumonia.
 The aim of this campaign is to reduce less than 5 deaths due to pneumonia, per 1000 live births, to
less than 3 deaths by 2025.
 Static Part:
o Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare: Dr Harsh Vardhan
SBM BANK INDIA PARTNERED WITH PAYNEARBY
Current Context: The SBM Bank India, which is the wholly-owned subsidiary of State Bank of
Mauritius has entered into a partnership with Fintech PayNearby.
KEY POINTS
 They have partnered to launch a neo banking platform.
 They signed MoU for same and are set to build an open banking network which will offer basic
banking solutions and other advance services to the customers.
 Through the PayNearby’s network, the SBM India will offer a complete suite of digital and assisted
banking solutions.
 Both the entities also partnered to launch Nivesh which is a unique Goal Based Recurring Deposit
Platform.
 Static Part: Neo Bank: It is that type of bank, which is operated exclusively online i.e. the customer
does not have to visit a bank or its branches for banking solutions. It is also known as an online
bank, internet-only bank, virtual bank or digital bank.
o HQ of SBM India: Mumbai
o MD and CEO of SMB India: Sidharth Rath
o PayNearby belongs to Nearby Technologies, HQ of Nearby Technologies: Mumbai
DIPAM SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH WORLD BANK
Current Context: The Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) has
entered into an agreement with the World Bank.
KEY FACTS
 They have entered into an agreement so that World Bank will provide advisory services to
DIPAM for asset monetization.
 DIPAM works to handle the Indian government's disinvestment programme. It facilitates
monetization of non-core assets of government CPSEs under strategic disinvestment or closure
and enemy property of the value of Rs 100 crores and above. It is basically having a framework for
monetizing non-core assets.
 Under this agreement, the World Bank will provide its advisory services for asset monetization
under its advisory project.
 The World Bank’s advisory project is approved by the Finance Ministry.
 This advisory project will study and analyze public asset monetization and then it will set a mark
of its standard institutional model against best international practices.
 This will help to develop operational guidelines and structures along with improving the capacity
building.
 This partnership will also help to unlock the value of the unused or marginally used assets, which
will boost financial resources for further investments and growth.
 And the amount which will be raised through the sale of non-core assets will be counted as a part
of the disinvestment proceeds.
APPOINTMENTS AND EXTENSION ON 17TH NOVEMBER 2020
Current Context: Nitish Kumar: He is sworn in as Chief Minister of Bihar for 7th term. He belongs to
the Janta Dal (United).
ABOUT
 Static Part:
o Governor of Bihar: Phagu Chauhan
 Sanjay Kumar Mishra: His tenure to be the Director of Enforcement Directorate (ED) is increased
by one year by Union Government.
 Static Part:
o HQ of ED: New Delhi
‘REGIONAL COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP (RCEP)’
Current Context: The 10 members of the ASEAN and FTA partners China, Japan, South Korea,
Australia and New Zealand to sign the ‘Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)’.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 The RCEP is the world’s largest trading bloc and the world’s biggest free trade deal.
 This was signed on the sidelines of the 37th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
Summit (Hosted by Vietnam).
 RCEP is basically an agreement between ASEAN members and FTA.
 This agreement will help to create an integrated market with 15 countries, which will enable the
availability of products and services of each country within the agreement available across the
region.
 RCEP will focus on trading activities, investments, intellectual property, dispute settlement, e-
commerce, SMEs and economic cooperation.
 Also, the nations in this agreement will have to ratify and analyze the RCEP within 2 years in order
to make it effectively work.
STASHFIN PARTNERS WITH VISA
Current Context: StashFin, which is the Singapore-based neo banking startup has entered into a
partnership with Visa.
KEY POINTS
 They have partnered with an aim to launch co-branded prepaid cards with credit lines.
 They have also partnered to expand digital banking solution and experience to the
customers.
 The StashFin Credit Line prepaid card which is powered by Visa is developed with a defined
resolution for salaried and self-employed professionals.
 These cards can be used at ATMs and physical merchant locations as well as in Visa accepted
online modes.
 These cards act as a personal overdraft facility and allow customers to opt for loans between Rs
25,000 and Rs 3 lakh, depending on their credit profile. On the credit line card, customers will
have to repay the loan within 12-18 months, unlike credit cards, which will allow them to be
financially disciplined.
 Static Part:
o HQ of StashFin: New Delhi
o HQ of Visa: California, US
‘EVA’-- UNIQUE SAVING ACCOUNT FOR WOMEN
Current Context: The Equitas Small Finance Bank (ESFB) has launched a savings account for
women.
DETAILS
 The name of the saving account is ‘Eva’, which is the unique savings account, which
addresses the well-being of Indian women in every aspect such as health, wealth and
prosperity.
 The Eva saving account offers an interest rate of 7% along with PF waiver, discounted gold rates
and 20-25% discount on locker facility.
 It also offers free health check-up and unlimited teleconsultation with women doctors,
gynaecologists and mental health experts.
 The saving account is available for salaried women, homemakers, businesswomen, senior citizens,
transwomen as well as non-resident women.
 The account is available with no maintenance charges.
 Also, the Equitas Small Finance Bank (ESFB) has appointed Smriti Mandhana as their brand
ambassador.
 Static Part:
o HQ of ESFB: Chennai, TN
o MD and CEO of ESFB: Vasudevan P N
o Tagline of ESFB: It’s Fun Banking
RBI CREATES INNOVATION HUB
Current Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has set up ‘Reserve Bank Innovation Hub
(RBIH).’
HIGHLIGHTS
 The Innovation Hub is set up for the financial sector’s innovation.
 The innovation in the financial sector will take place with the help of technology.
 For this purpose, the RBIH will coordinate with financial sector institutions, technology industry
and academic institutions for the purpose exchange of ideas and develop the prototypes related to
financial sector innovation.
 Also, RBI has appointed Senapathy (Kris) Gopalakrishnan, who is co-founder and former co-
chairman of Infosys to be the first Chairperson of the RBIH. The whole RBIH will be managed by
10 members.
 The aim of RBIH is to develop an eco-system which will promote access to financial services and
products.
 The unit will develop internal infrastructure which will help to conduct fintech research.
 Static Part:
o HQ of RBI: Mumbai
o Governor of RBI: Shaktikanta Das.
o Deputy Governors of RBI: BP Kanungo, MK Jain, MD Patra and Rajeshwar Rao.
APPOINTMENTS AND BRAND AMBASSADOR ON 18TH NOVEMBER 2020
Current Context: Maia Sandu: She is appointed as First Women President of Moldova.
ABOUT
 Static Part:
o Capital of Moldova: Chisinau
o Currency of Moldova: Moldovan Leu
 Navneet Munot: He is appointed as MD and CEO of HDFC Mutual Funds. He has replaced Milind
Barve. Currently, Navneet Munot is the Executive Director and Chief Investment Officer of SBI
Funds Management.
 Static Part:
o HQ of HDFC Mutual Funds and SBI Funds Management: Mumbai
 Senapathy (Kris) Gopalakrishnan: He is appointed as first Chairperson of the ‘Reserve Bank
Innovation Hub (RBIH)’.
 Rohit Sharma: He is appointed as Brand Ambassador for Financepeer, which is the Google
incubated education free financing company.
 Smriti Mandhana: She is appointed as Brand Ambassador for Equitas Small Finance Bank
(ESFB).
BRICS NATIONS ADOPTE D COUNTER TERRORISM STRATEGY
Current Context: The BRICS Nations has adopted the counter-terrorism strategy with an aim to
tackle effectively terrorism in the nations.
DETAILS
 The new counter-terrorism strategy adopted is based on principles like Respect to the sovereignty
of BRICS Nations, Commitment to International Laws, Coordinate roles of UN, Consideration of
members countries’ priorities and national interests and to adopt and follow proper approach to
tackle terrorism.
 The strategy will work to achieve goals like: To implement UNSC Resolutions, To broader
counter-terrorism operation with G20 and FATF, To counter global threats on UN Charter and to
increase sharing of information about the terrorist organisation which are listed by UNSC.
RBI IMPOSED A MORATORIUM ON LAKSHMI VILAS BANK
Current Context: The Reserve Bank of India has imposed a moratorium on Lakshmi Vilas Bank
(LVB).
HIGHLIGHTS
 The moratorium is applied for a period of 1 month.
 RBI has put a restriction of Rs 25,000 on withdrawals from the bank, due to serious deterioration
in lender’s financial position.
 Also, the RBI has superseded the BODs of LVB for 1 month. For this, RBI has appointed T N
Manoharan as Administrator of LVB.
 This moratorium is imposed under section 45 of the Banking Regulation Act,1949.
 Also, RBI has released a draft describing a scheme of amalgamation for LVB with DBS Bank
India Ltd.
 The central bank aims to complete this merger process before the moratorium period ends.
 Static Part:
o HQ of RBI: Mumbai
o Governor of RBI: Shaktikanta Das.
o Deputy Governors of RBI: BP Kanungo, MK Jain, MD Patra and Rajeshwar Rao.
o HQ of LVB: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
‘MOOH BAND RAKHO CAMPAIGN’—HDFC BANK
Current Context: The HDFC Bank has launched a campaign called ‘Mooh Band Rakho’.
KEY POINTS
 The ‘Mooh Band Rakho’ campaign is launched to create and spread awareness on cyber
fraud and ways to avoid them.
 The campaign is launched on the occasion of International Fraud Awareness Week 2020, which is
observed from 15th Nov to 21st Nov 2020.
 The campaign aims to protect every citizen from cyber frauds.
 This campaign is important because, due to COVID-19 pandemic, every individual is making use of
online banking transactions in order to maintain social distancing and to stay protected from
getting infected with coronavirus
 The ‘Mooh Band Rakho’ will spread the awareness about not to share card details like CVV (Card
Verification Value) number, the Expiry date of cards, OTP details, login IDs of net banking to
anyone.
 Initially, the bank launched this campaign to fight against COVID-19, but now the bank has
extended the aim of this campaign to fight against cyber frauds.
 In this regards, the bank will also be conducting 1000 workshops in the next four months across
the country to spread awareness about cyber frauds and how to stay protected from them.
 Static Part:
o Tagline of HDFC Bank: We Understand Your World
3RD ANNUAL BLOOMBERG NEW ECONOMY FORUM
Current Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 3rd Annual Bloomberg New
Economy Forum via video conference.
KEY DETAILS
 The forum was held to discuss ways to restore the economy which has affected due to
pandemic COVID-19.
 The inaugural part of the forum was held in Singapore, followed by a second edition in Beijing.
 The dignitaries discussed global economic management, trade and investment, technology,
urbanisation, capital markets, climate change and inclusion.
 Other speakers who addressed the forum were: Director-general of the World Health
Organisation (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, former
US President Bill Clinton, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, and Secretary-General of the United
Nations Antonio Guterres.
EESL SIGNED MOU WITH DNRE, GOA
Current Context: The Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) has signed MoU with Department
of New & Renewable Energy (DNRE), Goa.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 They have signed MoU to discuss and plan the implementation of India’s first 100 MW
decentralized solar convergence project.
 This project comes under Convergence energy Services Limited, Goa.
 Both EESL and DMRE will conduct studies to implement decentralized solar energy project.
 The project will prove helpful to provide clean affordable and reliable power.
 EESL will implement the project on government lands to be used for agricultural pumping.
 This will help to replace 6300 agricultural pumps with Bureau of Energy Efficiency Star rate and
will install 16 lakh LEDs for domestic household purpose.
INDIA’S GDP TO CONTRACT AT 10.3% IN FY2021—BY GOLDMAN SACHS
Current Context: The Goldman Sachs has revised the GDP forecast for India for FY 2021.
DETAILS
 As per revised data from Goldman Sachs, India’s GDP to contract at 10.3% for FY 2021.
 The earlier projection was 14.8%.
 For FY 2022, the Goldman Sachs has projected India’s GDP at 13%.
 Also, Goldman Sachs projects a normalisation in the government containment policies and travel
restrictions by mid-2022 after the COVID-19 vaccine is discovered and distributed.
7TH ROUND OF FOC BETWEEN INDIA AND KAZAKHSTAN
Current Context: India and Kazakhstan conducted a 7th round of Foreign Office Consultations
(FoC) virtually.
HIGHLIGHTS
 India was represented by Vikas Swarup, Secretary (West) and Kazakhstan were represented by
Shakhrat Nuryshev, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
 The dignitaries discussed bilateral cooperation related to their Strategic Partnership.
 They held a discussion about the economy of nations, energy, defence, space and cultural
cooperation.
 They also assured to combat COVID-19 with cooperation between them.
 They also agreed to deepen cooperation in the multilateral arena, including during the
forthcoming stint of India in the UN Security Council for the period 2021-22.
 The nations signed MoU on ‘Indian Grant Assistance for Implementation of High Impact
Community Development Projects in Kazakhstan’.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Kazakhstan: Nur-Sultan
o Currency of Kazakhstan: Kazakhstani Tenge
‘CASA MOBILISATION CAMPAIGN’—HDFC BANK
Current Context: The Karnataka Bank has launched CASA (Current Account Saving Account)
Mobilisation Campaign for FY 2021.
KEY FACTS
 The campaign is conducted from 17th Nov 2020 to 4th March 2021.
 This campaign aims to provide banking services to the unbanked sections of the country.
 The campaign will help to promote digitally powered CASA products of the bank.
 The campaign is launched to mobilize over 4.10 lakh current and savings accounts with an
accretion of 650 crores of business.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Karnataka Bank: Manglore, Karnataka
o MD and CEO of Karnataka Bank: Mahabaleshwara M S
o Tagline of Karnataka Bank: Your Family Bank Across India
TRACE BRIBERY RISK MATRIX 2020
Current Context: The TRACE Matrix ranking list is released by TRACE International, which is an
anti-bribery standard-setting organisation.
DETAILS
 As per the ranking, India is placed at the position of 77th rank, with a score of 45 in the
global list.
 It measures business bribery risk in 194 countries, territories, and autonomous and semi-
autonomous regions.
 The top positions for highest commercial bribery risk are marked by: North Korea,
Turkmenistan, South Sudan, Venezuela and Eritrea.
 The lowest position for commercial bribery risk is marked by: Denmark, Norway, Finland,
Sweden and New Zealand.
 The factors considered for ranking are: Business interactions with government, anti-bribery
deterrence and enforcement, government and civil service transparency, the role of the media and
capacity for civil society oversight.
INDIA SIGNS LOAN AGREEMENT WITH WORLD BANK FOR TRANSPORT

SECTOR IN MEGHALAYA
Current Context: India has entered into an agreement with World Bank to modernise transport
sector in Meghalaya.
KEY POINTS
 They have signed an agreement of USD 120 million.
 With the help of this fund, improvement in 300km strategic road segment will take place
with the help of climate-resilient and nature-based solutions.
 Due to this improvement in the transport sector, Meghalaya will emerge as a leading hub of trade
with Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh.
 This project will uplift sectors like small scale industries, agriculture areas, tourism, health and
education centres in Meghalaya.
 Also, access to a health facility will improve because of efficient road connectivity.
 Around 500,00 people of the state will get the benefit of this improved roads connectivity.
 This fund will help to boost the ‘Restart Meghalaya Mission’.
 Static Part:
o CM of Meghalays: Conrad Kongkal Sangma
o Governor of Meghalaya: Satya Pal Malik
INDIA’S GDP FOR FY 21 AT -6.4%—BY BARCLAYS
Current Context: Barclays, an Investment bank has revised India’s GDP forecast for FY 2020-21.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 As per Barclays, India’s revised GDP forecast is at -6.4% for FY 2020-21.
 The earlier estimation was 6%.
 Also the investment bank, Barclay has predicted growth forecast to 8.5% for FY 2021-22, which
was earlier predicted to be at 7%.
1ST INDIA-LUXEMBOURG VIRTUAL SUMMIT
Current Context: First India and Luxembourg summit was held virtually.
ABOUT
 The summit was jointly addressed by PM Narendra Modi and by Prime Minister of Grand
Duchy of Luxembourg, Xavier Bettel.
 Both the nations appreciated each other for the launch of four Luxembourg satellites by ISRO in
2019.
 Also, PM Narendra Modi welcomed and appreciated the decision of Luxembourg to join the
International Solar Alliance.
 Also, Luxembourg announced its full support to India for United Nations Security Council (2021-
22).
 Both the nations agreed to increase cooperation in the sectors like trade, finance, space, ICT,
sustainable development, renewable energy and solving climate change issues.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Luxembourg: Luxembourg City
o Currency of Luxembourg: Euro
‘PROJECT KIRANA’—MASTERCARD AND USAID
Current Context: Mastercard and United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
jointly launched ‘Project Kirana’.
HIGHLIGHTS
 Both the entities partnered with each other under Women’s Global Development and Prosperity
Initiative (W-GDP) to launch this project.
 ‘Project Kirana’ aims to uplift women entrepreneurs.
 It is basically a two-year programme which is launched in cities of Uttar Pradesh like Kanpur,
Lucknow and Varanasi.
 ‘Project Kirana’ will help women, entrepreneurs, to increase revenue, digital payments and
expand financial inclusion.
 It will also help women entrepreneurs with digital literacy and financial literacy initiatives along
with improvement in business management skills in them.
 The programme will be implemented and executed by DAI Digital Frontiers and ACCESS
Development Services.
 The programme will increase revenues and digital payment process adoption of Kirana shops
which are owned by women.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Mastercard: New York, US
CAPACITY BUILDING COMPONENT OF PM-FME & GIS ODOP DIGITAL MAP

OF INDIA
Current Context: The Capacity building Component of the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro
food processing Enterprises scheme (PM-FME) was launched by Union Minister of Food
Processing Industries, Narendra Singh Tomar.
KEY POINTS
 He also launched GIS One District One Product (ODOP) Digital Map of India.
 Capacity building Component of the PM-FME: This component will provide training sessions to
food processing entrepreneurs, SHGs, Farmers Producer Organisation (FPOs), Cooperatives and
stakeholders who are linked with PM-FME Scheme.
 The training sessions will be given to master trainers in an online mode or by classroom lecture
sessions and in the form of demos. Then the master trainers will be responsible to train district-
level trainers who will further be training the beneficiaries. The training to the masters will be
provided by the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management

(NIFTEM) and Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology (IIFPT).
 GIS ODOP Digital Map of India: It will provide details of ODOP products and will allow
stakeholders to perform value chain development. The digital map will also offer an indication of
tribal, SC, ST and aspirational districts.
33RD STOP TB PARTNERSHIP BOARD MEET
Current Context: The 33rd Stop TB Partnership Board meeting was addressed by Union Health
Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan via video conference.
KEY FACTS
 The addressed by highlighting the need to create a mass movement for the elimination of TB with
strategized advocacy, thought leadership, disruptive social entrepreneurship, powerful, societal
and political commitment.
 He also commented about ‘TB Harega, Desh Jeetega’ campaign of India.
 The ‘TB Harega, Desh Jeetega’ campaign aims to achieve SDG related to TB by 2025, five years
ahead of the global target of 2030.
 He also mentioned GOI’s efforts on increasing TB notifications and creating its awareness and also
explained how India has managed to close the gap in ‘Missing million TB cases’.
GOI SANCTIONS LOAN FOR MICRO IRRIGATION PROJECTS IN TAMIL NADU
Current Context: The GOI has sanctioned a loan amount for the development of micro-irrigation
projects in Tamil Nadu.
DETAILS
 In this regards, GOI has sanctioned a loan of Rs 3,971 crores at a subsidised interest rate
under micro-irrigation Fund (MIF).
 The MIF is created by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) for
implementing micro-irrigation projects.
 In FY 2019-20, GOI created MIF with a Corpus of Rs 5,000 crores with an aim to provide
subsidized loan for Indian states for increasing their coverage of micro-irrigation.
 Static Part:
o Chairman of NABARD: Dr G.R. Chintala
o Lakes in Tamil Nadu: Berijam Lake, Kaliveli Lake, Kaveripakkam Lake, Kodaikanal Lake,
Ooty Lake, Perumal Eri, Sholavaram Lake, Singanallur Lake, Veeranam Lake
30TH INDO-THAI CORPAT
Current Context: The 30th edition of India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT) was
held between the Indian Navy and Royal Thai Navy.
HIGHLIGHTS
 It was conducted in the Andaman sea close to the Strait of Malacca.
 India was represented by INS Karmuk.
 Thailand was represented by Frigate HTMS Kraburi and Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
 Aim of CORPAT is to keep the Indian Ocean safe and secure for the purpose of commercial
shipping and international trade.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Thailand: Bangkok
o Currency of Thailand: Thai Bhat
SITMEX-2020
Current Context: The SITMEX-2020 is the trilateral naval exercise conducted by India, Singapore
and Thailand.
KEY POINTS
 The SITMEX 2020 was held in Andaman sea.
 The exercise followed a ‘non-contact, at sea only format’ because of the pandemic COVID-19 and to
follow the restrictions related to social distancing for same.
 The Indian Navy was represented by INS Karmuk and INS Kamorta.
 The Singapore Navy was represented by RSS Intrepid and RSS Endeavour.
 The Thailand Navy was represented by a Chao class frigate HTMS Kraburi.
 The SITMEX 2020 aims to consolidate interoperability between the three navies of India,
Singapore and Thailand.
 The exercise also boost multifaceted Maritime operations between the nations.
 Static Part:
o Currency of Singapore: Dollar
KOTAK ESG OPPORTUNITIES FUND
Current Context: The Kotak ESG Opportunities Fund is launched by Kotak Mahindra Asset
Management Company Limited (KMAMC).
KEY FACTS
 The Kotak ESG Opportunities Fund is an open-ended equity scheme.
 The fund will focus on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors and on
Principles for Responsible Investing (PRI).
 Harsha Upadhyaya, CIO (Chief Investment Officer)- Equity and President of KMAMC will
manage the Kotak ESG Opportunities Fund.
 The Kotak ESG Opportunities Fund will make an investment in companies by considering financial
parameters and non-financial parameters like ESG which will be the part of its research in which it
will identify material risks and growth opportunities.
 The fund will analyse how companies make money and how much money the company makes.
 The fund will make usage of Sustainalytics ESG Risk Rating.
 This fund will help investors to seek long term growth.
 Static Part:
o HQ of KMAMC: Mumbai
o MD of KMAMC: Nilesh Shah
COPERNICUS SENTINEL-6 MICHAEL FREILICH SATELLITE
Current Context: NASA successfully launched the Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite.
DETAILS
 The satellite is launched to monitor the global sea level.
 It is developed by European Space Agency (ESA), NASA, European Organisation for the
Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (Eumetsat), the USA’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA), France’s National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) and EU.
 It was launched in SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Air
Force Base in California.
 It will perform sea-level observations and accordingly will provide measurements on global sea-
level rise.
 The satellite is named after Michael Freilich, who is an Earth scientist.
GOI SIGNS MOU FOR COMPRESSED BIO-GAS PLANTS
Current Context: The Government of India has entered into MoU with leading oil and gas
marketing companies with an aim to set up Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) Plants all over India.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 The MoU is signed under SATAT (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable
Transportation) initiative.
 The Compressed Bio-Gas Plants developed under this MoU will allow the generation of biogas
from crop waste.
 Under this MoU, around 900 Compressed Bio-Gas Plants will be setup.
 Initially, the GOI signed MoU for setting up of 600 CBG Plants. And currently, 1500 plants are
under execution process.
 Also, GOI has set a target to set up around 5000 CBG plants by 2023-34.
 The biogas generated from these CBG plants will be used for automobiles.
 The MoU was signed with the companies like: JBM Group, Adani Gas, Torrent Gas and Petronet
LNG, Indian Oil, Praj Industries, CEID Consultants & Bharat Biogas Energy.
 Static Part:
o Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Steel: Dharmendra Pradhan
1ST FISHERIES AWARD
Current Context: The Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry
and Dairying presented the Fisheries Sector Award on the occasion of the ‘World Fisheries Day’.
ABOUT
 The awards were given to recognize the achievements in the associated field and their
contribution to the growth of the fisheries sector.
 The Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and
Dairying awarded best performing States, Organisations and Districts for 2019-2020.
 Category of Top States: Odisha (Marine States), Uttar Pradesh (Inland States) and Assam (Hilly
and NE states ).
 Category of Top Organisations: Tamil Nadu Fisheries Development Corporation Ltd. (Marine),
Telangana State Fishermen Cooperative societies Federation Ltd (Inland) and Assam Apex
Cooperative Fish Marketing and Processing Federation Ltd ( Hilly region).
 Category of Top Districts: Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh (Marine District), Kalahandi, Odisha
(Inland District) and Nagaon, Assam (Hilly and NE District).
 Static Part:
o Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying: Giriraj Singh
15TH G20 SUMMIT
Current Context: The 15th edition of G20 Summit was held through video conference.
KEY POINTS
 The summit was held under the chairmanship of Saudi Arabia. King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al
Saud chaired the summit.
 The Indian side was addressed by PM Narendra Modi.
 The summit held the focus on developing an inclusive, sustainable and resilient future by
safeguarding the planet.
 PM Narendra Modi addressed by highlighting the need for economic recovery in Post COVID-19
era. He mentioned the importance and adoption of effective global governance.
 He also highlighted the importance of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals.
 He mentioned India’s agenda to follow ‘Reform-Perform-Transform’ strategy.
 Static Part: The members of the G20 are: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France,
Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South
Africa, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, and the European Union.
ADB APPROVED LOAN FOR OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCIES & RESOURCE

PLANNING IN WB
Current Context: The Asian Development Bank has approved loan to have operational efficiencies
and resource planning and management in West Bengal.
KEY FACTS
 The loan amount approved is USD 50 million.
 This amount will be used to integrate financial and information system along with the expansion
of automation reforms in state government’s operation.
 This will thus help to strengthen the delivery of public services and will create fiscal saving.
 Also, this loan amount will be supplemented by USD 350,000 technical assistance grant. This will
help for capacity building and monitor IFMS (Integrated Financial Management System) reforms.
 Static Part:
o HQ of ADB: Mandalyong, Philippines
o Folk Dance of West Bengal: Ganbhira Dance, Kathi Dance and Domni
SIMBEX-20
Current Context: The 27th edition of India- Singapore Bilateral Maritime Exercise (SIMBEX-20) is
being held from 23rd Nov to 25th Nov 2020.
HIGHLIGHTS
 It is conducted in the Andaman Sea between the Indian Navy and Republic of Singapore
Navy (RSN).
 India is represented by INS Rana along with integral Chetak helicopter and indigenously built
corvettes Kamorta and Karmuk. Also, INS Sindhuraj and P8I maritime aircraft are part of this
exercise.
 Singapore is represented by ‘Formidable’ Class frigates ‘Intrepid’ and ‘Steadfast' along with S70B
helicopter and Endurance’ Class Landing Ship Tank.
 Static Part:
o Currency of Singapore: Dollar
2020 APEC SUMMIT
Current Context: The 2020 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit was hosted by
Malaysia virtually.
KEY POINTS
 It was held under the chairmanship of PM of Malaysia, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
 In the summit, the nations adopted APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040, which aims to develop a peaceful
Asia Pacific community by 2040.
 The summit also observed the replacement of 1994 Bogor Goals with post-2020 vision.
 The dignitaries assured to deepen cooperation in the sectors like trade and investment, innovation
and digitalization.
 The theme for APEC 2020 Summit: ‘Optimising Human Potential towards a Resilient Future of
Shared Prosperity: Pivot. Prioritise. Progress’.
 Static Part: Members of APEC: Australia, Brunei, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Chile, Japan,
Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea ah, Philippines,
Russia, Thailand, Singapore, Taiwan and the United States of America.
o Capital of Malaysia: Kaula Lumpur
o Currency of Malaysia: Malaysian Ringgit
HIMACHAL PRADESH JOINED HANDS WITH ADB
Current Context: The Government of Himachal Pradesh has entered into a partnership with the
Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the purpose of improvement of infrastructure facilities.
KEY FACTS
 Both the state government and ADB will work to improve the infrastructure in the Mandi
district of Himachal Pradesh (HP).
 The foundation stone for the same was led by CM of HP.
 The total estimated cost for infrastructure activities is Rs 15 crore out of which Rs 9 crore
will be offered by ADB and the rest amount by the state government.
 Also, CM of HP inaugurated a Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) in Pandoh area and a vehicle
parking building named Bhimakali at Mandi town.
 Also, a lift water supply scheme from Kangnidhar to Dudar Bharaun in gram panchayat Dudar
Bharaun of Tehsil Sadar was inaugurated by CM.
 The foundation stone to build a new building of government primary school located at Bal Mani
(U-block) was led by CM.
 Static Part:
o CM of HP: Jai Ram Thakur
o Governor of HP: Bandaru Dattatreya
o Lakes in HP: Pandoh Lake, Prashar Lake, Brighu Lake, Dhankar Lake, Nako Lake, Rewalsar
Lake
23RD BENGALURU TECH SUMMIT 2020
Current Context: The 23rd edition of Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) was inaugurated by PM
Narendra Modi virtually.
ABOUT MEETING
 Theme for BTS 2020: ‘Next is Now’.
 The Summit was organized by Karnataka Government, Karnataka Innovation and Technology
Society (KITS), Karnataka Government’s vision group on IT, Biotechnology and Startup, Software
Technology Parks of India (STPI) and MM Active Sci-Tech Communications.
 The main focus of the summit was on technology and its related innovations in the fields of IT,
Electronics and Biotechnology.
 The summit also focused on technology usage in the areas like aerospace, defence, healthcare,
startups etc.
INTERNATIONAL VERSION OF THE UMANG APPLICATION
Current Context: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology launched the
International version of the UMANG application.
DETAILS
 The version is launched in countries like UK, US, Australia, Canada, Netherlands, UAE,
Australia, Singapore and New Zealand.
 The version is launched on the occasion of completion of three years of UMANG App.
 UMANG signifies Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance.
 To launch this international version, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
collaborated with the Ministry of External Affairs.
 The aim behind launching an international version of UMANG App is to promote Indian culture in
the rest of the world.
 Also with this app, Common Services Centres (CSCs) are also integrated. The app is integrated
with MD (Indian Meteorological Department) services.
 Static Part:
o Union Minister Electronics and Information Technology: Ravi Shankar Prasad
o Union Minister of External Affairs: Subrahmanyam Jaishankar
HAR GHAR NAL YOJANA
Current Context: The ‘Har Ghar Nal Yojana’ (tap water to every household) is launched by PM
Narendra Modi.
HIGHLIGHTS
 It is basically rural drinking water supply project and was launched in Mirzapur and
Sonbhadra districts of Uttar Pradesh.
 The project aims to provide tap water connections to around 2,995 villages which will benefit 42
lakh people.
 The estimated cost for ‘Har Ghar Nal Yojana’ Rs 5,555.38 crore.
 Out of this total amount of Rs 3212.18 crore will be utilized in Sonbhadra and Rs 2343.20 crore
will be utilized in Mirzapur.
 The scheme will be completed in the next two years.
 Static Part: Thermal Power Plant in UP: Rihand Super Thermal Power Project, Anpara Thermal
Power Station, Feroze Gandhi Unchahar Thermal Power Plant, Obra Thermal Power Project, Rosa
Power Plant.
VARUNASTRA: THE HEAVY WEIGHT TORPEDO DELIVERED TO INDIAN

NAVY
Current Context: The first Production unit of Varunastra which is the Heavy Weight Torpedo
(HWT) was delivered to the Indian Navy.
KEY FACTS
 The announcement for the same was made by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).
 The Varunastra is developed by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) of
the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
 For the mass production of Varunastra, the Defence Ministry had awarded a contract of Rs 1,187
crore.
 The Varunastra is a ship-launched, heavyweight, electrically-propelled anti-submarine torpedo.
 It has the capability to target quiet submarines and can be fired from all ASW ships capable of
firing heavyweight torpedoes.
 Its operational range is 40 km and the maximum depth is 400 metres.
 It is known to be the only torpedo in the world to have a GPS-based locating aid.
 Static Part:
o Chairman of DRDO: Dr G. Satheesh Reddy
o HQ of BDL: Hyderabad, Telangana
FICCI FLO SIGNS MOU WITH IESC OF IIM SHILLONG
Current Context: The Women’s wing of FICCI (Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and
Industry) named as FLO (FICCI Ladies Organisation) has entered into MoU with IESC (Incubation
and Enterprise Support Center) of IIM Shillong.
KEY POINTS
 The MoU is signed for the purpose of a mentorship programme for women entrepreneurs.
 Under this MoU contract, FLO will create an independent Entrepreneurial Ecosystem which will
help to empower women and transform them to become job creators.
 The Entrepreneurial Ecosystem of FLO will identify potential based startups and will provide
them with the necessary support and guidance.
 This support and guidance will help to build initial startup cost and will thus help to establish a
business in a short time span.
 Static Part:
o President of FLO: Jahnabi Phookan
o HQ of FICCI: New Delhi
o President of FICCCI: Sangita Reddy
NSDL PAYMENTS BANK PARTNERED WITH HDFC E RGO
Current Context: The NSDL Payments Bank Limited has entered into a partnership with HDFC
ERGO General Insurance Company.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 They have entered into a partnership with an aim to offer general insurance products to
customers through NSDL Jiffy, which is a mobile bank application.
 This partnership will help to integrate NSDL Payment Bank’s network and HDFC’s innovation
pipeline which will contribute to the financial inclusion in the country.
 This partnership will offer financial protection under one roof with complete financial security.
 The partnership will be the one-stop-shop platform for all banking and insurance transactions for
the customers.
 Static Part:
o HQ of NSDL Payments Bank Limited: Mumbai
o Chairman of NSDL Payments Bank Limited: G V Nageswara Rao
o HQ of HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company: Mumbai
o Chairman of HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company: Deepak Parekh
‘ABHAYAM APP’—ANDHRA PRADESH
Current Context: The Andhra Pradesh Government launched ‘Abhayam App’.
DETAILS
 The app is launched for the safety of women travellers through Auto and Taxi.
 With the help of this app, women will be able to raise an alarm during any emergency case.
 The ‘Abhayam App’ is basically a first IoT based women safety project app.
 During the first phase, 1000 autos and rickshaws are equipped with GPS and IoT based devices
which are linked to this app in Visakhapatnam.
 The transport department of the state will manage the operation of the app.
 Static Part: Stadium in AP: Visakhapatnam ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Indira Gandhi Stadium,
Indira Priyadarsini Stadium
o Thermal Power Plant in AP: Simhadri Super Thermal Power Plant, Ennore Thermal Power
Station
PM JEEVAN JYOTI BIMA YOJANA
Current Context: The PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) is launched by India Post Payments
Bank (IPPB) in partnership with PNB MetLife India Insurance Company Limited.
HIGHLIGHTS
 The PMJJBY offers protection and financial security to the underprivileged and poor who are living
in unbanked and remote areas of the country.
 This low-cost insurance scheme will offer a life cover to the family in case of the death of the
insured member due to any reason.
 The insurance scheme is for anyone who is having a saving account in IPPB.
 The scheme offers maximum coverage of Rs 2 lakhs.
 The annual premium amount for this scheme is Rs 330.
 Static Part:
o Tagline of IPPB: Aapka Bank, Aapke Dwar
o MD and CEO of IPPB: J. Venkatramu
o HQ of PNB MetLife: Mumbai
o Tagline of PNB MetLife: Milkar Life Aage Badhaein
o MD and CEO of PNB MetLife: Ashish Kumar Srivastava
INDIA TEST FIRED BRAHMOS SUPERSONIC MISSILE
Current Context: The Indian Army successfully test-fired the land-attack version of Brahmos
supersonic missile.
KEY POINTS
 The test-firing operation took place from Andaman and Nicobar Islands where it successfully
hit its target, which was on another island.
 This the land-attack version of Brahmos supersonic missile’s range has been extended to 450 km.
 Its speed is also increased to 2.8 Mach which is three times the speed of sound.
 The missile is developed by DRDO and NPOM of Russia.
 Static Part:
o Chairman of DRDO: Dr G. Satheesh Reddy
SDG INVESTOR MAP FOR INDIA
Current Context: The Sustainable Development Goal investor map for India is launched by Invest
India and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
KEY FACTS
 The goal investor map describes around 18 investment opportunity areas in India.
 The investment opportunity areas focus on 6 critical SDG goals which are defined by the United
Nations.
 The six critical SDG goals highlighted in the goal investor map are Healthcare, education, financial
services, agriculture and allied activities, renewable energy and alternative and sustainable
environment.
 The SDG goal investor map will help India to achieve its target of SDG and will help to reduce the
SDG finance gap.
 Static Part:
o CEO and MD of Invest India: Deepak Bagla
INDIAN RAILWAYS PARTNERED WITH INDIAN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS,

HYDERABAD
Current Context: The Indian Railways collaborated with Indian School of Business (ISB),
Hyderabad.
DETAILS
 They have joined hands to study an integrated coal-freight optimization model to increase
network throughput and to optimize freight transportation over Indian Railways.
 In this partnership, the ISB will perform scientific analysis in order to explore new avenues for
railways which will improve freight traffic.
 The optimized model will also fulfil the demand-supply variations effectively and will thus
improve the performance of the network.
 The partnership will result in the adoption of Freight Operations Information System (FOIS) due
to which entire data of freight services will be made digitally available.
 The FOIS will be effectively utilized for the demand estimation as well as to develop a model to
supply the rakes to meet the needs of the industry.
 Static Part:
o HQ Indian Railways: New Delhi
o Chairman of Indian Railway Board: V K Yadav
Current Context: Greg Barclay: He is elected to the Chairman of the International Cricket Council
(ICC). He has replaced Shashank Manohar. Mr Barclay is also Director of New Zealand Cricket (NZC).
ABOUT
 Static Part:
o HQ of ICC: Dubai: UAE
o CEO of ICC: Manu Sawhney
 VK Saraswat: He is appointed to head the committee formed by NITI Aayog. The committee will
explore the technological and commercial factors of Virgin Hyperloop Technology in India.
 Static Part:
10TH NATIONAL SCIENCE FILM FESTIVAL
Current Context: The 10th edition of National Science Film Festival was held from 24th Nov to
27th Nov in a virtual mode amidst of Coronavirus pandemic.
HIGHLIGHTS
 The festival was organized by Vigyan Prasar in partnership with Tripura State Council of
Science and Technology.
 The festival showcased the science-based films made by professionals, amateur and student
filmmakers.
 These films were based on various themes like Science and technology, environment, agriculture,
renewable energy, water management, health and drugs and technological innovations.
 The festival was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister of Tripura Jishnu DevVerma.
 The National Science Film Festival is held with an aim to promote science culture in India.
 Around 372 films were enrolled for showcasing in the festival. Out of which 115 films were
shortlisted by the jury members to be screened during the festival.
 The films were in languages like Hindi, English, Urdu, Malayalam, Kashmiri, Bengali, Marathi,
Punjabi and Tamil.
 The films were in the form of documentaries, biography, short films, docu-dramas, science fiction
and animation films.
HDFC BANK AND ICICI BANK TO SUPPORT SMES AND START-UPS
Current Context: India two major private sector banks, HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank have
collaborated to support SMEs and Star-ups in India.
KEY POINTS
 Under this partnership, ICICI Bank will motivate various Start-ups and SMEs or MSMEs to
enrol themselves with an aim to get support and financial facilities to/from HDFC Bank.
 For this purpose, both HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank will conduct awareness camps, interactive
sessions, seminars and business events.
 Under this partnership, HDFC Bank will offer the facility of bank accounts to startups which are
supported by ‘Inventivepreneur’.
 It will also offer business support in the form of shared workplaces, digital marketing, web
services, patent filing, content writing, tax and other legal advisory support to the start-ups and
SMEs which are recommended by ICICI Bank.
 ICICI Bank will evaluate and analyze the performance of SMEs and Start-ups.
 It will also support them to find business solutions and industry connections.
 Static Part:
o HQ of HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank: Mumbai
o MD and CEO of HDFC Bank: Sashidhar Jagdhishan
RE-INVEST 2020
Current Context: The 3rd Global Renewable Energy Investment Meeting and Expo (RE-Invest
2020) was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
DETAILS
 The theme for RE-Invest 2020: ‘Innovations for Sustainable Energy Transition’.
 The summit is organized by Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and is held between 26th
Nov to 28th Nov 2020.
 The summit will observe the discussions related to renewables and future energy choices along
with various exhibitions from manufacturers, developers, investors and innovators.
 The summit will be attended by 75 international ministerial delegations, 1,000 global industry
leaders and 50,000 delegates.
 The summit is organized to provide an international platform for investment promotion in the
renewable energy sector and to increase the development and deployment of renewable energy.
 The summit will also build relations between Indian energy stakeholders and the global
investment community.
 Static Part:
o Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy (IC): Raj Kumar Singh
NATIONAL PORTAL FOR TRANSGENDER PERSONS
Current Context: The ‘National Portal for Transgender Persons’ was launched by Union Minister of
Social Justice and Empowerment, Thaawarchand Gehlot.
KEY FACTS
 He also launched ‘Garima Greh: A Shelter Home for Transgender Persons’ in Vadodara,
Gujarat.
 ‘National Portal for Transgender Persons’: This portal will help the transgender to apply for an
identity card and a certificate in an online manner. The portal is developed under Transgender
Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020. The portal will help transgenders to get the identity
cards in their self-perceived identity which is an important provision of the Transgender Persons
(Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.
 ‘Garima Greh: A Shelter Home for Transgender Persons’: It will be managed by Lakshya Trust
which is a community based organisation which is run by Transgenders. It will offer shelter
facility, food and healthcare facilities to transgender.
INDIA SIGNS MOU WITH FINLAND
Current Context: India and Finland have entered into MoU in the field of biodiversity conservation
and environment protection.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 The MoU agreement was signed by Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar and his
counterpart Krista Mikkonen of Finland.
 Under this MoU, both India and Finland will share best practices and solutions which will help to
tackle air and water pollution, waste management, low carbon solutions, sustainable management
of natural resources and promotion of circular economy.
 They will also work to develop technological, scientific and management based capabilities which
will conserve the biodiversity and will enhance environmental protection.
 They will conserve the biodiversity on the basis of equality, reciprocity and mutual benefit by
promoting sustainable development.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Finland: Helsinki
o Currency of Finland: Euro
NAFED’S HONEY FPO PROGRAMS LAUNCHED BY AGRICULTURE MINISTER
Current Context: The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar
launched the five Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) programs.
HIGHLIGHTS
 These FPOs programs are launched with respect to the production of honey.
 The programs belong to the NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing
Federation of India) under the Formation & Promotion of 10,000 FPOs scheme.
 It is launched in 5 Indian States namely, West Bengal, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and
Rajasthan.
 The aim behind this launch is to promote FPO which will result in agricultural reforms in India.
 The program will be executed in East Champaran (Bihar), Morena (Madhya Pradesh), Bharatpur
(Rajasthan), Mathura (Uttar Pradesh) and Sunderbans (West Bengal).
 The NAFED will support to establish Honey FPO Programme in these 5 states. It will promote
formation and promotion of FPOs of beekeepers and honey collectors with the help of Cluster
Based Business Organisation (CBBO) and Indian Society of Agribusiness Professionals (ISAP).
 Also, NAFED will help in branding and marketing strategies for honey along with exploration of
the overseas market.
 This initiative will prove beneficial to around 4000-5000 beekeepers and honey collectors.
 Static Part:
o HQ of NAFED: New Delhi
INDIA AND ISRAEL PARTNERS TO BUILD FUTURE WITH LOW CARBON AND
POLLUTION
Current Context: During the digital conference of the India-led International Solar Alliance (ISA),
India and Israel entered into a partnership.
KEY POINTS
 Both India and Israel partnered to reduce the carbon level and pollution in future.
 The Indian delegation was led by PM Narendra Modi and Israel was represented by its PM
Benjamin Netanyahu.
 Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu, also mentioned that solar energy would constitute over 25% of his
country's energy supply by 2030.
 He also mentioned the need to overcome the obstacles in the usage of solar energy by ensuring the
supply on days when there is no sun.
 Static Part:

o HQ of ISA: Gurugram, Haryana
SMS PAY FUNCTION —BY YES BANK AND WORDLINE
Current Context: Yes Bank has entered into a partnership with Worldline to launch SMS Pay
function.
KEY FACTS
 The SMS Pay function is launched on PoS (Point of Sale) terminals.
 The function enables merchants to perform contactless and remote payment transactions
in a safe and secured manner.
 The aim behind launching SMS Pay function by Yes Bank is to support small and medium
businesses sectors.
 This function allows performing payments against invoices by entering the amount and contact
details of customers in the PoS machine.
 After entering the details, an SMS will be triggered on the customer’s mobile number with a
payment link which will allow payment in a secure manner through domestic debit and credit
cards.
 And once the payment is complete, charge slip is generated from the POS machine and merchant
can deliver goods or services.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Wordline: Bezos, France
Current Context: Roch Marc Christian Kabore: He won the Presidential election for 2nd term of
Burkina Faso and thus will be appointed as President for a tenure of next 5 years.
ABOUT
 Static Part:
o Capital of Burkina Faso: Ouagadougou
o Currency of Burkina Faso: West African CFA Franc
 Lt Gen. Harpal Singh: He is appointed as new Engineer-in-Chief of Indian Army. Initially, he was
serving as DG of Border Roads Organisation.
 Static Part:
o Chief of Army Staff: Gen. MM Naravane
 Major Gen. Rajeev Chaudhary: He is appointed as DG of Border Roads Organisation (BRO).
 Static Part:
o HQ of BRO: New Delhi
SHANGHAI- WORLD’S MOST CONNECTED CITY
Current Context: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) declared that Shanghai is the
most connected city in the world.
KEY POINTS
 The other three other cities such as Beijing, Chengdu and Guangzhou are also the most connected
city in the world at second, third, fourth positions respectively.
 Shanghai has replaced London from this IATA rank spot. Now London is marked at 8th position in
the most connected cities in the world by IATA.
 Static Part:
o HQ of IATA: Montreal, Canada
INDIA’S GDP CONTRACTS 7.5% IN SEPTEMBER QUARTER
Current Context: The National Statistical Office (NSO) has released the data describing that India’s
GDP for July-September period, which is for the second quarter contracted at 7.5%, in comparison
to the same period last year.
HIGHLIGHTS
 Due to coronavirus, there was a contraction of 23.9% in the GDP for the April-June quarter as
compared to the same period a year ago.
 With this estimation, NSO confirmed that India’s economy has entered into recession due to two
successive quarters of contraction.
 Static Part:
o HQ of NSO: New Delhi
o Chairman of NSO: Prof. Bimal K. Roy
33RD PRAGATI INTERACTION BY PM MODI
Current Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired and interacted the 33rd PRAGATI Meet.
KEY POINTS
 The PRAGATI stands for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation. It allows pro-
active governance and timely implementation of projects along with addressing the grievances of
a common man.
 The meet was held to review the projects and programmes undertaken by PRAGATI.
 During this meet projects worth Rs 1.41 lakh crore were reviewed which are conducted in
10 states and UTs of India. These projects are held in Odisha, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh,
Karnataka, Gujarat, Haryana, Rajasthan, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir and Dadar and Nagar
Haveli.
 The projects are owned and managed by DPIIT, Ministry of Railways, Power Minister and Ministry
of Road, Transport and Highways.
 The dignitaries also discussed grievances related to coronavirus, PM Awas Yojana and PM
SVANidhi.
 PM Modi also suggested developing State Export Strategy to every state. And also motivated to
complete the project works before time.
 Static Part:
o PRAGATI: It was launched in 2015.
DEFENCE MINISTERS MEET OF INDIA AND VIETNAM
Current Context: India and Vietnam held the bilateral defence dialogue in a virtual mode.
KEY FACTS
 India was represented by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Vietnam was represented by
General Ngo Xuan Lich, Minister of National Defence of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
 Both the nations discussed ongoing defence sector projects and they assured to deepen
cooperation to have the defence industry capability and capacity building.
 They also assured to work collaboratively in UN Peacekeeping Operations.
 India assured to build the institutionalized framework agreement in the near future and also
assured to offer guidance to provide training for all three services of the Vietnam defence sector in
Indian defence institutions.
 Both the nations signed an agreement for enhancing cooperation in Hydrography.
 Static Part:
SAHAKAR PRAGYA PROGRAMME
Current Context: The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Rural Development,
Panchayat Raj and Food Processing Industries, Narendra Singh Tomar launched Sahakar Pragya
Programme.
DETAILS
 This programme is launched to train the primary cooperative societies in India.
 This programme includes 45 new training modules of National Cooperative Development
Corporation (NCDC).
 The training modules will be delivered at Lakshmanrao Inamdar National Cooperative Research
and Development Academy (LINAC).
 This programme will help to develop the training capacity of NCDC through a network of eighteen
regional training centres.
 The 45 training modules are supported by: NCDC Schemes, 10,000 FPOs, Agri Infra Fund
Scheme, PM-FME Scheme, Fisheries Infra Dev Fund Scheme and PM Matsya Sampada Scheme.
BSE SIGNS MOU WITH MISSION YOUTH, GOV. OF J&K
Current Context: The BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange Ltd) has signed MoU with Mission Youth,
Government of Jammu and Kashmir.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 The MoU is signed to spread financial awareness, support economic development, develop
sustainable livelihood in J&K.
 The MoU was signed by the representatives of BSE and CEO, Mission Youth Dr Syed Abid Rasheed
Shah. During the signing ceremony of MoU, Lt Governor of J&K , Manoj Sinha was also present.
 The BSE and J&K government are working together to develop skills in the youths of J&K so that
they can build their career in BFSI (Banking, Financial Services and Insurance).
 During the first phase of this MoU, around 400 youths will be trained which will allow an easy
transition of them from the classroom to the workplace.
 The youths will undergo training sessions on financial awareness, courses related to banking and
financial markets. They will also be trained with programs under mutual funds.
 Also, the youths will be enrolled in the BSE Star Mutual Fund Platform.
 Static Part:
o HQ of BSE: Mumbai
o MD and CEO of BSE: Ashiskumar Chauhan
INDIA’S GDP AT -10.5% FOR FY21— BY UBS
Current Context: As per the report from UBS, India’s real GDP to contract by 10.5% for FY 2020-
21.
KEY FACTS
 The estimation is released by UBS in its Global Economics and Markets Outlook 2021-2022
report.
 Also is has estimated that India’s real GDP growth to rebound to 10% in FY 2022.
 The report describes that India’s GDP to stable at 6.2% YoY in FY 2023.
UP GOVERNOR GAVE ASSENT TO AN ORDINANCE AGAINST FORCIBLE

RELIGIOUS CONVERSION
Current Context: Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Anandiben Patel gave assent to an ordinance against
forcible or "dishonest" religious conversions.
DETAILS
 Therefore in this regard, the state cabinet cleared the ‘Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of
Unlawful Conversion of Religion Ordinance, 2020’.
 This ordinance aims to control and limit the forcible or "dishonest" religious conversions
including those for the purpose of marriage.
 This ordinance will prohibit conversion of religion through force, frauds, under influence or
misrepresentation.
 As per the ordinance, the marriage will be declared as null if the moto of marriage was to
change the religion of girls.
 The offenders on doing so will have to undergo a jail punishment of up to 10 years.
 If a minor woman or person belonging to SC or ST are converted by unlawful measures, the
punishment of jail for minimum 3 years along with the fine amount of Rs 25,000 is declared.
 As per the ordinance, individuals who wish to change religion after marriage will have to apply for
same at district magistrate office.
 Static Part: Wild Life Sanctuaries in UP: Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandra Prabha Wildlife
Sanctuary, Ranipur Wildlife Sanctuary, Kachhua Sanctuary, Vijai Sagar Sanctuary, Kishanpur
Wildlife Sanctuary, Lakh Bahosi Sanctuary
‘JAGANANNA THODU’- AN INTEREST FREE LOAN SCHEME
Current Context: The Government of Andhra Pradesh launched the ‘Jagananna Thodu’ Scheme.
ABOUT SCHEME
 The scheme is an interest-free benefit service for small traders and street vendors.
 The fund allotted for this scheme is Rs 905 crores and is said to benefit around 9.05 lakh traders
and street vendors.
 Under this scheme, an interest-free loan of Rs 10,000 will be offered to small traders and street
vendors in their bank account.
 Also, the QR based smart ID cards will be given to them to avail various benefits.
 Enrollment for the scheme can also be done by dialling toll-free number 1902.
 The scheme will be managed and monitored by SERP (Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty)
and MEPMA (Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Areas).
Monthly Current Affairs GK Digest: December 2020
CONTENTS
4th NSA Level Meet on Trilateral Maritime Security Cooperation ................................................................ 5

US Air Quality Index ....................................................................................................................................................... 6
Appointments on 1st December 2020 ..................................................................................................................... 6
Singapore and USA- Biggest FDI Sources for India .............................................................................................. 6
Apex Committee for the Implementation of the Paris Agreement (AIPA) .................................................. 7
Punjab Gov. signs MoU with I-DAIR .......................................................................................................................... 7
19th SCO Council of Heads of Government Summit ............................................................................................ 8
QS Asia University Rankings 2021 ............................................................................................................................ 8
Appointments on 2nd December 2020.................................................................................................................... 9
Asset Restructuring Web Module—By SIDBI and ISARC ................................................................................... 9
India test fires anti-ship version of BrahMos ...................................................................................................... 10
One-time Settlement Scheme launched in Goa ................................................................................................... 10
Virtual Aadi Mahotsav ................................................................................................................................................. 11
8th Global Terrorism Index 2020............................................................................................................................ 11
RBI ordered HDFC Bank to halt its Digital Businesses ..................................................................................... 11
Paytm partnered with Suryoday Small Finance Bank ...................................................................................... 12
20th Sri Lanka Economic Summit............................................................................................................................ 12
ADB and India signs loan agreement for West Bengal ..................................................................................... 13
7th India-Suriname Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) ..................................................................................... 13
RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee Meet ................................................................................................................ 14
India and USA signs MoU in IP Cooperation......................................................................................................... 14
PASSEX Exercise 2020 ................................................................................................................................................. 15
9th International Sand Art Festival and 31st Konark Festival ...................................................................... 15
NABARD signed MoU with SBI .................................................................................................................................. 15
APEDA signs MOU with NABARD ............................................................................................................................. 16
‘PayNearby Shopping Card’........................................................................................................................................ 16
7th IEF-IGU Ministerial Gas Forum ......................................................................................................................... 17
‘Axis Bank Rupifi Business Credit Card’ ................................................................................................................ 17
Pixxel to launch Remote Sensing Satellite ............................................................................................................ 18
ADB approved loan for upgradation of power Distribution in Bengaluru ............................................... 18
7th Meet of India- Mongolia Joint Committee ..................................................................................................... 19
Appointments and Brand Ambassador on 7th Dec 2020 ................................................................................ 19
‘iMobile Pay’ – ICICI Bank ........................................................................................................................................... 20
IIT 2020 Global Summit .............................................................................................................................................. 20
REIT Funds of Funds Scheme- Kotak Mahindra AMC........................................................................................ 20
Appointments on 8th December 2020................................................................................................................... 21
India Mobile Congress 2020 ...................................................................................................................................... 21
Urban Governance Index ............................................................................................................................................ 22
PM Modi inaugurated construction work of Agra Metro Project ................................................................. 22
Climate Change Performance Index ....................................................................................................................... 23
IREDA Ltd. signed MoU with SJVN Limited ........................................................................................................... 23
NTPC signed MoU with IIFM, Bhopal ...................................................................................................................... 23
NBCFDC and NSFDC signs MoA with Central Bank of India ............................................................................ 24
ADB approves USD 2.5 mn Technical Assistance for Biofuel Development ............................................. 25
Digital Saksham—Mastercard, ni-msme and CII................................................................................................ 25
6th India-Japan ICT Joint Working Group Meet ................................................................................................. 26
Forbes 2020 list of 100 Most Powerful Women ................................................................................................. 26
14th ADMM Plus Meet 2020 ...................................................................................................................................... 26
‘Max Life Critical Illness and Disability Rider’ Health Insurance & ‘Max Fit’ App .................................. 27
Appointments and Resignation on 11th December 2020 ............................................................................... 27
India’s GDP To Contract At 8% in FY21—ADB .................................................................................................... 28
India’s GDP to contract at 9.4% in FY21—Fitch Ratings ................................................................................. 28
India-Uzbekistan Sign 9 Pacts................................................................................................................................... 29
MoRTH Signed MoU With Austria ............................................................................................................................ 29
IndUS Entrepreneurs (TiE) Global Summit 2020 .............................................................................................. 29
SBI General Insurance Partnered With Mahindra Insurance Brokers....................................................... 30
FICCI India Sports Award 2020 ................................................................................................................................ 30
Asia Pacific Vaccine Access Facility (APVAX)—By ADB ................................................................................... 31
IESA and UNIDO Partnered For Energy Storage Innovations ........................................................................ 31
Narrow Band Internet of Things Network (NB-IoT)—BSNL and Skylo ...................................................... 32
‘Jagananna Jeeva Kranthi' Scheme—Andhra Pradesh ..................................................................................... 32
5th India Water Impact Summit (IWIS) ................................................................................................................. 33
India and Qatar To Setup Energy Task Force ...................................................................................................... 33
International Bharati Festival 2020 ....................................................................................................................... 34
DBS Bank Partnered With Haqdarshak Empowerment Solutions Private Ltd ....................................... 34
FICCI’s 93rd Annual General Meeting .................................................................................................................... 34
‘AceMoney Micro ATM Service’................................................................................................................................. 35
Ola Signed MoU With Tamil Nadu Government .................................................................................................. 35
ISRO To Launch CMS-01 .............................................................................................................................................. 36
9th Sustainable Mountain Development Summit .............................................................................................. 36
‘BSE E-Agriculture Markets Ltd’ (BEAM) ............................................................................................................... 36
Norway Signs MoU With Clean Ganga Mission .................................................................................................... 37
‘Vision 2035: Public Health Surveillance In India’ ............................................................................................ 37
UNEP Champions Of The Earth Award 2020 ........................................................................................................ 38
India’s GDP To Contract 7.7% in FY 2021--- By CRISIL .................................................................................... 39
Appointments on 16th December 2020 ................................................................................................................ 39
Human Development Index 2020 ............................................................................................................................ 40
YSR Free Crop Insurance Scheme ............................................................................................................................ 40
23rd Meet Of The Financial Stability And Development Council ................................................................. 40
‘DakPay’--- By IPPB ....................................................................................................................................................... 41
SBI General Insurance Partnered With IntrCity RailYatri .............................................................................. 41
India’s GDP To Contract 7.4% in FY 2021--- By SBI Ecowrap ........................................................................ 42
GOI Signs Loan Pact With NDB .................................................................................................................................. 42
India and Bangladesh Virtual Summit ................................................................................................................... 42
Young Champions of The Earth 2020 ..................................................................................................................... 43
FADA, ASDC Partnered With Google India ............................................................................................................ 44
Human Freedom Index 2020 .................................................................................................................................... 44
India & Austria Signed MoU on Technology Cooperation in Road Infrastructure ................................. 45
‘Pioneer Heritage Credit Card’—IndusInd Bank ................................................................................................ 45
35th India-Indonesia CORPAT .................................................................................................................................. 46
World Bank Approved Support to 4 Indian Projects ........................................................................................ 46
India and ADB Signed 4.21 million Dollar PRF Facility for Tripura ............................................................ 47
RK Singh Launched India’s 1st CoE for Skill Development in Power Sector ............................................ 47
12th GRIHA Summit 2020 .......................................................................................................................................... 47
5th Global Technology Summit 2020 ..................................................................................................................... 48
6th India-Japan Samvad Conference ...................................................................................................................... 48
ADB and GOI Signs Loan Agreement to Upgrade Power Sector in UP ......................................................... 49
‘Varasat’ Campaign: Uttar Pradesh ......................................................................................................................... 49
Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Telecom Skill Excellence Awards ................................................................... 50
Ease of Doing Business 2020 ..................................................................................................................................... 50
ADB Offer Loan to Construct Lower Kopili Hydroelectric Power Plant ..................................................... 51
MoU Signed Between Indian Navy and INCOIS.................................................................................................... 51
20th IORA Council of Ministers Meet ..................................................................................................................... 52
Cologne Boxing World Cup 2020 ............................................................................................................................. 52
India-Vietnam Virtual Summit 2020 ...................................................................................................................... 53
SEHAT Health Insurance Scheme of J&K ............................................................................................................... 53
Central Bank of India Partnered with NPCI ......................................................................................................... 53
India’s GDP to Contract 7.3% in FY 2020-21—By NCAER ............................................................................... 54
‘Infinite India’---ICICI Bank ........................................................................................................................................ 54
BOB Signed MoU with Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard .......................................................................... 55
Green National Highway Corridors Project ......................................................................................................... 56
Kerala Government Partnered with UN Women ................................................................................................ 56
ADB Grants Loan to Northern Arc Capital Ltd ..................................................................................................... 56
Merger of 4 Government Film Media Units With NFDC ................................................................................... 57
Telangana Government Signed MoU with SAP India ........................................................................................ 58
India Successfully Test Fired MRSAM .................................................................................................................... 58
NMDC Ltd Signed MoU with MECL ........................................................................................................................... 59
DGNCC Digital Forum Launched by Defence Secretary .................................................................................... 59
ISRO Signed MoU with IIT Banaras Hindu University ...................................................................................... 60
US Financial Body to Invest USD 54 Million in India ......................................................................................... 60
India and Japan to Enhance Cooperation in Steel Sector ................................................................................ 61
India’s GDP to Contract 7.8% in FY21—By Ind-Ra ............................................................................................ 61
51st Director General Level Border Coordination Conference..................................................................... 62
‘PR Insight’—Mobile App and Web Portal by Punjab ....................................................................................... 62
Water Quality Testing and Innovation Challenge .............................................................................................. 63
Nature Index 2020 Artificial Intelligence ............................................................................................................. 63
‘E-Sampada’ Web Portal and Mobile App.............................................................................................................. 63
India's First Driver-Less Train on Delhi Metro's Magenta Line .................................................................... 64
Agriculture Scientists Meet at IISF 2020 ............................................................................................................... 65
Appointments and Brand Ambassador of 28th Dec 2020 .............................................................................. 65
PASSEX-2020................................................................................................................................................................... 65
12th World Economic League Table 2021 Report ............................................................................................. 66
New Bhaupur-New Khurja Section of EDFC ......................................................................................................... 66
ICC Awards of Decade 2011-2020 ........................................................................................................................... 67
Facebook Signed Agreement with Tips Music ..................................................................................................... 67
AU Small Finance partnered with ICICI Prudential Life Insurance ............................................................. 68
‘Digital Ocean’ App and Web Platform—By INCOIS........................................................................................... 68
President of India laid Foundation Stone for various projects in Diu Town............................................ 69
ICICI Bank partnered with Google Pay for Digital Registration of FASTag ............................................... 69
Union Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan Inaugurated IMD Centre at Leh in Ladakh ...................................... 69
‘Unicas’—World’s First Crypto Bank ...................................................................................................................... 70
Highlights of RBI’s Working Paper .......................................................................................................................... 71
Appointments on 31st December 2020................................................................................................................. 71
India and Bhutan Signed MoU................................................................................................................................... 72
CSC Partnered with IIT Delhi..................................................................................................................................... 72

DECEMBER 2020
4TH NSA LEVEL MEET ON TRILATERAL MARITIM E SECURITY

COOPERATION
Current Context: The 4th NSA Level Meet on Trilateral Maritime Security Cooperation was held
between India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
HIGHLIGHTS
 The meeting was hosted by Sri Lanka.
 The Indian side was represented by Ajit Doval, National Security Adviser.
 Whereas Sri Lanka was represented by Kamal Gunaratne, Defence Secretary and the Maldives was
represented by Mariya Didi, Defence Minister.
 The dignitaries discussed enhancing maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean.
 They also held a discussion about developing cooperation in fields like humanitarian assistance in
the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), defence relief, joint naval exercises, capacity building, marine
pollution and underwater heritage.
 All the three nations agreed to improve intelligence sharing to tackle issues like terrorism, money
laundering, drug trafficking, human trafficking, the effect of climate change on the marine
environment.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Sri Lanka: Colombo, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
o Currency of Sri Lanka: Sri Lankan rupee
o Capital of Maldives: Malé
o Currency of Maldives: Maldivian rufiyaa
US AIR QUALITY INDEX
Current Context: As per the latest report of US Air Quality Index, Lahore is marked at most
polluted cities in the world.
KEY FACTS
 As per the report, particulate matter (PM) rating of Lahore was 423.
 The second position is marked by New Delhi with PM of 229.
 The third position is marked by Kathmandu with PM of 178.
 As per the United States Environmental Protection Agency, if the value of AQI (Air Quality Index)
is under 50, then the air quality is determined to be satisfactory.
APPOINTMENTS ON 1ST DECEMBER 2020
Current Context: Utpal Kumar Singh: He is appointed as Secretary-General of Lok Sabha Secretariat. He
has replaced Snehalata Shrivastava.
ABOUT
 AR Rehman: He is appointed as the Ambassador of the British Academy of Film and Television
Arts (BAFTA)’s initiative called ‘BAFTA Breakthrough India 2020-21’.
SINGAPORE AND USA- BIGGEST FDI SOURCES FOR INDIA
Current Context: The DPIIT’s (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade) data for
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has mentioned the names of top investing nations in India during
April-September 2020.
KEY POINTS
 As per the data, Singapore has become the top source of FDI by investing Rs 62,084 crores
(USD 8.30 billion).
 The second source of FDI is marked by the USA which has invested Rs 53,266 crores (USD 7.12
billion) in India.
 The USA has overtaken Mauritius which hold the 2nd rank during the first half of the current fiscal
year.
 And the third position is marked by Cayman island which has invested Rs 15,672 crore in India.
 Mauritius is in the fourth position as it has invested Rs 15,019 crore in India.
 As per the data from DPIIT, Computer software and hardware sector has in total received an
investment of Rs 131,169 crore and this sector has become major FDI equity inflows based sector.
APEX COMMITTEE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PARIS

AGREEMENT (AIPA)
Current Context: The Government of India has constituted the Apex Committee for the
Implementation of the Paris Agreement (AIPA).
DETAILS
 The AIPA is constituted to enhance coordinated response for climate change matters in order to
keep India on the proper track to meet its climate change obligations under the Paris Agreement,
including Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
 This committee will be acting as a national authority for regulating carbon markets in India under
Article 6.2, Article 6.4 and Article 6.8 of the Paris Agreement.
 The committee will be chaired by Secretary of Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change (MoEFCC) and the vice-chairperson for the committee will be additional secretary of
MoEFCC.
 The committee will be responsible to regularly update and report the NDCs to the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
 The AIPA will also set the responsibilities of the government ministries which will help to achieve
India’s climate change mitigation and adaptation goals and will submit the report for the same for
every six months.
PUNJAB GOV. SIGNS MOU WITH I-DAIR
Current Context: The Government of Punjab signed MoU with International Digital Health-
Artificial Intelligence Research Collaborative (I-DAIR).
HIGHLIGHTS
 They have signed MoU to develop digital technologies and infrastructures in the health
sector.
 The MoU was signed by Punjab’s Additional Chief Secretary (governance reforms) Anirudh
Tewari.
 Under this MoU, I-DAIR will work on the projects related to data interoperability, real-time
epidemiology and benchmarking of digital health solutions.
 Both state government and I-DAIR will promote synergy across communities of practice which
will support the digital health work in the state.
 Also, this partnership will enable digital opportunities to the state’s people to renew and revive
the delivery of the world’s health services.
 Static Part: Wild Life Sanctuaries in Punjab: Abohar WLS, Bir Bhadson WLS, Bir Dosanjh WLS, Bir
Gurdialpura WLS, Bir Mehaswal WLS, Bir MotiBagh WLS
19TH SCO COUNCIL OF HEADS OF GOVERNMENT SUMMIT
Current Context: The 19th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of
Government summit was chaired by Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu.
KEY FACTS
 The summit was participated by Prime Ministers of SCO member states and Ministers and
representatives of Observer states and a special guest from Turkmenistan via video conference.
 Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu mentioned that how India is working to keep its COVID-19
death rate at one of the lowest levels in the world.
 He also mentioned that India is having the highest recovery rate of over 93% due to a people-
empowered and people-driven approach.
 He highlighted India’s work for the manufacturing of the vaccines for global immunization
programs and also mentioned that over 30 indigenous COVID-19 vaccines are being developed in
India.
 Vice President highlighted Aatmanirbhar Bharat Mission and the work is done under it by
government.
 He mentioned about cross-border terrorism and urged to maintain peace for the overall progress
of all nations.
 He also assured that India will deepen its cooperation within SCO through a positive and
constructive role in the organization.
QS ASIA UNIVERSITY RANKINGS 2021
Current Context: Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), which is the global higher education think-tank, has
released QS Asia University Rankings 2021.
KEY POINTS
 It is released in partnership with King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Saudi Arabia.
 The ranking list is topped by National University of Singapore (NUS) for the third
consecutive year.
 From India, 3 IITs have made positions in top 50. The IITs are namely, IIT Bombay (37th Rank),
IIT-Delhi (47th Rank) and IIT-Madras (50th Rank).
 The second rank is marked by Tsinghua University (China) and the third rank is marked by
Nanyang Technological University (Singapore).
 Static Part:
o HQ of Quacquarelli Symonds (QS): London, UK
APPOINTMENTS ON 2ND DECEMBER 2020
Current Context: Varsha Joshi: She is appointed as Chairperson of National Dairy Development
Board (NDDB). She has replaced Dilip Rath.
ABOUT
 Static Part:
o HQ of NDDB: Anand, Gujarat
 Amitabh Jain: He is appointed as Chief Secretary of Chhattisgarh Government. He has replaced
Rajendra Prasad Mandal.
 Static Part:
o CM of Chhattisgarh: Bhupesh Baghel
o Governor of Chhattisgarh: Anusuiya Uikey
 Sandeep Kataria: He is appointed as global CEO of Bata Show Organisation. He has replaced
Alexis Nasard.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Bata: Lausanne, Switzerland
ASSET RESTRUCTURING WEB MODULE—BY SIDBI AND ISARC
Current Context: The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has partnered with
India SME Asset Reconstruction Company (ISARC).
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 They have entered into a partnership to launch the Asset Restructuring Web Module for
MSMEs (ARM-MSMEs).
 The web portal will help MSMEs to get benefits of RBI’s MSME restructuring guideline.
 The web module is also termed as Do-It-Yourself (DIY) asset restructuring web module which will
help MSMEs to draft restructuring proposals by keeping only the most essential data of their past
financials, future projections and restructuring requirements.
 The drafted proposal can be then submitted online to the banks and reports can also be generated
for submission to banks through email or in hard copies.
 This portal is also tested by some of the leading banks for use by their MSME clients.
 Also, Punjab National Bank and Indian Bank have agreed to accept restructuring proposals
received by MSMEs from this web module.
 Static Part:
o HQ of SIDBI: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
INDIA TEST FIRES ANTI-SHIP VERSION OF BRAHMOS
Current Context: The Indian Navy successfully test-fired the anti-ship version of the BrahMos
supersonic cruise missile.
HIGHLIGHTS
 It was test-fired from INS Ranvijay in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands territory.
 Its strike range observed was 300 km and it successfully hit the target ship near Car Nicobar
islands in the Bay of Bengal.
 The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile is developed by BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd. It is the joint
venture of India and Russia.
 The anti-ship version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile has a maximum speed of 3450
kmph.
 Also recently, the land version of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile was test-fired from Andaman
and Nicobar Islands territory.
 Static Part:
ONE-TIME SETTLEMENT SCHEME LAUNCHED IN GOA
Current Context: Chief Minister of Goa launched the One-time settlement scheme.
KEY POINTS
 The scheme is basically a welfare scheme from the Electricity Department.
 It aims to provide waivers for the pending electricity bill payments.
 Under this scheme, the consumer has to only shell out the principal amount and the delayed
payment charges will be junked away, with the full or partial waiver of the delay payment charges
(DPC), depending upon the time slot selected for payment.
 The scheme allows power consumers to pay their bills in instalments.
 The scheme is applicable for consumers whose installations are temporarily disconnected as on
10th Oct 2020 for non-payment of outstanding arrears and for Revenue Recovery cases filed up to
10th Oct 2020.
 Static Part: National Parks and Wild Life Sanctuaries in Goa: Bhagwan Mahavir (Mollem) NP,
Bondla WLS, Cotigao WLS, Mhadei WLS, Netravali WLS
o CM of Goa: Pramod Sawant
o Governor of Goa: Bhagat Singh Koshyari
VIRTUAL AADI MAHOTSAV
Current Context: The Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, Arjun Munda launched the first-ever virtual
edition Aadi Mahotsav.
KEY FACTS
 The festival is virtually hosted on the website of tribes India (www.tribesindia.com).
 It was launched virtually in Madhya Pradesh.
 It is jointly organized by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and Tribal Cooperative Marketing
Development Federation of India (TRIFED).
 The Aadi Mahotsav is basically a National Tribal Festival which aims to promote the tribal
communities, their products culture which will help to increase their source of income.
 This festival will showcase the tribal crafts and their products to Urban India which will help to
boost their sale and will thus increase the income of tribes.
 This year’s festival will be conducted in three phases of states like Madhya Pradesh (1st to 10th
Dec 2020), Gujarat (11th to 20th Dec 2020) and West Bengal (21st to 30th Dec 2020).
8TH GLOBAL TERRORISM INDEX 2020
Current Context: The Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), India has released the ‘8th Global
Terrorism Index (GTI) 2020: Measuring the Impact of Terrorism’.
DETAILS
 As per the index, India is ranked at 8th position with Most Affected Country in the world
due to terrorism in 2019. The score of India is 7.353.
 Afghanistan is the first most affected country in the world due to terrorism in 2019 with a
score of 9.592.
 The second and third rank is marked by Iraq (Score: 8.682) and Nigeria (Score: 8.314)
respectively.
 The least affected countries due to terrorism are: Qatar (133rd Rank with score 0.014) and
Uzbekistan (134th Rank with score 0.010). At 135th rank, there are 29 countries with a score of 0.
RBI ORDERED HDFC BANK TO HALT ITS DIGITAL BUSINESSES
Current Context: The Reserve Bank of India has issued an order to India’s private sector bank, HDFC
Bank in regards to incidents of outages in the internet and mobile banking and payment utilities of the
lender over the last 2 years.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 Also, the central bank noted recent outages in HDFC Bank’s internet banking facility on 21st Nov
2020 owing to a power failure in primary data centres.
 Therefore, RBI has ordered HDFC Bank to temporarily stop the launch of all its digital businesses
and other business under IT applications.
 RBI has also ordered to stop sourcing new credit cards to the customers and has asked the board
members of HDFC Bank to examine the lapses and fix the accountability.
 Static Part:
o HQ of RBI: Mumbai
PAYTM PARTNERED WITH SURYODAY SMALL FINANCE BANK
Current Context: Paytm has entered into a partnership with Suryoday Small Finance Bank (SFB)
Ltd with an aim to empower MSMEs with instant digital loans.
HIGHLIGHTS
 They will work to offer collateral-free instant digital loans to MSME sector.
 This partnership is said to be the first partnership of Paytm with SFB.
 They will offer instant microloans to MSMEs which are unable to access financial services from
traditional banks.
 Through this partnership, they will disburse loans to over 1 lakh small businesses in the next 12
months to 18 months.
 Also Paytm is offering a completely digital and hassle-free loan service for MSMEs and Suryoday
Small Finance Bank will focus on delivering products with great customer experience.
 The partnership is based on API which will offer a secured, intelligent, and connected digital
experience to its MSME customers.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Paytm: Noida, UP
o HQ of Suryoday Small Finance Bank: Mumbai
o Tagline of Suryoday Small Finance Bank: A Bank of Smiles
20TH SRI LANKA ECONOMIC SUMMIT
Current Context: The 20th edition of Sri Lanka Economic Summit (SLES) was held and a keynote
address at its inauguration ceremony was delivered by Union Minister for Finance & Corporate
Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman.
KEY POINTS
 The summit was organized by Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC).
 Theme for SLES 2020: ‘Roadmap for Take-off: Driving a People-Centric Economic Revival’.
 Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman mentioned the measures being taken by India to mitigate the
COVID-19 pandemic.
 She also highlighted ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ along with the vision of ‘Self Reliant Sri Lanka’
and considered these two major reforms to be complementary which will help in economic
rejuvenation efforts by both countries.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Sri Lanka: Colombo, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
o Currency of Sri Lanka: Sri Lankan rupee
ADB AND INDIA SIGNS LOAN AGREEMENT FOR WEST BENGAL
Current Context: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the GOI has signed a loan agreement to
improve financial management procedures and operational efficiencies in West Bengal.
KEY FACTS
 They have signed a loan agreement of $50 million.
 The loan amount will be utilized under the project titled 'West Bengal Public Finance Management
Investment Programme'.
 This loan amount will help to achieve more fiscal savings, promote informed decision making, and
improve service delivery in West Bengal.
 Static Part:
o HQ of ADB: Mandaluyong, Philippines.
o National Parks and Wild Life Sanctuaries in West Bengal: Gorumara NP, Buxa NP, Jaldapara
NP, Sundarbans NP, ChintamoniKar Bird Sanctuary, Jore Pokhri WLS, Raiganj WLS,
Mahananda WLS, Senchal WLS
7TH INDIA-SURINAME JOINT COMMISSION MEETING (JCM)
Current Context: The 7th edition of India-Suriname Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) was held
virtually to review the bilateral ties between both nations.
DETAILS
 The meeting was co-chaired by Minister of State for External Affairs, V. Muraleedharan and
Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation of Suriname,
Albert R. Ramdin.
 They held discussions about regional and multilateral cooperation.
 Both the nations agreed to build cooperation in the sectors like Business and Investment and to
establish industries in health, agriculture, mining, energy, defence and cultural & education.
 They also assured to undertake projects to improve South-South Cooperation.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Suriname: Paramaribo
o Currency of Suriname: Suriname Dollar
RBI’S MONETARY POLICY COMMITTEE MEET
Current Context: The Reserve Bank of India’s MPC meeting was held. It was headed by RBI Governor,
Shaktikanta Das.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 RBI has decided to keep interest rates unchanged for the third time in a row and has maintained
the policy stance at ‘accommodative’.
 As per the decisions from MPC Committee members, the repo rate or the rate at which RBI lends
to the banks in unchanged to 4%.
 The reverse repo rate under the LAF is also unchanged at 3.35%.
 The Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rate and Bank Rate is also kept unchanged at 4.25%.
 These decisions to maintain to status quo on policy rates are taken because of inflation.
 Also, RBI Governor proposed to place criteria for NBFC dividend distribution by introducing risk-
based audit in large NBFCs and Cooperative banks.
 He also mentioned about the RTGS to be made 24x7 very soon.
 As per RBI, the CPI inflation is at 6.8% for Q3 and at 5.8% for Q4.
 Also, the Governor stated that GDP growth for the fiscal year 2021 is at -7.5%.
 The central bank also proposed to increase the limit for contactless card payments from Rs 2000
to Rs 5000 from January 2021.
 Static Part:
o HQ of RBI: Mumbai
INDIA AND USA SIGNS MOU IN IP COOPERATION
Current Context: India and the United States of America has entered into MoU to enhance
cooperation in Intellectual Property (IP).
HIGHLIGHTS
 Under this MoU, both the nations will be drafting a work plan to deepen IP Cooperation.
 Both the nations will collaborate to conduct training and information exchange in order to have
best practices in IP protection.
 This MoU is a one-step forward for India towards becoming a major player in global innovation
and will also lead to achieving the objectives of National IPR Policy, 2016.
 The MoU was signed by Guruprasad Mohapatra, Secretary of Commerce Ministry and Andrei
Iancu, Under Secretary, US Patent and Trademark Office.
PASSEX EXERCISE 2020
Current Context: The PASSEX (Passage) Exercise 2020 was held between the Indian Navy and
Russian Federation Navy.
KEY POINTS
 The PASSEX exercise was held in the Eastern Indian Ocean Region.
 Aim of this exercise was to increase interoperability, improve understanding and imbibe best
practices in both nations.
 In this exercise, both the navies practised weapon firing, advanced surface warfare exercise and
advanced anti-submarine exercise, helicopter operations, seamanship exercises.
 Indian Navy was represented by: Anti-submarine corvette Kadmatt, indigenously built guided
missile frigate Shivalik and integral helicopters.
 Russian Navy was represented by: Anti-submarine Admiral Panteleyev and medium ocean
tanker Pechenga and guided-missile cruiser Varyag.
 Static Part:
o Currency of Russia: Russian ruble
9TH INTERNATIONAL SAND ART FESTIVAL AND 31ST KONARK FESTIVAL
Current Context: The 9th edition of International Sand Art Festival and 31st edition of Konark
Festival was held in Odisha.
DETAILS
 9th International Sand Art Festival: It was held at Chandrabhaga Beach of Konark, Puri district
of Odisha. Sudarsan Pattnaik, the world-renowned sand artist was the Chief Curator of this
festival. The festival displayed the sand arts sculpted by artists from India, Mexico, Spain,
Singapore, Norway, Germany and from many other countries. The theme for this festival was
‘environment’ and ‘COVID-19’.
 31st Konark Festival: It was jointly organized by Odisha Tourism and Odissi Research Centre.
This festival showcased various dance forms like Odissi, Bharatnatyam, Manipuri, Kuchipudi,
Kathakali.
 Static Part:
o CM of Odisha: Naveen Patnaik
o Governor of Odisha: Ganeshi Lal
NABARD SIGNED MOU WITH SBI
Current Context: The Karnataka Regional Office of NABARD has signed MoU with SBI to take up
intervention projects in Karnataka.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 Both NABARD and SBI will provide finance facility for watershed development projects and tribal
development projects.
 The MoU will be beneficial to around 45000 people from 260 FPOs in 28 districts of Karnataka and
to 8500 beneficiaries from SHGs.
 SBI will implement an agency which will digitize the SHGs and upload their data on E-Shakti Portal
of state government.
 Each branch of SBI will offer finance to Joint liability groups and SHGs annually.
 Static Part: Lakes in Karnataka: Agara Lake, Bellandur Lake, Byrasandra Lake, Hebbal Lake,
Kempambudhi Lake, Lalbagh Lake, Madiwala Lake, Puttenahalli Lake, Sankey Lake, Ulsoor Lake,
Dalavai Lake, Devanoor Lake, Karanji Lake, Kukkarahalli lake, Lingambudhi Lake, Honnamana
Kere, Pampa Sarovar.
APEDA SIGNS MOU WITH NABARD
Current Context: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority
(APEDA) has signed MoU with National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
KEY FACTS
 They have signed MoU to work collaboratively to synergize the activities in the interest of
agriculture and allied sectors to bring better value to the stakeholders.
 They will also work to implement the Agriculture Export Policy (AEP).
 Both APEDA and NABARD will work jointly for: (a) Capacity development of farm-related
stakeholders (b) Organizing awareness programs (c) Implement methods to double the farmer's
income by 2022 (d) Offer benefits to FPOs (e) Upscale infrastructure for post-harvest
management (f) Provide technical guidance for soil-based farming techniques.
 Static Part:
o HQ of APEDA: New Delhi
o Chairman of APEDA: Dr M Angamuthu
‘PAYNEARBY SHOPPING CARD’
Current Context: PayNearby Technologies Pvt Ltd. In partnership with Yes Bank and NPCI
launched the ‘PayNearby Shopping Card’.
DETAILS
 The ‘PayNearby Shopping Card’ is powered by RuPay and is launched to offer benefits to the
e-commerce industry.
 This will enable PayNearby retailers to avail digital services, like ecommerce, e-learning, online
gaming, online music and videos, monthly recharges and utility payments in a secure, risk-free
mode.
 For this card, the maximum wallet balance is upto Rs 1 lakh and can be used for transactions up to
Rs 5 lakhs monthly and Rs 25 lakhs annually.
 There is also lock and unlock card feature and the user can also get the summary of transactions in
order to keep spending in check mode.
 Static Part:
o HQ of PayNearby Technologies Pvt Ltd: Mumbai
7TH IEF-IGU MINISTERIAL GAS FORUM
Current Context: The 7th edition of IEF-IGU (International Energy Forum- International Gas
Union) Ministerial Gas Forum was held in Kauala Lumpur, Malaysia.
KEY POINTS
 The forum was hosted by Malaysia.
 India was represented by Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dharmendra
Pradhan.
 Theme for the Forum: ‘Towards Recovery and Shared Prosperity: Natural Gas Opportunities for
a Sustainable World’.
 The forum was inaugurated by Prime Minister of Malaysia, Muhyiddin Yassin.
 It was held virtually and the forum observed the identification of energy policies along with
business strategies in the sector of gas markets.
 The dignitaries discussed exploring new natural gas market prospects which will lead to achieving
a sustainable future.
 They also agreed to enhance cooperation in Natural Gas Production and also assured to promote
the use of natural gas for a decarbonized and sustainable world.
 Static Part:
o HQ of International Energy Forum (IEF): Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
o HQ of International Gas Union: Barcelona, Spain
o Capital of Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur
o Currency of Malaysia: Malaysian ringgit
‘AXIS BANK RUPIFI BUSINESS CREDIT CARD’
Current Context: The ‘Axis Bank Rupifi Business Credit Card’ is launched by Axis Bank in
partnership with Rupifi and Visa.
HIGHLIGHTS
 It is launched for the MSME sector and is termed as the contactless co-branded credit card.
 The card is applicable for those MSMEs who transact on the aggregator platform in association
with Rupifi PAN India for their business purchases.
 The launch of this card allowed Axis Bank to explore its opportunity and expand its business in
MSMEs.
 The ‘Axis Bank Rupifi Business Credit Card’ has an average credit limit between the range of Rs 1
lakh and Rs 2 lakh per month, which will be decided on the basis of MSME’s business data of
transaction with the aggregator platform, GMV of last 6 months and on the basis of overall
revenue.
 The joining fee for this card is Rs 1000 and the card comes up with 51 days interest free credit
period.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Axis Bank: Mumbai
o MD and CEO of Axis Bank: Amitabh Chaudhry
o Tagline pf Axis Bank: Badhti ka naam zindagi
o HQ of Rupifi: Bengaluru
PIXXEL TO LAUNCH REMOTE SENSING SATELLITE
Current Context: The Bengaluru based private satellite-imaging company, Pixxel has decided to
launch its first remote-sensing satellite on the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
workhorse rocket Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) in early 2021.
ABOUT
 For this purpose, it has signed a pact with New Space India Limited (NSIL).
 Both NSIL and Pixxel will work to enhance utilisation and maximise the benefits of space assets for
India.
 This remote sensing satellite by Pixxel is said to address and offer solutions to many pressing
environmental and agricultural issues.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Pixxel: Bengaluru
o HQ of NSIL: Bengaluru
 Pixxel was founded in 2019 by Awais Ahmed and Kshitij Khandelwal.
ADB APPROVED LOAN FOR UPGRADATION OF POWER DISTRIBUTION IN

BENGALURU
Current Context: The Asian Development Bank has approved a loan to upgrade the existing power
distribution system in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
KEY POINTS
 In this regards, ADB has approved the loan amount of $190 million.
 This loan amount includes $100 million public sector loan (sovereign loan) and $90 million as a
private-sector loan (non-sovereign loan).
 The USD 100 million sovereign loans will be used for Bengaluru Smart Energy Efficient Power
Distribution Project and USD 90 million without sovereign guarantee loan to Bangalore Electricity
Supply Company Limited (BESCOM).
7TH MEET OF INDIA- MONGOLIA JOINT COMMITTEE
Current Context: The 7th meeting of India-Mongolia of Joint Committee on Cooperation was held
virtually.
HIGHLIGHTS
 India was represented by Minister of External Affairs, S Jaishankar and Mongolia was
represented by L Oyun-Erdene, Chief Cabinet Secretary of the nation.
 Both the dignitaries expressed their satisfaction for the arrangement of special flights between the
two nations.
 They assured to work collaboratively to tackle COVID-19, which included procurement of vaccines
by Mongolia from India.
 Also, both nations assured to work in cooperation for clean energy and India also welcomed the
decision by Mongolia to join the International Solar Alliance.
 Both the nations agreed to establish AYUSH Information Cell in Ulaanbaatar.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Mongolia: Ulaanbaatar
o Currency of Mongolia: Togrog
APPOINTMENTS AND BRAND AMBASSADOR ON 7TH DEC 2020
Current Context: Amit Khare: He is appointed to head the committee constituted by the education
Ministry to prepare the blueprint for imparting Technical Education in Mother's tongue. He is Secretary
of Higher Education.
ABOUT
 Static part:
 Shrikant Madhav Vaidya: He is appointed as Vice President of World Liquefied Petroleum Gas
Association (WLPGA).
 Static part:
o HQ of WLPGA: Paris, France
 Kuldeep Handoo: He is appointed as the Brand Ambassador for ‘Fit India Movement’.
 Akshay Kumar: He is appointed as the Brand Ambassador for Horlicks Protein Plus by HUL.
‘IMOBILE PAY’ – ICICI BANK
Current Context: ICICI Bank has come up with an app called ‘iMobile Pay’.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 This app is launched by transforming the ICICI Bank’s state-of-the-art mobile banking app,
iMobile.
 The ‘iMobile Pay’ is developed to offer payments and banking services to customers of any
bank.
 It offers the facilities of payment app like allowing customers to pay to any UPI ID or merchants,
bills payment and perform online recharges with instant banking services like a savings account,
investments, loans, credit cards, gift cards, travel cards etc.
 With the help of ‘iMobile Pay’ the user can transfer money to any bank account, payment app and
digital wallet.
 It also offers the feature of ‘pay to contacts’ which allows the users to automatically see the UPI
IDs of their phone book contacts, registered on the ICICI Bank UPI ID network, of any payment app
and digital wallet.
 Static Part:
IIT 2020 GLOBAL SUMMIT
Current Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually addressed the IIT 2020 Global Summit.
ABOUT MEETING
 The summit was organized by PanIIT USA, which is an all-volunteer team of IIT alumni.
 The theme for IIT 2020 Global Summit was: ‘The Future is Now’.
 The summit was also attended by Union Education Minister, Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank.
 The summit observed the discussions about the global economy, technology, innovation, health
and New Education Policy 2020.
 PM Modi addressed the summit with ‘Reform, Perform, Transform’ principle of GOI.
 He also urged the IITians to share their views to celebrate the 75th Indian independence.
 Static Part:
o Chairman of IIT 2020 Global Summit: Sanjiv Goyal
REIT FUNDS OF FUNDS SCHEME- KOTAK MAHINDRA AMC

Current Context: The Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company (Kotak Mutual Fund) launched
Kotak International REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) Fund of Funds.
KEY FACTS
 It is termed as India’s first REIT Mutual Fund.
 The Kotak international REIT Fund of Funds is basically an open-ended mutual fund scheme. It
invests in units of SMAM Asia REIT Sub Trust Fund and provides long term capital appreciation
and income.
 This Kotak’s REIT Mutual Fund invest in real estate projects like residential, office, data centres
and hospitality.
 About SMAM Asia REIT Sub Trust Fund: It is one of the largest Asia Pacific REIT funds
(Excluding Japan) which invest in listed REITs in the Asia Pacific region. It is managed by
Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management Company.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Kotak Mahindra AMC: Mumbai
o MD of Kotak Mahindra AMC: Nilesh Shah
APPOINTMENTS ON 8TH DECEMBER 2020
Current Context: Uday Shankar: He is appointed as President of Federation of Indian Chambers of

Commerce and Industry (FICCI). He has replaced Sangita Reddy.
ABOUT
 Static part:
 Anil Soni: He is appointed as inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the newly launched WHO
Foundation.
 Static part:
o Director-General of the World Health Organization: Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
INDIA MOBILE CONGRESS 2020
Current Context: The inaugural session of India Mobile Congress 2020 (IMC 2020) was addressed
by PM Narendra Modi.
KEY POINTS
 It is being held from 8th Dec to 10th Dec 2020.
 The India Mobile Congress 2020 is organised by the Department of Telecommunications
and Cellular Operators Association of India.
 Theme for India Mobile Congress 2020: ‘Inclusive Innovation- Smart, Secure and Sustainable’.
 The main motto behind this IMC 2020 is to promote ‘Digital Inclusivity’, ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’,
‘Sustainable development’, entrepreneurship and innovation.
 It also focuses on foreign and local investments, technology, R&D in telecom.
 PM Modi addressed about forming a task force which will think of a better way of handling
electronic waste and will create a circular economy.
 He also emphasized his view on 5G Technology.
URBAN GOVERNANCE INDEX
Current Context: The Urban Governance Index is released by Praja Foundation.
HIGHLIGHTS
 The index is topped by Odisha with a score of 56.86%.
 The second and third position is marked by Maharashtra (55.15%) and Chhattisgarh (49.68%)
respectively.
 This index describes the analysis of local self-government in Indian cities. It is an indicator of the
level of decentralisation in urban governance.
 The lower three ranks are marked by Meghalaya (14.82%), Manipur (14.63%) and Nagaland
(13.37%).
 The index ranking was calculated by considering themes like: Empowered local elected
representatives and legislative structure; empowered city administration; empowered citizens
and fiscal empowerment.
PM MODI INAUGURATED CONSTRUCTION WORK OF AGRA METRO

PROJECT
Current Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the construction work of
Agra Metro Project, Uttar Pradesh.
KEY POINTS
 This project is comprised of 2 corridors having a total length of 29.4km.
 The approximate financial outlay for this project is Rs 8379.62 crore and is said to be completed
within 5 years.
 This project will offer connectivity to major tourist spots like Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Sikandra with
the railway station and bus stands.
 The Agra Metro Project will prove beneficial by offering ‘Ease of Living’ to 26 lakh population of
the Agra city.
 The project will offer the Mass Rapid Transit system to Agra.
 Static Part:
o CM of UP: Yogi Aditya Nath
o Governor of UP: Anandiben Patel
o State Flower of UP: Palash
o State Bird of UP: Sarus Crane
o State Animal of UP: Barasingha
CLIMATE CHANGE PERFORMANCE INDEX
Current Context: The New Climate Institute, Germanwatch and CAN (Climate Action Network) has
released Global Climate Change Performance Index.
KEY FACTS
 India ranked 10th in this index with a score of 63.98.
 None of the countries marked the first three positions in this index as none of the countries is on
that level of Paris climate targets which aims to implement strategies to limit global warming
below 2 or below 1.5 degree Celsius.
 Sweden, United Kingdom and Denmark marked the 4th, 5th and 6th rank in the Global Climate
Change Performance Index.
IREDA LTD. SIGNED MOU WITH SJVN LIMITED
Current Context: The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) has entered
into an MoU with SJVN Limited for the purpose of green energy projects.
DETAILS
 As per the MoU, IREDA will undertake techno-financial due diligence of renewable energy, energy
efficiency, and conservation projects for SJVN.
 IREDA will work as an assistant and guiding support to SJVN in developing an action plan which
will help to build renewable energy projects for the next five years.
 IREDA will offer technical knowledge, technology transfer, and provide consultancy and research
services to SJVN.
 Static part:
o HQ of IREDA: New Delhi
o HQ of SJVN: Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
NTPC SIGNED MOU WITH IIFM, BHOPAL
Current Context: The NTPC Ltd (National Thermal Power Corporation) entered into MoU with
Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 They have signed MoU for the implementation of Narmada Landscape Restoration Project.
 The funds for this project will be provided from NTPC Ltd and United States Agency for
International Development (USAID) in equal proportions.
 The Narmada Landscape Restoration Project will be implemented in Khargone District of Madhya
Pradesh, in the catchments of selected tributaries of the River Narmada between Omkareshwar
and Maheshwar dams.
 The project is said to be completed within 4 years.
 IIFM Bhopal will be working on this project in partnership with Global Green Growth Institute
(GGGI), which is an intergovernmental organization which promotes sustainable and inclusive
economic growth in emerging economies.
 The aim behind this project to increase the water quality and quantity in River Narmada and to
construct an incentivisation mechanism to support the forest and farm communities of River
Narmada’s basin.
 Static Part:
o HQ of NTPC Ltd: New Delhi
o Chairman and MD of NTPC Ltd: Gurdeep Singh
o HQ of GGGI: Seoul, South Korea
NBCFDC AND NSFDC SIGNS MOA WITH CENTRAL BANK OF INDIA
Current Context: The National Backward Classes Finance & Development Corporation (NBCFDC)
and National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC) has signed
Memorandum of Agreements (MoAs) with Central Bank of India.
HIGHLIGHTS
 The MoA is signed for the implementation of Vanchit Ikai Samooh aur Vargon ki Aarthik
Sahayta (VISVAS) Yojana. The VISVAS is an Interest subvention Scheme of Ministry of Social
Justice & Empowerment, GOI.
 Under this agreement, Central Bank of India will be providing the Interest subvention to the
holders under VISVAS Yojana.
 VISVAS Yojana: It was launched in September 2020 by Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment,
GOI to reduce the interest burden on underprivileged sections of SCs and OBCs.
 This scheme will benefit OBC/SC SHGs with loans up to Rs.4 Lakh and OBC/SC individuals with a
loan up to Rs.2 Lakh with a quick interest subvention benefit of 5% directly into the standard
accounts of borrowing SHGs/beneficiaries.
 Static Part:
o Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment: Thaawar Chand Gehlot
o HQ of Central Bank of India: Mumbai
o Tagline of Central Bank of India: Build a better life around us
ADB APPROVES USD 2.5 MN TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR BIOFUEL
DEVELOPMENT
Current Context: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved technical assistance for the
advanced biofuel development in India.
KEY POINTS
 The ADB has approved a USD 2.5 million (about Rs 18 crore) in this regard.
 The financial grant will be funded from the Asia Clean Energy Fund.
 This Asia Clean Energy Fund is being financed by Japan’s Government under the Clean Energy
Financing Partnership Facility, and the Republic of Korea's e-Asia and Knowledge Partnership
Fund.
 This technical assistant fund will help India to conduct development activities in advanced
bioethanol, bio-compressed natural gas, and biodiesel plants.
 It will also help to tackle the obstacles which occur in this biofuel sector and will help to harness
waste, strengthen energy independence, create job opportunities and mitigate global warming.
 The fund will be utilized to develop technical designs, effective business models, catalytic
financing schemes, regulatory frameworks, and awareness programs.
 Static Part:
o HQ of ADB: Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, Philippines
DIGITAL SAKSHAM—MASTERCARD, NI-MSME AND CII
Current Context: The Mastercard, ni-msme (National Institute for MSME) and Confederation of
Indian Industry (CII) has collaborated to launch Digital Saksham.
KEY FACTS
 The Digital Saksham is basically a capacity-building initiative which creates awareness
about the digitization of the MSME sector in India.
 It is the 3-year programme in which around 3 lakh and more MSMEs will be trained to become
part of the digital world and adopt digital technology in their operations.
 The programme will be having three stages over three years and will be having approaches like
outreach, capacity building and adoption of digital tools.
 It will be rolled out in 25 cities in seven states of India.
 The Digital Saksham will offer information, skills and tools to the MSMEs so that they can increase
their financial security and expand their businesses.
 Static Part:
o President of CII: Uday Kotak
o DG of CII: Chandrajit Banerjee
o HQ of ni-msme: Hyderabad
6TH INDIA-JAPAN ICT JOINT WORKING GROUP MEET
Current Context: The 6th India-Japan ICT Joint Working Group meeting was held virtually.
DETAILS
 The meeting was held under both nation’s ICT (Information and Communication
Technology) objective.
 India was represented by K Ramchand from the Department of Telecom and Anshu Prakash from
the Ministry of Communication. While Japan side was represented by Yoshida Mabito, Vice
Minister, Ministry of Internal affairs and telecommunications.
 This meet observed the discussion on boosting cooperation in 5G sector.
 They also held discussions related to wireless planning, and standardization of technology as well
as its utilization.
 Other than these topics, issued related to submarine optical fibre placement, smart-city
development programme and Artificial Intelligence use in healthcare were discussed by the
dignitaries.
 They also adopted a partnership project at Asian Institute of Gastroenterology in Hyderabad. This
project includes the usage of AI by software to assist doctors in Colonoscopy diagnosis.
 Static part:
FORBES 2020 LIST OF 100 MOST POWERFUL WOMEN
Current Context: The 17th Annual Forbes Power List of 100 Most Powerful Women was released.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 As per this list, Union Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman is among the 100 most powerful
women. She is ranked at 41st position in the list.
 Also, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Chairman of Biocon Limited is featured at 68th rank position in the
list.
 The top three holders of the Forbes 100 Most Powerful Women 2020 are: Angela Markel
(Chancellor, Germany) (First Rank), Christine Lagarde (President of European central Bank)
(Second Rank) and Kamala Harris (Vice President, US) (Third Rank).
14TH ADMM PLUS MEET 2020
Current Context: The 14th ADMM (ASEAN Defence Ministers Meet)-Plus Meeting was held
virtually.
HIGHLIGHTS
 It was attended by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
 The meet was hosted by Vietnam.
 It was held to mark the 10th anniversary of ADMM Plus. ADMM Plus is basically a group of
Defence Ministers of 10 ASEAN Nations and its 8 partner nations.
 While addressing the meet, Union Minister Rajnath Singh welcomed Brunei Darussalam as new
Chair for ASEAN in 2021.
 He urged all the participated dignitaries to develop cooperation to address the issues and threats
of bioterrorism, transnational trafficking and COVID-19 pandemic.
 The nations agreed to develop cooperation in maritime security, humanitarian assistance and
maintain peace in all nations.
 Rajnath Singh highlighted India’s support to freedom of navigation and over-flight for all in
International waters in accordance with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
‘MAX LIFE CRITICAL ILLNESS AND DISABILITY RIDER’ HEALTH

INSURANCE & ‘MAX FIT’ APP
Current Context: The Max Life Insurance Company Limited has launched ‘Max Life Critical Illness
and Disability Rider’, which is a health insurance rider and ‘Max Fit’ which is a comprehensive
wellness app.
KEY POINTS
 ‘Max Life Critical Illness and Disability Rider’: It offers protection from up to 64 critical
illnesses. It is available with a flexible payment option that a customer can opt for limited pay or
regular pay option as per the base plan. This health insurance can be linked to 11 of the existing
products of Max Life. The age criteria to opt for this health insurance is between 18 and 65 age.
 ‘Max Fit’: It is having features like wellness assessment score, a reminder for medicine, daily
health tips. It is also having wellness calculator for illnesses such as diabetes, heart diseases,
stress, anxiety, etc.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Max Life Insurance Company Limited: New Delhi
o MD and CEO of Max Life Insurance Company Limited: Prashant Tripathy
APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATION ON 11TH DECEMBER 2020
Current Context: Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah: He is appointed as Prime Minister of Kuwait.
ABOUT
 Static Part:
o Capital of Kuwait: Kuwait City
o Currency of Kuwait: Kuwaiti Dinar
 Annika Sorenstam: She is appointed as President of International Golf Federation (IGF). She has
replaced Peter Dawson.
 Static Part:
o HQ of IGF: Lausanne, Switzerland
 Zena Wooldridge: She is appointed as President of World Squash Federation. She has replaced
Jacques Fontaine.
 Static Part:
o HQ of World Squash Federation: Hastings, UK
 Justice Rajesh Bindal: He is appointed as the Chief Justice of the common High Court of UT of
Jammu and Kashmir and UT of Ladakh. He has replaced Gita Mittal.
 Ludovic Orban: He has offered his resignation to be the Prime Minister of Romania.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Romania: Bucharest
o Currency of Romania: Romanian Leu
INDIA’S GDP TO CONTRACT AT 8% IN FY21—ADB
Current Context: The Asian Development Bank’s ‘Asian Development Outlook 2020 Supplement: Paths
Diverge in Recovery from the Pandemic ‘ for Dec 2020 was published.
DETAILS
 As per the data from this supplement, ADB has revised India’s GDP contraction for the fiscal year
2021.
 As per ADB, India’s GDP to contract by 8% in FY 2021.
 Earlier it has projected contraction at 9% for FY 2021.
 Static Part:
INDIA’S GDP TO CONTRACT AT 9.4% IN FY21—FITCH RATINGS
Current Context: The Credit rating agency Fitch Ratings has revised India’s GDP forecast for the fiscal
year 2021.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 As per Fitch Ratings, India’s GDP to contract 9.4% in FY 2020-21.
 Earlier it had projected India’s GDP to contract 10.5%.
 Also, as per the rating agency, for the fiscal year 2022 India’s GDP to grow at 11%.
INDIA-UZBEKISTAN SIGN 9 PACTS
Current Context: India and Uzbekistan has entered into nine agreements in a virtual summit held
to discuss bilateral relations of both nations.
HIGHLIGHTS
 During the summit, various bilateral talks were held between Indian Prime Minister
Narendra Modi and President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
 They discussed extremism, terrorism and radicalism.
 They signed an agreement to combat the threat of terrorism by “destroying” terrorist safe-havens,
networks and funding channels.
 They also signed agreements in the field of renewable energy, Digital Technologies, Community
development projects, cybersecurity, and digital technologies.
 Also, India has approved $448 million of Line of Credit for four development projects in
Uzbekistan. This fund will be utilized for development in sewerage treatment, road construction
and Information Technology.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Uzbekistan: Tashkent
o Currency of Uzbekistan: Uzbekistani Som
MORTH SIGNED MOU WITH AUSTRIA
Current Context: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways signed an MoU with the Federal
Ministry of Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology of the
Republic of Austria.
KEY POINTS
 They signed the MoU to have Technology Cooperation in the Road Infrastructure Sector.
 The MoU was signed to develop bilateral cooperation in areas like Road Transportation,
Road/Highways infrastructure development, management and administration, Road safety and
Intelligent Transport Systems.
 This MoU will also help to develop trades and regional integration between India and Austria.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Austria: Vienna
o Currency of Austria: Euro
INDUS ENTREPRENEURS (TIE) GLOBAL SUMMIT 2020

Current Context: The IndUS Entrepreneurs (TiE) Global summit 2020 (TGS 2020) was held virtual.
ABOUT MEETING
 The summit was hosted by TiE Hyderabad.
 It was inaugurated by Vice President of India Venkaiah Naidu.
 Theme for TGS 2020: ‘Entrepreneurship 360’
 The summit was held to address the issues faced by Entrepreneurs, fund providers and startups.
 The summit was also participated by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, CM of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal
UK’s international trade minister Ranil Jayawardena and Costa Rican President Carlos Alvarado
Quesada and many more.
 The dignitaries discussed various strategies to uplift Entrepreneurs.
SBI GENERAL INSURANCE PARTNERED WITH MAHINDRA INSURANCE

BROKERS
Current Context: The SBI General Insurance partnered with Mahindra Insurance Brokers Ltd
(MIBL).
KEY FACTS
 They have collaborated under Sajhedaari programme.
 They have entered into a partnership to increase insurance penetration in tier 2 and tier 3
cities of India.
 They will promote health insurance awareness in the under-served and under-penetrated rural
areas of India.
 They will offer various health insurance cover along with employment generation opportunities in
these areas.
 Static Part:
o HQ of MIBL: Mumbai
FICCI INDIA SPORTS AWARD 2020
Current Context: The Federation of India Commerce and Industry (FICCI) declared the India Sport
Awards, 2020.
DETAILS
 Following are the winners in each category:
Sr. No. Award Category Name of Winner
1 Female Sportsperson of the Year Elavenil Valarivan (Shooting)
2 Male Sportsperson of the Year Bajrang Punia (Wrestling)
3 Best State Promoting Award Madhya Pradesh
4 Coach of the Year Award Radhakrishnan Nair (Athletics)
5 Best Male Para-athlete award Sundar Singh Gurjar (Javelin Throw, Shot
Putter and Discus Throw)
6 Best Female Para-athlete award Simran Sharma (Athlete)
7 Best National Sports Federation Wrestling Federation of India and Paralympic
Committee of India
8 Best Private Company Promoting Sports Anil Kumble for Tenvic Sports
 Static Part:
ASIA PACIFIC VACCINE ACCESS FACILITY (APVAX)—BY ADB
Current Context: The Asian Development Bank has launched the Asia Pacific Vaccine Access
Facility (APVAX).
HIGHLIGHTS
 It is launched for developing countries who are the members of ADB.
 The APVAX is basically $9 billion initiative which will help developing member nations of
ADB to procure and deliver coronavirus vaccines.
 This initiative will offer rapid and equitable support for procurement and delivery of COVID-19
vaccines.
 The APVAX will help to meet and tackle challenges faced due to pandemic and to focus on
economic recovery.
 Also, ADB is planning to make available COVID-19 vaccine import facility to its member's nations.
 The APVAX initiative is based on 2 main components namely: Rapid Response Component
and Project Investment Component.
 Static Part:
IESA AND UNIDO PARTNERED FOR ENERGY STORAGE INNOVATIONS
Current Context: The India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) has entered into a partnership with the
United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
KEY POINTS
 They have collaborated to undertake innovations in Energy Storage sector in India.
 They collaborated for the launch of UNIDO’s ‘Facility of Low Carbon Deployment’ (FLCTD).
 The FLCTD is an innovation challenge for technology innovation in the beta deployment of
electrical energy storage in India.
 IESA is a supporting partner for this challenge.
 For this challenge grants of up to USD 50,000 for winning technologies and recognition is given
from Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), UNIDO and IESA.
 This challenge from IESA and UNIDO aims to identify high-impact opportunities which will save
energy along with reductions in carbon emissions and will offer financial support for field
validation/beta testing of their technology.
 The challenge is applicable for the technological areas like electrochemical batteries,
supercapacitors, critical components for electrical energy storage systems including power
conversion systems while the applications include off-grid stationary applications, e-mobility,
battery recycling, grid-connected and behind-the-meter.
 Static Part:
o HQ of IESA: Pune
o HQ of UNIDO: Vienna, Austria
NARROW BAND INTERNET OF THINGS NETWORK (NB-IOT)—BSNL AND

SKYLO
Current Context: The Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) partnered with Skylo to launch
satellite-based Narrow Band Internet of Things network (NB-IoT) in India.
KEY FACTS
 This is the world’s first NB-IoT by BSNL and Skylo.
 The IoT solution for this is developed by Skylo and this solution is connected with BSNLs satellite
ground infrastructure which provides PAN-India coverage, including Indian seas.
 This NB-IoT solution will prove useful to fishermen, farmers, and in sectors like construction,
mining and logistics.
 The solution is launched to fulfil BSNL’s vision to explore technology to provide affordable and
innovative telecom services and products to all core sectors of India.
 The NB-IoT is a Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) technology which improves the power
consumption of the devices, spectrum efficiency and system capacity.
 It is developed to offer a wide range of new internet of things devices and services to core sectors
of India. It is compatible with 2G, 3G and 4G mobile networks.
‘JAGANANNA JEEVA KRANTHI' SCHEME—ANDHRA PRADESH
Current Context: The Government of Andhra Pradesh launched 'Jagananna Jeeva Kranthi' scheme.
DETAILS
 The scheme is launched with an outlay of Rs 1869 crore.
 The scheme aims to distribute 2.49 lakh sheep and goats to SC, ST women belonging to the
age group between 45-60 years in order to improve their standard of living.
 The 2.49 lakh sheep and goat will be distributed in three phases. Each unit is comprised of 15
sheep or goat.
 Under this scheme, in the first phase 20,000 units will be distributed till March 2021. In the
second phase, 1.3 lakh units will be distributed from April-Aug 2021 and in the third phase, 99000
units will be distributed from Sep-Dec 2021.
 Also, the state government has signed MoU with Allana Group for the purpose of procurement of
sheep and goats.
 The scheme will help to boost the rural economy of the state.
 Static Part: Dams in AP: Srisailam Dam(Krishna River), Dummaguden Dam (river Godavari),
Gandipalem Reservoir (River Penner), Somasila Dam (Penna River), Prakasam Barrage (Krishna
River)
5TH INDIA WATER IMPACT SUMMIT (IWIS)
Current Context: The 5th edition of India Water Impact Summit was held virtually.
ABOUT MEETING
 The theme for the 5th IWIS was: Arth Ganga: River Conservation Synchronized Development.
 It was organised by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and the Centre for Ganga
River Basin Management and Studies (cGanga).
 The 5th IWIS was organised to discuss water-related issues and steps taken to save it.
 The participated stakeholders discussed model solutions developed to address water-related
problems.
 The IWIS summit helps to strengthen the cooperation and interaction between investors and
stakeholders in the water sector and builds river management strategies for India.
 Static Part:
o Union Jal Shakti Minister: Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
INDIA AND QATAR TO SETUP ENERGY TASK FORCE
Current Context: India and Qatar has decided to establish a task force on energy.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 The decision is taken to strengthen cooperation in the energy sector.
 The Energy Task Force will help to identify specific projects in India’s energy sector for
investments from Qatar.
 The task force will be represented by the vice president of Qatar petroleum and senior officer
from petroleum Ministry of India.
 The decision was jointly taken through a telephone conversation held Minister of Petroleum and
Natural Gas and Steel, Dharmendra Pradhan, and Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Qatar’s Minister of State
for Energy Affairs and President and CEO Qatar Petroleum.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Qatar: Doha
o Currency of Qatar: Qatari Riyal
INTERNATIONAL BHARATI FESTIVAL 2020
Current Context: The International Bharati Festival 2020 was virtually addressed by PM Narendra
Modi.
DETAILS
 The festival was organised by Vanavil Cultural Centre, Chennai.
 The International Bharati Festival 2020 was organised to mark the 138th Birth Anniversary of
Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathi, who was Tamil writer, poet and journalist along with Indian
Independence Activist and social reformer.
 PM Modi also conferred the 2020 Bharathi Award to the writer, Seeni Viswanathan.
DBS BANK PARTNERED WITH HAQDARSHAK EMPOWERMENT SOLUTIONS

PRIVATE LTD
Current Context: The DBS Bank Ltd partnered with Haqdarshak Empowerment Solutions Pvt Ltd.
KEY DETAILS
 They partnered to help MSME in India to recover from COVID-19 crisis.
 They will help MSMEs through Haqdarshak MSME platform.
 This platform allows MSMEs to take benefit of various government welfare schemes.
 Static Part:
o HQ of DBS Bank: Mumbai
FICCI’S 93RD ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Current Context: The FICCI’s 93rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Annual Convention were
inaugurated and addressed by PM Narendra Modi via video-conference.
ABOUT MEETING
 PM Modi also inaugurated FICCI Annual Expo 2020, which commenced from 11th Dec 2020
and will continue throughout a year.
 The FICCI Annual Expo 2020 will provide an opportunity to exhibitors from all over the world to
showcase their products and advance their business prospects.
 It was organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
 Theme for FICCI’s 93rd AGM: ‘Inspired India’
 Static Part:
‘ACEMONEY MICRO ATM SERVICE’
Current Context: Aceware, a fintech company in partnership with ICICI Bank launched ‘Ace Money
Micro ATM service’ in Kochi, Kerala.
HIGHLIGHTS
 With the help of this facility, people will be able to withdraw the amount from their bank
accounts from their home.
 This service will be availed by the customers of all banks.
 The money withdrawn by this mechanism will be delivered within 30-40 minutes of placing the
order at the doorstep of the customer.
 Initially, the service is rolled out in Kochi, Kerala and will be extended to other cities of the state
by Jan 2021.
 To place the order for cash withdrawal by this ‘Ace Money Micro ATM service’, the customer will
have to use the AceMoney app.
 On placing the order, the delivery executive will visit the customer with a micro ATM. On
swapping the ATM card and by entering PIN details, the money will be withdrawn.
 Static Part:
OLA SIGNED MOU WITH TAMIL NADU GOVERNMENT
Current Context: Ola, the SoftBank backed mobility firm signed MoU with Government of Tamil
Nadu.
KEY POINTS
 The MoU is signed to set up Ola’s first factory in the state.
 Ola will be setting up its largest electric scooter manufacturing unit in the world.
 For this purpose, Ola will be investing Rs 2400 crore.
 Initially, Ola factory will be having an annual manufacturing capacity of 2 million units.
 Static Part:
o MD and CEO of Ola: Bhavish Aggrawal
o Capital of Tamil Nadu: Chennai
o CM of Tamil Nadu: Edappadi K Palaniswami
o Governor of Tamil Nadu: Banwarilal Purohit
o Lakes in Tamil Nadu: Berijam Lake, Chembarambakkam Lake, Kaliveli Lake, Kaveripakkam
Lake, Kodaikanal Lake, Ooty Lake, Perumal Eri, Red Hills Lake, Sholavaram Lake,
Singanallur Lake, Veeranam Lake
ISRO TO LAUNCH CMS-01
Current Context: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will be launching CMS-01, which
is the communication satellite.
KEY FACTS
 It will be launched on 17th Dec 2020 with the help of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C50).
 The launching will take place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra
Pradesh.
 The CMS-01 is basically a replacement of GSAT-12.
 CMS-01 is India's 42nd Communication Satellite and will be launched to provide services in the
Extended-C Band of the frequency spectrum, which includes Indian mainland, Andaman & Nicobar
Islands and Lakshadweep Islands.
 Static Part:
o HQ of ISRO: Bengaluru, Karnataka
o Chairman of ISRO: K.Sivan
9TH SUSTAINABLE MOUNTAIN DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT
Current Context: The 9th edition of the Sustainable Mountain Development Summit was held in
Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
ABOUT MEETING
 The theme for the summit: “Emerging Pathways for Building a Resilient Post COVID-19
Mountain Economy, Adaptation, Innovation and Acceleration”.
 The summit was hosted by Sustainable Development Forum Uttaranchal and was organised
by Indian Mountain Initiative.
 The summit was held to build pathways toward a resilient and sustainable mountain economy.
 It was held to discuss the post-COVID 19 scenario, Climate Change, water security and innovation.
 The dignitaries also held discussions about disaster risk reduction in Indian Himalayas.
‘BSE E-AGRICULTURE MARKETS LTD’ (BEAM)
Current Context: The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) launched ‘BSE E-Agriculture Markets Ltd’
(BEAM).
DETAILS
 BEAM is an electronic spot platform which is launched for agricultural commodities.
 It is launched through its subsidiary BSE Investment Ltd.
 BEAM aims to strengthen the competitiveness of the agriculture market of India by enhancing the
strength of BSE in the finance sector, market technology and its vibrant ecosystem.
 BEAM will be a platform which will serve at the national level and will be an
institutionalized, electronic and transparent commodity spot trading mode platform which
will develop a ‘single market’ mechanism, the vision of Prime Minister.
 It will offer sports transactions of Agri commodities across value chains which will include
producers, intermediaries and customers.
 It is based on state-of-the-art technology to offer solutions to farmers, traders and stakeholders
which will help them to sell or purchase Agri commodities in an efficient manner.
 BEAM will also help to cut the cost of intermediation along with improvement in procurement
activities. It will also reduce obstructions in procurement and trading processes.
 BEAM platform will allow farmers to auction their yields and to serve other markets outside their
states.
 Static Part:
o MD and CEO of BSE: Ashishkumar Chauhan
NORWAY SIGNS MOU WITH CLEAN GANGA MISSION
Current Context: The Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO) has entered into MoU
with Clean Ganga Mission ( cGanga).
HIGHLIGHTS
 The cGanga is a think-tank of the National Mission for Clean Ganga.
 They have entered into MoU to develop the sludge management framework in India.
 Through this partnership, Norway intends to boost cooperation with India in sectors like climate
change and environmental conservation.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Norway: Oslo
o Currency of Norway: Norwegian Krone
‘VISION 2035: PUBLIC HEALTH SURVEILLANCE IN INDIA’
Current Context: The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog has published
‘Vision 2035: Public Health Surveillance in India’.
KEY POINTS
 This white paper is developed by NITI Aayog and the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg,
Canada.
 This white paper defines India’s vision of developing public health surveillance by 2035.
 India will be achieving this vision by integrating the three tired public health system into
Ayushman Bharat.
 The white paper elaborates India’s vision to make a public health surveillance system more
responsive and with accurate prediction ability which will help to strengthen preparedness to
take actions at all levels.
 It aims to develop a citizen-friendly public health surveillance system.
 It will ensure privacy with client feedback mechanism along with improved data sharing
mechanism between centres and states for disease detection, its prevention and control.
 Static Part:
UNEP CHAMPIONS OF THE EARTH AWARD 2020
Current Context: The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has announced the
recipients of Champions of Earth Award 2020.
ABOUT
 The Champions of Earth Award is termed to be the UN’s highest honour in the environment field.
 Following are the winners in each category:
Category Winner Contribution
Policy Leadership Frank Bainimarama (PM of Fiji) Global climate action work
and commitment to climate-responsive
national development
Inspiration and Nemonte Nenquimo (Ecuador) Leadership work with indigenous
Action communities that halted drilling in
Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest
Inspiration and Yacouba Sawadogo (Burkina Faso) For teaching farmers about his
Action traditional nature-based solution to
regenerate their soil and turn barren
land into arable land and forest across
Africa
Science and Dr Fabian Leendertz (Germany) Discovery in zoonotic and his work in
Innovation One Health
Entrepreneur Mindy Lubber (USA) For commitment to convert capital
Vision markets green by mobilizing top
investors and companies and for making
the business case for climate action and
sustainability
Champion of the Prof.Robert D Bullard (USA) Commitment and service to
Earth Lifetime environmental justice
Achievement
Award
 Static Part:
o HQ of UNEP: Nairobi Kenya
INDIA’S GDP TO CONTRACT 7.7% IN FY 2021--- BY CRISIL
Current Context: The Rating Agency, Credit Rating Information Services of India Limited (CRISIL) has
projected a slower contraction in India’s GDP.
DETAILS
 As per CRISIL, India’s GDP to contract 7.7% in FY 21.
 Earlier, in September 2020 it has projected the contraction to 9%.
 Also, for the fiscal year 2021-22, The rating agency CRISIL expects India’s growth to bounce back
to 10%.
 Static Part:
o HQ of CRISIL: Mumbai
o MD and CEO of CRISIL: Ashu Suyash
Current Context: Nagendraa Parakh: He is appointed to head the newly formed department called as
Corporation Finance Investigation Department (CFID) setup by SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of
India). The department is set up to check promoter frauds. Currently, Nagendraa Parakh (Executive
Director of SEBI) is heading Market Intermediaries Regulation and Supervision Department (MIRSD).
ABOUT
 Static Part:
 Uday Kotak: He is reappointed by RBI to be the MD and CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank for a tenure
of three years.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Kotak Mahindra Bank: Mumbai
o Tagline of Kotak Mahindra Bank: Let’s Make Money Simple
 Prakash Apte: He is appointed as part-time Chairman of Kotak Mahindra Bank.
 Dipak Gupta: He is appointed as Joint MD of Kotak Mahindra Bank.
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT INDEX 2020
Current Context: The report of Human Development Index 2020 was released by the United
Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
HIGHLIGHTS
 As per the report, India stood at the rank position of 131st among 189 countries. India’s
score in this index is 0.640.
 India ranked 130th position in 2019.
 The index is topped by Norway.
 The second and third ranks are secured by Ireland and Switzerland respectively.
 The lowest rank of 189th is obtained by Niger with the lowest score of 0.394.
 The criteria for calculating Human Development India are life expectancy at birth, education and
per capita income.
 The theme for Human Development Index 2020: Human Development and Anthropocene.
 Static Part:
o HQ of UNDP: New York, US
YSR FREE CROP INSURANCE SCHEME
Current Context: The Government of Andhra Pradesh launched YSR free Crop Insurance Scheme
for farmers.
KEY POINTS
 The scheme is meant for those farmers who lost their crops during Kharif 2019.
 The scheme is said to be beneficial to around 9.48 lacs of farmers.
 Under this scheme, Rs 1,252 crores will be credited directly into bank accounts of 9.48 lacs
of farmers.
 Static Part: Dams in Andhra Pradesh: Somasila Dam (Penna River), Polavaram Project (Godavari
River), Srisailam Dam (Krishna River), Nagarjuna Sagar Dam (Krishna River)
23RD MEET OF THE FINANCIAL STABILITY AND DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
Current Context: The 23rd meeting of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) was
chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
KEY FACTS
 The meet was held to review macroeconomic developments and to discuss the issues related to
global and national financial stability.
 The dignitaries discussed the policy measures taken by the government of India along with
analysis of the activities undertaken by the FSDC Sub Committee chaired by Governor of RBI.
 They held discussions about issues and challenges present in the transition of London Interbank
Offer Rate (LIBOR) based contracts and observed that multipronged strategy involving relevant
stakeholder institution and departments is required for this purpose.
 Static Part: About FSDC: It was formed in 2010 to observe the responsibilities like inter-
regulatory coordination, financial stability, macroprudential surveillance of the economy and to
bring the development in the finance sector. The members of FSDC are RBO governor, secretary of
Department of Economic Affairs, Chief Economic Advisor of Ministry of Finance, PFRDA, IRDAI and
IBBI
‘DAKPAY’--- BY IPPB
Current Context: The Department of Posts (DoP) and India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) together
launched 'DakPay', which is a new digital payment app.
ABOUT
 It is launched with an aim to provide Digital Financial inclusion in India.
 ‘DakPay’ is the complete solution for digital financial and assisted banking services being provided
by IPPB.
 It supports every usage of the customer right from sending money (Domestic Money Transfers -
DMT), Scanning of QR code and making payment for services/merchants (Virtual debit card and
with UPI), enabling cashless ecosystem through biometrics, providing interoperable banking
services to the customers of any bank (AePS) and Utility Bill Payment services.
 ‘DakPay’ was launched by Union Minister for Communications, Electronics & IT and Law & Justice,
Ravi Shankar Prasad.
 Static Part:
o MD and CEO of IPPB: J Venkatramu
SBI GENERAL INSURANCE PARTNERED WITH INT RCITY RAILYATRI
Current Context: The SBI General Insurance has entered into a partnership with IntrCity RailYatri.
DETAILS
 They have partnered to offer domestic travel insurance to bus customers who travel
through IntrCity RailYatri.
 The travel insurance cover will be offered on buying the ticket.
 Under this, a wide range of insurance coverage like accidental death, permanent total disability,
and medical evacuation will be offered by SBI General insurance.
 Under this, every IntrCity RailYatri traveller can avail the travel cover of Rs 5 lakhs along
with travel ticket.
 Static part:
o MD and CEO of SBI General Insurance: Prakash Chandra Kandpal
o HQ of IntrCity RailYatri: Noida, UP
o (Recently, SBI General Insurance joined hands with Mahindra Insurance Brokers Ltd for
the purpose of insurance penetration in tier 2 and 3 rural cities of India. The partnership is
under ‘Sajhedaari Program’ initiative)
INDIA’S GDP TO CONTRACT 7.4% IN FY 2021--- BY SBI ECOWRAP
Current Context: The SBI Ecowrap has forecasted that India’s GDP to contract 7.4% in FY 2021.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 Earlier it had projected GDP of India to contract at 10.9%.
 Also, it has projected that India to observe GDP growth at 11% in FY 2022.
 Static Part:
o HQ of SBI: Mumbai
GOI SIGNS LOAN PACT WITH NDB
Current Context: The Indian Government has signed a loan agreement with the New Development
Bank (NDB) for the purpose to support the Indian economy to recover from COVID-19 pandemic
situation.
HIGHLIGHTS
 Therefore, NDB will offer the loan of $1,000 million to GOI.
 The loan is having a tenor of 30 years including 5 year grace period.
 The loan is provided under NDB’s fast track emergency response to COVID-19.
 The fund amount will be used for rural infrastructure related to natural resource management and
generation of rural employment under MGNREGS (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment
Guarantee Scheme).
 Static Part:
o HQ of NDB: Shanghai, China
o President of NDB: Marcos Prado Troyjo
INDIA AND BANGLADESH VIRTUAL SUMMIT
Current Context: India and Bangladesh held a virtual summit which was led by PM Narendra Modi
and PM of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina.
KEY POINTS
 The summit was held to discuss bilateral relations between both nations and to strengthen
cooperation in post COVID era.
 Both dignitaries inaugurated Haldibari-Chilahati rail link which will connect borders of both
nations.
 They inaugurated a commemorative stamp on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
 They also inaugurated a Bangabandhu-Bapu Digital Exhibition which observes the celebration of
the life of Mahatma Gandhi and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
 Static Part:
YOUNG CHAMPIONS OF THE EARTH 2020
Current Context: The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEO) announced the awards for
Young Champions of the Earth Awards 2020.
ABOUT
 It is awarded to those global change-makers who utilized innovative efforts to solve
environmental challenges
 Below is the list of winners:
Sr. No Name of the Winner Name of Firm and Contribution
1 Vidyut Mohan (India) (Asia-Pacific) Takachar (Harvesting value from agri
waste)
2 Xiaoyuan Ren (China) (Asia-Pacific) MyH2O (Data platform which tests quality
of groundwater)
3 Nzambi Matee (Kenya) (Africa) Gjenge Makers (Construction materials
from recycled plastic waste and sand)
4 Lefteris Arapakis (Greece) (Europe) Enaleia (Mediterranean Cleanup)
5 Fatemah Alzelzela (Kuwait)(West Asia) Eco Star (Trees for Waste)
6 Niria Alicia Garcia (USA) (North America) Run4Salmon (Lead Conservation)
7 Max Hidalgo Quinto (Peru) (Latin America and Yawa (Technology to access water)
the Carribean)
 The winners will be receiving USD 10,000 as seed funding and will be offered with trainings to
build their ideas.
 Static Part:
o HQ of UNEP: Nairobi, Kenya
FADA, ASDC PARTNERED WITH GOOGLE INDIA
Current Context: The Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA) and Automotive Skills
Development Council (ASDC) jointed hands with Google India.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 They have partnered to fill-up the digital skills gap in auto dealership sector of India.
 They will be conducting training sessions under ‘Grow with Goggle’ initiative of Google India.
 The Indian auto dealership sector will be made aware of digital tools and platforms. The auto
dealers will be offered training in areas like Digital Marketing, Hyper-Local Marketing and Full-
Funnel Strategy.
 The training will be offered to around 20,000 auto dealerships and 1,00,000 auto dealers.
 The training sessions will be conducted through Google India Youtube channel and the
participants will be offered with online assessment and certificate.
 Static Part:
o HQ of FADA and ASDC: New Delhi
o Manager and VP for sales and operation of Google India: Sanjay Gupta
Current Context: Nana Akufo Addo: He has won the presidential election of Ghana for the second term.
ABOUT
 Static Part:
o Capital of Ghana: Accra
o Currency of Ghana: Ghanaian Cedi
 Sukhbir Singh Sandhu: His tenure to be the Chairman of National Highways Authority of India
(NHAI) has been extended by six months.
 Static Part:
o HQ of NHAI: New Delhi
 Raja Chairi: He is selected to be the Commander of SpaceX Crew-3 mission by NASA and
European Space Agency. Currently, he is a colonel in the US Air Force.
 Shashi Shekhar Vempati: He is elected as Vice President of Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union
(ABU) for a tenure of 3 years. He is CEO of Prasar Bharti.
 Static Part:
o Secretariat of ABU: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
HUMAN FREEDOM INDEX 2020
Current Context: The American think tank Cato Institute and Fraser Institute in Canada released
Human Freedom Index 2020.
HIGHLIGHTS
 The index is the worldwide ranking of civil, economic and personal freedom.
 As per the index, India is ranked at 111th position among 162 countries.
 The first rank is marked by New Zealand.
 The second and third position is marked by Switzerland and Hong Kong respectively.
 The last position of 162nd is marked by Syria.
INDIA & AUSTRIA SIGNED MOU ON TECHNOLOGY COOPERATION IN ROAD

INFRASTRUCTURE
Current Context: India and Austria has entered into MoU to have Technology Cooperation in Road
Infrastructure Sector.
KEY POINTS
 The MoU will help to define a framework by both nations in the areas like Road/Highways
infrastructure development, Road Transportation, management and administration, road safety
and intelligent transport systems.
 This MoU will help to increase trade and regional integration between both nations.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Austria: Vienna
o Currency of Austria: Euro
‘PIONEER HERITAGE CREDIT CARD’—INDUSIND BANK
Current Context: The IndusInd Bank partnered with Mastercard to launch its first metal credit
card named ‘Pioneer Heritage Credit Card’.
KEY FACTS
 The card offers best-in-class features and privileges like travel, wellness, lifestyle etc.
 It is basically launched for fulfilling the requirements of affluent Indian professionals and
entrepreneurs.
 The ‘Pioneer Heritage Credit Card’ is the part of the ‘World Elite’ platform of Mastercard.
 The card offers personal air accident cover of Rs 2.5 crore.
 It also provides lost baggage insurance of Rs 1 lakh along with insurance cover for loss of travel
document of Rs 75,000.
 Static Part:
o HQ of IndusInd Bank: Mumbai
o MD and CEO of IndusInd Bank: Sumant Kathpalia
o Tagline of IndusInd Bank: We Make You Feel Richer
o HQ of Mastercard: New York, US
35TH INDIA-INDONESIA CORPAT
Current Context: The Indian Navy and Indonesian Navy held the 35th edition of India-Indonesia
Coordinated Patrol (IND-INDO CORPAT) exercise.
DETAILS
 The 35th IND-INDO CORPAT will help the Indian Navy to consolidate inter-operability and
develop strong coordination across Indo Pacific.
 India was represented by INS Kulish, which is an ingeniously built missile corvette and P8I
Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA).
 Indonesian Navy was represented by Naval Ship KRI Cut Nyak Dien, a Kapitan Pattimura class
corvette and Indonesian Navy’s MPA.
 The IND-INDO CORPAT exercise helps to have interoperability between Indian and Indonesian
Navies and helps to prevent illegal activities related to fishing, drug trafficking, maritime
terrorism, armed robbery and piracy.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Indonesia: Jakarta
o Currency of Indonesia: Indonesian Rupiah
WORLD BANK APPROVED SUPPORT TO 4 INDIAN PROJECTS
Current Context: The World Bank has given approval to 4 Indian Projects.
DETAILS
 For this purpose, World Bank to offer worth over the US $800 million to support
development initiatives.
 The approved projects are:
o $400 million for Second Accelerating India’s COVID-19 Social Protection Response
Program. This funds will help India to provide social assistance to people who are severely
affected by the pandemic
o $100 million Chhattisgarh Inclusive Rural and Accelerated Agriculture Growth project
(CHIRAAG). This will help the community of Chhattisgarh to practice the production of
nutritious food and to develop a sustainable production system.
o $68 million for Nagaland’s Enhancing Classroom Teaching and Resources project. This will
help to strengthen education facilities in Nagaland.
o $250 million for DRIP-2 (Second Dam Improvement and Rehabilitation) project. It will help
to improve safety and performances of existing dams in India.
 Static Part:
o HQ of World Bank: Washington DC, USA
INDIA AND ADB SIGNED 4.21 MILLION DOLLAR PRF FACILITY FOR
TRIPURA
Current Context: The Indian Government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have entered
into a partnership of 4.21 million dollar Project Readiness Financing (PRF) facility in Tripura.
HIGHLIGHTS
 The PRF facility is for preparation of infrastructure development projects in order to
develop urban amenities and for developing tourism infra in the state.
 This is the first-ever PRF facility for northeastern Indian state by ADB.
 The funds will be utilized to improve urban and tourism services in Tripura.
 This will help to improve the economy of the state.
 The funds will help to prepare infrastructure projects through feasibility studies, analysis of
engineering designs and by developing capacity building of state-level agencies in order to ensure
climatic safety, safety from disasters and to build projects with accuracy.
 Static Part:
o CM of Tripura: Biplab Kumar Deb
o Governor of Tripura: Ramesh Bais
o National Park and Wild Life Sanctuaries in Tripura: Rajbari NP, Clouded Leopard NP, Gumti
WLS, Rowa WLS, Sepahijala WLS, Trishna WLS
RK SINGH LAUNCHED INDIA’S 1ST COE FOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT IN

POWER SECTOR
Current Context: The Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE),
RK Singh launched India’s first Centre of Excellence (CoE) in order to have the skill development
in the power sector.
KEY POINTS
 It was launched at the campus of National Institute of Solar Energy (NIS), Gurugram,
Haryana.
 It is developed by MSDE of GOI Ministry of National Education and Youth which comes under the
French Republic and Schneider Electric.
 The CoE will provide a platform for experts to create a robust cadre of certified skilled trainers in
India.
 The trainers will be trained in the areas of Electricity, Automation and Solar Energy.
12TH GRIHA SUMMIT 2020
Current Context: The 12th GRIHA Summit 2020 was inaugurated by Vice President of India
Venkaiah Naidu in a virtual manner.
ABOUT SUMMIT
 The GRIHA signifies Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment.
 The theme for 12th GRIHA Summit 2020: Rejuvenating Resilient Habitats.
 The summit was organised by GRIHA Council, Hyderabad in partnership with TERI (The
Energy and Resource Institute).
 The summit was held to discuss innovative technologies and solutions which will help to build a
robust mechanism to develop sustainable and resilient solutions for the benefit of the Indian
society.
 GRIHA is that national rating agency which is set up for green buildings by TERI and Ministry of
New and Renewable Energy.
 Vice President has asked state governments to form an online portal which will provide a single-
window clearance facility for green building projects.
 He mentioned that Green Building will help to achieve 9 out of 17 SDGs.
 During the summit, he also released Shashwat magazine.
 Static Part:
o HQ of GRIHA and TERI: New Delhi
5TH GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY SUMMIT 2020
Current Context: The 5th edition of Global Technology Summit 2020 was addressed by Union
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
ABOUT SUMMIT
 The summit was organised by Ministry of External Affairs and Carnegie India.
 The theme for 5th Global Technology Summit 2020: ‘Geopolitics of Technology’.
 The summit was held to discuss technology usage informing and shaping geopolitics, to
understand the future of data.
 The dignitaries also held a discussion about digital inclusion and innovation in various areas and
to use the technology in dealing with pandemics.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Carnegie India: New Delhi
6TH INDIA-JAPAN SAMVAD CONFERENCE
Current Context: The 6th India-Japan Samvad conference was virtually addressed by PM Narendra
Modi.
KEY FACTS
 He appreciated the forum’s efforts and Japan’s contribution to promoting the ideas and ideals of
Lord Buddha, especially among the youth through this conference.
 While addressing the conference, PM Modi proposed to form a library of all Buddhist
literature and scriptures in India.
 He assured that India will offer all the necessary support to set up this library.
 The PM stated that the library will be a medium for research & dialogue, a true Samwad between
human beings, societies and man and nature.
 The library will be comprised of digital copies of Buddhist literature from different countries.
 He also assured that the library will translate the literature and will make free availability of great
works of Buddhist literature for all monks and scholars of Buddhism.
 The conference was held to highlight shared values between both nations and to take forward the
ancient tradition of spiritual and scholarly exchanges in both nations.
 Static Part:
ADB AND GOI SIGNS LOAN AGREEMENT TO UPGRADE POWER SECTOR IN

UP
Current Context: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Indian Government entered into a loan
agreement with an aim to improve rural power distribution networks in Uttar Pradesh.
KEY POINTS
 For this purpose, a loan agreement of $300 million was signed between India and ADB.
 The funds will be utilized to upgrade the power distribution network which will improve the
quality and reliability of electricity supply along with a reduction in aggregate technical and
commercial (ATC) losses.
 The funds will also help restore the financial sustainability of the rural electricity supply in the
state.
 The funds will be also used to develop separate feeders for electricity supply for agricultural farms
and for residential purpose. This will promote better rationing and utilization of unmetered power
and will eventually boost financial management of the state power distribution company,
improvement in bill collection in rural areas through community engagement involving the
women’s self-help groups.
 Static Part: National Parks and Wild Life Sanctuaries in UP: Dudhwa NP, Bakhira Bird Sanctuary,
Okhla Bird Sanctuary, Kishanpur WLS, Sandi Bird Sanctuary, Vijai Sagar Sanctuary, Pilibhit Tiger
Reserve, Chandra Prabha WLS
‘VARASAT’ CAMPAIGN: UTTAR PRADESH
Current Context: The Uttar Pradesh Government launched a ‘Varasat’ Campaign.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 Basically, the ‘Varasat’ Campaign signifies natural succession campaign.
 It is launched to tackle disputes related to property & land in rural areas of the state.
 The campaign aims to put an end to the issues related to land and eradicate the exploitation of the
villagers over succession rights by land mafias, who generally target disputed properties.
 The campaign will be conducted till 15th Feb 2020.
 Under this campaign, the people living in rural areas will be given facilities in online as well as the
offline mode to enrol in this campaign.
 The campaign will also work for the people who have landed in the village but they are living at
some other place, a special counter will be opened at the Tehsil-level where they can apply for the
same.
 The ‘Varasat’ Campaign will help people with proper documentation of their land and property
which will be the proof for them and will also allow them to avail loan from the banks.
PANDIT DEENDAYAL UPADHYAY TELECOM SKILL EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Current Context: The Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Telecom Skill Excellence Awards were
presented by Union Minister of Communications and Electronics & IT, Ravi Shankar Prasad.
DETAILS
 The first prize was awarded to Sreenivas Karanam of Bengaluru for his contribution in developing
a cost-effective customized technical solution under the brand ‘C mobile’. This facility will help the
fishermen to have voice calls, group calls, SMS, Location services and Emergency services while
they are out of GSM coverage area.
 The second prize was awarded to Subrat Kar of New Delhi for his innovative work solution in
development and deployment of a large scale sensor network which allows avoiding a train-
animal collision. It works without interfering with natural movements and behaviour of animals,
and also helps in wildlife conservation. His innovative work is being deployed in Rajaji National
Park of Uttarakhand in order to prevent deaths in elephants by train-elephant collision.
EASE OF DOING BUSINESS 2020
Current Context: The World Bank has released the Ease of Doing Business 2020 report.
HIGHLIGHTS
 As per the ranking, India stood at 63rd rank position with the score of 71.
 The report is topped by New Zealand with a score of 86.8.
 The second and third position is marked by Singapore and Hong Kong respectively.
 The last rank i.e. 190th position is marked by Somalia.
 Static Part:
ADB OFFER LOAN TO CONSTRUCT LOWER KOPILI HYDROELECTRIC

POWER PLANT
Current Context: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has sanctioned loan amount to construct
Lower Kopili Hydroelectric Power (LKHEP) plant in Central Assam, India.
KEY POINTS
 The ADB to offer a loan amount of $231 million for same to India.
 This will help to increase clean energy supply in India.
 Also, the LKHEP plant will double the power generation capacity of Assam Power Generation
Corporation.
 The LKHEP plant will be utilizing water of the Kopili river and will generate 120MW of electricity.
 Static Part:
o HQ of ADB: Mandaluyong, Manila, Philippines
o Fold Dances of Assam: Bihu dance, Bagurumba, Bhortal Dance, Jhumur dance
MOU SIGNED BETWEEN INDIAN NAVY AND INCOIS
Current Context: The Indian Navy signed MoU with Indian National Centre for Ocean Information
Services (INCOIS).
KEY FACTS
 They have entered into MoU to share ocean services, data and expertise in operational
oceanography.
 The MoU was signed by Dr T.Srinivasa Kumar, Director of INCOIS and Commodore AA Abhyankar,
Head of Indian Navy’s Oceanology and Meteorology Directorate.
 The MoU will allow future interactions and professional exchange of data between the Indian Navy
and INCOIS.
 Static Part:
o INCOIS: This entity provides informational data and services to society, industry and
governmental agencies. Its HQ is in Hyderabad, Telangana and it comes under Ministry of
Earth Science
20TH IORA COUNCIL OF MINISTERS MEET
Current Context: The 20th Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Council of Ministers (COM)
Meeting was held virtually under the Chairmanship of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
ABOUT MEETING
 The theme for the meet was: ‘Promoting a Shared Destiny and Path to Prosperity in the Indian
Ocean’.
 India was represented by V. Muraleedharan, Minister of State, Ministry of External Affairs.
 The meet was inaugurated by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs
and International Cooperation of the UAE.
 The meeting was held to discuss the vision of IORA in order to achieve peace, stability and
prosperity in the Indian Ocean region.
 Also, France has become the 23rd member of IORA.
 During the meet, an agreement was signed between member states of IORA for the purpose of
cooperation in Search and Rescue (SAR) in the Indian Ocean Region by India and Maldives.
 Static Part:
o HQ of IORA: Ebene, Mauritius
o Secretary-General of IORA: Nomvuyo N. Nokwe
o IORA is comprised of 22 member states (France newly added as 23rd member) and 10
dialogue partners.
COLOGNE BOXING WORLD CUP 2020
Current Context: The Cologne Boxing World Cup 2020 was held in Cologne, Germany.
DETAILS
 India stood second in overall medallist after Germany being in the first position with 16 medals.
 It was hosted by European Boxing Confederation (EUBC).
 Following is the list of Indian Winners in each category:
Category Name of Winner Medal
Men’s Category 52 kg Amit Panghal Gold
Women’s Category 57 kg Manisha Moun Gold
Women’s Category 60 kg Simranjit Kaur Gold
Women’s Category 57 kg Sakshi Chaudhary Silver
Men’s Category 91 kg Satish Kumar Silver
Women’s Category 57 kg Sonia Lather Bronze
Women’s Category 75 kg Pooja Rani Bronze
Men’s Category 57 kg Gaurav Solanki Bronze
Men’s Category 57 kg Mohamed Hussamudin Bronze
 Static Part:
o HQ of EUBC: Assisi, Italy
INDIA-VIETNAM VIRTUAL SUMMIT 2020
Current Context: The India-Vietnam Virtual Summit 2020 was held via video conferencing.
HIGHLIGHTS
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Vietnam, Nguyen Xuan Phuc jointly
addressed the meet.
 It was held to discuss bilateral cooperation between both nations and to discuss post-COVID-19
era.
 During the meet, both the nations signed 7 MoUs in various sector.
 The MoUs were signed in the sectors of defence, science and research, renewable energy, nuclear
energy, cancer treatment and petrochemicals.
 During the meeting, a ‘Joint Vision for Peace, Prosperity and People’ was adopted for the
development in future by observing India-Vietnam strategic partnership.
 Static Part:
SEHAT HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME OF J&K
Current Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be launching SEHAT, a health insurance
scheme for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir on 26th Dec 2020.
ABOUT SCHEME
 SEHAT signifies Social Endeavour for Health and Telemedicine.
 The scheme aims to provide free cashless treatment to the residents of J&K by providing
them health cover of up to Rs 5 lakhs.
 The beneficiaries will be provided with the health card.
 The Common Service Centres are set up to implement SEHAT scheme and enrol the beneficiaries.
 The scheme will be including Indoor Patient Department cases of Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya
Yojana.
 Static Part:
o National Parks in J&K: Dachigam NP, Salim Ali NP, Kazinag NP, Kishtwar High Altitude NP,
Hemis NP
CENTRAL BANK OF INDIA PARTNERED WITH NPCI
Current Context: The Central Bank of India entered into a partnership with NPCI (National
Payments Corporation of India) ‘RuPay Select’.
KEY POINTS
 The ‘RuPay Select’ is the contactless debit card which is the bank’s one-of-its-kind health
and wellness-focused card.
 The card is launched to focus on the user’s lifestyle, fitness, rejuvenation, nutrition and personal
care.
 With the help of this card, the customer can avail complimentary membership and concession
facilities at golf courses, gyms, spas and restaurants.
 The card possesses an accidental and permanent disability cover of Rs 10 lakh.
 The cardholders can also take benefit of discounts on health checkups with this National Common
Mobility Debit Card (NCMC).
 Also, the ‘RuPay Select’ card offers airport lounge access to over 200 domestic and more than 500
international lounges.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Central Bank of India and NPC: Mumbai
o Tagline of Central Bank of India: Central to you since 1911, Build a better life around us
o MD and CEO of Central Bank of India: Pallav Mohapatra
INDIA’S GDP TO CONTRACT 7.3% IN FY 2020-21—BY NCAER
Current Context: The National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) has projected
India’s GDP to contract 7.3% for the current fiscal year 2020-21.
KEY FACTS
 Earlier in September 2020, it had projected a contraction of 12.6%.
 Also, it has revised its growth forecast for the December 2020 quarter and March 2021 quarter to
0.1% and 2% respectively.
 Also, as per NCAER, the fiscal deficit of the centre and state together will amount to more than
14% of GDP of FY2021.
 Static Part:
o HQ of NCAER: New Delhi
‘INFINITE INDIA’---ICICI BANK
Current Context: The ICICI Bank has come up with an online platform which will support the
foreign companies to launch and expand their businesses in India.
DETAILS
 The name of the online platform is ‘Infinite India’.
 The platform will offer facilities banking solutions, value-added services such as the incorporation
of a business entity, corporate filings, licenses and registrations, HR services, compliances and
taxation to the foreign companies.
 Infinite India platform eliminates the need for coordinating with multiple touchpoints thus
making hassle-free ease of doing business to the foreign companies in India.
 The platform offers a facility of single-point access to a host of services at an attractive price to the
foreign entities who wish to do business in India.
 Static Part:
o Full form of ICICI Bank: Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation of India Bank
BOB SIGNED MOU WITH INDIAN NAVY AND INDI AN COAST GUARD
Current Context: The Bank of Baroda (BOB) has signed MoU with the Indian Navy and Indian Coast
Guard.
HIGHLIGHTS
 Through this MoU, BOB will be offering customized banking services along with a host of
facilities to the account holders.
 The banking services will be offered through ‘Baroda Military Salary Package’.
 Also, the bank has renewed its MoU with the Indian Army to offer customized banking solutions.
 The ‘Baroda Military Salary Package’ will be offered through 8200 domestic branches of the bank
and through 20,000 business correspondents touchpoints.
 The package will be offered to serving as well as retired officers of IN and ICG.
 The package is comprised of benefits like free personal accident insurance cover, permanent total
disability cover, Partial disability Cover and Air Accident Insurance Cover of sizable amounts.
 The package also offers benefits like Higher Education Cover and Girl Child Marriage Cover on
death in case of serving personnel.
 It is also included with unlimited free ATM transactions at all bank ATMs, waivers or concessions
on various service charges in retail loans, free remittance facility through RTGS/NEFT, free
Demand Draft/Banker’s Cheque, substantial discount in locker rentals, and various additional
benefits in the usage of Cards.
 Static Part:
o HQ of BOB: Vadodara, Gujarat
o MD and CEO of BOB: Sanjiv Chadha.
o Tagline of BOB: India’s International Bank
GREEN NATIONAL HIGHWAY CORRIDORS PROJECT
Current Context: The Green National Highway Corridors Project of GOI is to be developed in
Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
KEY POINTS
 For this purpose, the GOI has signed a loan agreement of $500 million with World Bank.
 This project will help to increase the capacity of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
which has set the aim to construct 783 km of highways in various areas by making use of safe and
green technology designs.
 The Green National Highway Corridors Project will offer efficient transportation facility for road
users. It will offer connectivity and will thus increase trade opportunities.
 This project is effective because it promotes efficient use of water and construction materials to
reduce depletion of natural resources which will help in reducing Green House Gases.
 Static Part:
o Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways: Nitin Gadkari
KERALA GOVERNMENT PARTNERED WITH UN WOMEN
Current Context: The government of Kerala has collaborated with UN women to establish the
country’s first gender data hub.
KEY FACTS
 For this purpose, the State government has signed MoU with UN Women.
 The MoU was signed to observe cooperation in sectors like to setup Gender Data Centre at
the Gender Park, to launch the 2nd edition of International Conference on Gender Equality
and to boost engagement in global normative frameworks related to equality in gender and
to empower women.
 The Gender Data Hub will provide a platform to initiate ambitious projects in which UN women
will be offering capacity building and project development to the Gender Park for empowering
women in South Asia.
 The Gender Data Hub will be based on the moto of the international conference on Gender
Equality which was held in November 2015.
 Static Part: Lakes in Kerala: Ashtamudi Lake, Vellayani Lake, Vembanad Lake, Padinjarechira,
Paravur Kayal, Kuttanad Lake
ADB GRANTS LOAN TO NORTHERN ARC CAPITAL LTD
Current Context: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a loan agreement with Northern
Arc Capital Ltd (NACL).
DETAILS
 The loan is offered by ADB to NACL for the purpose of lending to microfinance borrowers,
MSMEs and affordable housing institutions who are facing trouble to attract debt funding
from investors.
 Therefore, ADB has offered a loan of $40 million to NARC.
 This funds will also provide financial support to GOI’s moto to uplift MSMEs and microfinance
institutions.
 Also, this will allow NACL to develop new debt products with attractive solutions for its clients.
 Static Part:
o About NACL: It is a Non-Banking Finance Company whose HQ is in Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Current Context: Amit Shah: He is appointed to head the high-level committee set up by Union
Government to commemorate 125th Birth Anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.
ABOUT
 Satyendra Garg: He is appointed as DGP of Andaman and Nicobar Island. He has replaced
Dependra Pathak.
 Static Part:
o Lt Governor of Andaman and Nicobar island: D K Joshi
 Ranvir Singh Krishna: He is appointed as police chief of Puducherry. He has replaced Balaji
Srivastav.
 Static Part:
o Lt Governor of Puducherry: Dr Kiren Bedi
 Vineet Agrawal: He is appointed as President of ASSOCHAM (Associated Chambers of Commerce
and Industry of India). He has replaced Niranjan Hiranandani.
 Static Part:
o HQ of ASSOCHAM: New Delhi
 Sumant Sinha: He is appointed as Vice-President of ASSOCHAM (Associated Chambers of
Commerce and Industry of India).
 Aditya Nath Das: He is appointed as Chief Secretary to Andhra Pradesh Government. He has
replaced Nilam Sawhney.
 Nilam Sawhney: She is appointed as Principal Advisor to the CM of Andhra Pradesh Government.
MERGER OF 4 GOVERNMENT FILM MEDIA UNITS WITH NFDC
Current Context: The Union Cabinet approved the merger of four of its media units with the
National Film Development Corporation (NFDC).
HIGHLIGHTS
 The 4 government-run film and media units merged are: (a) Directorate of Film Festivals (b)
Films Division (c) Children’s Film Society (d)National Film Archives of India.
 The film media units are merged under one platform in order to have proper systematic
convergence of activities and resources.
 This merger will lead to maintaining synergy and efficiency of the media units along with the
coordination among them.
 The merger will also help to prevent duplication of activities and direct savings to the exchequer.
 After the merger, the NFDC will be responsible to fulfill the aspects of production, promotion, and
preservation of the filmic content, under the single management platform.
 Static Part:
o HQ of NFDC: Mumbai
TELANGANA GOVERNMENT SIGNED MOU WITH SAP INDIA
Current Context: The Telangana government has signed MoU with SAP India.
KEY POINTS
 The MoU was signed digitise and empower MSMEs of the state by empowering them with
digital skills and cutting edge technologies.
 The state government and SAP India will collaborate work to promote entrepreneurship for the
MSME sector by providing them access to the global marketplace, digital skill to the workforce,
ERP solutions and access to affordable enterprise technology.
 The partnership will also allow MSMEs of the state to explore the SAP Ariba Discovery, which is a
free B2B e-commerce solution. With the help of this e-commerce solution, any buyer can post
sourcing needs and any of the four million suppliers on the Ariba Network can respond with their
ability to fulfill the task.
 Static Part:
o HQ of SAP India: Bangalore, Karnataka
o National Parks and Wild Life Sanctuaries in Telangana: Kasu Brahmananda Reddy NP,
Mahavir Harina Vanasthali NP, Mrugavani NP, Kinnerasani WLS, Pranahita WLS, Manjira
WLS
INDIA SUCCESSFULLY TEST FIRED MRSAM
Current Context: India successfully conducted the test-firing operation of Medium-Range Surface-
to-Air Missile (MRSAM).
KEY FACTS
 It was test-fired from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha.
 The MRSAM is jointly developed by DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). It is
manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Ltd.
 The MRSAM is basically a command control system which tracks missiles, radar and mobile
launcher systems.
 It is developed by using active radar Radio Frequency seeker, bidirectional data link and phased
array radar and is powered by the dual-pulse solid propulsion system.
 It is having a strike range of 100kms and has supersonic Mach 2-speed feature.
 Static Part:
NMDC LTD SIGNED MOU WITH MECL
Current Context: The National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) signed MoU with
Mineral Exploration Corporation Ltd (MECL).
DETAILS
 They entered into MoU to conduct exploration activities in mutually agreed projects of iron ore,
gold, coal, diamonds and other minerals.
 This partnership will help India to become self-reliant in the mineral exploration sector.
 Both the entities will work in various states to establish resources, reserves for minerals, ores and
their extraction.
 They will also work to identify unexplored mining areas and to maintain mineral security as well
in India.
 Static Part:
o HQ of NMDC: Hyderabad, Telangana
o HQ of MECL: Nagpur, Maharashtra
DGNCC DIGITAL FORUM LAUNCHED BY DEFENCE SECRETARY
Current Context: The Secretary to Defence, Dr Ajay Kumar launched the DGNCC Digital Forum.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 The DGNCC Digital Forum will be hosted by DGNCC website.
 The forum is launched to provide a platform to the National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets to share
their experiences, opinions and suggestions of various NCC activities.
 They will also share opinions about NCC training, Social Service and Community Development and
Sports & Adventure activities.
 Through this forum, they will also be able to address and share opinions related to National
Security, National Building and National Integration.
 The forum will help to digitize NCC which will help to achieve Digital India vision of PM Narendra
Modi.
 Static Part:
o Union Defence Minister: Rajnath Singh
ISRO SIGNED MOU WITH IIT BANARAS HINDU UNIVERSITY
Current Context: The ISRO has entered into MoU with IIT Banaras Hindu University.
HIGHLIGHTS
 The MoU is signed to build Regional Academic Centre for Space (RAC-S) at the campus of the
institute.
 This RAC-S will help to conduct research activities in the space sector.
 Under this MoU, IIT Banaras Hindu University will be the project monitoring unit for RAC-S.
 The institute will conduct R&D in science and technology in the states of UP, MP and Chhattisgarh.
 Institute will be offering short term research projects to BTech and MTech students and long term
projects to PhD scholars.
 The institute will also be responsible to conduct training, enhance capacity building and
conference activities.
 The RAC-S will help ISRO to promote space sector in UP, MP and Chhattisgarh.
 Static Part:
o HQ of ISRO: Bengaluru
US FINANCIAL BODY TO INVEST USD 54 MILLION IN INDIA
Current Context: The United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) will be
investing USD 54 million in India.
KEY POINTS
 The investment is done to support the development of critical infrastructure projects in
India.
 The investment will be done in equity for the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund
(NIIF) of India.
 NIIF will utilize this fund to address economic issues and conduct development activities in India.
 The funds will also be useful to develop the partners in the Indo-Pacific.
 The funds from DFC will help NIIF to invest in infrastructure projects which will lead to the
sustainable growth of the Indian economy.
 Static Part:
o HQ of NIIF: Mumbai
INDIA AND JAPAN TO ENHANCE COOPERATION IN STEEL SECTOR
Current Context: India and Japan entered into MoU to enhance cooperation in the steel sector.
KEY FACTS
 The MoU was signed by the Ministry of Steel of GOI with Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
of Japan’s Government.
 The partnership will lead to boost India’s steel sector by increasing the manufacturing and quality
of steel produced.
 Both the nations also agreed to launch ‘India –Japan Steel Dialogue’ at the joint secretary level.
 They will jointly work to increase trading and investment activities in the steel sector which will
lead to achieving sustainable growth.
 Static Part:
o Union Minister of Steel: Dharmendra Pradhan
Current Context: Florin Citu: He is appointed as Prime Minister of Romania.
ABOUT
 Static Part:
o Capital of Romania: Bucharest
o Currency of Romania: Romanian Leu
 Prasanth Prabhakaran: He is appointed as MD and CEO of Yes Securities (India) Limited.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Yes Securities: Mumbai
INDIA’S GDP TO CONTRACT 7.8% IN FY21—BY IND-RA
Current Context: The India Rating and Research (Ind-Ra) has revised its estimation for India’s
GDP for the fiscal year 2020-21.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 As per Ind-Ra, India’s GDP to contract 7.8% in the financial year of 2020-21.
 Earlier it had projected 11.8% contraction in India’s GDP for FY 2020-21.
 Also, the rating agency has estimated that GDP of India to grow 9.6% in FY 2021-22.
51ST DIRECTOR GENERAL LEVEL BORDER COORDINATION CONFERENCE
Current Context: The 51st Director General (DG) Level Border Coordination Meet took place from
22nd Dec to 26th Dec 2020.
ABOUT SUMMIT
 The meet was held between India’s Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guard
Bangladesh (BGB).
 It was held in Guwahati, Assam.
 India was represented by DG Rakesh Asthana and Bangladesh was represented by Major General
Md Shafeenul Islam.
 The dignitaries discussed border-related issues and assured to develop coordination between the
border guarding forces of both nations.
 They held discussions about development and infrastructure work to implement a coordinated
border management plan and confidence building measures.
 They discussed river bank conservation at the border areas of both nations.
 They assured to strengthen cooperation by sharing real-time data and also signed Joint Record of
Discussion (JRD) by concluding the conference.
 Static Part:
o DG of BSF: Rakesh Asthana
‘PR INSIGHT’—MOBILE APP AND WEB PORTAL BY PUNJAB
Current Context: The Government of Punjab launched Mobile Application and web portal called
‘PR Insight’.
KEY POINTS
 The ‘PR Insight’ mobile app and web portal will look after and improve the delivery of
citizen-centric services in order to observe responsive and transparent administration in
the State.
 It will work coordinately in response to the feedback from the people on government
policies and schemes.
 The app and web portal will help to align the proper execution of existing schemes so that each
person can avail the benefits.
 It is developed by the Information & Public Relations Department.
 Around 31 Newspaper agencies/portals have been integrated online with PR Insight application &
portal and all the updates from various state departments are fetched from these newspaper
agencies on a real-time basis.
 Static Part:
o Wild Life Sanctuaries in Punjab: Abohar WLS, BirBhadson WLS, BirGurdialpura WLS,
BirMehaswala WLS, BirMotiBagh WLS
WATER QUALITY TESTING AND INNOVATION CHALLENGE
Current Context: The Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) in
partnership with National Jal Jeevan Mission launched the ‘Water Quality Testing Innovation
Challenge’.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 The ‘Water Quality Testing Innovation Challenge’ is launched to develop portable devices
for testing the quality of drinking water.
 The challenge will help to develop a portable device which can be used in each household to check
the quality of drinking water.
 The portable device will also be useful to the officials working in water departments to test the
water quality from water sources at various locations and accordingly develop remedies to
address water contamination issues.
 The startups, MSMEs, innovators and corporate entities can participate in this challenge.
NATURE INDEX 2020 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Current Context: The report on ‘Nature Index 2020 Artificial Intelligence’ was released by Nature
Research which is an International Scientific Publishing Company.
KEY FACTS
 As per the report, India stood at rank 3rd among 25 countries with most publications on AI
technology from 2015-2019. India has published 91,563 AI publications during 2015-2019. The
list is topped by China followed by the USA at 2nd position.
 Also, India ranked at 20th position among 25 countries in the category of AI ranked by total article
share in the field from 2015-2019. This category of total article share in AI is topped by the USA.
 India’s Anna University is ranked at 32nd position in research organisation based on a total
number of publications in AI. This category is topped by the Tsinghua University of China.
 Static Part:
o HQ of Nature Research: London, UK
‘E-SAMPADA’ WEB PORTAL AND MOBILE APP
Current Context: The Minister of State (IC) for Housing and Urban Affairs, Hardeep Singh Puri
launched the ‘E-Sampada’ web portal and a mobile app.
HIGHLIGHTS
 The E-Sampada is launched to serve a single platform to manage estate services of GOI.
 The app and web portal is developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC).
 The E-Sampada is basically an integration of 4 websites called gpra.nic.in, eawas.nic.in,
estates.gov.in and holiday homes.nic.in.
 It is also an integration of the m-Awas app and m-Ashoka5 app.
 It includes all services including over one lakh GOI’s residential accommodations, office space
allotment to government organisations in 45 office complexes in 28 Indian cities and booking of
1176 holiday homerooms.
 The portal and app will help Indian citizens to lodge complaints, submit necessary documents and
can also appear for virtual hearings.
 It will offer transparency and accountability in estate service activities like allotment, retention
and regularization on a real-time basis.
 This E-Sampada app and portal will help to bring uniformity in estate systems and organisations
of India with the motto of ‘One Nation, One System’.
 Static Part:
o HQ of NIC: New Delhi
INDIA'S FIRST DRIVER-LESS TRAIN ON DELHI METRO'S MAGENTA LINE
Current Context: India's first driver-less train on Delhi Metro's Magenta Line was inaugurated by
PM Narendra Modi.
KEY POINTS
 He also launched a fully operational National Common Mobility Card service on Airport
Express Line.
 The National Common Mobility Card is an inter-operable transport facility which allows the user
to pay for travel, toll duties, retail shopping, and withdraw money using one card.
 The driver-less train on Delhi Metro's Magenta Line is fully automated which is developed to
eliminate the possibility of human error while driving.
 It will travel by connecting Janakpuri West in West Delhi to Botanical Garden in Noida.
 This India’s first driverless train has introduced a new era in mobility by offering safety and
comfort to the travellers.
 Static Part:
o Lieutenant Governor of Delhi: Anil Baijal
AGRICULTURE SCIENTISTS MEET AT IISF 2020
Current Context: The Agricultural Scientists Meet was held at India International Science Festival
(IISF) 2020.
KEY FACTS
 The meeting was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’
Welfare, Kailash Choudhary.
 This meet offers a platform to experts from the agricultural domain to discuss issues and
advanced innovations in Agri sector.
 The Agricultural Scientists Meet was attended by agricultural scientists, innovative farmers,
teachers and students to discuss the topics like synergism and trade-offs in sustainable agriculture
and Natural Resource Management (NRM).
 They also held discussions policy frameworks, production systems and data-driven technologies
in agriculture.
 Static Part:
o Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare: Narendra Singh Tomar
APPOINTMENTS AND BRAND AMBASSADOR OF 28TH DEC 2020
Current Context: Vice Admiral Rajat Datta: He is appointed as DG of Armed Forces Medical Services.
He has replaced Lt Gen Anup Banjeree.
ABOUT
 Suresh Chandra Mohapatra: He is appointed as Chief Secretary of Odisha. He has replaced Asit
Kumar Tripathy.
 Neetal Narang: She has become the first female president of Softball Federation of India (SFI). She
has replaced Rana Gurmit Sodhi.
 Sourav Ganguly: He is appointed as Brand Ambassador for Class plus.
PASSEX-2020
Current Context: The Indian Navy and Vietnam People’s Navy held PASSEX-2020 (Passage
Exercise).
HIGHLIGHTS
 The PASSEX-2020 was held in the South China Sea with an aim to improve maritime
cooperation between both nations.
 As a part of this exercise, INS Kiltan reached NhaRong Port, Ho Chi Minh City under Mission Sagar-
III with 15 tonnes of HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) stores to help the flood-
affected people of central Vietnam.
 Thus Indian Navy was represented by INS Kiltan which is the part of HADR assistance from India
to friendly foreign nations during this pandemic state.
 Static Part:
12TH WORLD ECONOMIC LEAGUE TABLE 2021 REPORT
Current Context: The Centre for Economics and Business Research Ltd (CEBR) has released the
12th World Economic League Table 2021.
KEY POINTS
 As per the report, India stood at the rank of 6th largest economy among 195 countries in
2020 from 5th rank position in 2019.
 The ranking is topped by the United States.
 The second and third rank positions are marked by China and Japan respectively.
 As per the report, India will become the 5th largest economy by 2025 and 3rd largest economy by
2030.
 As per CEBR, the economy of India will expand 9% in 2021 and 7% in 2022.
 Also, the pandemic has caused the loss of USD 6 Trillion to GDP for 2020.
 In the case of India, the GDP per capita for 2020 was USD 6284 which resulted in lower middle
income country.
 Static Part:
o HQ of CEBR: London, UK
NEW BHAUPUR-NEW KHURJA SECTION OF EDFC
Current Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated New Khurja- New Bhaupur section of
Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC).
KEY FACTS
 The New Khurja- New Bhaupur section of EDFC is 351 km long and is situated in Uttar
Pradesh.
 PM Modi also inaugurated Operation Control Centre of EDFC at Prayagraj. It will be
command centre for the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor’s entire route length.
 The New Khurja- New Bhaupur section of EDFC is built with a costing of Rs 5750 crore.
 This project has led to open new opportunities for local industries in Uttar Pradesh.
 It will also be decongesting the existing Delhi-Kanpur mainline and will allow Indian railways to
run faster trains.
 The Operation Control Centre of EDFC has got green building rating of GRIHA4 and is built as per
the norms of the ‘Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan’.
ICC AWARDS OF DECADE 2011-2020
Current Context: The International Cricket Council (ICC) Awards of the Decade 2011-2020 were
announced.
ABOUT
 Below is the list of winners in each category
o Sir Garfield Sobers Award for ICC Male Cricketer of the Decade: Virat Kohli (India)
o Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Award for ICC Female Cricketer of the Decade: Ellyse Perry
(Australia)
o ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Decade: Steve Smith (Australia)
o ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Decade: Virat Kohli And ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the
Decade: Ellyse Perry
o ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Decade: Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) And ICC Women’s T20I
Cricketer of the Decade: Ellyse Perry
o ICC Men’s Associate Cricketer of the Decade: Kyle Coetzer (Scotland) And ICC Women’s
Associate Cricketer of the Decade: Kathryn Bryce (Scotland)
o ICC Spirit of Cricket Award of the Decade: MS Dhoni
 Static Part:
o HQ of ICC: Dubai, UAE
o CEO of ICC: Manu Sawhney
FACEBOOK SIGNED AGREEMENT WITH TIPS MUSIC
Current Context: The Tips Music announced the signing of an agreement with social media giant
Facebook.
DETAILS
 They have signed a global music licensing deal.
 Henceforth, the users of Facebook and Instagram will be able to add Tips’ music catalogue for
videos and other experiences to their posts.
 Therefore the Tips Music will be able to license its music for videos and other social experiences
across the social media platform.
AU SMALL FINANCE PARTNERED WITH ICICI PRUDENTIAL LIFE
INSURANCE
Current Context: The AU Small Finance Bank Ltd has entered into a partnership with ICICI
Prudential Life Insurance.
HIGHLIGHTS
 They have partnered to offer insurance solutions of ICICI Pru Life to the customers of AU
SFB.
 This partnership will increase the AU SFB’s customers experience by increasing their financial
security.
 The partnership will prove beneficial to 18 lakh customers of AU Small Finance Bank Ltd across
over 700 banking platforms situated in 13 states and 2 UTs.
 Static Part:
o HQ of AU Small Finance Bank Ltd: Jaipur, Rajasthan
o Tagline of AU Small Finance Bank Ltd: Chalo Aage Badhein
o MD and CEO of AU Small Finance Bank Ltd: Sanjay Agrawal
o HQ of ICICI Prudential Life Insurance: Mumbai
o MD and CEO of ICICI Prudential Life Insurance: N S Kannan
‘DIGITAL OCEAN’ APP AND WEB PLATFORM—BY INCOIS
Current Context: The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information System (INCOIS) has
developed a Digital Ocean app and a platform (www.do.incois.gov.in).
KEY POINTS
 The Digital Ocean app and platform is basically a set of applications which helps to organise
and present heterogeneous oceanographic data by adopting geospatial technology.
 It was launched by Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Science and Technology, Earth
Sciences, Dr Harsh Vardhan.
 It is proved to be the first of its kind platform for ocean data management purpose.
 It has also lead a contribution to the Digital India initiative of GOI.
 It is a one-stop solution to the data related to the ocean.
 The data from this platform and app will prove beneficial to various research institutes,
operational agencies in the ocean sector, strategic users, policymakers, maritime industries and to
academic institutions.
 Static Part:
o HQ of INCOIS: Hyderabad
PRESIDENT OF INDIA LAID FOUNDATION STONE FOR VARIOUS PROJECTS
IN DIU TOWN
Current Context: President of India Ram Nath Kovind visited Diu Town of Dadra and Nagar Haveli
and Daman and Diu where he laid the foundation stone for various development projects.
KEY FACTS
 He inaugurated the INS Khukri Memorial and Jalandhar Circuit House in the Diu Town.
 He also inaugurated the 1st academic session of IIIT Vadodara, International Campus Diu and
Kamleshwar School, Ghoghla.
 He laid the foundation stone for development projects like construction of a school in Saudwadi in
Diu Town, to renovate 1.3 km of heritage walkway on Diu City Wall and to upgrade the fruits and
vegetable market at fort road.
 He also laid the foundation stone to develop an integrated municipal solid waste management
system for Diu Town.
 Static Part:
o About Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu:
o Administrator: Praful Khoda Patel
o Capital: Daman
ICICI BANK PARTNERED WITH GOOGLE PAY FOR DIGITAL REGISTRATION

OF FASTAG
Current Context: The ICICI Bank has collaborated with a digital payment solution, Google Pay to
issue FASTag in a digital manner through UPI on payments app.
DETAILS
 This partnership will help users to use Google Pay to order, track and recharge ICICI Bank FASTag
digitally on the payment platform.
 Thus, ICICI Bank has become 1st Bank to partner Google Pay to allow digital issuing of its FASTag.
 ICICI Bank has partnered Google Pay under National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) initiative
launched by NPCI by following guidelines of NHAI (National Highways Authority of India) and
IHMCL (Indian Highways Management Company Ltd).
 Static Part:
UNION MINISTER DR. HARSH VARDHAN INAUGURATED IMD CENTRE AT

LEH IN LADAKH
Current Context: The Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Science and Technology, Earth
Sciences, Dr Harsh Vardhan inaugurated the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Centre at
Leh in Ladakh.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 While inaugurating the centre virtually he emphasized the need for an IMD centre at Leh as the
region has lofty mountains with no vegetation, high slopes, and a lot of loose debris and soil which
makes the region prone to various natural hazards like flash floods, cloud burst, glacial lake
outbursts, and avalanches.
 Therefore, the IMD Centre will help to prevent the losses caused due to natural calamities in this
region by providing the prior safety indications and will strengthen the weather-related early
warning system in Ladakh.
 The centre will be providing a range of weather forecast services, like range from short (3 days)
and medium (12 days) to extended (1 month) period.
 The centre will provide weather data to tourist places like Pangong Lake, Nubra, Kargil, Zanskar,
Drass and Khalsi.
 The centre will also help to forecast suitable weather conditions for mountaineering, trekking and
farming.
 Static Part:
o Lt Governor of Ladakh: Radha Krishna Mathur
‘UNICAS’—WORLD’S FIRST CRYPTO BANK
Current Context: The World’s First Crypto Bank named as ‘Unicas’ was launched by Cashaa of the
United Kingdom in partnership with United Multistate Credit Co-operative Society Ltd of India.
HIGHLIGHTS
 The ‘Unicas’ will help people to perform transactions in cryptocurrency and fiat from one
account to the other.
 The bank will offer services for crypto as well as fiat assets.
 The UK based Cashaa will access regulatory license, physical branches and banking infrastructure
of United Multistate Credit Co-operative Society Ltd of India.
 This will the first time in India that a finance organisation is enabled for cryptocurrency.
 Also, World’s first Crypto bank is initiated in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
 At the initial stage, the Unicas bank will offer the online service and service through 14 branches
across NCR, Rajasthan and Gujarat by Jan 2021.
 It will offer the regular banking services like saving accounts, crypto exchange, crypto loan and
debit card to transact crypto.
 Static Part:
o HQ Cashaa: London, UK
o Founder and CEO of Cashaa: Kumar Gaurav
o HQ of United Multistate Credit Co-operative Society Ltd of India: Jaipur, Rajasthan
o HQ of Unicas: Jaipur, Rajasthan
o CEO of Unicas: Dinesh Kukreja
HIGHLIGHTS OF RBI’S WORKING PAPER
Current Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) working paper is authored by Harendra Kumar
Behera and Michael Debabrata Patra.
KEY FACTS
 The working paper describes that Inflation rate of 4% is appropriate for India.
 The paper details that there is a steady decline in trend inflation to 4.1-4.3 % since 2014.
 The lower inflation rate will impart deflationary bias to the monetary policy as it will go into
overkill relative to what the economy can intrinsically bear in order to achieve the target while the
higher rate will render monetary policy too expansionary and will result into prone to inflationary
shocks.
 Therefore, it is in safe side to maintain the inflation target at 4% for the country, as per the
authors of the working paper.
 Static Part:
o HQ of RBI: Mumbai
o Deputy Governor of RBI: Bibhu Prasad Kanungo, Mahesh Kumar Jain, Michael Debabrata
Patra, M. Rajeshwar Rao
APPOINTMENTS ON 31ST DECEMBER 2020
Current Context: Dr Harsh Vardhan: He is nominated as the board member of the Global Alliance for
Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI). He will succeed Myint Htwe, who is the Union Minister of Health and
Sports of Myanmar. Dr Harsh Vardhan is appointed from 1st Jan 2021 to 31st Dec 2023.
DETAILS
 Static Part:
o HQ of GAVI: Geneva, Switzerland and Washington DC, US
 Prof. Santanu Chaudhury: He is appointed to head the committee constituted by the Department
of Science and Technology (DST) to use advanced and latest technologies to conserve Indian
Heritage, documentation and digital restoration.
 Static Part:
o DST comes under Ministry of Science and Technology
o Secretary of DST: Prof Ashutosh Sharma
INDIA AND BHUTAN SIG NED MOU
Current Context: India and Bhutan has signed MoU to have cooperation in the peaceful uses of
outer space.
KEY POINTS
 The MoU will allow India and Bhutan to enhance their cooperation in areas like remote sensing of
the earth, satellite communication and satellite-based navigation, Space science, planetary
exploration, use of spacecraft and space systems and ground system and application of space
technology.
 Also, both nations decided to set up a Joint Working Group which will frame an action plan to
enhance space cooperation and enhance this MoU’s purpose.
 Static Part:
o Capital of Bhutan: Thimphu
o Currency of Bhutan: Bhutanese ngultrum, Indian rupee
CSC PARTNERED WITH IIT DELHI
Current Context: The Common Services Center (CSC) has entered into a partnership with IIT Delhi
to improve the ability of design and innovation among the Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs)
which are managed by CSCs in India.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 In this partnership, a design & innovation lab will be set up at the Department of Design of IIT
Delhi where research on design-led innovations will be conducted.
 The lab will be known as ‘Design and Innovation in VLE’s Indigenous Network Ecosystem
(DIVINE) Lab’.
 The lab will be developed to conduct research into rural entrepreneurial ecosystem and to design
new products and services for the VLEs.
 Both CSC and IIT Delhi will collaboratively work to provide academic innovative knowledge to
VLEs.

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Monthly Current Affairs GK Digest: September 2020

World’s Largest Solar Tree: By CSIR-CMERI .......................................................................................................... 5

India's GDP to contract 9% for FY 21—By S&P Global Ratings ..................................................................... 37

‘Ghar Tak Fibre’ Scheme and 9 Highway Projects-- Bihar .............................................................................. 54

Appointment and Resignation on 28th September 2020 ............................................................................... 72

MONTHLY CURRENT AFFAIRS GK DIGEST:

WORLD’S LARGEST SOLAR TREE: BY CSIR-CMERI

VEDANTA LTD. PARTNERED WITH SBI AND SBICTCL

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE SIGNED CONTRACT OF RS 2580 CRORE—MAKE IN

JAPAN EXTENDS FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO INDIA

INDIAN ECONOMY CONTRACTED BY 23.9% FOR Q1 FOR FY 2020-21

VIRTUAL BILATERAL MEET BETWEEN INDIA AND NIGERIA

APPOINTMENTS AND EXTENSION 2ND SEPTEMBER 2020

‘LIGO’— AI BASED CHABOT BY ICICI PRUDENTIAL LIFE INSURANCE

INDIAN ASTRONOMERS DISCOVERED FARTHEST STAR GALAXIES IN THE

MISSION KARMAYOGI- A NATIONAL PROGRAMME FOR CIVIL SERVICES

APPOINTMENTS 3RD SEPTEMBER 2020

13TH GLOBAL INNOVATION INDEX 2020

GREEN TERM AHEAD MARKET

‘WATER HEROES – SHARE YOUR STORIES’ CONTEST

CABINET APPROVES MOU BETWEEN INDIA AND JAPAN

APPOINTMENTS ON 4TH SEPTEMBER 2020

 K Padmakar: He has given an additional charge of Chairman and MD of Bharat Petroleum

BIMSTEC MEET 2020

INDIA AND RUSSIA FINALISED DEAL TO MANUFACTURE AK-47 203 RIFLES

NATIONAL TRIBAL RESEARCH CONCLAVE

GERMANY LAUNCHED INDO-PACIFIC STRATEGY WITH INDIA

‘HOME UTSAV’- ICICI BANK’S VIRTUAL PROPERTY EXHIBITION

APPOINTMENT AND BRAND AMBASSADORS: 5TH SEPTEMBER 2020

REVISED PRIORITY SECTOR LENDING GUIDELINES—BY RBI

5TH BRICS CULTURE MINISTERS MEET

G20 FOREIGN MINISTERS MEET

4TH BUSINESS REFORM ACTION PLAN (BRAP) RANKING

‘I RAKHWALI’ APP —BY PUNJAB

Current Context: Government of Punjab launched ‘I Rakhwali’ App.

o Governor of Punjab: VP Singh Bandore

IIT ROORKEE SIGNS MOU WITH NIUA

60TH SIAM ANNUAL CONVENTION 2020

2ND EDITION OF ANTI-DENGUE CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED BY DELHI

MINISTRY OF MSME APPROVED KHADI AGARBATT I AATMA NIRBHAR

35TH FAO REGIONAL CONFERENCE FOR ASIA AND PACIFIC 2020

CONSUMER AFFAIRS MINISTRY, GOI ISSUES DRAFT GUIDELINES ON

AIM PARTNERS WITH FRESHWORKS INC.

INDIA, US AND ISRAEL COLLABORATES FOR 5G TECHNOLOGY

K V KAMATH’S COMMITTEE REPORT RELEASED BY RBI

SPARROW PORTAL- JAMMU AND KASHMIR

o Lt Governor of Jammu and Kashmir: Manoj Sinha

GOI SIGNED LOAN AGREEMENT WITH ADB FOR DELHI-MEERUT RRTS

APPOINTMENTS ON 9TH SEPTEMBER 2020

‘SIGNATURE VISA DEBIT CARD’—BANK OF INDIA

INDIA’S ECONOMY TO CONTRACT 10.5% FOR FY 2020-21 FROM -5%

FIVE PSUS TO JOIN ISA-CSCA AS CORPORATE PARTNERS

EASE BANKING REFORMS INDEX 2.0

1ST INDIA-ANGOLA JOINT COMMISSION MEET

INDIA’S FIRST INTEGRATED AMBULANCE SERVICE-- KARNATAKA

o Governor of Karnataka: Vajubhai R Vala

‘LEVELS AND TRENDS IN CHILD MORTALITY’ REPORT 2020

PM MODI LAUNCHED PRADHAN MANTRI MATSYA SAMPADA YOJANA AND

1ST INDIA-FRANCE-AUSTRALIA TRILATERAL DIALOGUE

DOORSTEP BANKING SERVICES BY PSBS

APPOINTMENTS AND BRAND AMBASSADOR ON 11TH SEPTEMBER 2020

INDIA SIGNS MOU WITH JAPAN

‘FIVE STAR VILLAGES’ SCHEME – INDIA POST