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MONTHLY CURRENT AFFAIRS EBOOK

NOVEMBER 2021
YOUR GUIDE TO MOST

IMPORTANT CURRENT
AFFAIRS AND EVENTS OF
THE MONTH.
IAS | BANKING | SSC | NDA/CDS | AND OTHER COMPETITIVE EXAMS
www.jagranjosh.com
Current Affairs | November 2021
Contents
Formal Military Certification to Indian Bio-Jet Fuel Technology- All you need to know 1
AAI to invest around Rs 25,000 crores in development of new Greenfield Airports 3
Barbados declared New Republic after 400 years, ditches British Queen Elizabeth 5
IPL 2022 Retention Players List: MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit likely to be retained, ... 7
Indian-Origin CEOs in Silicon Valley- Check full list 10
Morning Current Affairs: 30 November 2021 12
Meet New Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal – an IIT Bombay Graduate, who joins elite league o... 14
List of countries where Omicron COVID variant has been detected 16
Indian Oil, HPCL, BPCL launch Model Retail Outlet scheme and digital customer feedbac... 19
Dollar Seshadri passes away due to cardiac arrest 21
COVID ‘Omicron’ Variant: India issues revised guidelines for international arrivals 23
Ballon d'Or Winner 2021: Lionel Messi wins record 7th award, Alexia Putellas wins fir... 26
Parliament Winter Session: ‘Farm Laws Repeal Bill, 2021’ passed in both Houses of Par... 31
Czech Republic President appoints Petr Fiala as new Prime Minister 34
Norovirus in Kerala: 57 norovirus cases suspected in Thrissur 36
FIFA World Cup 2022 qualified teams: Check list of 13 qualified teams, Italy & Portug... 41
PM Modi Mann ki Baat today: PM Modi reiterates the importance of conservation of natu... 44
Northeast India International Travel Mart: Tourism Ministry organises 3-day Internati... 47
What do we know about new COVID variant Omicron? 49
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T20 World Cup: India vs Pakistan T20 match most viewed T20I in history; ICC reveals r... 56
ITC starts clinical trials of nasal spray to prevent COVID-19 58
Need of the hour is 'One Earth, One Health': EAM Dr. S Jaishankar at 18th RIC Foreign... 60
What is River Cities Alliance? Know Themes, River Cities, Significance, Objectives 63
India gets elected as member to UNESCO World Heritage Committee 65
Pat Cummins becomes first fast bowler to captain Australia's test side full-time, Ste... 67
Omicron: WHO warns risk related to Covid variant Omicron 'very high'; warns of severe... 69
Australian test skipper Tim Paine takes indefinite break from all cricket 72
26/11 Mumbai Terror Attacks: 13 years since 26/11 attack by LeT; tributes pour in for... 75
Constitution Day 2021 India: 72nd Constitution Day of India celebrated today- All you... 77
National Milk Day 2021: Why is the National Milk Day celebrated? Who is Dr Verghese K... 80
SWOT Satellite launch: Satellite for tracking global surface water to launch in 2022,... 84
CBI Special Director Praveen Sinha elected to top committee of INTERPOL 86
IAF receives two Mirage 2000 fighters from France – Know key details 88
Cabinet approves continuation of ACROSS scheme – Know significance 90
India, ADB sign $300 million loan to improve primary healthcare in the country- Check... 92
Noida International Airport: Why is Jewar Aiport special- 10 Things you need to know! 94
Cabinet approves continuation of O-SMART scheme – Know significance, milestones, obje... 96
Only CNG. electric vehicles allowed to enter Delhi from November 27: Delhi Environmen... 99
Fertility rate of India drops below replacement level, sex ratio improves; Check key ... 102
INS Vela commissioned into Indian Navy on November 25 – Know Key features, significan... 107
Lira collapses to record low, how will this impact Turkish economy? 110
Sweden's first female Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson resigns on day 1 after coali... 112
Odisha cabinet approves Odisha Electronics Policy 2021 - Know key features 115
Jagannath Temple: Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik lays foundation stone for Puri heritage co... 117
Why is India releasing 5 million barrels of crude oil from its strategic reserves? - ... 119
What is trade emerge? ICICI Bank launches online platform for Indian exporters and im... 121
Biden Democracy Summit: 110 countries invited including India & Taiwan; China and Rus... 123
Delhi-NCR Air Pollution: SC asks Centre to intensify measures to improve air quality,... 126
Crypto news India: Govt to introduce bill on Cryptocurrency after cabinet approval 128
Defence Ministry clears Rs 5000 crore deal to manufacture 7.5 lakh AK-203 assault rif... 130
9 out of top 10 most polluted cities in India: 2020 World Air Quality Report – Know K... 134
Bharat Gaurav Trains: Indian Railways to launch Bharat Gaurav Trains to boost tourism... 138
SDG Urban Index and Dashboard 2021-22: Shimla tops the index; Check top 10 Urban area... 140
China launches Gaofen 11-03 high resolution satellite – Know Key Details 143
Coal transition will impact more than 13 million people in India: Study – Know Detail... 145
Patalpani railway station to be renamed as Tantya Mama railway station- Know who was ... 148
Jewar airport: PM Narendra Modi lays foundation stone of Noida International Airport 151
International Emmy Awards 2021 winners: Tehran, Call my Agent wins big; Check full wi... 154
Rajasthan Cabinet Reshuffle 2021: Check Rajasthan new cabinet ministers list with por... 158
G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting to be held in United Kingdom in December 2021 164
Minister for Labour and Employment Bhupender Yadav flags off first ever All India Dom... 166
Andhra Pradesh to have only one capital- Amravati: CM Jagan Mohan Reddy 168
World Fisheries 2021: Andhra Pradesh bags Best Marine State; Know list of Fisheries A... 170
Gallantry Awards 2021: Check full list of awardees of Vir Chakra, Shaurya Chakra, Mah... 173
Pathankot attack: Grenade blast reported near Indian Army's Triveni Gate in Pathankot... 179
Moon’s top layer has enough oxygen to sustain 8 billion people on Earth – Know Key de... 181
India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I: Rohit Sharma becomes first Indian batsman to hit 150 s... 183
Prime Minister Modi calls for constituting High-Power Police Technology Mission at 56... 185
Home Minister lays foundation stone of Rani Gaidinliu Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum ... 187
INS Vishakhapatnam commissioned into Indian Navy: 10 things to know about stealth-gui... 190
J&K alpine skier Arif Khan qualifies for Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 194
Swachh Survekshan 2021: Know top 10 cleanest cities in India; Indore is India’s clean... 196
Kamala Harris becomes first woman to get US presidential powers – Know Key Details 200
PM Modi announces repeal of all three farm laws, farmers welcome move 204
PM Modi inaugurates 1st Global Innovation Summit of Pharmaceutical sector – Know Key ... 208
NCC Alumni Association: PM Modi to be enrolled as 1st member, Know charges, membershi... 210
Indian scientists discover exoplanet 1.4 times bigger than Jupiter – All you need to ... 212
UP’s first anti-air pollution tower inaugurated in Noida- All you need to know! 214
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2021: Know date, time, history, and significance of Gurupurab 216
Jal Shakti Ministry launches new contest- Water Heroes – Share Your Stories 218
Pakistan Parliament passes bill to grant Kulbhushan Jadhav right to appeal against co... 220
India re-elected to UNESCO executive board till 2025 222
Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar to be honoured with prestigious Karnataka Ratna Award ... 224
Tamil actor-director RNR Manohar passes away 226
The Sydney Dialogue: Prime Minister Modi delivers keynote address, outlines India’s t... 230
Union Cabinet approves scheme to provide 4G mobile services in over 7,000 villages ac... 233
ISRO’s Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter avoids collision with NASA’s Lunar Orbiter – All you nee... 235
Duare Ration: West Bengal launches ration at doorstep scheme to benefit 10 crore peop... 237
Sourav Ganguly appointed Chairman of ICC Men's Cricket Committee 239
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurates Rashtra Raksha Samarpan Parv – All you nee... 241
India to finalise $3 billion predator drone deal with US by Current Fiscal 245
India’s 1st Food Museum Launched in Thanjavur - All You Need to Know 247
India vs New Zealand 1st t20 live streaming: When, where to watch Ind vs NZ T20 live?... 249
82nd All India Presiding Officers’ Conference: PM Modi virtually addresses the inaugu... 251
Hot Air Balloon in Varanasi- Know Price, Dates and how to book? 253
Kartarpur Sahib Corridor reopens on November 17: Know history, significance – Explain... 257
Government decides to reopen Kartarpur Sahib Corridor from today- What is the signifi... 260
India, ADB sign $60 million loan pact for Agartala City Urban Development Project 263
India’s first Grass Conservatory in Uttarakhand – Know key features, significance 265
National Press Day 2021: Know Theme, Significance and Reason for Celebration 267
China overtakes US to take top spot in list of richest countries, global wealth tripl... 269
India launches 41st scientific expedition to Antarctica – Know Key Details 272
First Audit Diwas: PM Modi unveils Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel statue, says CAG is a her... 274
International Day for Tolerance 2021: Know theme, history, why it is important? 277
What is Super Hercules Aircraft which will land PM Modi on Purvanchal Expressway? - E... 279
PM Modi in UP: Prime Minister inaugurates Purvanchal expressway in Sultanpur district... 281
Mannu Bhandari, renowned Hindi author passes away at 90 285
Defence Minister inaugurates UP's first operationalized private sector defence manufa... 287
Defence Ministry to decide on acquisition of 30 Predator drones from US 289
Habibganj to Rani Kamalapati station: Know how names of Railway Stations are changed ... 291
Air Pollution in Delhi-NCR: All schools shut, WFH for 50 percent staff in NCR- Check ... 293
India receives S-400 Triumf air defence system from Russia, Know key details 298
Who was Birsa Munda?- Remembering Indian Tribal Freedom Fighter on his birth annivers... 300
VVS Laxman to take charge as Head of National Cricket Academy 302
PM Modi inaugurates Bhagwan Birsa Munda Museum in Ranchi on November 15 to mark Janja... 304
Babasaheb Purandare, historian and Padma Vibhushan awardee, passes away at 99 307
CBI, ED Directors' term extended up to 5 years 310
Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit India on December 6, Know Key Details 312
T20 World Cup 2021 Final Highlights: Australia beat New Zealand by 8 wickets to win m... 316
Children's Day India: Why is children's day celebrated in India -Know date, history &... 320
Covid-19 booster dose is a scandal that must stop now: WHO Chief 321
India’s Bimal Patel elected to UN’s International Law Commission 323
COVAXIN showed 77.8 per cent efficacy against symptomatic COVID-19: Lancet Study 325
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to meet CMs, state FMs on November 15 330
NIXI establishes 24x7 dedicated customer care unit- Know all about it! 332
Google Doodle celebrates Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer on November 12 334
MobiKwik launches RuPay Card in collaboration with NPCI, Axis Bank: All you need to k... 336
PM Modi launches RBI’s Retail Direct Scheme, Integrated Ombudsmen Schemes – Know Key ... 338
India hockey squad for Men's Junior World Cup 2021: Olympic medalist Vivek Sagar to l... 340
SpaceX Mission with crew of four, led by Indian-origin astronaut, docks with Internat... 343
India Test Squad for NZ Series 2021: Suryakumar Yadav replaces KL Rahul, Ajinkya Raha... 345
China passes ‘historical resolution’ boosting President Xi’s authority; What is the r... 347
Lunar Eclipse November 2021: Know Date, Time, Where to watch in India; Longest Chandr... 350
Habibganj railway station revamped as Rani Kamalapati station: Know 10 Key Facts here 352
Rezang La War Memorial: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurates revamped memorial ... 355
South Africa’s last apartheid president FW de Klerk dies at 85 357
NCB: SN Pradhan appointed as the next chief of Narcotics Control Bureau till August 2... 359
Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia launches eGCA – Know Significance, Key F... 361
Germany, in a first, records more than 50,000 new COVID-19 cases in 24 hours 363
ICC Rankings T20: Virat Kohli drops to 8th rank- Check full Men's T20 Batsman Ranking... 365
National Internet Exchange of India launches ‘Digital Payment Gateway’: Check Current... 368
Centre declares November 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas – Know Significance, Role of tr... 370
PM Narendra Modi to launch two RBI initiatives on November 12 372
COVID vaccine certificate India: List of countries that recognize India’s Vaccination... 374
India launches e-AMRIT Portal on electric vehicles at COP26 – Know Key Details Here 382
US becomes 101st member country of International Solar Alliance 384
National Education Day 2021: History, Significance and why the day is celebrated on N... 387
National Achievement Survey (NAS) 2021 is being held today on November 12, Know key d... 389
NASA pushes back human moon landing until 2025, blames seven months lost in Blue Orig... 392
Nykaa founder Falguni Nayar becomes India’s wealthiest self-made woman billionaire 395
Delhi govt to launch Anti-Open Burning Campaign from November 11 – Know Key Details 397
India's T20I squad for New Zealand tour: Rohit Sharma named captain of India's T20I s... 400
DRDO signs agreement with Israel for development of dual-use technologies 403
What is Leonid Meteor Shower? – All you need to know 405
Malala Yousafzai, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, ties knot at home in UK- Check all deta... 407
IPS Atul Karwal appointed as new NDRF Director General 409
Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar takes charge as new Chief of Naval Staff 412
Centre launches first-ever DBT-Star College Mentorship Programme 415
Tele-Law on Wheels campaign launched: Know all about it! 417
Meghalaya Tribe women in mixed marriages to lose inheritance rights? 419
Delhi govt launches Shramik Mitra scheme – All you need to know 421
NASA: US Space agency announces new mission to study storms, impacts on climate chang... 423
National Logistics Index - LEADS 2021: Gujarat retains top spot, UP jumps 7 positions 425
4660 Nereus: Know all about Eiffel Tower-sized asteroid heading towards Earth in Dece... 428
COVID-19 Vaccine: Government places order for one crore doses of Zydus Cadila’s needl... 430
Kamal Haasan to launch digital avatar in game-based metaverse 432
Covaxin to be added to UK's approved list of vaccines from November 22 434
Astronaut Wang Yaping becomes first Chinese woman to walk in space 436
National Legal Services Day 2021: History and why the day is significant for India’s ... 438
UNESCO Creative Cities Network 2021: Srinagar joins the list as ‘City of Craft and Fo... 440
India vs Namibia live streaming: When and where to watch India vs Namibia live cricke... 443
Kerala govt to create database of people aged 30 above for early detection, treatment... 445
Oxford Word of the Year 2021 is Vax 447
Shri Ramayana Yatra Express: IRCTC withdraws saffron uniform of Ramayan Express Staff... 449
Top Health Schemes by Government - Current Affairs for UPSC/ IAS Exam null
Meghalaya govt approves creation of Eastern West Khasi Hills district, Know Significa... 451
Tipraland: BJP ally IPFT to join mass agitation in Delhi on November 14 demanding sep... 453
Chennai Rains: Schools, offices shut, Orange alert in Chennai; Heaviest rain since 20... 455
Prime Minister Modi lays foundation stone for 4-laning of two major highways in Mahar... 457
Chhath Puja 2021: Devotees offer Arghya to rising Sun, know all important dates and s... 459
Top Agriculture Schemes by Government - Guide | Current Affairs for UPSC IAS Exam null
Dr. Kamal Ranadive: Google Doodle celebrates 104th birth anniversary of Indian Cell B... 462
World Radiography Day 2021: Theme, History, Significance of International Day of Radi... 464
Iraqi PM Mustafa al-Kadhimi survives assassination attempt, calls for calm and restra... 466
Two Indian Army officers receive Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award 2020, Check ... 468
Bhai Dooj 2021: Date, Time, Muhurat, Facts, Significance 470
Third Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan: Delhi Declaration adopted- Know all ... 472
India vs Scotland live streaming: How and where to watch India vs Scotland live T20 W... 475
India, Gambia sign two agreements for deepening bilateral relations 477
Iran nuclear deal talks to resume on November 29 in Vienna 479
WHO Chief Tedros Ghebreyesus honoured with Nizami Ganjavi Award- Who was Nizami Ganja... 481
Molnupiravir: UK becomes first country to approve oral Covid pill; All you need to kn... 483
Dwayne Bravo retirement: West Indies star all-rounder retires from international cric... 486
Indian boxer Akash Kumar wins bronze, becomes 7th male boxer to win medal at World Bo... 489
Booker Prize 2021: South African Novelist Damon Galgut wins Booker for his novel ‘The... 491
World Tsunami Awareness Day 2021: All you Need to Know about UN Designated Day 493
Delhi air quality: Delhi air quality improves to very poor with AQI of 432 495
PM Modi in Kedarnath: PM offers prayers at Kedarnath Temple, inaugurates projects wor... 499
COVAXIN granted much-awaited WHO approval 504
PM Modi launches Green Grids Initiative – One Sun One World One Grid at COP26 Summit 507
Taliban announces complete ban on use of foreign currency in Afghanistan 510
MP to introduce new Prevention of Loss of Public and Private Property and Recovery of... 512
Choti Diwali 2021: Narak Chaturdashi Date, Time, Tithi, Abhyang Snan Time, Significan... 514
Climate finance should at least be $1 trillion: India at COP26 Climate Summit in Glas... 516
Dengue outbreak: Government sends teams of experts to 9 states and UTs with high case... 518
India vs Afghanistan live streaming: How and where to watch India vs Afghanistan live... 521
Home Minister Amit Shah launches ‘Ayushman Bharat CAPF’ healthcare scheme- Check deta... 524
EU Drug Regulator approves Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11 526
Facebook shuts down facial recognition system; What is it and why it has been shut do... 528
ICC T20 World Cup Bangladesh Squad 2021: Check Bangladesh Team Playing 11, Venue, Dat... 531
Elon Musk’s SpaceX establishes subsidiary in India, plans to apply for license 534
Punjab Lok Congress: Captain Amarinder Singh announces new party, resigns from Congre... 536
India likely to be first buyer of Russia’s S-500 anti-aircraft missile system 538
Ayurveda Day 2021: Why is it celebrated on Dhanwantri Jayanti? Know Theme, History, S... 540
Defence Acquisition Council approves proposals worth Rs. 7,695 crores for armed force... 542
Yuvraj Singh comeback: Yuvraj Singh hints at comeback in February 2022, Check his pos... 544
Indian Army conducts airborne exercise in Eastern Ladakh amid standoff with China 546
Huzurabad, Ellenabad, Badvel, Hangal, Tarapur bye election result 2021: Full List of ... 548
Clean Ganga Mission registered in Guinness Book of World Records on Day 1 of river fe... 551
Dhanteras 2021: Date Tithi, Timing, Muhurat, Puja, Importance, History 553
Lok Sabha bypoll results 2021: INC's Pratibha Singh wins Mandi Lok Sabha by election,... 555
Special Investigation Agency constituted in J&K for probing terrorism related crimes-... 557
India, World Bank sign $40 million Meghalaya Health Systems Strengthening Project 561
Can India still qualify for T20 World Cup 2021 semifinal?- Know all scenarios here 564
COP26: India will achieve net-zero carbon emissions target by 2070, PM Modi at climat... 566
Japan PM Fumio Kishida's coalition retains majority with fewer seats 572
Asgar Afghan, former Afghanistan skipper, announces retirement from International Cri... 574
Elon Musk to spend $6 billion to solve world hunger if UN shares a spending plan 576
Health Minister's meeting on dengue: Centre to send expert team to states with rising... 579
ADB approves $250 million loan for India’s National Industrial Corridor Development P... 581
Mission Clean: Punjab Chief Minister announces initiative to curb illegal sand mining... 585
Vishakhapatnam: Indian Navy receives first P15B Guided-Missile Destroyer 587
Formal Military Certification to Indian Bio-Jet

Fuel Technology- All you need to know
The Ministry of Science & Technology informed on November 29, 2021, that CSIR-IIP Dehradun’s
home-grown technology for producing bio-jet fuels has been formally approved for use on
military aircraft of the Indian Air Force. The Provisional Clearance (PC) Certificate to the Indian
Bio-Jet Fuel Technology was handed over by R. Kamalakannan, Group Director (AT&FOL),
Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification to the Principal Scientist from CSIR-IIP. The
formal military certification represents India’s growing confidence in the aviation biofuel sector.
Indian Bio-Jet Fuel Technology: All you need to know
The Bio-Jet Fuel Technology has undergone evaluation tests and trials over the last 3 years. It
has been developed by the Indian Institute of Petroleum (CSIR-IIP) which is a constituent
laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research.
Indian Bio-Jet Fuel Technology Receives Formal Military Certification
This certification represents India’s growing confidence in aviation biofuel sector and another step
towards ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.
Details: https://t.co/TUAXJg0olE pic.twitter.com/LI2kMFid9F
— DD News (@DDNewslive) November 29, 2021

Military certification to Bio-Jet Fuel Technology: Why is it significant?
The testing of the airborne item is a complex and meticulous process that involves intricate
checks while also ensuring the highest level of flight safety. Fuel, the lifeline of aircraft, requires a
thorough analysis before being filled into the manned flying machines.
The military certification to the technology is an acknowledgment of satisfactory results that are
obtained from various ground and in-flight tests that were performed on the indigenous bio-jet fuel
through various test agencies that are supported by the Indian Air Force.
The clearance is significant as it will enable the Indian Armed Forces to use the bio-jet fuel
that is produced using indigenous technology across all of its operational aircraft. It will
also facilitate the early commercialization of home-grown technology and its mass
Copyright © www.jagranjosh.com Page 1 of 591

production.
Indian Bio-Jet Fuel: Details
• Indian bio-jet fuel can be produced from the used tree-borne oils, cooking oils, short gestation
oilseed crops grown off-season by the farmers, and waste extracts from the edible oil processing
units.
• The fuel will also reduce air pollution because of its ultralow sulfur content in comparison with
conventional jet fuel and contribute to the country’s net-zero greenhouse gas emissions targets.
• The fuel will enhance the livelihoods of the farmers and the tribals engaged in collecting,
producing, and extracting non-edible oils.

AAI to invest around Rs 25,000 crores in

development of new Greenfield Airports
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is planning to invest around Rs 25000 crores in
developmental projects over the next five years. This was informed by Minister of State in the
Ministry Of Civil Aviation Gen. V K Singh (Retd) in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha
on November 29, 2021
The developmental projects will involve expansion and modification of existing terminals,
construction of new terminals and expansion and strengthening of existing runways, air navigation
services, control towers and technical blocks.
Three Public-Private Partnership (PPP) airports at Delhi, Hyderabad and Bengaluru have
undertaken developmental projects worth Rs. 30,000 crores that are set to be completed by 2025.
Greenfield airports
The centre has accorded 'in-principle approval for setting up of 21 greenfield airports across the
country. Around Rs 36,000 Crores are planned to be invested for the development of new
greenfield airports across the country under PPP mode.
Out of the total 21 greenfield airports, eight greenfield airports in Pakyong in Sikkim, Shirdi and
Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, Durgapur in West Bengal, Kannur in Kerala, Kalaburagi in Karnataka,
Orvakal in Andhra Pradesh and Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh have been operationalised.
Upcoming greenfield airports in India
Bhogapuram Airport (expected to be completed by 2022) - Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
Itanagar Airport ( in planning process) - in Holongi, Arunachal Pradesh
Rajkot Greenfield Airport (under construction) - Hirasar, Gujarat
Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)
•Under Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS), the Airports Authority of India (AAI) will connect 22

airports in the first phase. The 22 airports include three in Assam, two each in Uttar Pradesh,
Punjab, Gujarat and Rajasthan and one in Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
•The scheme plans to connect these underserved airports to key airports through cost-friendly
flights. The flights are expected to cost around Rs 2,500 for per hour.
•The scheme envisages to provide subsidy to airlines to offer these fares.
•The scheme is also known as the Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) Scheme. As of November
2021, 393 routes have commenced under the scheme connecting 62 unserved and underserved
airports.
Salient features of the regional connectivity scheme
•The regional connectivity scheme will be applied on a route length between 200 to 800 km in
remote, hilly, island and security sensitive regions.
•The scheme will envisage the creation of a Regional Connectivity Fund (RCF) to fund it through
a levy on certain flights.
•The states will be expected to contribute 20 percent to the fund.
•The allocations will be spread equitably across 5 regions -North, West, South, East and North
East -to enable a balanced regional growth.

Barbados declared New Republic after 400

years, ditches British Queen Elizabeth
Barbados a Republic: Barbados has ditched the Queen Elizabeth of Britain as the Head of the
State. The Caribbean country formed a Republic with its first-ever President Sandra Mason and
severed its last-remaining colonial bonds nearly 400 later after the first British ships arrived at the
Caribbean Island.
New Republic Barbados was born at the stroke of midnight to the cheers of hundreds of
people lining Chamberlain Bridge in the Capital of Barbados, Bridgetown. On the occasion,
a 21-gun salute was fired as the National Anthem of Barbados was played over a crowded
Heroes Square.
Heir to the British throne, Prince Charles stood somberly as Queen Elizabeth’s royal standard
was lowered and the new Barbados was declared. The President of Barbados Sandra Mason
said that the people of the country must give the Republic of Barbados its spirit and substance.
Barbados becomes a Republic: What it means?
As Barbados becomes a new Republic, it means that the small island nation has
transitioned from a parliamentary constitutional monarchy under the hereditary
monarch of Barbados to the Parliamentary Republic with the President elected as the
Head of the State.
#BREAKING Barbados declared a republic, removing British queen as head of state
pic.twitter.com/EdoRJf4j88
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) November 30, 2021

Barbados declares New Republic: Breaking from demons of Colonial History
As Barbados was declared Republic after 400 years of under British rule, the move has cast the
removal of Queen Elizabeth II as a way to finally break from the demons of Colonial History.
However, she is still a queen of 15 other realms including Australia, the United Kingdom,
Jamaica, and Canada.
The birth of the Republic of Barbados, 55 years to the day since the Caribbean country was
declared independent, has broken up almost all the colonial bonds that kept the tiny island tied to
England since the British Ship claimed it for King James I in 1625.

Prince Charles, whose mother sent her warmest wishes, said that the creation of this Republic
offers a new beginning.
Barbados becomes a Republic: What it means for other colonial nations?
The declaration of Barbados as Republic can also be a harbinger of a broader attempt by the
other former colonies to cut the ties to the British Monarchy as the country braces for the end of
Queen Elizabeth’s nearly 70-year reign and the future accession of Prince Charles.
Salve history of Barbados
Britishers had initially used the white British indentured servants to toil on the plantations of
cotton, indigo, tobacco, and sugar, however, Barbados in just a few decades became England’s
first truly profitable slave society.
The small island received 6,00,000 enslaved Africans between 1627 and 1833, who were then
out to work in sugar plantations in Barbados, which helped in earning fortunes for the English
owners.
More than 10 million Africans were shackled into the Atlantic Slave Trade by the European
Nations between the 15th and 19th Centuries.

IPL 2022 Retention Players List: MS Dhoni,

Virat Kohli, Rohit likely to be retained, KL
Rahul to captain Lucknow franchise?
IPL 2022 Retention: The D-day is here! The eight IPL franchises have to submit their final list of
retained players and released players today, November 30, 2021. The BCCI will make an official
statement regarding the same after the submission of the names.
Under IPL's player retention rules, a franchise can only retain a maximum of four players. The
IPL retention process will pave the way for the two new IPL franchises- Lucknow and Ahmedabad
to start signing up players ahead of the IPL 2022 mega-auction.
As per reports, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, Glenn
Maxwell and Ruturaj Gaikwad are some of the big names who are likely to be retained by their
franchises. Dismissing reports of his retirement from IPL, MS Dhoni had expressed hope to play
his last T20I in Chennai. His franchise has brought him one step closer to that by retaining him
before the IPL 2022 mega auction. Chennai Super Kings had won the 2021 IPL edition.
IPL 2022 player retention policy
As per IPL Retention rules, a franchise can retain a maximum of four players-
a) three Indians and one overseas player
b) two Indians and two overseas players
As per IPL 2022 Player Retention Policy, if a franchise retains four players, Rs 42 crore would be
deducted from its total auction, for 3 retentions Rs 33 crore will be deducted, for two retentions Rs
24 crore will be deducted and in case of one retention, Rs 14 crore will be deducted from the
auction purse of the franchise.
Retained Player List of All Teams: Check Probable List
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)- MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Moeen Ali.

Mumbai Indians (MI)- Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah
Delhi Capitals (DC): Rishabh Pant, Prithvi Shaw, Axar Patel, Anrich Nortje.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Sunil Narine, Venkatesh Iyer, Varun Chakravarthy and Andre
Russell.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB): Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH): Kane Williamson.
Punjab Kings (PBKS): Mayank Agarwal
Rajasthan Royals (RR): Sanju Samson, Jos Butler
IPL 2022 players list: Major players released
•Delhi Capitals has reportedly decided to let go of former skipper Shreyas Iyer and leading
batsman Shikhar Dhawan.
•KKR is likely to release skippers Eoin Morgan and Shubhman Gill.
•Sunrisers Hyderabad is likely to release all players except captain Kane Williamson. This would
mean that star batsman David Warner will be released into the auction pool along with
Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan.
•RCB is likely to release Yuzuvendra Chahal and Hardik Pandya as well.
•One of the major players to be released this season includes KL Rahul, captain of Punjab Kings.
As per reports, KL Rahul may be roped in to captain one of the new IPL franchises- Lucknow.
•Rajasthan Royals will also release a few of their major foreign players including Ben Stokes and
Jofra Archer and Rahul Tewatia as well.
•CSK will also be forced to release major players including Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir and
Dwayne Bravo.
Last IPL mega auction?

As per sources, the 2022 IPL auction will be the last mega-auction that the IPL intends to hold, as
the franchises will be looking to pick well to build their future teams. The IPL 2022 tournament will
involve ten teams with the induction of two new IPL teams - Lucknow and Ahmedabad. The two
new IPL franchises will be given the right to buy up to three players each after the original eight
teams submit their player retention list.
KL Rahul to be Lucknow's captain?
As per reports, the Lucknow IPL team is planning to rope in KL Rahul as their captain. After BCCI
announces the official list of retained players by their respective franchises today, both Lucknow
and Ahmedabad IPL teams are expected to be given time till mid-December to select a maximum
of three Indians and one overseas player or two Indians and two overseas players ahead of the
mega IPL 2022 auction planned towards the end of December or beginning of January.

Indian-Origin CEOs in Silicon Valley- Check

full list
Indian-Origin CEOs: Twitter Co-founder Jack Dorsey announced on November 29, 2021, that he
will be stepping down as the Chief Executive of Silicon Valley. With his latest decision, Dorsey
has paved the way for an IIT-Bombay Graduate and Indian-origin Parag Agrawal to be the new
CEO of Twitter. Parag Agrawal has also become the youngest CEO in top 500 companies after
the Board of Directors appointed him unanimously.
The CEOs from India are known for excelling and leaving their mark everywhere in the world,
particularly in technology. For decades, the Indian-origin CEOs have been playing a significant
role in the tech industry and have been contributing in many ways. As an IIT-Bombay Graduate
Paras Agrawal takes over as CEO of Twitter, here is a list of other Indian-origin CEOs in Silicon
Valley that you should know about.
Indian-Origin CEOs in Silicon Valley Companies
Parag Aggarwal Twitter
Satya Nadella Microsoft
Shantanu Narayen Adobe Inc.
Arvind Krishna IBM
Nikesh Arora Palo Alto Networks
Sundar Pichai Google and Alphabet
George Kurian NetApp
Jayshree Ullal Arista Networks
Also Read: Meet New Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal – an IIT Bombay Graduate, who joins
elite league of Indian-origin Silicon Valley CEOs
What is Silicon Valley?
Silicon Valley is home to many Start-Ups and global technology companies including Google,
Facebook, Apple, which are among the most prominent ones. Silicon Valley is in the Southern

San Francisco Bay Area of California. The place is also the site of the technology-focused
institutions that are centered around Palo Alto’s Stanford University.
Silicon valley in the US also includes the headquarters of more than 30 businesses in the
Fortune 1000 and thousands of start-up companies.
Why Silicon Valley is significant?
It was in Silicon Valley in the United States that the Silicon-based integrated circuit, the
microcomputer, and the microprocessor, among other technologies, were developed. As of the
year 2013, Silicon Valley has employed about a quarter of a million information technology
workers.

Morning Current Affairs: 30 November 2021
Footballer Lionel Messi wins Ballon d’Or award 2021
Argentinian footballer Lionel Messi has won the Ballon d’Or award for the best footballer in the
world. The ace football player had won the award in 2019 before the awards in 2020 got
cancelled because of COVID-19. Messi has now won the Ballon d’Or award twice more than his
old rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
Parag Agrawal, Indian tech wizard, takes over as new CEO of Twitter after Jack Dorsey
steps down
The co-founder of Twitter Jack Dorsey has decided to step down as the CEO of Twitter paving the
way for the current chief technical officer, Parag Agrawal. Dorsey had been serving as the Chief
Executive of both the Twitter and Payment firm Square. Parag Agrawal has been with Twitter for
more than a decade.
Admiral R Hari Kumar receives Guard of Honour as new Chief of Naval Staff
Admiral R Hari Kumar has received the Guard of Honour as the new Chief of Naval Staff. He took
over as the new Chief of Naval Staff on November 30, 2021. Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar has
replaced Admiral KB Singh.
Bill on Regulation of Reproductive Technology to be tabled in Lok Sabha today
During the Winter Session of Parliament, the Health Minister is scheduled to table the Assisted
Reproductive Technology Bill, 2021 in Lok Sabha today. The latest bill seeks the regulation and
supervision of assisted reproductive technology and assisted reproductive technology banks.
Umla becomes the 12th Village of Leh to have tap water supply
Umla has become the 12th village of Leh that now has the facility of tap water supply in each of
its 25 odd households under Jal Jeevan Mission. As per the villager, early during the winters, the
villagers had no option but to fetch water from streams by breaking the ice.
Varanasi’s Kashi Vishwanath Temple to remain closed on November 30 and December 1
Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi will be closed for the public on November 30 and

December 1, 2021, for facilitating certain construction activities in the temple premises. The
temple was closed between 6 am & 6 pm on November 29 as well.
Nagaland Police launches ‘Call Your Cop’ Mobile App
Nagaland Police has launched the ‘Call your Cop’ mobile app which will enable all the citizens in
the state to get in touch directly with the Police with just one click away. The development of the
app is one of the most significant initiatives of the Nagaland Police.

Meet New Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal – an IIT

Bombay Graduate, who joins elite league of
Indian-origin Silicon Valley CEOs
Parag Agrawal – New Twitter CEO: In a move that surprised many Jack Dorsey, the co-founder
and chief executive officer of Twitter announced his move to step away from the company
yesterday. Dorsey who took over as the CEO of Twitter in 2005, has named Parag Agrawal – an
IIT Bombay alumnus and chief technology officer of Twitter as his success. Parag, who takes over
as Twitter CEO, is a Computer Science Graduate from IIT Bombay who joins the elite league of
Indian-origin Silicon Valley CEOs with Sundar Pichai and Satya Nadella.
Here’s everything you need to Know about New Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal!
Early Schooling and Graduation: Parag did his early schooling from Atomic Energy Central
School in Mumbai. Following this, he pursued his Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and
Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay.
Doctorate and Early Career: After completing his graduation, Parag moved to got his Ph.D. in
Computer Science from Stanford University. After completing his doctorate, Agrawal started his
career and between 2006 to 2010 he held the position of senior researcher with Tech and IT
Giants Microsoft, Yahoo! and US telecom major AT&T, before joining Twitter in 2011.
Move to Twitter: Parag Agrawal joined Twitter in October 2011 as a software engineer. In 2017,
he was elevated to the position of Chief Technology Officer and has been serving as the CTO of
the company until now.
Deep gratitude for @jack and our entire team, and so much excitement for the future. Here’s the
note I sent to the company. Thank you all for your trust and support https://t.co/eNatG1dqH6
pic.twitter.com/liJmTbpYs1
— Parag Agrawal (@paraga) November 29, 2021
Contributions at Twitter: Parag Agrawal ’s rise at Twitter doesn’t come as a surprise to many
who are familiar with him and twitter as an organization. During the last 5 years, he has been
responsible for company's technical strategy, leading work to improve development velocity while

advancing the state of Machine Learning across the company. He has also led Twitter’s efforts in
using artificial intelligence (AI) to increase the relevance of tweets in users’ timelines.
Project BlueSky: In 2019, Jack Dorsey appointed Parag Agrawal as CEO of Project Bluesky, an
internal project within twitter that was aimed at controlling misinformation on Twitter. In August
2021, Jay Graber was appointed as the leader of Bluesky.
Personal Life: Born in Mumbai – India, Parag’s mother is a retired School Teacher while his
father held a senior position at the Atomic Energy Establishment. In terms of married life, Parag is
married to Vineeta – a BS in BioPhysics from Stanford University. She also completed her MD
and PhD from Harvard Medical School / MIT. Currently, she is serving as a General Partner in
venture capitalist firm Andreessen Horowitz.

List of countries where Omicron COVID

variant has been detected
World Health Organisation warned on November 29, 2021 that risk related to Covid variant
Omicron is 'very high'.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that we shouldn't need another
wake-up call, .
The WHO DG said that the emergence of the highly-mutated Omicron variant underlines just
how perilous and precarious our situation is. He emphasised that Omicron’s very emergence is
another reminder although many of us might think we are done with #COVID19, it is not done with
us.
"But Omicron’s very emergence is another reminder although many of us might think we are done
with #COVID19, it is not done with us.
We are living through a cycle of panic and neglect.
Hard-won gains could vanish in an instant"-@DrTedros #WHASpecial
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) November 29, 2021
"We are living through a cycle of panic and neglect. Hard-won gains could vanish in an instant,"
said WHO Director-General. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus further warned that "Although other
regions are seeing declining or stable trends, if there’s one thing we have learned, it’s that no
region, no country, no community and no individual is safe until we are all safe."
He also stated that South Africa should be thanked for detecting, sequencing and reporting this
variant, not penalized. Omicron COVID variant was first detected in South Africa and now the
nation is facing a travel ban from several countries including the US, Canada, UK and many other
European nations.
"#SouthAfrica should be thanked for detecting, sequencing and reporting this variant, not
penalized"-@DrTedros #WHASpecial https://t.co/KHJqPO5mQW
However, experts fear that the travel curbs are being imposed too late as most likely the virus has

already spread to other parts of the world. While most of the confirmed cases of the new COVID
variant have been reported in South Africa, more than a dozen countries have also now detected
cases of the Omicron variant.
Read more: What do we know about new COVID variant Omicron?
Check the full list of countries that have reported Omicron variant cases
South Africa
Botswana
Hong Kong
Israel
Belgium
Canada
France
United Kingdom
The Netherlands
Germany
Czech Republic
Austria
Denmark
Australia
Italy
Why is the Omicron variant being feared?

The Omicron variant of COVID-19 is being feared due to its increased transmissibility and
possible risk of evading vaccine protection and causing reinfection.
How can individuals reduce the spread of the newCOVID-19 variant?
As per WHO, the most effective way to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 is to-
- Keep a safe distance
- Wear a well-fitting mask
- Open windows; avoid poorly ventilated, crowded spaces
- Clean hands
- Cough, sneeze into a bent elbow/tissue
- Get vaccinated

Indian Oil, HPCL, BPCL launch Model Retail

Outlet scheme and digital customer feedback
program
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), Indian Oil and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation
Limited (HPCL) announced the launch of a Digital Customer Feedback Program-
Darpan@petrolpump- and Model Retail Outlet Scheme.
The three oil PSUs to keep pace with the rapidly changing consumer behavior and to offer a
heightened customer experience in retail outlets, aim to benchmark the Retail Outlet Standards to
ensure standardized customer facilities through these initiatives.
The initiative by BPCL, Indian Oil, and HPCL was inaugurated by the Minister of Petroleum and
Natural Gas & Housing and Urban Affairs, Hardeep Singh Puri.
Unveiled an ambitious program of Model Retail Outlets and Darpan instant feedback mechanism
with the objective of enhancing service standards & amenities to our over 6 crore consumers who
are served by our OMCs everyday. @PIB_India pic.twitter.com/ZYoBsAXZAR
— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) November 26, 2021

Objective of Model Retail Outlet Scheme
Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited
have joined hands to launch Model Retail Outlets for enhancing the service standards and
amenities across their networks which serve over 6 crore consumers every day.
Key details of Model Retail Outlet Scheme
• The scheme launched by the PSUs will involve an intense 5 level evaluation process of over
7,000 retail outlets in India.
• The retail outlets will be evaluated on a set of core service and the facility parameters as well
as the standard of customer amenities, such as clean and hygienic washrooms, customer-centric
innovative offerings, etc.
• The Retail outlets are divided into 4 categories on the basis of facilities offered, sales

performance, and their percentage of digital transactions at the point of sale in keeping with
Digital India imperative.
• The top performers will be awarded the ‘Uttam’ and ‘Shresth’ awards by the Ministry of
Petroleum and Natural Gas. The respective Oil companies will honour the top performers with the
‘Rajya Sarv Pratham’ awards.
Darpan@petrolpump: Digital customer feedback program
The digital customer feedback program is a unique, real-time feedback program that will
encourage the customers in giving their valuable feedback which will further help in enhancing the
service standards at retail outlets.

Dollar Seshadri passes away due to cardiac

arrest
Dollar Seshadri, officer on special duty (OSD) at Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) passed
away on November 29, 2021 after suffering a cardiac arrest in Vishakhapatnam. He was 74.
He was reportedly in the port city of Vishakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh to participate in the
Karthika Deepotsavam, which was organised by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam. The
Deepotsavam was to be conducted at the RK Beach today evening. He suffered a massive stroke
early morning on November 29th and was rushed to a corporate hospital at Ramnagar. He was
declared dead on arrival.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed shock and grief over his
passing and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family members.
TTD chairman YV Subba Reddy also expressed deep anguish over the sudden passing of Dollar
Seshadri saying, "It is an irreparable loss to the TTD as Dollar Seshadri Swamy has been
rendering invaluable services to the Tirumala temple even after his retirement in 2007 till
his last breath. I express my heartfelt condolences to his family for their personal loss."
Dollar Seshadri final rites
TTD is making all arrangements to airlift Dollar Seshadri's remains to Tirupati where the final rites
will be performed with appropriate honours. The people will also be able to pay their respects
before his final rites.
About Dollar Seshadri
Dollar Seshadri had joined Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam in 1978 and served for the temple
body for over 4 decades even after his retirement in 2007 as an officer on special duty.
Dollar Seshadri had hit the headlines in June 2006 in a case pertaining to 300 five-gram coins
going missing from TTD's official treasury, 'Bokksam'. Seshadri was the sole custodian of the
treasury for over a decade. When the case became public in 2008, Seshadri was forced to step
down from his role along with other senior officials.

In August 2017, a Government Order (GO) dropped any further disciplinary action against those
named in the case, including Seshadri. He rejoined the temple after being acquitted in the case
and served till his last breath.
He had repeatedly said that his only wish was to serve the almighty till his last breath, which he
did.

COVID ‘Omicron’ Variant: India issues

revised guidelines for international arrivals
International Arrivals in India: The Union Ministry of Health on November 28, 2021, revised the
guidelines for international arrivals in India which will come into effect from December 1, 2021.
The decision by the Govt of India comes in the wake of the newly reported COVID-19 variant
‘Omicron’ which has also been designated as the ‘Variant of Concern’ by the World Health
Organisation. The Covid variant has been detected to spread more quickly than the previous
‘Delta Variant’. The new Covid variant has an unusually large number of mutations that are more
infectious than Delta.
India issues revised guidelines for international travellers in view of #Omicron variant COVID19
Guidelines require all travellers (irrespective of vaccination status) coming to India from 'at-risk'
countries to mandatorily undergo COVID-19 testing at airport on arrival
pic.twitter.com/f2YHPRcTpS
— ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2021

Indian Government guidelines for international arrivals
1. The guidelines issued by the Indian govt for international arrivals require the
passengers to submit the self-declaration form on the Online Suvidha Portal. The form
must be submitted before the scheduled travel and mention the last 14 days' travel details.
2. The guidelines issued for the international travels mandate uploading of negative RT-PCR test
reports on the Air Suvidha Portal before the journey. The RT-PCR test should have been
conducted within 72 hours before undertaking the journey.
3. As per the guidelines for international arrivals in India issued by the Health Ministry, the
travellers coming from ‘countries at risk’ will require to take the COVID-19 test port arrival and
must wait for results at the airport.
4. If the travellers are tested negative, they will have to follow the home quarantine for the next
seven days. They will have to take a re-test on the eighth day and if negative, further will have to
self-monitor for the next 7 days.

5. A sub-section (5% of the total flight passengers) will undergo the post-arrival testing at random
at the airport.
Read More: What do we know about new COVID variant Omicron?
‘Countries at risk’ by Health Ministry
According to the Union Health Ministry, the ‘countries at risk’ include-
1. United Kingdom
2. South Africa
3. Brazil
4. Bangladesh
5. Botswana
6. China
7. Mauritius
8. New Zealand
9. Zimbabwe
10. Singapore
11. Hong Kong
12. Israel
Omicron COVID Variant
The new Covid variant- Omicron- is said to be more dangerous and contagious and has also
been designated as the first new ‘variant of concern’ since the Delta Variant. The case of Covid
new variant was first reported in South Africa.
According to the Preliminary evidence, there is an increased risk of reinfection with the new Covid

variant as the experts fear that the Omicron variant can be responsible to cause the third wave.

Ballon d'Or Winner 2021: Lionel Messi wins

record 7th award, Alexia Putellas wins first-
Check Full List of Winners
Ballon dOr winners list: Lionel Messi won the men’s Ballon d’Or award for a record seventh
time on November 30, 2021. Spain's Alexia Putellas won the women’s Ballon d’Or award for the
first time.
The Ballon d’Or trophees are brought by Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon from
@AlpineF1Team!
48°51'27.3"N 2°20'49.4"E
Theatre du Châtelet
@alpinecarsFR pic.twitter.com/u7IPR0koi5
— Ballon d'Or #ballondor (@francefootball) November 29, 2021
The 34-year-old Messi, who had led Argentina to the Copa America title in July 2021, won the
award over another award favourite Bayern Munich striker, Robert Lewandowski, who was
predicted to win the prize last year after a sensational season. Luis Alberto Suárez Díaz gave the
Ballon d’Or to Messi.
When Luis Suarez gives the #ballondor to Messi! pic.twitter.com/uUHhMgtVfR
This year, two new Ballon d’Or awards were also introduced- 'The Striker of the Year' & 'The Club
of the Year'. While the striker of the year award went to Robert Lewandowski, the Best Club of
the Year award went to Chelsea.
Congratulations Leo Messi and @alexiaputellas winners of the #BallonDor2021, congratulations

also to all nominated players! I won Striker of the Year Award and no Player can win an individual
award without strongest team and loyal fans behind him. Thank you for your support
pic.twitter.com/I6j4BtluYS
— Robert Lewandowski (@lewy_official) November 29, 2021
The Kopa trophy for best young player under the age of 21 years went to Barcelona’s Pedri. The

Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper went Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Ballon d'Or Award
The Ballon d'Or is one of the oldest and most prestigious individual awards in football that
is presented annually by the French news magazine France Football. The prize has been
awarded every year since 1956. Between 2010 and 2015, the award was temporarily merged with
the FIFA World Player of the Year after an agreement with FIFA and was known as FIFA Ballon
d'Or.
The award reverted to Ballon d'Or in 2016 and FIFA also went back to its own separate award.
The recipients of FIFA Ballon d'Or are considered as winners of both awards.
Which player has won the Ballon d’Or award most number times?
Lionel Messi has now won the Ballon d’Or award a record seven times, six while he was
playing for Barcelona and first time while playing for Paris Saint-Germain. Cristiano Ronaldo
follows closely with five Ballon d’Or awards, one while he was playing for Manchester United and
four with Real Madrid.
Besides them, three footballers have won the award three times each- Michel Platini of Juventus,
Johan Cruyff of Barcelona and Ajax and Marco van Basten of Milan. Two Spanish football clubs,
Barcelona and Real Madrid lead the ranking for employing the most number of Ballon d’Or award
winners, with 12 and 11 wins respectively.
AND THE SEVEN BALLON D’OR FOR LIONEL MESSI! #ballondor pic.twitter.com/8XDzlAKPaM

List of Ballon dOr winners since 2005
Year Ballon dOr Winner Team
2005 Ronaldinho Barcelona
2006 Fabio Cannavaro Real Madrid

2007 Kaká Milan
2008 Cristiano Ronaldo Manchester United
2009 Lionel Messi Barcelona

2013 Cristiano Ronaldo Real Madrid
2018 Luka Modri Real Madrid

2020 Cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic
2021 Lionel Messi Paris Saint-Germain
Top 10 Players with most Ballon d’Or awards

Player Country Winner
Lionel Messi Argentina 7 (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021)
Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal 5 (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017)
Michel Platini France 3 (1983, 1984, 1985)
Johan Cruyff The Netherlands 3 (1971, 1973, 1974)
Marco van Basten The Netherlands 3 (1988, 1989, 1992)
Franz Beckenbauer Germany 2 (1972, 1976)
Ronaldo Brazil 2 (1997, 2002)
Alfredo Di Stéfano Spain 2 (1957, 1959)
Kevin Keegan England 2 (1978, 1979)

Karl-Heinz
France 2 (1980, 1981)
Rummenigge

Parliament Winter Session: ‘Farm Laws

Repeal Bill, 2021’ passed in both Houses of
Parliament
Winter Session: ‘The Farm Laws Repeal Bill, 2021’ was passed by Lok Sabha and Rajya
Sabha on November 29, 2021, on the very first day of the Winter Session of Parliament. Soon
after the Parliament’s Winter session started today, the Lok Sabha was adjourned till 12 noon
after the sloganeering by the opposition members. After Lok Sabha resumes, Agriculture Minister
Narendra Singh Tomar tabled the bill to repeal the three farm laws. The Farm Laws Repeal Bill
was then passed in the Lower House amid the ruckus by opposition MPs.
The Farm Laws Repeal Bill, 2021 passed by Lok Sabha amid ruckus by Opposition MPs
Leader of Congress Party in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury demands discussion on the Bill
in the House pic.twitter.com/2QAyOAVGq1
Farm Laws Repeal Bill was passed by Rajya Sabha on the first day of the Winter Session
of Parliament.
Amid ruckus in Upper House, the Farm Laws Repeal Bill 2021 passed in Rajya Sabha
pic.twitter.com/m4JqZPeOCi
After the passing of the Farm Laws Repeal Bill, 2021, the Lower House of Parliament was again
adjourned till 2 PM amid the ruckus by the opposition leaders. The Farm Laws Repeal Bill 2021
was circulated among the Rajya Sabha Members on November 26, 2021. It was tabled in the
Upper House of Parliament at 2 PM today.
What were the three Farm Laws?
President of India Ram Nath Kovind had given his assent to the three Agricultural Bills that were
passed by the Indian Parliament.
1. Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services

Act, 2020
2. Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020
3. Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020
Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait on passing of farm laws repeal bill
The farmer leader Rakesh Tikait, who has also been a face of farmers' protest against the three
bills, welcomed the passing of the Farm laws repeal bill in the Lok Sabha and said that it is a
tribute to all the 750 farmers who lost their lives during the agitation. The eminent farmers' leader
further added that the protest will still continue as the other issues including MSP (Minimum
Support Prices) are still pending.
The Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge commented that while we welcome
the withdrawal of the three farm laws, a discussion has been demanded on several incidents that
took place during the Lakhimpur Kheri incident and the electricity bill. He added that farmers are
still present at the protest site.
We welcome withdrawal of the three farm laws. We demanded a discussion on several incidents
that took place during agitation including the Lakhimpur Kheri incident & the electricity bill.
Farmers are still present at the protest site: LoP in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge
pic.twitter.com/o0hhBKFOim

Farmers continue to protest at Delhi borders
The farmers have been sitting at a protest at several border areas of Delhi for at least over a year
demanding the repeal of the three farm laws.
The farmers have declined to end their protest, despite the Central Government agreeing to their
primary demand of repealing the three farm laws. The farmers are now seeking a law that will
guarantee MSP on their produce.
Opposition’s demand of discussion on farm laws repeal bill
The Leader of the Congress Party in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury demanded a
discussion on the Farm Laws Repeal Bill, 2021 in Lok Sabha. He said that the Central
Government blames opposition for not letting the house function, but the bill to repeal farm laws

was introduced and passed without any form of discussion.
The govt blames us for not letting the House function. But Farm Laws Repeal Bill 2021 was
introduced & passed without discussion. Opposition had demanded a discussion on it. Even
though the govt has repealed the farm laws, its 'Mann ki Baat' is something else: AR Chowdhury,
Cong pic.twitter.com/8uDSRtI4OF

Background
Prime Minister Modi, in an address to the nation on November 19, 2021, had announced the
repealing of the three Central farm laws on the Guru Nanak Jayanti. The controversial bill was
further cleared by the Union Cabinet.

Czech Republic President appoints Petr Fiala

as new Prime Minister
Czech Republic President Milos Zeman appointed Petr Fiala as the Prime Minister of the
country on November 28, 2021. Fiala is the leader of the Together coalition that had won the
general elections in the Czech Republic in October 2021. The ceremony of appointing Fiala as
the new head of the Czech Republic government was broadcast by Czech Television.
Milos Fiala leads a bloc of five centre and centre-right opposition parties that had won the
elections in October and had ousted the incumbent premier Andrej Babis and his allies. The new
Prime Minister of the Czech Republic also acknowledged that the new government has a very
complicated time ahead as well as many challenges.
COVID-positive Czech president appoints new PM from plexiglass cubicle https://t.co/08M7x0Zcjc

pic.twitter.com/kPv6AfZYHL
— Reuters (@Reuters) November 28, 2021

Who is the new Prime Minister of Czech Republic?
• Petr Fiala was born in 1964. He had studied the Czech language, literature, history at Masaryk
University from where he graduated in 1988.
• Fiala has worked as a historian, as an editor, and as a journalist and has also occupied various
positions at his alma meter.
• In 2012-13, Fiala served as the Minister of Education, Sport, and Youth in the government of
Petr Necas.
• In October 2013, he was elected as an independent lawmaker to the lower house and later also
joined the Civic Democratic Party (CDS), which Fiala has been leading since 2014.
Parliamentary Elections in Czech Republic
In early October 2021, the Together Coalition comprising of the Christian, CDS, and Democratic
Union- Czechoslovak People’s Party and TOP 09 party had won 27.12% of the vote in the
Parliamentary Elections. The Together Coalition in the Czech Republic further joined the force

with another bloc, resulting in a 108-seat majority.
What are the challenges for new Czech Republic Government?
The new government in the Czech Republic will have to tackle a new wave of COVID-19
pandemic that has been threatening to overwhelm the hospitals. Another issue is the energy
crisis which occurred after the collapse of a large electricity provider.
The new Prime Minister Petr Fiala has also called on to people to get vaccinated against the virus
and has praised the medical staff as the cases are on rising.
The opponents of the vaccination and the announced anti-coronavirus measures by the
government such as a ban on Christmas markets had gathered in thousands in Prague later on
November 28 for a protest.
Only 58.5% of people of Czech Republic are vaccinated against the virus. As per the European
Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, this compares to a European Union average of
65.8%.

Norovirus in Kerala: 57 norovirus cases

suspected in Thrissur
Norovirus in Kerala: Norovirus has reportedly infected 57 people including 54 students and
three workers in a hostel of St. Mary’s College, Thrissur. The health officials suspect that the virus
must have spread through food or drinking water. This is the first time that the norovirus infection
has been reported in Thrissur.
A team of health officials led by the district medical officer is examining the hostel, its kitchen and
surroundings and the drinking water supply. There are around 240 students and 15 workers in the
hostel.
As per college authorities, the students had been complaining about symptoms such as diarrhea,
vomiting, nausea and fever from November 8th. Nobody thought that they could have norovirus
infection.
Norovirus in Kerala: All important details here

How was Norovirus infection detected?
Around 8 students had gone for treatment at the Thrissur General Hospital on November 24.
Their blood, faeces and urine samples were tested the virology laboratory in Alappuzha, Kerala.
The tests confirmed the presence of norovirus infection.
What preventive measures have been taken by health authorities to control norovirus
outbreak?
•The district's health department has taken sufficient precautions to check the spread of the
norovirus infection. A health team had conducted an awareness programme and given
instructions to all students and workers of the college regarding the preventive measures they can
take to keep themselves protected from infection.
•The college authorities have been instructed not to send the students home till the virus outbreak
is brought under control and they are cured.
•The health officials have cautioned the people to be careful as the virus is transmissible from
people to people but not to panic.

•A medical team will be keeping a check on the other hostels and old age homes in Thrissur.
How can people protect themselves from Norovirus?
People have been asked to follow the following steps to keep themselves protected
against Norovirus infection:
-Drink only boiled water
-Wash hands properly, especially after using the washroom
-Wash vegetables and fruits properly before using
-Do not share food or vessels

What is Norovirus?
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that is caused by consuming contaminated food or water.
The virus is highly transmissible as it can spread from close contact with the infected person.
The virus is sometimes called the stomach flu but it is not related to the flu that is caused by the
influenza virus.
Norovirus Symptoms
The most common symptoms of norovirus are:
-Diarrhea
-Vomiting
-Nausea
-Stomach pain
How does Norovirus spread?
Norovirus outbreaks are common as the virus spreads very easily and quickly from:
-Direct contact with infected people
-Through foods and water
-Through contaminated surfaces

Norovirus treatment
There is no specific medicine to treat norovirus infection. Those experiencing symptoms like
vomiting and diarrhea are encouraged to drink plenty of liquids to replace fluid lost and prevent
dehydration.
How long does norovirus infection last?
Norovirus infection, in most cases, only for 2-3 days. However, elderly people, infants, pregnant
women and people with low immunity may have to take medical support.
Norovirus in India
At least, 13 norovirus cases were previously detected in Kerala and Karnataka. An alert was
issued in the bordering districts of Kodagu and Dakshina Kannada. In Kerala, the infection was
reported among 13 students of a veterinary college at Pookode in the Wayanad district.

Parliament Winter Session begins today, 26 bills on agenda
The Winter Session of the Parliament has begun on November 29, 2021, and the BJP-led
government has a heavy agenda for the winter session including 26 new bills to be introduced,
including a bill to ban Cryptocurrency in India. It has also been indicated that the bill to repeal
three farm laws will also be taken up on priority.
Vivek Johri appointed as Chairman of Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs
Senior Vivek Johri has been appointed as the Chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes
and Customs (CBIC). The appointment has been made as per an order by the Personnel Ministry.
Government revises guidelines for international travels in India due to new COVID variant
The Union Health Ministry has revised the guidelines for international arrivals in India. They will
come into effect from December 1, 2021. The guidelines mandate the submission of 14 days of
travel details and uploading the negative RT-PCR test report on Air Suvidha Portal before the
journey.
BJP wins Tripura civic elections
BJP has swept Tripura Civic body elections by winning 329 out of a total of 334 seats. Bhartiya
Janata Party has won 217 seats out of 222 seats across 13 ULBs including the Agartala
Municipal Corporation. The party had already won 112 seats from 20 Urban bodies uncontested.
EU not to recognize Taliban regime in Afghanistan
The President of the European Commission has announced that the European Union will not
recognize the militant Taliban regime in Afghanistan which was imposed through violence.
However, it was added further, there is a need to prevent the imminent social and economic
collapse that the war-torn country faces.
Petr Fiala is the new Prime Minister of Czech Republic
The President of the Czech Republic Milos Zeman has appointed Petr Fiala as the Prime Minister
of the country. Fiala is the leader of a Centre-Right Alliance. He leads a bloc of five centre and

centre-right opposition parties that had won the elections on October 2021. The new Government
in the Czech Republic will have to tackle a new wave of Coronavirus.
7 India International Science Festival from 10-13 December, 2021
The 7th IISF will be held in Panaji, Goa from December 10 to 13, 2021. The festival will be
organized by the Ministry of Earth Sciences in collaboration with the Science and Technology
Ministry, the Department of Space, the Department of Atomic Energy, and the Goa Government.

FIFA World Cup 2022 qualified teams: Check

list of 13 qualified teams, Italy & Portugal in
same qualifiers group
FIFA World Cup 2022 qualified teams: The 2022 FIFA World Cup will kick off in Qatar on
November 21, 2022. This will be the first tournament hosted in the middle east. The 2022 Qatar
edition of the FIFA World Cup will be the last to feature 32 teams before the group is expanded to
48 teams from 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The FIFA Men's World Cup has featured 32 teams in the last six editions since the 1998
France World Cup. This year also, 31 nations along with host Qatar will qualify for the FIFA
World Cup through regional FIFA 2022 qualifier matches. Every region has a set number of teams
that will qualify for the world cup.
Following number of nations will qualify from each region:
Africa: 5
Asia: 4 (plus 1 playoff qualifier)
Europe: 13
North/Central America & Caribbean: 3 (plus 1 playoff qualifier)
Oceania: 1 playoff qualifier
South America: 4 (plus 1 playoff qualifier)
FIFA World Cup 2022: Full List of Qualified Teams
So far, a total of 13 teams have officially qualified for 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar,
including host nation Qatar. This means that 19 spots are yet to be filled in the coming months.
Brazil was the first nation to qualify from South America and was later joined by Argentina. From
Europe, overall 10 nations have qualified including hosts Qatar. There are only three

qualifying spots left from Europe and two major teams-Portugal and current European champions
Italy are yet to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Italy vs Portugal World Cup qualifiers 2022-Only one team to qualify
Unfortunately, only one team between Portugal and Italy will make it into the 2022 FIFA
World Cup, as both teams have been drawn into the same World Cup qualifying bracket. This
means that either current European champions Italy or one of football's biggest stars,
Cristiano Ronaldo will be sitting out of the next year's world cup.
Italy will face North Macedonia in the European Play-off semifinals, while Portugal will take on
Turkey and the winner of each bracket will play against each other in the playoff finals for a spot
in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The semi-finals are set for the European play-offs!
One team from each of the 3 paths will reach the #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/cvkFwdzQoX
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 26, 2021

Full List of 13 qualified Teams: 2022 Qatar World Cup
Number of Titles won

No. Nation (FIFA Rank) Region
(Last title year)
1 Qatar (46) Asia —
2 Germany (12) Europe 4 (2014)
3 Denmark (10) Europe —
4 Brazil (2) S. America 5 (2002)
5 France (3) Europe 2 (2018)
6 Belgium (1) Europe —
7 Croatia (18) Europe —
8 Spain (7) Europe 1 (2010)
9 Serbia (25) Europe —
10 England (5) Europe 1 (1966)
11 Switzerland (14) Europe —

12 Netherlands (11) Europe —

13 Argentina (6) S America 2 (1986)

FIFA World Cup 2022 Important Details
FIFA World Cup 2022 Dates- November 21- December 18, 2022
2022 FIFA World Cup Final- December 18, 2022
FIFA World Cup 2022 Number of teams- 32
FIFA World Cup 2022 Host Cities- Doha, Lusall, Al Wakrah, sAl Khor, Al Rayyan,

PM Modi Mann ki Baat today: PM Modi

reiterates the importance of conservation of
nature, hails startups
Mann ki Baat live today: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation through his
monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’ on November 28, 2021. This was the 83rd episode of
Mann ki Baat and the second last edition of the year 2021.
PM Modi began his address by hailing the country's armed forces and remembering all the brave
hearts, as India will be celebrating the golden jubilee year of the 1971 war on December 16th.
He also spoke about Amrit Mahotsav, saying that along with learning, it also inspires us to do
something for the country. He said that throughout the country, the resonance of the Amrit
Mahotsav is palpable especially with programmes in connection with the Mahotsav going on
successively.
", , ,
- , parliament , |"
- @narendramodi. pic.twitter.com/m6SQdWAXru
— Mann Ki Baat Updates (@mannkibaat) November 28, 2021

On Nature
The Prime Minister then highlighted the importance of conserving nature in the Mann ki baat live
today, saying when we conserve nature, it gives us protection and security in return. He
highlighted that nature poses a threat to us only when we disturb her balance or destroy her
sanctity.
He gave an example of the same by talking about a traditional river in Jalaun – Noon River. He
said that the Noon River, which used to be the main source of water for the farmers reached
the verge of extinction, which created an irrigation crisis for the farmers. He then highlighted
how the people of Jalaun took the initiative to turn around the situation.

There was a river in Jalaun called Noon river. Gradually, the river came to brink of extinction. This
created a crisis for farmers in the area.The people of Jalaun this year formed a
committee&revived the river.This is an example of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas: PM
Modi#MannKiBaat pic.twitter.com/WAIxcXSFjH
A committee was formed in March this year and thousands of villagers and local people
spontaneously volunteered to join the campaign and today, in such a short time and low cost, the
river has come to back again. The Prime Minister said that this is an example of 'sabka saath,
sabka vikas.'
He also highlighted how many coastal areas are prone to land submersion and there are many
small islands and islets in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, which were increasingly facing the
danger of submerging in the sea. The people and experts there found the mitigation from the
natural disaster through nature itself. PM Modi highlighted that these people are now planting
Palmyra trees on these islands. The trees are known to stand firm even in cyclones and storms
and give protection to the soil.
PM Modi further stressed that whatever natural resources are around us, we should save them,
bring them back to their actual form. He said, "in this lies the interests of all of us, interests of the
world."
!#MannKiBaat pic.twitter.com/OHIDqjAQDi
— Mann Ki Baat Updates (@mannkibaat) November 28, 2021

On Governance
The Prime Minister highlighted in the Mann ki Baat live today that when the government makes
plans, spends the budget, completes the projects on time, people feel that it is working. He said
with the efforts of the government, with the schemes of the government, the way life changed…
what is the experience of that changed life? When we hear this, we too are filled with empathy.
He said that it also gives satisfaction to the mind and gives inspiration too to take that scheme to
the people. He said this is what I seek from life, "Don’t want to be in power, my goal is to
serve people.”
On Youth & Startups

The Prime Minister highlighted that in every country with a large youth population, three
aspects matter a lot-
-Ideas and Innovation
-Spirit of taking risks
-Can do spirit
He said that when these three things combine, phenomenal results are produced and miracles
happen.
PM Modi highlighted that this is the era of start-up and in the world of start-up, India is leading in
a way in the world today. He stated that start-ups are getting record investments year after
year.
He highlighted that the sector is progressing very fast and the reach of start-ups has increased
even in small towns of the country. He highlighted how there are over 70 startups in India
today that have crossed the valuation of USD 1 billion. He said that this is a big thing because
the youth have achieved this success amid a pandemic.
Today, there are over 70 startups in India that have crossed the valuation of more than 1 billion.
Many Indians are providing solutions to global problems through their startups: PM Narendra
Modi during 'Mann Ki Baat'
The Prime Minister further highlighted in the mann ki baat today that the Indian youth is
also contributing to the solution of global problems through start-ups.

Northeast India International Travel Mart:

Tourism Ministry organises 3-day
International Tourism Mart in Nagaland
The Union Ministry of Tourism is organising a 3-day India International Tourism Mart in
Nagaland from November 27 to November 29, 2021.
The annual tourism mart aims to highlight the tourism potential of the northeast region of India in
both domestic and international markets.
Ministry of Tourism is organising the 9th 'International Tourism Mart for the North East Region', to
be held from 27th to 29th November 2021, at Kohima, Nagaland; in order to highlight the tourism
potential of the region in the domestic and international markets pic.twitter.com/6WfaTIeN6w
— Ministry of Tourism (@tourismgoi) November 26, 2021
The tourism mart is in continuation to the Tourism and Culture Ministers' Conference of North
Eastern Region, which was held in Assam in September 2021. The event aimed to deliberate and
discuss the way forward for tourism in the North-Eastern region.
The mart will be jointly inaugurated by Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Minister of State
for Tourism and Defence, Ajay Bhatt.
International tourism mart for northeast- Key Highlights
•The 9th International tourism mart aims to throw light on domestic tourism.
•The mart will focus on holding deliberations on the promotion of tourism in India's northeast.
•It will also provide a platform to promote cultural ties and provide enhanced connectivity to the
northeast states with the rest of the country.
Here are few sights of International Tourism Mart 2021 in Nagaland to be organised by Ministry of
Tourism between 27th to 29th November 2021. Pictured here are cherry blossoms in full bloom
and Kisama Heritage Village being one of the venues for the event. pic.twitter.com/ecdtz6n1Vd

•There will also be a presentation by state governments and discussions on several aspects of
tourism and unique tourism products in the North East Region and their potential.
•The 3-day tourism event will see participation from over 300 delegates, including government
officials, industry stakeholders and local participants.
•The delegates will also include students from across the country who will interact with local
students as a part of a study tour to learn about the region's rich heritage and culture.
Nine students and one quiz master is going to join 9th International Tourism Mart in Nagaland via
Guwahati from the different places of the country. pic.twitter.com/bxDOzp1gDm
•It will be in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'.
Significance
The International Tourism Marts are organised in India's northeastern states on a rotation
basis. This year's tourism mart is being hosted by Nagaland. This is the state's first time
hosting the event. The earlier editions of the mart were hosted by Guwahati (Assam), Gangtok
(Sikkim), Shillong (Meghalaya), Agartala (Tripura), Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh) and Imphal
(Manipur).

What do we know about new COVID variant

Omicron?
Covid new variant: Omicron, the new COVID variant, was designated as a variant of
concern by the World Health Organization on November 26, 2021 upon the advice of the WHO
Technical Advisory Group on SARS-CoV-2 Virus due to its concerning mutations.
Omicron is said to be more contagious and it is the first new variant of concern since delta variant.
As per preliminary evidence, there is an increased risk of reinfection with the new COVID variant
and experts fear that omicron could cause the third wave.
The variant, first reported in South Africa, has reportedly undergone more mutations to the ‘spike
protein’ than the existing variants and it also raises questions on the efficacy of the vaccine.
Researchers around the world are conducting studies to understand more aspects of Omicron.
The Technical Advisory Group on SARS-CoV-2 Virus Evolution met today to review what is
known about the #COVID19 variant B.1.1.529.
They advised WHO that it should be designated a Variant of Concern.
WHO has named it Omicron, in line with naming protocols https://t.co/bSbVas9yds
pic.twitter.com/Gev1zIt1Ek
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting with top government officials on November 27 to
discuss the current COVID-19 situation and vaccination. The state governments are also mulling
over necessary measures to keep their citizens protected from the new COVID variant.
PM Narendra Modi chairs meeting with top govt officials on COVID-19 situation & vaccination;
Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba, Principal Secretary to PM, PK Mishra, Union Health Secretary
Rajesh Bhushan & NITI Aayog member (health) Dr VK Paul are among the attendees
(Photo: PMO) pic.twitter.com/u4keTTDlwx
The BMC in Maharashtra has also called a meeting of senior officials at 5:30 pm today on the
new COVID variant. Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar said, "every person returning from South
Africa will be quarantined on arrival in Mumbai and their samples will be sent for genome

sequencing."
Every person returning from South Africa will be quarantined on arrival in Mumbai and their
samples will be sent for genome sequencing: Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar
pic.twitter.com/bQwGlajO4Z

What do we know about new COVID variant?
What is it called?
WHO has named the new COVID variant, initially referred to as B.1.1.529, as Omicron. As
per the WHO system of naming, such variants are assigned a Greek letter that does not associate
them with the location from where they were first detected.
When was Omicron variant first detected?
The new COVID variant was first detected on November 23, 2021 and it was highlighted as a
concern due to its large number of mutations that could possibly lead it to evade immunity. The
variant has been linked to a spike in the number of cases in the Gauteng province of South Africa
in the past two weeks.
However, it is not necessarily that the variant originated there. The earliest sample that shows the
variant was reportedly collected from Botswana on November 11.
Read more here: WHO designates heavily mutated strain as 'variant of Concern'; names it
'Omicron'
Why is the new COVID variant concerning?
The new COVID variant Omicron reportedly has over 30 mutations on its spike protein, which is
used by the virus to unlock our body’s cells. This is almost double than the number of mutations
carried by the Delta variant, which caused havoc across the world earlier this year.
The variant's high mutation capability has raised concerns that the antibodies from previous
infections may not be enough to fight off this new variant. This means that the virus is more likely
to cause reinfections.
The chief medical adviser to the UK Health and Security Agency described the variant as the
“most worrying we’ve seen”.

The new #COVID19 virus variant - Omicron - has a large number of mutations, some of which are
concerning. This is why we need to speed up our efforts to deliver on #VaccinEquity ASAP and
protect the most vulnerable everywhere. https://t.co/b9QBMJXtJl
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) November 26, 2021

Is Omicron more transmissible ?
As per WHO, it is not yet clear whether Omicron can more easily spread from person to person
compared to other variants, including Delta. While the number of positive cases have risen in
areas of South Africa affected by this variant, studies are underway to understand if it is because
of Omicron or other factors.
Will the new variant cause severe Covid?
There is no data yet to suggest whether Omicron can cause more severe COVID in comparison
to other variants including Delta. As per preliminary data, there are increasing rates of
hospitalization in South Africa, but this may also be due to an overall increase in number of
positive cases rather than a result of specific infection with Omicron. It would probably take a
couple of weeks to understand the level of severity of the Omicron variant.
So far, all COVID-19 variants including the Delta variant can cause severe disease or death, in
the most vulnerable people, and thus prevention is always key, as per WHO.
Omicron Symptoms
There is presently no data to suggest that Omicron variant has different symptoms than those
from other COVID variants.
Will the vaccines be effective against the new COVID variant?
Though researchers don't have enough data to confirm whether vaccines will be effective against
this variant or not, there are hints that the vaccines could be less effective against the new COVID
variant.
Some of the omicron's mutations are already known to help the virus evade the immune system,
to resist antibodies and avoid detection by some of the body's frontline defenders. However, WHO
stressed on the importance of vaccination stating that vaccines remain critical to reducing
severe disease and death, including against the current dominant COVID variant, Delta.

Can Omicron cause reinfection?
WHO informed that as per preliminary evidence, there may be an increased risk of reinfection
with Omicron. This means that those who have had COVID-19 previously could become re-
infected more easily with Omicron, as compared to other variants of concern. The information,
however, remains limited.
How to protect ourselves from COVID infection?
We can prevent getting ourselves infected by avoiding large gatherings, getting ourselves
vaccinated and wearing masks and maintaining hand hygiene.
Which countries have reported cases of new COVID variant?
So far, most of the confirmed cases of the new COVID variant have been in South Africa and few
in Botswana and Hong Kong. As per reports, one individual returning from Malawi to Israel was
also detected to have the new variant and two other cases are suspected in the nation. Belgium
has also confirmed one case.
Global Travel curbs
The detection of the new COVID variant has triggered global alarm countries rushing to suspend
travel from southern Africa.
The United States has already announced that it will restrict travel from South Africa and
neighbouring countries effective from November 29th. Canada is also closing its borders to those
countries. The European countries have also announced a ban on flights to countries where the
new COVID variant has been detected.
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal also urged the Indian PM to stop flights from those countries which are
affected by new variant (of COVID-19). He said, "with great difficulty, our country has
recovered from Corona. We should do everything possible to prevent this new variant from
entering India."
I urge the PM to stop flights from those countries which are affected by new variant (of COVID-
19). With great difficulty, our country has recovered from Corona. We should do everything
possible to prevent this new variant from entering India: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal
(File pic) pic.twitter.com/uaIy5lYXIC


Is it late for imposing travel curbs?
As per several experts, it may be too late to impose travel curbs as most likely the virus is already
in other places. Several top officials have said that instead of imposing travel bans, the focus
should be on getting more people vaccinated.
South Africa-based infectious disease expert, Richard Lessels said that the focus should be on
getting more people vaccinated in places that have struggled to access sufficient shots. He said
that the virus can evolve in the absence of adequate levels of vaccination.
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva also tweeted, "Failure to help vaccinate sub-Saharan
Africa - still barely 4% of the population - left us all exposed to the risk of a new, more virulent
#COVID variant." She added saying "News of #Omicron is an urgent reminder of why we need to
do even more to vaccinate the world."
Failure to help vaccinate sub-Saharan Africa—still barely 4% of the population—left us all

exposed to risk of a new, more virulent #COVIDvariant.
News of #Omicron is an urgent reminder of why we need to do even more to vaccinate the
world.https://t.co/3qJwgZHdfA pic.twitter.com/vEtwg6Wq3y
— Kristalina Georgieva (@KGeorgieva) November 26, 2021
In low-income countries, less than 7 percent of the people have received their first COVID-
19 vaccine shot.

WHO designates new COVID-19 strain as ‘Variant of Concern’; names it Omicron
The World Health Organisation has named the new COVID-19 strain detected in South Africa as
the ‘Variant of Concern’. The global health body has also given it a name- Omicron. B.1.1.529
variant is likely to spread more quickly than other forms of Coronavirus strains. The preliminary
evidence has also suggested that there is an increased risk of reinfection.
Bill to repeal three farm laws to be introduced on the first day of Winter Session of
Parliament
The Farm Laws Repeal Bill 2022 has been listed for the passing and the introduction in the Lower
House of Parliament on the very first day of the Winter session of Parliament. It is scheduled to
begin on November 29, 2021. PM Modi, recently, had announced to repeal all three farm laws.
PM Modi to chair a high-level meeting on COVID-19 today
Prime Minister Modi will chair a meeting on the situation related to COVID-19 and vaccination in
the country on November 27, 2021. The meeting will be attended by the top officials including the
Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan and Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba. Principal Secretary
to PM, PK Mishra, and NITI Aayog member Dr. VK Paul also will attend the meeting.
India-Germany launches first of its kind program for lateral entry for women researchers in
joint R&D projects
Indo-German Science and Technology Centre has launched first of its kind programme that aims
at promoting women in the field of research and development through lateral entry. The
programme is called Women’s Involvement in Science and Engineering Research. The
programme launched for the projects between India and Germany will also encourage women’s
involvement in various joint research projects.
Reserve Bank of India imposes monetary penalty on State Bank of India
RBI has announced to impose a monetary penalty of Rs. 1 crore on the State Bank of India for
the contravention of Section 19 (2) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (the Act). The
irregularities on the SBI part were identified after a Statutory Inspections for Supervisory
Evaluation of the bank was conducted by the Central bank.

Govt of India asks people to NOT subscribe Starlink Internet Services backed by Elon
Musk
Indian Ministry of Communications has announced that Elon-Musk-backed Starlink Internet

Services is not licensed to offer satellite-based internet services in the country as being
advertised to the public. The ministry added that given the fact that Starlink is not a license, the
people are advised not to subscribe to its services.
Tomato prices likely to fall from December 2021
Govt of India has announced that tomato prices are likely to fall from the beginning of December
2021 as the fresh arrivals from the Northern States of India will increase the availability of
tomatoes in the markets. The average retail price of tomato has been on rising since September
2021 because of the unseasonal rains.

T20 World Cup: India vs Pakistan T20 match

most viewed T20I in history; ICC reveals
record viewership numbers
T20 World Cup viewership 2021: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on November 25,
2021, announced that India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup Super 12 which was held in Dubai has
set a new record for the most views with 15.9 billion minutes in India alone.
The highly anticipated cricket match between India and Pakistan garnered a record
viewership of 167 million, making it the most viewed T20I till date. Nearly 10,000 hours of
live coverage was offered across the digital platforms and TV in 200 countries for the
entire T20 tournament.
The T20 match between the arch-rivals India and Pakistan had proved to be a one-sided affair,
however, it didn’t deter the fans from the match as they consumed 15.9 billion minutes on the Star
India Network.
The mega viewership of the T20 match has surpassed the previous high of the semi-final
between India and West Indies from the 2016 edition of the ICC event which was held in India.
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 was held in the United Arab Emirates. The T20 tournament had
started on October 17, 2021, and the final took place on November 14, with Australia beating New
Zealand by eight wickets to win their first T20 World Cup.
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 delivers record viewership globally
All details here https://t.co/BWApJLWK6j
— ICC Media (@ICCMediaComms) November 25, 2021

T20 World Cup: Increase in overall consumption of T20 tournament
• The overall TV consumption for the whole T20 tournament in India was recorded at 112 billion
minutes. This is despite the Indian cricket team’s early exit from the tournament.
• In the United Kingdom, the total viewership for the India-Pakistan T20 match grew by 60% on

Sky UK whereas the overall viewership for the market had gone up by 7%.
• T20 cricket tournament in Pakistan was broadcast by three media players for the very first time.
It further led to the growth in viewership of the cricket matches by 7.3% in comparison to the 2016
edition of the event.
• The consumption of the event across digital assets also increased as it recorded a total of 2.55
billion minutes.
• The social media channels of the International Cricket Council also recorded significant growth
in engagement at 618 million across those platforms. It is a 28% jump since the 2019 edition of
the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
ICC’s partnership with Facebook
The partnership between ICC and Facebook also played a key role in an increase in video views,
with a total of 4.3 billion views across all the channels for the T20 cricket tournament.

ITC starts clinical trials of nasal spray to

prevent COVID-19
ITC Nasal spray: A diversified Indian company, ITC Limited, confirmed on November 25, 2021
that it has begun clinical trials of a nasal spray that can prevent COVID-19 infection.
The nasal spray has reportedly been developed by ITC Life Sciences and Technology Centre in
Bengaluru. The internal trials have found the nasal spray to be effective against other viruses like
the common cold.
The ITC spokesperson while confirming the development said that they are unable to share more
details at the current moment as the clinical trials are underway.
ITC Nasal Spray significance
If clinical trials show that ITC's nasal spray can prevent COVID-19 infection, it will hugely aid
the reopening of schools, colleges, offices and public transport at full strength and return to
normalcy.
ITC Nasal Spray: All you need to know!
•ITC Nasal spray is said to have the potential to be effective in preventing infection as well as
transmission of Covid-19.
•Internal trials found it to be effective against other viruses like the common cold.
•ITC has received approvals from the ethics committees and has registered its clinical trials with
Clinical Trial Registry - India (CTRI).
•The clinical trials of the nasal spray would take about three months.
ITC had launched several products amid the COVID-19 pandemic including masks, disinfectant
sprays and wipes under the Savlon brand to meet the requirements of the consumers. The
diversified conglomerate has over 350 scientists working on six research platforms- health &
wellness, sustainable packaging, beauty & hygiene, consumer & sensory sciences,
agroforestry & crop sciences and measurement sciences.
List of Other Nasal/ Mouth Sprays
Antimicrobial nasal and mouth sprays have been gaining popularity in recent months and several

pharma majors are trying to come out with products to meet the demand.
Here is a list of nasal/ mouth sprays launched by other pharma companies to prevent
COVID-19-
1. Cipla's Nasal Spray
Cipla launched Naselin antiviral nasal spray with povidone-iodine that can act as the first line of
defense against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
The nasal spray has anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that can offer protection
against viruses that cause common upper respiratory tract illnesses like flu, cold or sinusitis.
2. Glenmark's nasal spray
Glenmark has partnered with Canadian biotech firm SaNOtize to manufacture, market and
distribute its nasal spray- NONS -for Covid-19 treatment.
The pharma major aims to launch the nasal spray under the brand name- Fabispray by second
half of 2021-2022.
The phase 3 trials of Glenmark's nasal spray are being conducted to see its effectiveness against
Covid-19.
3. Cadila's mouth spray
Cadila Healthcare has also developed Viroshield, an enzyme-based mouth spray. The product
has not been launched commercially.
The enzyme-based mouth spray has been formulated in a way to break viral proteins, creating a
protective barrier that will guard the mouth and throat against different viruses.
How do the nasal sprays work?
The nasal sprays generally work by killing pathogens in the upper airways, preventing the virus
from incubating and spreading to the lungs.

Need of the hour is 'One Earth, One Health':

EAM Dr. S Jaishankar at 18th RIC Foreign
Ministers Meet
India at RIC Meeting: Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar chaired the 18th meeting of
Foreign Ministers of Russia, India, and China virtually on November 26, 2021.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had taken part in
the meeting through video conference. India had taken over the chairmanship of the RIC after the
last RIC Foreign Ministers meeting in Moscow in September 2020. The RIC Chairmanship will
now pass on to China's Foreign Minister for the next year.
Addressing the virtual meet, EAM Jaishankar urged the RIC Countries to coordinate their
approaches on terrorism, radicalization and work together to ensure that humanitarian assistance
reaches Afghanistan without any hindrance and politicization.
EAM Jaishankar at RIC Meet: Key Highlights
•EAM Jaishankar while addressing the meeting said that our approach to global development
should be human-centric.
•He stated that the need of the hour is 'One Earth, One Health', adding that COVID has shown
interdependence of the interconnected world.
Our approach to global development should be human-centric. COVID has shown

interdependence of the interconnected world. The need of the hour is 'One Earth, One Health':
EAM Dr S Jaishankar at the 18th meeting of the Russia-India-China Foreign Ministers
(Source: MEA) pic.twitter.com/q2G5krcQrn
•The Union Minister stressed that as a neighbour & long-standing partner of Afghanistan, India is
concerned about the recent developments in that country, especially the sufferings of the Afghan
people.

•He reiterated that India supports an inclusive & representative govt in Afghanistan and also other
resolutions of UN 2593.
•He further highlighted that the RIC countries need to work together to ensure that humanitarian
assistance reaches the Afghan people without hindrance & politicisation.
RIC countries need to work together to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches the Afghan
people without hindrance & politicisation. It is necessary for the RIC countries to coordinate
respective approaches on the threats of terrorism, drug trafficking & radicalisation: EAM
•EAM emphasised on the importance of RIC countries to coordinate their respective approaches
on threats of terrorism, radicalization and drug trafficking.
•EAM further highlighted that India has offered 50 metric tons of wheat as humanitarian
assistance to Afghanistan to address the drought situation in the country.
•He shared that Pakistan has allowed humanitarian assistance from India to be sent to
Afghanistan through the Wagah Border.
Background
India has not recognized the Taliban government in Afghanistan and has been initiating talks on
restoring peace in the nation and providing all neccesary aid to its citizens.
India had recently hosted an NSA-level meeting on Afghanistan last month and had also taken
part in the Moscow dailogue on Afghanistan before that.
What is RIC?- Current Affairs for UPSC/ IAS
Russia-India-China (RIC) is a strategic grouping that was established in the late 1990s under
the leadership of Yevgeny Primakov, the then Russian foreign minister and Prime Minister
(1998-99). The grouping was created to form a platform to counterbalance the western
hegemony.
The group's three-member countries- Russia, India and China-constitute 19 percent of the
global geographical space and contribute to almost 33 percent of the global GDP.
Why is RIC grouping relevant today?
The RIC grouping provides an opportunity for the three countries to identify and work on

common interests and tensions. It enables the formation of a more egalitarian global economic
order that can counterbalance US dominance.
The three RIC nations also form the core of BRICS and SCO grouping and hence, they can
together work on how they would want to influence the global order in the coming times,
through these larger platforms.

What is River Cities Alliance? Know Themes,

River Cities, Significance, Objectives
Union Minister for Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on November 26, 2021, launched the
River Cities Alliance, a platform for river cities in India to ideate, discuss, and exchange
information for sustainable management of urban rivers. Two Ministries namely Jal Shakti Ministry
and Housing & Urban Affairs Ministry have partnered for a first of its kind alliance in the world. PM
Narendra Modi during the National Ganga Council meeting in December 2019 held at Kanpur
highlighted the need for new river-centric thinking in planning for cities on the banks of rivers.
What is River Cities Alliance?
River Cities Alliance is a platform for river cities in India to ideate, discuss, and exchange
information for the sustainable management of urban rivers. The Jal Shakti Ministry and Housing
& Urban Affairs Ministry has partnered for the initiative. The National Institute for Urban Affairs
(NIUA) and the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) have collaborated for launching the
River Cities Alliance. The Secretariat of the River Cities Alliance will be set up at National Institute
for Urban Affairs (NIUA) with the support of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG).
Three Themes
The River Cities Alliance will focus on three themes: Networking, Technical Support, and Capacity
Building.
30 Participating Cities
Ayodhya, Aurangabad, Bhagalpur, Bagusarai, Bijnor, Berhampore, Bhubaneswar, Chennai,

Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Srinagar, Munger, Hooghly-Chinsurah, Patna, Howrah,
Maheshtala, Jangipur, Rajmahal, Farrukhabad, Sahibganj, Kanpur, Mathura-Vrindavan,
Prayagraj, Mirzapur, Pune, Varanasi, Vijayawada, and Udaipur.
River Cities Alliance: Significance
The River Cities Alliance will play a significant role in connecting cities with their rivers. The
Alliance can be a model for all cities in the Basin and beyond. The initiative will aid cities in
learning from the successes and failures of each other, said Union Housing & Urban Affairs

Minister Durga Shankar Mishra. The River Cities Alliance will play create an opportunity for
municipal administrators and their teams for undertaking innovative initiatives. Director-General of
National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) Rajiv Ranjan Mishra said that the Alliance began with
the Ganga basin cities and got extended to include cities beyond the Basin as well.
Under the River Cities Alliances, the participating cities get the opportunity for strengthening
governance aspects for river cities and improving their liveability. The Alliance will aid these cities
in attracting external economic investments, access state-of-the-art knowledge and frameworks,
and serve as the site for demonstration purposes for implementation by NMCG and NIUA.
River Cities Alliance: Objectives
The primary objective of the River Cities Alliance is to aid the participating cities with a platform
for discussing and exchanging information on aspects that are vital for the sustainable
management of urban rivers. These aspects include reducing impacts on river and water bodies,
minimizing their water footprint, capitalizing on natural, intangible architectural heritage, and
developing self-sufficient, self-sustainable water resources through the reuse & recycle strategy.
The participating cities of the River Cities Alliance will work to adopt and localize national policies
and instruments with key river-related directions, develop city-specific sectoral strategies for
sustainable urban river management, and prepare their Urban River Management Plans.

India gets elected as member to UNESCO

World Heritage Committee
India is elected as a member of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for the period of 4
years, starting from 2021. The decision came a week after India was re-elected to the Executive
Board of UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation). The country
got elected to the UN World Heritage Committee with 142 votes.
The External Affairs Minister of India S. Jaishankar claimed the latest achievement as a good day
for Indian diplomacy. He also added that CBI Special Director Praveen Sinha has been elected
to the executive committee of Interpol.
As per the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), the re-
elections were conducted by the UN body, which India successfully won on November 17, 2021,
for the 2021-25 term.
Last week, India had also won the re-election conducted for the 2021-25 term to the Executive
Board of the UN Cultural Organisation. The country won the re-elections by 164 votes.
India gets elected to the World Heritage Committee with 142 votes for a four year term from 2021-
25 ! #WorldHeritageWeek @DrSJaishankar @VishalVSharma7 @harshvshringla @M_Lekhi
@narendramodi pic.twitter.com/ftzRLgH8eg
— India at UNESCO (@IndiaatUNESCO) November 25, 2021

What is the role of UNESCO world heritage committee?
The UNESCO World Heritage Committee is responsible for the successful implementation of the
World Heritage Convention.
The committee works in defining the use of the World Heritage Fund. It also allocates financial
assistance upon the requests from the State parties.
India elected as a member of UNESCO world heritage committee
India has once again been elected as a member of the prestigious 21-member UNESCO world
Heritage Committee from the Asia Pacific Region. This is also India’s 4th term at the World

Heritage Committee.
UNESCO
It is a specialized agency of the UN that aims at promoting world peace and security through
international cooperation in arts, education, culture, and science.
UNSECO has 193 member states and 11 associate members as well as partners in the
intergovernmental, non-governmental and private sectors. The UN Body has 53 regional field
offices and 199 national commissions facilitating its global mandate.

Pat Cummins becomes first fast bowler to

captain Australia's test side full-time, Steve
Smith returns as Vice Captain
New Australian Test captain: Pat Cummins has been appointed as Australia's 47th Test
captain and former skipper Steve Smith has made a comeback to the leadership role as the Vice-
captain. The official announcement was made by Cricket Australia on November 26, 2021. Pat
Cummins succeeds Tim Paine who stepped down from the role last week.
Cummins has become the first fast bowler to take up captaincy of the Australian men’s
Test side full-time. The only fast bowler to lead the Australian test side before him was Ray
Lindwall, who had taken up the role as a stand-in captain for one match in 1956. Besides them,
medium-pace all-rounders Monty Noble and Jack Ryder had captained the side in early 1900s.
Batter and former captain Steve Smith has been named vice-captain of the team.
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) November 26, 2021
Pat Cummins has been appointed as the test captain of Australia just ahead of the Ashes series,
which is scheduled to start on December 8, 2021 in Brisbane. It comes after full-time Australian
Test skipper Tim Paine stepped down from the position after a controversy erupted over the
exchange of appropriate texts with a co-worker in 2017.
Cummins said in a statement, “I am honored to accept this role ahead of what will be a
massive Ashes summer. I hope I can provide the same leadership Tim (Paine) has given
the group in the past few years.”
“With Steve and I as captains, a number of very senior players in this squad and some
great young talent coming through we are a strong and tightly knit group. This is an
unexpected privilege which I am very grateful for and am very much looking forward to,"
he added.
Pat Cummins is currently ranked at the top in ICC Test Bowling Rankings with 908 points,
way ahead of India's Ravichandran Ashwin, who is ranked second with 831 points. On the
other hand, Steve Smith is ranked third in the ICC Test Batting Rankings with 891 points,

after top-ranked England batsman Joe Root and New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson,
who is ranked second.
Steve Smith appointed as Vice-captain
Steve Smith has made comeback to a leadership role almost 3 years after he had to step down
as captain of the Australian team following the ball-tampering row in South Africa in 2018. Smith
had been banned from any leadership roles for two years post the incident.
Speaking on his appointment, Steve Smith said: “I am pleased to return to the leadership of
the team and look forward to helping and assisting Pat in any way I can. Pat and I have
played together for a long time, so we know our respective styles well. We are also great
friends, as is the whole group. As a team, we want to play good, positive cricket and also
really enjoy each other’s company. They are exciting times ahead as we focus on the
Ashes and beyond.”
Tim Paine takes indefinite break from cricket
The former Australian Test skipper, Tim Paine has taken an indefinite mental health break from
all forms of cricket for the foreseeable future. He will be missing the first Ashes Test.
Read more: Australian test skipper Tim Paine takes indefinite break from all cricket

Omicron: WHO warns risk related to Covid

variant Omicron 'very high'; warns of severe
consequences
New COVID-19 Omicron Variant: The World Health Organisation warned on November 29,
2021, that the new Covid-19 Omicron variant poses a 'very high' risk globally and stressed
that the uncertainties remain about how contagious and dangerous is a new strain.
WHO, in a technical note has stated that if another major surge of Covid-19 takes place driven by
Omicron, the consequences may be severe. The note added that, however, to date, no death
linked to the Covid Omicron variant has been reported.
World Health Organisation warns risk related to Covid variant Omicron 'very high', reports AFP
The World Health Organisation (WHO) named the new COVID-19 variant- B.1.1.529- which was
first detected in South Africa as 'Omicorn'. Because of its nature of spreading more quickly than
other forms of COVID strains, the global health body has designated the new Coronavirus variant
as the 'Variant of Concern'.
As per WHO, the new COVID-19 variant has been detected at faster rates than the previous
surges in infection further suggesting that this new Coronavirus strain may have a growth
advantage.
The Technical Advisory Group on SARS-CoV-2 Virus Evolution met today to review what is
known about the #COVID19 variant B.1.1.529.
They advised WHO that it should be designated a Variant of Concern.
WHO has named it Omicron, in line with naming protocols https://t.co/bSbVas9yds
pic.twitter.com/Gev1zIt1Ek
South Africa had detected a new COVID-19 strain which carries an unusually large number
of mutations and can be more infectious than Delta. The African country started to see a new
variant of Coronavirus with over 30 spike mutations that further led to the rise in COVID-19 case
numbers, particularly in the most populous province of Gauteng.

New COVID-19 variant in South Africa, assigned as B.1.1.529, was first spotted in
Botswana and the other circulating countries such as South Africa and Hong Kong. The
new coronavirus variant carries an unusually large number of mutations and is very different from
the previous incarnations. As per the experts, it should be monitored because of its horrific spike
profile.
The officials of the World Health Organisation (WHO) met on November 25, 2021, to discuss a
new COVID-19 variant that has been circulating in Botswana and South Africa.
New Variant of COVID-19 in South Africa
The Director of the UCL Genetics Institute said that the new COVID-19 variant, B.1.1.529,
carries an unusually large number of mutations. The variant is likely to have evolved during
chronic infection of an immune-compromised person, probably in an untreated HIV/AIDS patient.
Francois Balloux added that it is currently difficult to predict how transmissible it may be at this
stage. For the time being, the new COVID-19 variant must be closely monitored and analyzed,
however, there is no reason to get overly concerned unless it starts going up in frequency in the
near future.
How worrisome is the new COVID-19 variant?
B.1.1.529 variant, first detected in South Africa, is said to be even more infectious than the Delta
variant. The new variant spreads very quickly as, in less than 2 weeks, it has dominated all
the infections following a devastating Delta wave in South Africa.
The very high number of mutations is a concern for predicted immune evasion and
transmissibility.
This new variant, B.1.1.529 seems to spread very quick! In less than 2 weeks now dominates all
infections following a devastating Delta wave in South Africa (Blue new variant, now at 75% of
last genomes and soon to reach 100%) pic.twitter.com/Z9mde45Qe0
— Tulio de Oliveira (@Tuliodna) November 25, 2021

Govt of India cautions states as new COVID variant emerges
The Government of India has cautioned the states and the Union Territories against the new
variant of COVID-19 that has been detected in South Africa and two other countries- Botswana
and Hong Kong.

Rajesh Bhushan, the Union Health Secretary has written to the additional chief secretaries of all
the states and UTs to conduct rigorous screening and test all the international passengers coming
from or transiting through Hong Kong, South Africa, and Botswana.
The United Kingdom also on November 26, 2021, announced a temporary ban on flights from
Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho. It also announced that the returning British
travelers from the mentioned destinations will have to quarantine.
7 things to know about the new COVID-19 Variant
1. The new COVID-19 variant, B.1.1.529 has 50 mutations overall, including more than 30 on the
spike protein alone. The spike protein is the main target of most COVID-19 vaccines and it is what
the virus uses to unlock the access to human body’s cells. However, researchers are still
identifying whether this makes the virus more transmissible than other variants.
2. 10 mutations are also on the receptor-binding domain part of the variant, in comparison to two
for the Delta Variant.
3. There have also been speculations on the origin of the new COVID-19 variant, but it may have
evolved from a single patient. The Director of UCL Genetics Institute, London, has suggested that
the variant may have come from a chronic infection of an immuno-compromised person.
4. The new COVID strain, which was first identified in South Africa this week, has now spread to
nearby countries, including Botswana where even the fully vaccinated people have been infected.
In South Africa alone, over 100 cases have been linked to this variant.
5. Two cases have been found in Hong Kong where the travellers from the parts of South Africa
were isolated in separate rooms.
6. Epidemiologist, Dr. Eric Feigl Ding said that because the patients were in separate rooms,
there is a concern that this variant is air-borne. Hotel guests were in a different room across the
hallway and the environmental samples have found the virus in 25 of 87 swabs across both
rooms.
7. The World Health Organisation has also called for caution in the initial stages of dealing with
the new COVID-19 variant. As per the global health body, more research needs to be conducted
to understand how B.1.1.529 behaves.

Australian test skipper Tim Paine takes

indefinite break from all cricket
Tim Paine break: Australian Test skipper, Tim Paine has taken an indefinite leave of absence
from all forms of cricket for the foreseeable future. The news comes a week after Paine stepped
down from the role of captain of the national test team.
Pat Cummins has been named the new captain of the Australian Test side and Steve Smith
has been named his deputy.
Tim Paine would be taking an indefinite mental health break from cricket. He is set to miss the
first Ashes Test, which is scheduled to start in Brisbane on December 8, 2021. Cricket Tasmania,
for whom Paine plays for domestically, released a statement on November 26, 2021 informing
about his break from cricket.
Read more: Pat Cummins becomes first fast bowler to captain Australia's test side full-
time
As per the statement, the former Australia captain Tim Paine advised Cricket Tasmania "he will
be taking a leave of absence from all forms of cricket for the foreseeable future."
The cricketer's manager James Henderson also confirmed that he is stepping down "for an
indefinite mental health break."
Tim Paine controversy
The news comes after a controversy blew up over inappropriate texts that Paine allegedly sent to
a female co-worker at Cricket Tasmania in 2017.
An investigation was conducted on the allegations of misconduct on the part of the player. While
Paine was cleared of any wrongdoing at the time, he still chose to step down as captain as he did
not want to "become an unwelcome disruption to the team ahead of what is a huge Ashes series."
Cricket Australia chief Nick Hockley said, "We recognise that this is an incredibly difficult time
for Tim and his family and are committed to supporting them. He said, "we respect and
understand Tim’s decision to have a break at this time to focus on his and his family’s

well-being."
Tim Paine's Cricket Career: Important Facts You need to know!
•Timothy Paine is a right-handed batsman and a wicket-keeper of the Australian national cricket
team.
•He had made his ODI debut in Australia vs Scotland match as a replacement for regular wicket-
keeper Brad Haddin in 2009.
•He made his test debut in Australia vs Pakistan test match in England in 2010 due to further
injury to Haddin.
•After 2011, he was not a regular in the Australian cricket team due to almost two full seasons of
injury.
•He was recalled for the 2017/2018 Ashes series, which was a significant comeback for him.
•Paine was announced as the interim captain of the Australian side after regular Australian
captain Steve Smith and Vice-Captain David Warner stepped down from their leadership
positions mid-match after the ball-tampering row during the third test against South Africa in
March 2018.
•Tim Paine was appointed as the 46th Captain of the Australian Test side on March 28, 2018
when Smith and Warner were suspended.
Tim Paine Batting Stats
Competition Test ODI
Matches 35 35
Runs scored 1,534 890
Batting average 32.63 27.81
100s/50s 0/9 1/5
Top score 92 111

Catches/stumpings 150/7 51/4

26/11 Mumbai Terror Attacks: 13 years since

26/11 attack by LeT; tributes pour in for
martyrs
November 26, 2021 marks 13 years of the 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attacks. 13 years ago on
November 26, 2008, Mumbai witnessed 12 bombing attacks across some of the most prominent
places like the Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, the Taj Mahal Hotel, the Oberoi, the
Nariman House Jewish Community among other places. As many as 166 people were killed
including 18 security personnel and several others got injured. A total of 10 members of the
Pakistan-based terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba carried out a coordinated deadly terror attack in
Mumbai that lasted for four days. 9 out of the 10 terrorists were killed by the security forces.
The then Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) Chief Hemant Karkare, Army Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan,
Mumbai’s Additional Police Commissioner Ashok Kamtee, Senior Police Inspector Vijay Salaskar,
and Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Tukaram Omble lost lives while taking down the terrorists. On
November 26, 2021, President Ram Nath Kovind, PM Narendra Modi, and Union Ministers
including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah paid their tributes to those
who were killed in the 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attacks.
26/11 Mumbai Terror Attacks: Background
10 members of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist outfit entered Mumbai through the sea route
from Pakistan and began their series of coordinated bombing attacks that lasted for four days. On
November 26, 2008, they launched their first attack at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway
station. The second attack was carried out at the Nariman House wherein five Israeli citizens also
got killed. The third attack was carried out at the Leopold Café and Taj Mahal Hotel. The fourth
attack was carried out at Oberoi-Trident Hotel.
The series of 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai began on November 26, 2008, and ended on
November 29, 2008, when the Commandoes of the National Security Guards (NSG)gunned down
9 out of the 10 terrorists at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Ajmal Kasab was the lone survivor
terrorist.
Who was behind the 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attacks?

A total of 10 members of the Pakistan-based terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba carried out a

coordinated deadly terror attack in Mumbai that lasted for four days. The mastermind of the 26/11
Mumbai Terror Attacks was Hafiz Saeed whom Pakistan arrested and later released.
Ajmal Kasab was the only surviving attacker of the 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attacks
Ajmal Kasab was the only surviving attacker among the 10 members of the Pakistan-based
terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba who carried out the 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attacks. Kasab was
arrested by the security forces and upon interrogation, he confirmed that the attacks were
coordinated and conducted by the Lashkar-e-Taiba and other Pakistan-based terror outfits. Kasab
was sentenced to death in 2012 at Yerwada Central Jail in Pune.

Constitution Day 2021 India: 72nd

Constitution Day of India celebrated today-
All you need to know
72nd Constitution Day of India: India celebrates November 26 every year as ‘Constitution
Day’ or ‘Samvidhan Divas’ to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of India. On
November 26, 1949, India had adopted the Constitution which later came into effect on January
26, 1950. Today, the country marks the 72nd anniversary of the historic event that also marked
the dawn of a new era back in 1949.
Constitution Day of India, also known as ‘Samvidhan Divas’ or ‘National Constitution day’
or ‘National Law Day’ aims at raising awareness about the Indian Constitution. In 2015, the
BJP-led government had announced that November 26 will be observed as the ‘Constitution Day’
to promote the Constitutional values among the Indian Citizens.
Best wishes to our citizens on Constitution Day.
On this special day, sharing a part of Dr. Ambedkar’s speech

in the Constituent Assembly on 4th November 1948 in which he moved a motion for adoption of
the Draft Constitution as settled by the Drafting Committee. pic.twitter.com/pviZNrKsGd
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 26, 2021

When is Constitution Day celebrated in India?
India celebrates Constitution Day on November 26 every year. The Union Ministry of Social
Justice had notified back in 2015 that the Central Government has decided to celebrate
November 26 as Constitution Day.
Why 26 November is celebrated as Constitution Day?
26 November is celebrated as the Constitution Day as on this particular date in 1949 India had
adopted the Constitution of India.
Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, who also became the first Law Minister of India, was appointed as the
Chairman of the Constitution drafting committee in 1947. He was given the responsibility of writing

the new Constitution after India gained Independence from the British on August 15, 1947.
Constitution Day meaning in Hindi
The Constitution Day in Hindi is called ‘Samvidhan Divas’.
History behind the birth of Constitution of India
India celebrates its Independence on August 15, 1947, and celebrates Republic Day on January
26, 1950, to mark the enforcement of the Constitution of India.
In 1934, the demand of the Constituent Assembly was made by M.N. Roy, a Communist Party
leader. It was later taken up by the Congress Party and the demand was accepted by the
Britishers in 1940.
Before India gained Independence, the Constituent Assembly of India had met for the first time on
December 9, 1946. Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha became the first President of the Constituent
Assembly and the meeting continued till January 24, 1950.
Total 11 sessions were convened under the Constituent Assembly and they met for around 166
days. On August 29, 1947, after India became Independent, a drafting committee was constituted
for preparing a draft Constitution under the Chairmanship of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
The Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution finished their work on November 26, 1949, and
on January 26, 1950, the Constitution of India came into force.
Importance of Indian Constitution
The Indian Constitution is the supreme law of India. The document lays down the framework that
outlines the fundamental political structure, code, powers, procedures, and duties of the Indian
Government institutions.
The Indian Constitution is significant as it also outlines the fundamental rights, duties of citizens of
India, and directive principles.
The Constitution of India imparts constitutional supremacy and the Parliament cannot override the
Constitution. It declares the country as sovereign, socialist and secular, and democratic republic
and assures the citizens of the country justice, equality, and liberty.
LIVE: President Kovind's address at the Constitution Day Celebrations in the Central Hall of the

Parliament https://t.co/jX0PTuI0u5
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) November 26, 2021

Indian Parliament celebrates National Constitution Day
The Parliament of India will observe the Indian Constitution Day on November 26, 2021, and
President Ram Nath Kovind will lead the celebrations from Central Hall. Vice President of India M
Venkiah Naidu and the Speaker of Lok Sabha Om Birla will also address the event.
Prime Minister Modi is also scheduled to take part in the celebrations of National Constitution Day
in Vigyan Bhawan and Parliament. Later, he will also inaugurate the two-day Constitution Day
celebrations organized by the Supreme Court of India.

National Milk Day 2021: Why is the National

Milk Day celebrated? Who is Dr Verghese
Kurien?
National Milk Day 2021: National Milk Day is celebrated on November 26, to mark the birth
anniversary of Dr. Verghese Kurien, who is also known as the father of the white revolution.
National Milk Day 2021 commemorates the 100th birth anniversary of Dr. Kurien.
National Milk Day is being celebrated on Dr Verghese Kurien's birth anniversary every year since
2014. Dr Kurien played an instrumental role in 'Operation Flood,' which led to dairy farming
becoming the largest self-sustaining industry in the country.
The Indian Dairy Association (IDA) had taken the initiative to celebrate National Milk Day for the
first time in 2014.
National Milk Day in India: November 26th
First National Milk Day- November 26, 2014
World Milk Day - June 1st
Why is National Milk Day celebrated in India?
National Milk Day is celebrated to honour Dr Verghese Kurien and to spread awareness regarding
the importance of milk in human life.
Who was Dr Verghese Kurien?
•Dr Verghese Kurien was born on November 26, 1921, in Kozhikode, Kerala. He was the
chairman and founder of Amul.
•He is known as the "Father of the White Revolution", as he was the brains behind 'Operation
Flood', which was launched on January 13, 1970. It was the world's largest dairy development
programme that made dairy farming India's largest self-sustaining industry and the largest rural
employment sector providing a third of all rural income.

•Operation flood led India to become the world's largest milk producer and within 30 years, it
increased milk output four-fold.
•This was achieved through production by the masses and the process was termed as the "White
Revolution".
•In 1965, the then Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri had tasked Dr. Kurien to replicate the
dairy's Anand scheme nationwide for which, the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) was
founded under Kurien.
•The Anand dairy was replicated in districts of Gujarat and Dr. Kurien brought all of them under
Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd. in 1973 to sell their products under a single
Amul brand.
•Many states attempted to emulate the same by setting up their own federations with varying
degrees of success such as Karnataka's Nandini, Rajasthan's Saras and Bihar's Sudha brand.
•Dr. Kurien had also founded the Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA) in 1979 to
groom managers for the cooperatives.
•He also helped manage the Delhi Milk Scheme and corrected the prices. He also helped India
become self-sufficient in edible oils. He also established 30-odd institutions that are all run by
farmers.
•His continuous contributions to the dairy industry earned him the title of ‘Father of White
Revolution and the ‘Milkman of India.’
Dr Verghese Kurien Honours
Dr Verghese Kurien was also honoured with several awards, including the Ramon Magsaysay
Award (1963), Krishi Ratna (1986) and World Food Prize (1989).
He is also the recipient of India's highest civilian awards- Padma Shri (1965), Padma Bhushan
(1966) and Padma Vibhushan (1999).
Operation Flood: Important Facts
•Operation Flood was launched on January 13, 1970. It was the world's largest dairy
development programme.

•Operation Flood helped transformed India from a milk-deficient nation to being the world's
largest milk producer,
•India surpassed the United States in milk production in 1998.
•Within 30 years, the operation helped double milk available per person in India, making dairy
farming India's largest self-sustainable rural employment generator.
•The operation gave farmers direct control over the resources they create, helping them direct
their own development. This was achieved not only by mass production, but by production by
the masses. It is also now known as the "White Revolution".

President Ram Nath Kovind to lead the nation in celebrating Constitution Day on
November 26
Constitution Day will be celebrated all over India on November 26, 2021, to mark the adoption of
the Indian Constitution by the Constituent Assembly. On November 26, 1949, the Constituent
Assembly of India had adopted the Constitution which later came into force on January 26, 1950.
New COVID Variant in South Africa
The new COVID variant in South Africa is the most heavily mutated version discovered so far.
The variant is called B.1.1.529 and is most likely to be given Greek code-name such as Alpha and
Delta variants by the World Health Organisation on November 26, 2021. The new COVID variant
is an unusual constellation of mutations and it is also very different to the other variants that have
circulated.
Pat Cummins announced to be Australia’s new Test captain
Fast bowler Pat Cummins will be the new Test Captain of the Australian Cricket team, with Steve
Smith named his deputy. Cummins was selected from several candidates after the former Test
Captain Tim Paine stood down following the revelations of a text messaging scandal in 2017.
All govt & Private schools to be opened in Haryana from December 1
The Education Minister of Haryana announced that from December 1, 2021, all the government
and private schools will open in full capacity. But, the compliance with COVID-19 protocols will
continue as before. If COVID-19 cases rise again, the state government will take immediate
action in this regard.
Indian Railways rolls back increased platform ticket prices
Indian Railways has decided to roll back the increased platform ticket prices during the COVID-19
pandemic time. The platform tickets will now be available for Rs. 10 as before. The prices of
platform tickets were earlier increased to reduce the crowd at railway stations during the
pandemic.

SWOT Satellite launch: Satellite for tracking

global surface water to launch in 2022,
confirms NASA
SWOT Mission-The Surface Water and Ocean Topography- will be launched in November
2022. The final set of tests on the spacecraft have also started, as per the statement by the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
SWOT Mission is a collaboration between NASA and the Space Agency of France National
Centre for Space Studies (CNES), with contributions from the UK Space Agency and the Space
Agency of Canada.
SWOT programme scientist at NASA Headquarters said that SWOT will be the first global
snapshot of all surface water that we have now, how the water moves around the planet, and
what happens to it when it comes in contact with climate.
A next-generation satellite that'll take the first global survey of Earth's water is 1 year from
launch! SWOT, the international Surface Water & Ocean Topography mission, will track our
planet's fresh & salt waters & study fine-scale ocean currents. https://t.co/oEIHHFEbuc
pic.twitter.com/HfMbb6iVZq
— NASA JPL (@NASAJPL) November 19, 2021

SWOT satellite launch: Objective
• The SWOT Mission satellite will accumulate the data on the height of the planet’s salt and fresh
water-which will include oceans, lakes, and rivers. It will enable the researchers in tracking the
volume and location of water all around the world.
• SWOT will also help in measuring the effects of climate change on Earth’s water, such as the
process through which the swirling ocean currents absorb excess heat, greenhouse gases, and
moisture from the atmosphere.
• SWOT mission's measurements will also aid in identifying how much the water flows into and
out of the planet’s rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, as well as the regional shifts in water level.

What is the next step in SWOT satellite mission?
In June 2021, the scientific instruments of the satellite were shipped to France from the Jet
Propulsion Laboratory of the agency in the US. Ever since the teams of both the countries have
been working to connect the part of the spacecraft holding the science instruments to the rest of
the satellite and ensuring that the electrical connections function properly.
The next 6 months in the SWOT mission will involve three phases of testing. It will assured that
the satellite will be able to survive the precision of its launch as well as the difficult environment of
space.
Next, the team of scientists will move SWOT into the chamber that will mimic the temperature
swings and the vacuum of space.
Finally, the SWOT satellite will be put through additional tests for making sure that satellite
systems can withstand any electromagnetic interference. After that, the spacecraft of the satellite
will be shipped to the site of launch.

CBI Special Director Praveen Sinha elected to

top committee of INTERPOL
CBI Special Director Praveen Sinha on November 24, 2021, was elected as a delegate from
Asia to the executive committee of the INTERPOL (International Criminal Police
Organisation). A candidate from India won in the election that saw the contestants from
Singapore, China, Jordan, and the Republic of Korea vying for two posts in the elite panel.
The elections for a delegate to the executive committee took place in Istanbul, Turkey during the
ongoing 89th INTERPOL General Assembly.
As per the official, the victory at the INTERPOL elections was the result of an intense and well-
coordinated election campaign across the world. The significant support of the friendly countries
was also sought at the bilateral engagements at the different levels.
The Indian embassies and high commissions were regularly following it up with their host
governments. Reportedly, the high commissioners and ambassadors in Delhi were similarly
reached out.
Mr Binchen HU of China and Mr Praveen SINHA of India have been elected to the posts of
Delegate for Asia (3-yr term). pic.twitter.com/H5qRHRzPZK
— INTERPOL (@INTERPOL_HQ) November 25, 2021

Interpol elects new President
Interpol informed that it has elected an official from UAE (United Arab Emirates) as its new
President.
Mr Ahmed Nasser AL RAISI of the United Arab Emirates has been elected to the post of
President (4-yr term). pic.twitter.com/pJVGfJ4iqi
— INTERPOL (@INTERPOL_HQ) November 25, 2021
Major General Ahmed Naser al-Raisi has been elected for one four-year term as the
President of the global policing body. Raisi is the inspector-general at the Interior Ministry of
United Arab Emirates and also a member of Interpol’s executive committee.
The new President of Interpol Raisi has been accused by the Human Rights Group for the

involvement in torture and arbitrary detentions in UAE. As per Interpol, Raisi was elected after
three rounds of voting and received 68.9% of the votes cast in the final round.
Special Director of CBI Praveen Sinha
In June 2021, Praveen Sinha was appointed as the Special Director of CBI. It is the second
senior-most position in the agency after the Director.
An IPS Officer from Gujarat Cadre of 1988 batch, Praveen Sinha has also served as the
Superintendent of Police, Joint Director, Deputy Inspector general, and additional director in CBI
between 2000 and 2021.
What is the role of Interpol?
International Criminal Police Organisation is a vital body that works to tackle the rising spectre of
transnational organized crimes, cyber-crimes, and terrorism.

IAF receives two Mirage 2000 fighters from

France – Know key details
The Indian Air Force (IAF) received two Mirage 2000 trainer version aircraft from France as
a major boost to the fighter jet fleet of IAF amid border tensions with China and Pakistan. The two
second-hand Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft would now be upgraded to the latest standard as part of
the ongoing Mirage upgrade deal at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The two Mirage 2000
fighter aircraft have been acquired by the IAF to take up the number of aircraft in the Mirage
fighter jet fleet to 50.
On August 31, the Indian Air Force signed another contract with the French Air Force to acquire
16 phased-out French Mirage aircraft in different batches to ensure enough spare parts for the
Mirage jet fleet. India’s fleet of 50 Mirage aircraft form three squadrons based at the Gwalior Air
Force station.
Mirage upgrade deal between India and France – Key Details
In July 2011, India signed a $2.1 billion worth deal with France to upgrade its fleet of Mirage 2000
fighter jets to Mirage 2000-5 Mk at about $43 million per Mirage aircraft. The Mirage upgrade deal
aims at enhancing the capabilities of 51 Mirage aircraft with new radar systems, new weapon
suite, electronic warfare system, and missiles. A total of 51 Mirage aircraft will be upgraded under
the Mirage upgrade deal.
India had acquired the Mirage aircraft fleet from the French Air Force in the 1980s. Made by
Dassault Aviation, these aircraft proved their mettle from the Kargil War to the 2019 Balakot
airstrikes where they bombed a Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist camp in Pakistan. These aircraft
have destroyed camps of the Pakistan Army and bunkers on the Tiger Hilltop during the Kargil
War by hitting their targets with pinpoint precision using laser-guided Spice-2000 bombs.
The first two upgraded Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft under the Mirage upgrade deal were handed
over to India in March 2015. They were upgraded with advanced navigational, radar, and missile
systems. The first 4 to 6 Mirage aircraft will be upgraded in France.
In 2011, another $900 million worth deal was signed with the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
(HAL) for upgrading the remaining 47 Mirage aircraft in India under the transfer of technology as

part of the Mirage upgrade deal. The upgradation by HAL started in 2015.

Cabinet approves continuation of ACROSS

scheme – Know significance
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on
November 24, 2021, approved for continuing the umbrella scheme ‘Atmosphere & Climate
Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS)’ of the Ministry of Earth
Sciences during 2021-26 at a cost of Rs 2,135 crores. The ACROSS scheme comprises eight
sub-schemes which are being implemented by the units of the Earth Sciences Ministry namely the
India Meteorological Department (IMD), Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), National
Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), and Indian National Centre for
Ocean Information Services (INCOIS).
Also read: Cabinet approves continuation of O-SMART scheme – Know significance, milestones,
objectives
Approval for continuing ACROSS scheme: Significance
The continuation of ‘Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services
(ACROSS)’ scheme during 2021-26 will offer improved weather, climate, ocean forecast and
services, and other natural hazards related services.
The ACROSS scheme will ensure benefits to the end-user through various services such as
agro-meteorological services, public weather services, environmental monitoring services,
aviation services, climate services, hydro-meteorological services, power generation, tourism,
pilgrimage, sports and adventure, water management, etc.
The ACROSS scheme will also lead to generations of employment by recruiting manpower for
its process from forecast services to the delivery of services.
The ACROSS scheme will further aid in fulfilling one of the mandates of the Earth Sciences
Ministry to observe the weather, climate, and ocean activities, and conduct research &
development activities for economic, societal, and environmental benefits such as addressing
the climate change crisis.
What is ACROSS scheme?
The Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS)
scheme comprises the atmospheric science programs of the Ministry of Earth Sciences. The
scheme aims at addressing different aspects of weather and climate services.

Who launched ACROSS scheme?
The ACROSS scheme was approved by the Cabinet Committee chaired by PM Narendra Modi in
2018. The Ministry of Earth Sciences works on the implementation of the scheme ACROSS.
ACROSS scheme: Eight sub-schemes
(i) Commissioning of Polarimetric Doppler Weather Radars (IMD)
(ii) Upgradation of Forecast System (IMD)
(iii) Weather & Climate Services (IMD)
(iv) Atmospheric Observations Network (IMD)
(v) Numerical Modelling of Weather and Climate (NCMRWF)
(vi) Monsoon Mission III (NCMRWF/IITM/INCOIS/IMD)
(vii) Monsoon Convection, Clouds, and Climate Change (NCMRWF/IITM/IMD)
(viii) High-Performance Computing System (NCMRWF/IITM)

India, ADB sign $300 million loan to improve

primary healthcare in the country- Check
Details
The Indian Government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a $300 million loan
to improve primary healthcare in the urban areas of 13 states. It will benefit over 256 billion
urban dwellers including the 51 million from the slum areas.
As per the release by the Finance Ministry, Additional secretary of the Department of Economic
Affairs, Rajat Kumar Mishra signed for the Govt of India the agreement for ‘Strengthening
Comprehensive Primary Health Care and Pandemic Preparedness’ in Urban Areas program. For
ADB, Takeo Konishi, Country Director of ADB’s India Resident Mission signed the agreement.
Programme to improve primary healthcare in India
The loan signed between the Government of India and Asian Development Bank will support the
government’s key health initiatives- Pradhan Mantri Atmanirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana
(PM-ASBY) which has been renamed as Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health
Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) and Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres
(AB-HWC)- by expanding the availability as well as access to the primary health care services in
the country.
The assurance of equitable access to non-COVID-19 primary health care is critical amid the
challenges that are posed by the COVID-19 pandemic to the health system of India.
Where the programme to improve primary health care will be implemented?
The programme will be implemented in India’s urban areas across 13 states: Assam, Andhra
Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Rajasthan,
Maharashtra, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.
Key Highlights:
• The $300 million loan between India and ADB, will promote the increased utilization of the urban
Health and Wellness Centers along with a provision of comprehensive primary health care

packages. It will include community outreach services and non-communicable diseases.
• The delivery of health information systems for primary health care will be upgraded through
quality assurance mechanisms, digital tools, and engagement and partnership with the private
sector.
• The programme to improve primary health care in India will be supported by a $2 million
technical assistance grant from Asian Development Bank’s Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction.

Noida International Airport: Why is Jewar

Aiport special- 10 Things you need to know!
Noida International airport: Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of Jewar
airport on November 25,,2021. The Jewar airport will be Asia's biggest airport.
The Jewar airport will be the logistics gateway of north India and being at a strategic location, it
will help decongest the Indira Gandhi International Airport.
The international airport will cater to the people living in the cities of Delhi, Noida, Agra,
Ghaziabad, Aligarh, Faridabad and neighbouring areas.
Jewar International Airport: 10 Things you need to know!
1. Asia's biggest airport: Jewar International Airport will be Asia's biggest airport and it will
create employment opportunities for more than one lakh people.
2. Fifth International airport of UP: The Jewar International Airport will be the fifth international
airport of Uttar Pradesh. It will make UP the only Indian state to have 5 international airports.
Besides UP, Kerala and Tamil Nadu are the only states to have 4 international airports each.
3. Logistics gateway of North India: The Jewar aiport, spread over more than 1300 hectares of
land, is set to be the logistics gateway of northern India and will help Uttar Pradesh make a place
on the global logistics map.
4. India's first net-zero emissions airport: The Noida International airport or the Jewar airport
will be India's first net-zero emissions airport, as it has earmarked dedicated land to be developed
as a forest park using trees from the project site.
5. Greenfield project: The Jewar airport project will be implemented in four phases. The first
phase of the airport is expected to be completed in 36 months and it will have the capacity to
serve almost 1.2 crore passengers every years.
6. Multi-modal cargo hub: The airport will have an integrated multi-modal cargo hub to reduce
total cost and time for logistics. The dedicated cargo terminal will have a capacity of 20 lakh
metric tonne, which will later be expanded to 80 lakh metric tonne.

7. Seamless connectivity: The airport will also have a ground transportation centre that will
feature a multimodal transit hub. The transit hub will feature taxi, bus and metro and high-speed
rail services along with a private parking to enable seamless connectivity of the airport with road,
rail, and metro.
8. Swing aircraft stand concept: The Jewar airport will introduce a swing aircraft stand concept,
which will provide flexibility to the airlines to operate an aircraft for both domestic and international
flights from the same contact stand, without having to re-position the aircraft.
9. The Noida International airport will be developed by Yamuna International Airport Private
Limited (YIAPL), a 100 per cent subsidiary of the project's Swiss concessionaire Zurich
International Airport AG. YIAPL will develop the airport under PPP model in partnership with Uttar
Pradesh Government and the centre.
10. Low operating costs: The airport will house a state-of-art MRO (Maintenance, Repair and
Overhauling) Service and its design will be focused on low operating costs and seamless and fast
transfer processes for passengers.

Cabinet approves continuation of O-SMART

scheme – Know significance, milestones,
objectives
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on
November 24, 2021, approved for continuing the umbrella scheme ‘Ocean Services, Modelling,
Application, Resources and Technology (O-SMART)’ of the Ministry of Earth Sciences during
2021-26 at a cost of Rs 2,177 crores. The O-SMART scheme comprises seven sub-schemes
which are being implemented by autonomous institutes of the Earth Sciences Ministry. A fleet of
oceanographic and coast research vessels have been provided by the Earth Sciences Ministry to
aid research under the O-SMART scheme.
Approval for continuing O-SMART scheme: Significance
The continuation of the Ocean Services, Modelling, Application, Resources and Technology
(O-SMART) scheme during 2021-26 will augment the capacity building of India in the
oceanographic field at the international level with the ongoing extensive research and
technology development activities. The continuation of the O-SMART scheme will aid in
strengthening India’s contribution towards a national policy on Blue Economy for efficient and
effective use of the ocean resources in a sustainable way.
As a multidisciplinary continuing scheme, the O-SMART scheme will offer further

comprehensive coverage while strengthening ongoing activities to deliver cutting-edge
technology for the marine sector, forecast and warning services, understanding marine
biodiversity, coastal processes, and conservation strategies for marine living organisms.
The United Nations (UN) has declared the current decade as the Decade of Ocean Science for
Sustainable Development. The coastal research and marine biodiversity activities under the O-
SMART scheme will help in achieving UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 to
conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources.
Through the ocean advisory services and technologies developed under the O-SMART
scheme, several communities and sectors in the marine environment particularly the coastal
states in India which in turn registers a significant contribution to the Gross Domestic Product
(GDP) of India.
What is O-SMART scheme?
The Ocean Services, Modelling, Application, Resources and Technology (O-SMART) is a

government scheme that aims at promoting ocean research and setting up early warning weather
systems. The scheme also aims at addressing ocean development activities such as technology,
services, resources, science, and observations as well as offering required technological
assistance for implementing aspects of Blue Economy.
Who launched O-SMART scheme?
The O-SMART scheme was approved by the Cabinet Committee chaired by PM Narendra Modi
on August 29, 2018. The Ministry of Earth Sciences works on the implementation of the scheme.
O-SMART
Objectives
The O-SMART scheme comprising oceanographic activities aims at providing forecasts and
services based on the continuous observation of oceans, development of technologies,
exploratory surveys for the sustainable harnessing of our oceanic resources (both non-living and
living), and promotion of front-ranking research in ocean sciences.
O-SMART: Seven sub-schemes
(i) Ocean Technology
(ii) Ocean Modelling and Advisory Services (OSMAS)
(iii) Ocean Observation Network (OON)
(iv) Ocean Non-Living Resources
(v) Marine Living Resources and Ecology (MLRE)
(vi) Coastal Research and Operation
(vii) Maintenance of Research Vessels
O-SMART scheme: Milestones
The O-SMART scheme has helped India get recognized as Pioneer Investor with
International Seabed Authority (ISA) for conducting extensive research on deep-sea mining of
Poly Metallic Nodules (PMN) and hydrothermal sulfides in the allotted area of the Indian Ocean.

The technology development for desalination using low-temperature thermal desalination

installation of such facility in Lakshadweep.
Extension of India’s ocean-related activities from the Arctic to Antarctic region covering
large ocean space that has been monitored through satellite-based and in-situ observation.
The scheme has enabled India to take a leadership role in implementing the Indian Ocean
component of the Global Ocean Observing System in UNESCO’s Intergovernmental
Oceanographic Commission (IOC). The Indian Ocean Observing System under the Global
Ocean Observing System offers ocean forecast services for potential natural coastal and fishing
ground hazards warnings about storms, cyclones, Tsunamis at national levels as well as
neighboring countries.
A state-of-the-art Early Warning System for oceanic disasters such as storms, tsunamis, has
also been set up at INCOIS, Hyderabad. The system is recognized by UNESCO.
The scheme aids in an extensive survey of the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and
the continental shelf of the Indian Ocean to identify ocean resources, navigation, ocean-related
services, etc. The scheme also aids in assessing living resources in the EEZ and deep ocean,
mapping marine ecosystems for conservation and protection of marine biodiversity.

Only CNG. electric vehicles allowed to enter

Delhi from November 27: Delhi Environment
Minister Gopal Rai
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced on November 24, 2021 that only CNG and
electric vehicles will be allowed to enter into Delhi from November 27th. The Minister informed
this while addressing the media after a high-level meeting with officials over the air pollution
situation in Delhi.
Only CNG, electric vehicles allowed to enter Delhi from Nov 27, rest banned till Dec 3:
Environment Minister Gopal Rai
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 24, 2021
The Delhi Environment Minister stated that the entry of all other vehicles into Delhi will be banned
till December 3, 2021. This means that the ban on entry of trucks into Delhi will continue till
December 3. Gopal Rai, however, clarified that smaller trucks run on CNG and electric trucks will
be allowed to enter the city.
Ban on entry of trucks into Delhi to continue till December 3 but smaller trucks run on CNG and
electric trucks can enter city: Gopal Rai. (This clarifies that the restriction is applicable only to
trucks and not to all vehicles)
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 24, 2021
The announcement comes as air quality in Delhi plunged to "very poor" category yet again on
November 25th, as per the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research
(SAFAR). The overall Air Quality Index of Delhi also dipped from 280 on November 21st to 330
today.
The PM 10 levels were also recorded at 327 in 'poor' category and PM 2.5 levels also remained at
171 in 'very poor' category. The contribution of stubble burning to Delhi's PM2.5 is just 3 per cent,
as per SAFAR.
Read more: SC asks Centre to intensify measures to improve air quality, next hearing on
29th November

Delhi Air Quality likely to improve in coming days: SAFAR
The reason for the dip in the air quality is assumed to be due to relatively low local surface
winds, which reduces dispersion of pollutants leading to the deterioration of air quality. SAFAR
said in its latest bulletin that the "air quality is likely to be in the higher end of the 'very
poor' category for the next two days." It further said that the local surface winds are likely to
increase from November 27th resulting in improvement of air quality but expected to be within
the 'very poor' category.
Delhi schools to re-open from November 29th
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced that all the Delhi schools, colleges and
educational institutions will re-open from November 29th as the air quality is improving in the
national capital.
The Delhi government had, earlier on November 22nd lifted the ban on construction and
demolition activities due to the improvement in the air quality.
The Delhi government offices will also reopen from November 29th and the officials have been
advised to use public transport as much as possible. Special buses will be deployed for them.
Big decision after meet on Pollution:
Given the improvement in Delhi's Pollution levels, Educational institutes to reopen from 29 Nov
'21
Govt offices to also reopen from 29 Nov, officials advised to use public transport as much as
possible
-Environment Min @AapKaGopalRai pic.twitter.com/7ckMEx3zSI
— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) November 24, 2021

Background
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had announced a 'pollution lockdown' on November 13 to
tackle the rise in air pollution in the national capital. Under the pollution lockdown, the schools and
educational institutions were closed physical classes but online classes, however, continued.
The Delhi government had also halted all construction and demolition activities and banned the

entry of trucks into the capital. The Delhi government also resorted to several other emergency
measures including sprinkling of water on roads.
Also read: All schools shut, WFH for 50 percent staff in NCR- Check full list of CAQM
guidelines

Fertility rate of India drops below

replacement level, sex ratio improves; Check
key findings of NFHS-5 survey
Fertility Rate of India 2021: India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has further declined from 2.2 to 2 at
the national level. The Total Fertility Rate is the average number of children per woman. As
per a survey by the Health Ministry, the total fertility rate in India has ranged from 1.4 in
Chandigarh to 2.4 in Uttar Pradesh.
The factsheets of key indicators on nutrition, population, family welfare, reproductive and child
health, and others for India and 14 states and UTs were clubbed under Phase 2 of the National
Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) (2019-21). They were released by the NITI Aayog’s Member,
Health, Dr Vinod Kumar Paul and Family Welfare Secretary Rajesh Bhushan.
The Health Ministry survey has shown that all the states covered under Phase-2 have been able
to achieve the replacement level of fertility (2.1) except Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan
and Uttar Pradesh.
Drop in India’s fertility rate
• The National Family Health Welfare Survey (NFHS-5) has found that the overall Contraceptive
Prevalence Rate (CPR) has increased substantially from 54% to 67% at an All-India level.
• The use of contraceptives of modern methods has seen an increase in almost all the Indian
States and UTs. The increase can be seen in almost all Phase-2 states/UTs with an exception of
Punjab.
• The key indicator of the Health Ministry has also revealed that the unmet needs of family
planning have seen a significant decline from 13% to 9% at an All-India level and in most of the
Phase-2 states and UTs.
The sex ratio of the total population (females per 1000 males) in #India remarkably improved by
29 points, from 991 in 2015-16 to 1020 in 2019-21 NFHS survey. #NFHS @MinistryWCD
pic.twitter.com/0yMTvy2FWv

— NITI Aayog (@NITIAayog) November 25, 2021

Phase-2 of NFHS-5: Key findings
1. Immunisation drive among Children
As per the survey, the full immunization drive among children aged between 12-23 months has
recorded a substantial improvement from 62% to 76% at an All-India level.
On comparing the previous data of NFHS-4 and NFHS-5, the increase in full immunization
coverage has been observed to be rapid in various states and Union Territories. The highest is in
Odisha at 90%.
2. Improved Sex Ratio
As per the NFHS-3 conducted in 2005-2006, the ratio was equal to 1000:1000 for women and
men. Later, it went further down to 991:1000 in 2015-2016 in NFHS-4. However, for the first time,
NFHS-5 data has shown that there were 1,020 women for 1,000 men in India in 2019-21.
3. Anaemia among children and women continues to be a cause
As per phase-2 of NFHS-5, anaemia among children and women has continued to be a concern,
with more than half of women and children being anaemic in 14 Indian States and UTs and at an
all-India level.
4. Child nutrition indicators shows improvement
As per the findings of NFHS-5 survey, child nutrition has shown a slight improvement at an all-
India level as the stunting declined from 38% to 26%, wasting from 21% to 19% and underweight
from 36% to 32%.
5. Breastfeeding to children under six months of age shows improvement
Exclusive breastfeeding to the children under 6 months of age has shown improvement in an All-
India level from 55% in 2015-16 to 64% in 2019-21.
6. Increase in institutional births
There has been an increase in institutional births. They have increased significantly from 79% to

89% at the country level. In Puducherry and Tamil Nadu, institutional delivery is 100% and more
than 90% in seven states and UTs. C-section deliveries have also seen an increase.
7. Need for spacing comes down
The unmet need for spacing has come down to less than 10% in all states in India, except
Jharkhand at 12%, and UP and Arunachal Pradesh- both at 13%.
States and UTs covered under NFHS-5 Phase 2
The States and UTs that were surveyed in phase-2 were Chhattisgarh, Arunachal Pradesh,
Chandigarh, Jharkhand, Haryana, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Odisha, Rajasthan,
Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand.
NFHS-5: Objective
The main objective of the successive rounds of the National Family Health Welfare Survey
(NFHS) is to provide reliable and comparable data that is related to health and family welfare as
well as other emerging issues in the country.
NFHS-5 Survey Work
The survey work of NFHS-5 has been conducted in around 6.1 lakh sample households from 707
districts of India.
The NFHS-5 survey by the Health Ministry covered 7,24,115 women and 1,01,839 men. It
provided dis-aggregated estimates up to the district level. The results of NFHS-5 are also
available for the public on the Ministry of Health website.
Background
Earlier in December 2020, the findings of NFHS-5 for 22 states and UTs that were covered under
Phase-1 were released.

First female Swedish PM Magdalena Andersson resigns
Sweden's first female Prime Minister, Magdalena Andersson, resigned from her position just a few
hours after she was voted in. The decision was announced on Twitter. Andersson had not yet had
counsel with the King. Her resignation follows a budget defeat in Parliament with lawmakers
supporting the opposition's bill.
UAE hopes to resume regular flight services with India
UAE Ambassador to India Ahmed Albanna expressed hope on November 24, 2021 for the
resumption of pre-Covid flight services with India. He said during a press conference that the only
thing we are facing a little bit of challenge is on in the flights, is that they are restricted to carrying
a certain number of passengers under the bubble arrangement. He stated that their main carriers
are carrying only 30 percent of their total capacity and this affects the traffic and the airfare.
PM Modi to participate in Constitution Day celebrations on November 26th
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the programmes organised as a part of the
Constitution Day celebrations in the Parliament and Vigyan Bhawan on November 26, 2021. On
the occasion, the President will read the Preamble of the constitution live and also release the
digital version of Constituent Assembly Debates and a digital version of a calligraphed copy of the
Constitution of India. He will also release an updated version of the Constitution of India that
includes all the latest amendments.
Germany announces development commitments worth EUR 1.2 billion to aid India
Germany has recently announced new development commitments worth over EUR 1.2 billion to
aid India's fight against climate change and for cooperation on clean energy. The announcement
was made during the visit of a delegation from the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and
Development.
PM Modi to lay the foundation stone of Noida International Airport today
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone of the Noida International Airport (NIA)
in Jewar, Gautam Buddha Nagar at 1 pm today, November 25, 2021. The first phase of the

airport will be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 10,050 crore. The completed first phase will
have a capacity to serve over 1.2 crore passengers a year.
Read more here
KL Rahul rises to 5th spot in ICC T20I Rankings
India's opening batsman KL Rahul has gone up by one spot to be ranked at the 5th place in the
ICC T20I rankings after India vs New Zealand T20I series. Rohit Sharma also gained two places
to be ranked 13th.
Delhi schools, educational institutions to re-open from November 29
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced on November 24, 2021, that schools, colleges
and educational institutions in the national capital will re-open from November 29 as Delhi's air
quality shows improvement.
The Minister said that the state government has also decided to allow the entry of all CNG,
electric vehicles into Delhi from November 27. The entry of all other vehicles will remain banned
till December 3rd.
Humanity's first planetary defence test
SpaceX is planning to conduct humanity's first planetary defence test, in which it will redirect an
asteroid through NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission. The DART Mission
launched on November 24, 2021, will be the first planetary defence test mission that will
intentionally crash a spacecraft into an asteroid to see if it is an effective way to change its
course.
Delhi govt's free pilgrimage scheme for senior citizens to begin on December 3rd
Delhi government's free pilgrimage scheme for senior citizens, 'Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra Yojana',
will start on December 3, 2021 with the first train leaving for Ayodhya on the day. The senior
citizens have the option of visiting 12 places under the scheme. They have been allowed to take
one attendant with themself. The scheme has benefitted around 36,000 people till now.

INS Vela commissioned into Indian Navy on

November 25 – Know Key features,
significance
INS Vela was commissioned into the Indian Navy on November 25, 2021, by Navy Chief
Admiral Karambir Singh at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. The fourth of six Stealth Scorpene-
class Submarines INS Vela got commissioned amid increased Chinese naval presence in the
Indian Ocean region. Commissioning of INS Vela comes after the commissioning of an
indigenously designed stealth-guided missile destroyer INS Visakhapatnam on November 21,
2021.
INS Vela, the fourth Scorpene-class submarine, commissioned into the Indian Navy, in the
presence of Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh, at the naval dockyard in Mumbai
pic.twitter.com/7sfdO8t1FI

Fourth Scorpene-class Submarine INS Vela - Significance
INS Vela is the fourth of six Stealth Scorpene-class Submarines of Project 75 that will give a
big boost to India’s maritime power and capabilities in tackling maritime threats amid the growing
presence of China in the India Ocean region. The commissioning of INS Vela comes at a time
when the Indian Navy is working to become a 170-ship force against the backdrop of China’s
increasing naval presence in the Indian Ocean region
The Indian Navy in its statement described the INS Vela submarine as “capable of offensive
operations that span the entire spectrum of maritime warfare." The Scorpene-class (also known
as Kalvari class) diesel-electric submarines built under Project 75 for the Indian Navy can
undertake multifarious tasks typically undertaken by any modern submarine which include anti-
surface as well as anti-submarine warfare.
Kalvari-class submarine INS Vela has been built in India which affirms the ‘Make in India’
initiative. The Commanding Officer of INS Vela Captain Anish Mathew told ANI that INS Vela has
an indigenous set of batteries and an advanced communication suite of indigenous origin. The
submarine takes the concept of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ further.

Fourth Scorpene-class Submarine INS Vela – Key Points
INS Vela is the fourth of the six Stealth Scorpene Class submarines of Project 75. INS Vela was
launched on May 6, 2019 and delivered to the Indian Navy on November 9, 2021. Three of
these Scorpene Class submarines have been commissioned in the Indian Navy.
INS Vela submarine has been constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL),
Mumbai under collaboration with M/s Naval Group, France. The submarine was towed to Mumbai
Port Trust, for separation from the pontoon.
INS Vela has completed all major harbor and sea trials including sensor and weapon trials despite
the COVID pandemic. INS Vela submarine has been slotted to join the Submarine fleet of the
Western Naval Command.
INS Vela submarine is equipped with C303 anti-torpedo countermeasure system. It can carry upto
18 torpedoes or Exocet anti-ship missiles or 30 mines in place of torpedoes.
INS Vela measures 67.5 metres in length and 12.3 metres in height. The beam of the submarine
is 6.2 metres. INS Vela can reach upto a top speed of 20 knots when underwater and a speed of
11 knots when above water.
INS Vela draws power to run from four MTU 12V 396 SE84 diesel engines and 360 battery cells.
The submarine has a silent Permanently Magnetized Propulsion Motor. The Hydroplanes, Fin,
and Hull of the submarine INS Vela have been designed for minimum underwater resistance. All
equipment inside the pressure hull is mounted on shock-absorbing cradles for enhanced stealth.
As a Scorpene-class diesel-electric powered attack submarine, INS is capable of engaging in

offensive operations of naval warfare including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, mine
laying, area surveillance, and intelligence gathering.
The previous version of INS Vela was commissioned on August 31, 1973 and it was
decommissioned on June 25, 2010 after serving for 37 eventful years. The new version of INS
Vela has been termed as a potent man o’ war.
Previous Scorpene-class Submarines commissioned into Indian Navy
INS Kalvari: Launched in October 2015 and commissioned into Indian Navy in December 2017.

INS Khanderi: Launched in January 2017 and commissioned into Indian Navy in September
2019.
INS Karanj: Launched in January 2018 and commissioned into Indian Navy in March 2021.

Lira collapses to record low, how will this

impact Turkish economy?
Turkish Lira tumbled to a record low against the US dollar on November 24, 2021 increasing
worries about Turkey's monetary policy.
The Lira fell down to an all-time low of 13.45 against the US dollar on November 23rd and
weakened as far as 13.15 on November 24th before moving slightly up to 13.05.
Lira's tumble comes amid worries over soaring inflation and another economic fallout. The
currency has hit record lows in 11 consecutive sessions, falling by nearly 43 percent since the
start of the year. The currency saw an almost 24% decline since the beginning of last week.
Lira conversion
1 Turkish lira to INR
1 Turkish Lira = 23.32 INR
1 Turkish lira to USD
1 TRY = 0.09 USD
Why is Turkish lira's collapse concerning?
Lira's recent collapse has been the largest since the height of a currency crisis in 2018 that had
led to a sharp recession. It had brought on three years of sub-par economic growth and double-
digit inflation. The currency collapse is upending the household budgets of the Turkish people and
their plans for the future.
Turkish economy in a downward spiral?
•The Turkish central bank has slashed rates by almost 400 points since September. Turkish
President had applied pressure on the central bank to resort to an aggressive easing cycle to
boost exports, investment and jobs - even as inflation soared to nearly 20 percent.

•However, this has accelerated currency depreciation, which is cutting deep into the earnings of
the Turkish people. Many economists called the rate cuts reckless while the opposition appealed
for immediate elections.
•However, Erdogan defended the central bank's monetary policy, vowing to win his "economic
war of independence". But there was no hint of an intervention to stop the economic meltdown.
•The central bank issued a statement on November 23rd saying that it could only intervene under
certain conditions in "excessive volatility".
•According to former central chief economist Hakan Kara, "If measures are not taken urgently, the
financial system cannot cope with this."
Impact
The policy rate now stands at 15% while inflation runs at 20%. High inflation risks fuelling more
currency weakness and stifling growth while consumer confidence is hit.
While annual inflation stood at almost 20 percent in October, food price inflation, which was
more than 27 percent year on year in the same month. Food inflation has hit low-income
households especially hard.
High inflation could also further undermine public support for the Turkish President, whose two-
decade rule was associated with rising prosperity for years.
The opposition has been demanding early elections so that they can capitalise on the growing
discontent over the current economic situation of the country.

Sweden's first female Prime Minister

Magdalena Andersson resigns on day 1 after
coalition collapses
Sweden Prime Minister 2021: The first female Prime Minister of Sweden Magdalena
Andersson resigned on November 24, 2021, after less than 12 hours as the PM. Andersson's
resignation came after the Green Party quit her coalition, sending the nordic country into political
uncertainty.
However, leader of the Social Democrats Magdalena Andersson said that she had informed the
speaker of the Parliament that she hoped to be appointed Prime Minister of Sweden again as the
head of a single-party government.
Sweden’s Parliament on November 24, 2021, had elected Magdalena Andersson, Social
Democratic Party leader and Finance Minister, as the first female Prime Minister of Sweden. The
decision came after Andersson clinched a last-minute deal securing the key support.
Why did Swedish Prime Minister resign?
The Green Party of Sweden has decided to quit after the Parliament rejected the coalition's
budget bill. Andersson had previously received the support of the Social Democrats’ coalition
partner the Green Party, as well as the Centre Party.
Andersson was facing setbacks even before her election on November 24. The announcement
was made by the Centre Party that while it will not oppose Andersson in the vote for PM, it
will withdraw its support for the government’s budget to be voted later on November 24,
because of the concessions made to the Left.
It meant that Magdalena Andersson had to govern with a budget presented by the opposition
conservative Moderates, far-right Sweden Democrats, and Christian Democrats.
The 54-years-old Magdalena Andersson, who took over as the leader of the Social Democrats
earlier in November 2021, had reached a deal with the Left Party late on November 23, 2021, to
raise the pensions in exchange for its backing in the next day vote.

New Swedish PM resigns on first day after coalition collapses https://t.co/PgxZkFLtxq

pic.twitter.com/296y1D1Rt7

How Magdalena Andersson can still become first female PM of Sweden?
Even though Andersson's resignation came within 12 hours of assuming the duties of
PM, her chances of being reappointed as the Prime Minister of Sweden are still good.
The Green party has assured that it will support her in any new confirmation vote in the
Parliament, while the Centre Party has promised to abstain which means the same as
backing her candidacy.
The Left Party of Sweden has already said that it will back her. While these parties have
been unable to agree on a budget, they all are united on the goal of keeping the Sweden
Democrats, an anti-immigration, populist party, from having a role in the Government.
The opposition Christian Democrats and Moderates are backed by the Sweden
Democrats, however, they cannot demand a majority in the Parliament.
Female Prime Ministers of Nordic countries
All the Nordic countries have seen women lead their governments.
Country Women Prime Ministers of Nordic countrie
Sweden Former PM Magdalena Andersson
Norway Former PM Erna Solberg
Denmark PM Mette Frederiksen
Finland PM Sanna Marin
Iceland PM Katrín Jakobsdóttir
Background
Magdalena Andersson was to succeed the outgoing PM Stefan Lofven after a total of 117
members of Parliament voted for Andersson. 57 members abstained from voting while 174 voted
against and one was absent.
Under Sweden’s electoral system, a prime ministerial candidate of the country does not
need the support of a majority in the Parliament, the candidate just needs to not have a

majority- or 175 votes- against them.
The former Prime Minister of Sweden and leader of the Social Democratic Party Stefan Lofven
had resigned on November 10, 2021, after seven years as the Prime Minister. The move was
widely expected as it also aimed at giving his successor time to prepare for September 2022
general elections in Sweden.
Despite being a country that had long championed gender equality, Sweden has never had
a woman as Prime Minister.

Odisha cabinet approves Odisha Electronics

Policy 2021 - Know key features
Odisha State Cabinet headed by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on November 23, 2021,
approved ‘Odisha Electronics Policy 2021’ to promote Odisha as an attractive destination for
the electronics industry as well as promote electronics manufacturing in the state. The Odisha
Electronics Policy 2021 will continue till March 31, 2026, or until replaced by another scheme.
What is Odisha Electronics Policy 2021?
The Electronics and IT Department in Odisha said that the Odisha Electronics Policy 2021 has
been formulated for promoting the Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM)
industry in the state. The Policy aims at positioning Odisha as an attractive destination for the
Electronics industry by offering a congenial, proactive industrial, and industry-friendly climate
with leading infrastructure, policy initiatives, and supporting facilities. The Policy coupled with a
skilled workforce aims at creating a favourable ecosystem for growth and development of the
Electronics industry in Odisha.
The Policy aims at fostering a culture of research, innovation, and entrepreneurship by building
an ecosystem of interlinked Academia-Industry-Professional-Leaders. The Policy will also focus
on MSME enterprises as the growth drivers of the economy.
An Apex Committee chaired by the Chief Secretary will be constituted for monitoring the
implementation of Odisha Electronics Policy 2021. The Odisha Computer Applications Centre
(OCAC) on behalf of the Electronics and IT Department will be managing the day-to-day
monitoring of targets, objectives, and activities under this policy.
Odisha Electronics Policy 2021 – Key Features
New investment and expansion can avail Production Linked Incentive (PLI) at 1 per cent of
annual turnover for 5 years starting from the year of commencement of production, on a first
come first serve basis for the first 10 investments.
ESDM units will be provided subsidy ranging from Rs 10 crores to Rs 250 crores on the basis of
their fixed capital investment. Under power incentives, Electricity Duty and Electrical Inspection
Fees will be exempted for 5 years. Eligible ESDM units will be provided subsidy on power bills for
5 years at 30 per cent limited to Rs 50 lakh per unit.
Under land incentives, 100 per cent exemption of stamp duty and 50 per cent exemption on the

second transaction. Land conversion charges payable for converting land from agricultural use to
industrial use will be reimbursed 100 per cent.
Entrepreneurs belonging to SC/ST, persons with disabilities, women category will be given a
subsidy of 10 per cent of Investment Subsidy limited to Rs 1 crore. An additional 25 per cent
subsidy on lease rentals upto Rs 10 lakhs per annum for 5 years will be provided.
Special incentives to units that employ local youths will be provided by the government. Local
enterprises will be eligible to get set preferences in public procurement as provided to the MSMEs
or startups as per OGFR or notification by Finance Department.
25 per cent reimbursement on cleaner or greener production measures limited to Rs 20 lakhs per
unit on the basis of certification by accredited certifying agencies will be offered.
Recruitment Assistance at Rs 8,000 per newly recruited regular employee who are citizens of
Odisha with a maximum limit of Rs 30 lakhs for 3 years. Additional Rs 2,000 will be given to
employees belonging to SC/ST, persons with disabilities, women category.
Eligible units will also be given interest subsidy for timely payment at 5 per cent per annum on
term loans availed from Public Financial Institutions or Banks for 6 years from the date of
commencement of production.
State Component of GST (SGST) will be reimbursed 100 per cent as per actual paid for 5 years
from the date of the state of commercial production limited to 100 per cent of the Fixed Capital
Investment.
Also read: Jagannath Temple: Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik lays foundation stone for Puri
heritage corridor project

Jagannath Temple: Odisha CM Naveen

Patnaik lays foundation stone for Puri
heritage corridor project
Jagannath Temple Puri: The Chief Minister of Odisha Naveen Patnaik on November 24, 2021,
laid the foundation stone of the ‘Shree Mandira Parikrama’ Project (Heritage Corridor
Project) near Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri. After laying the foundation stone, Chief Minister
Patnaik said that it is a historic day for all Jagannath Bhakts all over the world and is indeed a
sacred day for the people of the state.
The foundation stone for Puri’s Srimandir Parikrama project was laid on the culmination of
the three-day-long ‘Mahayajna’ near the boundary wall of Lord Jagannath Temple. The rituals of
‘Mahayajna’ as the ‘Karta’ were performed by ‘Gajapari Maharaj’-the titular king of Puri,
considered the first servitor of Lord Jagannath.
Chief Minister Patnaik also felicitated 10 people who donated their ancestral land, adjacent to
Jagannath Temple, for the project.
#JaiJagannatha
Today is a historic day for the Jagannatha bhakts from all over the world.
And indeed a sacred day for the people of #Odisha. #PuriHeritageCorridor

pic.twitter.com/BJ3y1QLlNo
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) November 24, 2021

Objective
The ambitious Puri Heritage Corridor Project was unveiled in 2019. The project aims at making
adequate security provisions and amenities for the devotees to facilitate a smoother darshan of
the deities during festivals as well as other special occasions.
Puri Heritage Corridor Project: Key Highlights
• As part of the Puri Heritage Corridor Project, a reception hall to accommodate around 6,000

devotees, ATM counters, a green corridor around the temple, a cloakroom along with separate
toilet complexes for devotees, pilgrim information points will be built.
• The work of the Puri Heritage Corridor Project will be executed by a Tata Group Company worth
Rs. 331.26 crores within the period of 18 months.
• As a part of the Heritage Corridor Project, the infrastructure of around a 75-meter radius for the
shrine from the 12th century will also be developed.
• Places of religious and historical significance such as Badachhata Mutt, Languli Mutt, and
Chhauni Mutt will also be revamped in the new Kalingan Style of Architecture.
• The building of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration will be redeveloped, apart from creating
a command and control center.
• A seven-lane-wide pathway for the devotees and a separate lane for the devotees will also be
created.
Jagannath Temple Open
Jagannath Temple was reopened on August 23, 2021, for the devotees after a gap of about 4
months because of the COVID-19 guidelines.

Why is India releasing 5 million barrels of

crude oil from its strategic reserves? -
Explained
For the first time ever, India plans to release about 5 million barrels of crude oil from its
Strategic Petroleum Reserves ‘in parallel and in consultation with’ the US, China, Japan and
South Korea to bring down global crude oil prices, said the Oil Ministry. The US will release 50
million barrels of crude oil from its reserve. This is the first of its kind coordinated release of crude
oil from strategic reserves globally. The development comes in with the US to bring down global
crude oil prices which crossed $85 per barrel in October 2021.
Also read: Malaysia surpasses Indonesia to be India’s biggest crude palm oil exporter
Why is India releasing 5 million barrels of crude oil along with US, China, Japan, South
Korea?
The global call by India and other major consumers to release crude oil from their strategic
reserves came after the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies including
Russia did not pay attention to India’s plea for normalizing crude oil output. OPEC provides a
majority of India’s crude oil imports. Even the US was unsuccessful at persuading OPEC+ to
produce more oil. Following this, US President Joe Biden called on India, China, Britain, South
Korea, and Japan for a coordinated release of crude oil stocks from their respective Strategic Oil
Reserves.
OPEC+ countries have been adding 4,00,000 barrels of crude oil on a monthly basis to the
market but it has not been sufficient to bring down prices as demand returns to pre-pandemic
levels. OPEC+ countries are scheduled to meet on December 2 to take a call on raising or
maintaining production levels.
The Oil Ministry added that India firmly believes in keeping reasonable pricing of liquid
hydrocarbons which is determined by market forces. India has been repeatedly expressing
concern over the supply of oil being artificially adjusted below demand levels of oil-producing
countries which is leading to rising prices and negative consequences. High crude oil prices are
starting to add to unwanted inflation and slow down recovery from the pandemic.

Rising prices of crude oil cause record high petrol and diesel prices in India
In 2020, India witnessed record high petrol and diesel prices due to almost 60 per cent rise in the
prices of crude oil. On November 3, 2021, the Finance Minister lowered the excise duty on petrol
by Rs 5 per litre and on diesel by Rs 10 per litre. The State governments across India also
lowered the value-added tax on auto fuels. Since November 4, petrol is being sold at Rs 104 per
litre and diesel is being sold at Rs 86.7 per litre in Delhi. The prices of petrol has gone up by 28
per cent and diesel has gone up by 22 per cent.
Who will get India’s 5 million barrels of crude oil?
The 5 million barrels of crude oil will be released in the next 7 to 10 days to state-run refiners
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) in Vishakhapatnam and Mangalore Refinery
and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) in Mangaluru. Both HPCL and MRPL are subsidiaries of Oil
and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC). Both these state-run refiners have pipeline connectivity to
the Strategic Petroleum Reserves.
India’s Strategic Oil Reserves - Background
India's planned release of 5 million barrels of crude oil is equivalent to the amount of oil
consumption by the country. India has Strategic Oil Reserves of 5.33 million tonnes (MT) of crude
oil which is about 38 million barrels. These Strategic Oil Reserves are located across three places
in India namely Vishakhapatnam, Mangaluru, and Padur.
The storage capacity of the Strategic Oil Reserves at Vishakhapatnam is 1.33 MT (9.77 million
barrels), Mangaluru is 1.5 MT (11 million barrels), and Padur is 2.5 MT (18.37 million barrels).
These three Strategic Oil Reserves in India can meet upto 9 to 10 days of India’s crude oil
demand. The combined cost of these three Reserves is Rs 4,098.35 crores.
Apart from this, India imports about 226 MT of crude oil every year to meet around 85 per cent of
the domestic demand. India is world’s 3rd biggest oil importer.

What is trade emerge? ICICI Bank launches

online platform for Indian exporters and
importers
Trade Emerge: ICICI Bank has announced the launch of an online platform ‘Trade Emerge’ for
exporters and importers across India.
Trade Emerge platform will offer comprehensive digital banking and value-added services to the
companies engaged in export and import in India.
It is a first-of-its-kind initiative that will bring together end-to-end digital banking and value-added
services on a single platform.
Significance
Trade Emerge will make cross-border trade smooth, hassle-free and convenient. It will be a
one-stop platform that eliminates the need for companies to coordinate with multiple
touchpoints.
Objective
Trade Emerge aims to increase the efficiency and productivity of exporters and importers by
cutting down physical procedures that are time taking.
Who will benefit from the Trade Emerge initiative?
All exporters and importers can benefit from the Trade Emerge platform. They do not have to be
customers of ICICI Bank to benefit from the initiative.
Trade Emerge Platform: List of Digital Banking Services offered
-Current / saving account offerings
-Comprehensive trade services including bank guarantee, letter of credit and Trade Credit etc.
-Digital solutions like Corporate Internet Banking and Trade Online

-State-of-the-art foreign exchange solutions
-Payment & collection solutions
-Credit cards
Trade Emerge Platform: List of value-added services offered
-Incorporation of trade business
-Access to a global trade database that hosts almost a million buyers and sellers across 181
countries
-Verification reports of potential customers through reputed credit bureaus
-Logistics solutions for shipment booking along with last-mile tracking
-Insurance services including marine insurance coverage
-These services will be offered through partners having expertise in their respective fields.
ICICI Bank Executive Director Vishakha Mulye said on the occasion, "Over the years, India has
emerged a key player in global trade. From April to October 2021, our overall exports and
imports are estimated to be nearly USD 780 billion, recording a rapid growth over the same
period last year."
"Typically, global trade is time-consuming, paper-intensive and process-heavy and

requires knowledge of rules and regulations. This platform will make exports and imports
hassle-free,” Mulye added.

Biden Democracy Summit: 110 countries

invited including India & Taiwan; China and
Russia excluded
Democracy Summit 2021: The President of the United States Joe Biden has invited more than
100 countries to a virtual summit on democracy to be held on December 9-10, 2021. The
invite list of the democracy summit includes India and Taiwan but excludes China, a move
which is bound to anger the country.
The virtual democracy summit was a campaign pledge by the US President, who placed the
struggle between the democracies and the autocratic governments at the heart of his foreign
policy. The Summit for Democracy will be taking place ahead of an in-person meeting at its
second edition in 2022.
The main rivals of the United States- Russia and China- have been excluded from the list,
however, the inclusion of Taiwan is guaranteed to further escalate the tensions between US and
China.
It is widely known that China resists any use of the word ‘Taiwan’ as it lends a sense of
international legitimacy to the democratic self-ruled island, which China claims as part of
its territory and has also vowed to seize one day.
The final list leaves out Russia, while in the South Asia region Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri
Lanka have been excluded, according to a list posted on the State Department website on
Tuesday.

Democracy Summit invite list
Who is invited?
1. To a virtual summit on democracy, including the major western alliances, the US has invited
India and Pakistan from the South Asia region.
2. From East Asia, Japan is invited to the summit.

3. Taiwan is invited to the virtual summit on democracy. A major diplomatic move that will further
escalate the tensions between US and China.
4. Among the Middle East countries, only Iraq and Israel have been invited to the summit on
Democracy.
5. Brazil is invited even though Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil’s far-right President has been criticized as
having an authoritarian bent. He was also a firm supporter of Donald Trump.
6. Poland has been invited to the summit despite the continuous tension with the EU over its
human rights record. Philippines is also invited.
7. In Africa, South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Niger, and Nigeria are invited to
Biden Democracy Summit.
Who is not invited?
1. China and Russia, the principal rivals of the United States are not invited to Democracy
Summit.
2. Turkey is missing from the participant’s list. The country is also US’s NATO ally.
3. Traditional Arab allies of the United States- Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, and the United
Arab Emirates, are not on the democracy summit invite list.
4. As per the list posted on the US State Department website, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Sri
Lanka are excluded from the summit.
5. Hungary is not invited. The country is led by the hardline nationalist Prime Minister Viktor
Orban.
Three principal themes at democracy summit
While announcing the Democracy Summit back in August 2021, the US had said that the meeting
on democracy will stimulate the initiatives and commitments across three principal themes:
1. Defending against authoritarianism
2. Fighting Corruption

3. Promoting Respect for Human Rights
Democracy Summit: Why it is being organized?
A Virtual Summit on Democracy is being organized by the United States as the democracy has
suffered major setbacks in the nations where the country had placed great hopes. Myanmar and
Sudan have experienced military coups. Taliban has taken over Afghanistan after the withdrawal
of US troops and Ethiopia is in the midst of a conflict that can lead to its implosion.

Delhi-NCR Air Pollution: SC asks Centre to

intensify measures to improve air quality,
next hearing on 29th November
Supreme Court on Delhi air pollution: The Supreme Court while hearing the case relating to
the rising air pollution levels in Delhi-NCR on November 24, 2021 asked the centre to continue
the measures for controlling air pollution for the next two three days. The court observed that
some of the restrictions can be lifted if the pollution level comes down to 100.
The court further asked states neighbouring Delhi- Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh
governments if any study has been done to show how much stubble has been removed from
these States and what emission control methods have been adopted.
The Supreme Court told the centre that measures are taken when the weather becomes severe.
It stated that the measures have to be taken in anticipation to stop air pollution. The top court
slammed the centre saying, "this is the National Capital, imagine the signal we are sending to the
world".
Air pollution in Delhi NCR | Supreme Court tells Centre that when the weather becomes severe
then measures are taken. The measures have to be taken in anticipation to stop air pollution.
SC observes that this is the National Capital,imagine the signal we are sending to the world

SC to continue to hear the matter
The Supreme Court said that it will not close the air pollution case and give final orders. It added
that due to the seriousness of the issue, it will continue to hear the matter. The court has
scheduled the next hearing on November 29th.
Air pollution in Delhi-NCR | Supreme Court to hear the case next on November 29.
SC asks Centre to continue the measures for controlling air pollution for the next two-three days.
In the meantime, if the pollution level becomes 100, then some restrictions can be lifted

What is the bureaucracy doing: CJI asks
The Chief Justice of India NV Ramana, while speaking on the issue of stubble, observed that as a
government lawyer and we judges are discussing this issue, what is the bureaucracy doing?
The CJI stated that they can go on the field and talk to farmers, involve scientists and take a
decision.
On the issue of stubble burning, Chief Justice of India NV Ramana observes that as a
government lawyer and we judges are discussing this issue, what is the bureaucracy doing? They
can go on field talk to farmers, involve scientists and take a decision, suggests CJI.

CAQM issues mandatory guidelines to curb air pollution in Delhi-NCR
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had earlier issued a list of mandatory
guidelines to curb air pollution in Delhi-NCR. As per the guidelines, all schools, colleges and
educational institutions in the National Capital Region to remain closed until further orders and
only online mode of education will be allowed.
Stubble burning not a major cause of pollution: Centre to SC
The central government had also earlier informed the Supreme Court that stubble burning is not
the major cause of pollution in Delhi-NCR, saying that it contributes to only 10 percent of the
pollution.
Also read: All schools shut, WFH for 50 percent staff in NCR- Check full list of CAQM
guidelines

Crypto news India: Govt to introduce bill on

Cryptocurrency after cabinet approval
Cryptocurrency news today: The Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on November 30,
2021, that the Central Government will soon introduce the bill on Cryptocurrency- ‘The
Cryptocurrency and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill, 2021’- after the Union
cabinet's approval.
The Union Finance Minister, during the question raised in Cryptocurrency in Rajya Sabha,
informed that this is a risky area and is not in a complete regulatory framework. No decision has
yet been taken on the banning of advertisements on Cryptocurrency.
‘The Cryptocurrency and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill, 2021’ will be among the
26 new bills that will be introduced by the Government of India for the Winter Session of
Parliament that has started from November 29, 2021.
Govt will introduce a ‘Cryptocurrency Bill, 2021’ in India to ban all the private cryptocurrencies
in the country. However, it will provide certain exceptions to facilitate the underlying technology of
Cryptocurrency.
Earlier in November 2021, Prime Minister Modi had chaired a high-level meeting on the way
forward regarding Cryptocurrency and the related issues. Reportedly, the officials at the meeting
realized that attempts of misleading the youths of the country by over-promising and non-
transparent advertising must be stopped.
This is a risky area & not in a complete regulatory framework. No decision was taken on banning
its advertisements. Steps are taken to create awareness through RBI&SEBI. Govt will soon
introduce a Bill: FM Nirmala Sitharaman on Cryptocurrency during Question Hour in Rajya Sabha
pic.twitter.com/WwopPdBQHg

Govt to introduce bill on Cryptocurrency ban in India
1. ‘The Cryptocurrency and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill, 2021’ aims to create a
facilitative framework to create the official digital currency which will be issued by the Reserve
Bank of India.

2. The bill will also seek to prohibit all the private cryptocurrencies in India. However, the Crypto
bill or Cryptocurrency Bill, 2021 will allow certain exceptions for facilitating the underlying
technology of cryptocurrency and its uses.
Why govt has decided to ban Cryptocurrency in India?
The meeting which was chaired by PM Modi on the way forward for Cryptocurrency and its uses
strongly felt that the attempts of misleading the youth regarding Cryptocurrency must be
immediately stopped.
The discussion was also held on the unregulated markets of Cryptocurrency that cannot be
allowed to become the path for terror financing and money laundering.
The meeting on Cryptocurrency was an outcome of a consultative process. Previously, the

Finance Ministry of India, Reserve Bank of India, and Home Affairs Ministry had already done an
elaborate exercise on it, including the consulted experts from across India and the world.
Also Read: Cryptocurrency Bill – All You Need to Know
Parliament Winter Session
The winter session of Parliament will commence from November 29, 2021, and the Central
Government is planning of introducing new bills before being taken up for passage.
Apart from the 26 new bills, including a bill to ban Cryptocurrency in India, three bills that are
referred to the Standing Committees, are also on the agenda of the Indian Government for
consideration and passage.
Cryptocurrency Bill, 2021: Background
Crypto bill or ‘The Cryptocurrency and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill, 2021’, was not
listed earlier among the 23 bills in the tentative list of the Indian Government’s legislative and
financial business that was tabled in Lok Sabha during the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
Before that, Crypto Bill was also expected to be taken up during the Budget Session. However, it
did not happen as the session was curtailed by the second wave of pandemic.

Defence Ministry clears Rs 5000 crore deal to

manufacture 7.5 lakh AK-203 assault rifles in
India
Defence Current Affairs: Defence Ministry on November 23, 2021 approved a Rs 5,000 crore deal
with Russia to manufacture 7.5 lakh AK-203 assault rifles in Uttar Pradesh's Amethi. The approval
has come through just ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to India.
The AK-203 assault rifles deal is expected to be signed during the Russian President's visit. It
was cleared by the defence acquisition council. The only step left now is resolving the issues on
the transfer of technology.
Read more: India, Russia sign deal to procure 70,000 AK-203 Assault Rifles
AK-203 assault rifles deal: Key Highlights
•The AK-203 assault rifle is a Russian designed rifle and it will be manufactured in India in a
factory in Amethi.
•India and Russia had begun talks to jointly manufacture AK-203 assault rifles in India way back
in 2018 but the deal for the same had been pending.
•India is planning to make the AK-203 Assault Rifles a mainstay for the armed forces.
•Among the 7.5 lakh assault rifles to be acquired by India, the first 70,000 rifles will include
Russian-made components as the transfer of technology takes place slowly.
•The initial batch of assault rifles is expected to be delivered to the Indian Army 32 months after
the production process begins.
AK-203 assault rifles
AK-203 assault rifles are the latest version of the AK-47 rifle. These rifles will replace the
5.56×45mm Indian Small Arms System (INSAS) rifles that are being used by the Indian Army,
Navy and the Air Force currently.
Background

India and Russia had signed a deal for the immediate procurement of 70,000 AK-200 series
assault rifles on August 19, 2021. The Indian Army has a requirement of around 770,000 AK-203
rifles.
Russian President's visit to India
Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit India on December 6, 2021 for the
Annual Summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This would be Putin’s second foreign visit
in 2021 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. His first visit was to attend a summit-level meeting with
US President Joe Biden in Geneva.
The Russian President had last visited India in 2018 for the Annual Summit during which the
contract for the S400 system was signed between the two sides. The 2019 edition of the
annual summit was postponed due to COVID-19.
Putin's visit to India this time is expected to witness the signing of several pacts between India
and Russia in multiple fields. It is also likely to coincide with the delivery of the first batch of the
S400 air defence systems to India.

US President Joe Biden invites 110 countries to a virtual summit on democracy
The President of the United States Joe Biden has invited around 110 countries around the world
to attend a virtual summit on democracy. The summit will be held on December 9-10, 2021. As
per the list released by the US State Department, China has not been invited while Taiwan is
invited. Turkey is also missing from the list.
Delhi Air Quality Index in ‘Poor’ Category
As per SAFAR-India, the Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi is in the poor category. Presently, the Air
Quality Index of the National Capital stands at 280 (overall). However, for the first time in 10, the
air quality has shown little improvement by going from ‘very poor’ to ‘poor’ category.
‘Mai Eto Bhi Chalaungi Or Ghar Bhi’ initiative launched in Hyderabad
Rajeev YSR, Vice President, Eto (e-rickshaws) announced that in a move to empower women,
the government has launched ‘Mai Eto Bhi Chalaungi Or Ghar Bhi’ initiative to help women earn.
Women will be able to take Eto on rent for 36 months, earn and then get the opportunity of buying
it at the end of 3 years.
Lou Cutell, Seinfeld actor, passes away
Veteran Hollywood actor, Lou Cutell, well-known for portraying Dr ‘Assman’ Cooperman on the hit
sitcom ‘Seinfeld’ and Big Larry in ‘Pee-wee’s Big Adventure’ passed away at the age of 91. Cutell
had started his career in the theatre. He also had a screen career spanning more than 30 years.
‘Tactical Urbanism Trials’ inaugurated in Delhi
The Transport Minister of Delhi, Kailash Gahlot, has inaugurated the ‘Tactical Urbanism Trials’ to
improve road safety in the National Capital. The Minister informed that the government has taken
20 locations into consideration as these locations have a case of fatal accidents. If it goes well,
the State Government will launch it at 20 different locations in Delhi.
Grammy Awards 2022 nominations announced
The nominees for the 64th annual Grammy Awards have been announced by the Recording

Academy. The awards will be held in 2022. It will also be for the first time that the Grammy
Awards will celebrate 10 nominees in each of the general field categories. Jay-Z has made history
with three nominations.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to lay foundation stones for 25 National Highways Projects in
Jammu
The Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari will lay the foundation stone for 25
National Highway projects in Jammu on November 24, 2021. The project is of a total length of
257 kms and with an investment of Rs. 11,721 crore rupees.

9 out of top 10 most polluted cities in India:

2020 World Air Quality Report – Know Key
Highlights
Nine out of the top 10 most polluted cities are in India, stated air quality tracker IQAir. In
2020, India accounted for 46 of the world’s 100 most polluted cities followed by China (42 cities),
Pakistan (6 cities), Bangladesh (4 cities), Indonesia (1 city), and Thailand (1 city). All these cities
reported a PM2.5 air-quality rating of over 50. Hotan in China’s Xinjiang reported the worst air
quality average at 110.2 in 2020. Air pollution presents one of the world’s biggest health hazards
causing about 7 million premature deaths annually including 6 lakh children. Air pollution is
expected to cost the global economy upwards of $2.9 trillion per year (3.3 per cent of global
Gross Domestic Product) due to emissions from fossil fuel burning alone.
Also read: Delhi govt to launch Anti-Open Burning Campaign from November 11 – Know Key
Details
2020 World Air Quality Report: India accounts for 46 of the world’s 100
most polluted cities
Key Highlights
The Swiss-based air quality technology company IQAir in its 2020 World Air
Quality Report stated that 9 out of the top 10 most polluted cities are in India.
All these cities reported a PM2.5 air-quality rating of over 50. These 9 cities
are Ghaziabad, Bulandshahr, Bisrakh Jalalpur, Bhiwadi, Noida, Greater
Noida, Kanpur, Lucknow, and Delhi.
The report stated that New Delhi was the world's most polluted capital for the
third straight year in 2020. It is estimated that 20 to 40 per cent of Delhi’s air
pollution comes from agricultural burning in and around the national capital.
During the peak burning season, Delhi witnessed average PM2.5 levels of 11
g/m³ in November 2020 and 157 g/m³ in December 2020. These numbers
were found to be 14 times more than the WHO’s annual exposure guideline.
Challenges
Air pollution in India still remains dangerously high despite widespread air
quality improvements between 2019 and 2020. With 22 of the top 30 most

polluted cities globally found in India, the country continues to stay on top of
alarming annual PM2.5 rankings by city.
Coal remains a major domestic source of India’s energy supply adding to air
pollution. Other significant sources of India’s air pollution are biomass
burning, waste burning, agricultural burning, stubble burning, construction,
transportation.
Progress
The report stated that India has shown overall progress in several cities with
63 per cent reporting direct improvements over 2019 averages. All cities that
reported an increase in pollution levels in 2020 are still reflecting an overall
downward trend from 2018 and earlier averages. India’s National Clean Air
Programme (NCAP) launched in January 2019 is marginally attributed for the
progress. The NCAP aims to target PM2.5 reductions between 20 to 30 per
cent in 122 selected cities by 2024 from a 2017 baseline.
Also read: What is a 10-point action plan against air pollution announced by Delhi Government?
Also read: UP’s first anti-air pollution tower inaugurated in Noida- All you need to know!

Top 10 most polluted cities in India; Source: 2020 World Air Quality Report
2020 World Air Quality Report: About
The 2020 World Air Quality Report analyses PM2.5 data gathered by ground-level monitoring
stations around the world. The report includes data for 106 countries, up from 98 countries in
2019 and 69 countries in 2018.
Why PM2.5?
Among criteria pollutants commonly measured in real-time, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is
currently understood. PM2.5 is defined as ambient airborne particulates that measure up to 2.5
microns in size. The most common human-made sources include fossil-fuel-powered motor
vehicles, power generation, industrial activity, agriculture, and biomass burning. As per WHO Air
Quality Guideline, the annual exposure of PM2.5 below 10 g/m³ minimizes risks.
How is air quality determined?

Air quality is determined by the levels of air pollutants PM2.5, PM10, ozone, nitrogen dioxide,
sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide.
Also read: WHO’s new Air Quality Norms: Almost entire India termed as Polluted as per new
rules - Know Details Here
Also read: Air Pollution could cut life expectancy in North India by 9 years, in two states by
additional 2.5 years: Study

Bharat Gaurav Trains: Indian Railways to

launch Bharat Gaurav Trains to boost
tourism- Know rate, booking details here!
Indian Railways will be launching a completely new segment- Bharat Gaurav trains to boost
tourism across India. Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that this is not a regular
train service.
Indian Railways has allocated over 180 trains identified 3033 coaches for ‘Bharat Gaurav’
trains. Railways will start taking applications for the Bharat Gaurav trains from today. The
Railways Minister said that they have received good response for the same.
All the concerned stakeholders will modify and run the trains and help railways in maintenance,
parking and other facilities.
This is a completely new segment. This is not a regular train service. ‘Bharat Gaurav’ trains main
purpose is to boost tourism and there are many aspects to it: Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

Objective
The main objective behind launching Bharat Gaurav trains is to boost tourism. This is the third
segment of trains after passenger and freight segments.
Bharat Gaurav Trains: 5 Things to know!
•Bharat Gaurav trains will be run by both the private sector and IRCTC.
•Anyone including tour operators can apply to lease and operate the Bharat Gaurav trains.
•The tour operators can decide the rates of the trains as well.
•The Bharat Gaurav trains will be theme-based to showcase the country's culture and heritage.
•The idea of Bharat Gaurav trains originated from PM Narendra Modi who suggested theme-
based trains to enable people to understand, appreciate and take forward India's heritage.

Stay tuned for more updates

SDG Urban Index and Dashboard 2021-22:

Shimla tops the index; Check top 10 Urban
areas
NITI Aayog launched the inaugural Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Urban Index &
Dashboard (2021-22) on November 23, 2021. The index and dashboard have been launched
with the collaboration of NITI Aayog- GIZ and BMZ which focuses on driving the SDG localization
in the Indian cities, under the umbrella of Indo-German Development Cooperation.
The SDG Urban Index and Dashboard have ranked 56 urban areas on 77 SDG indicators across
the 46 targets of the SDG Framework. The data collected on these indicators have been sourced
from official data sources such as NCRB, NFHS, and the data portals of various Indian
Government ministries.
The #SDGUrbanIndex and Dashboard developed under Indo-German collaboration will promote
data-driven governance and sustainable development across urban areas: @amitabhk87, CEO,
#NITIAayog.
Stay tuned for the launch of the index and dashboard! pic.twitter.com/NHAOVVkjX3

Objective
• The SDG Urban Index and Dashboard aim at further strengthening the SDG localization and
instituting robust Sustainable Development Monitoring at the city levels.
• The index and dashboard highlight the strengths and gaps of ULB-level data, reporting systems,
and monitoring.
• It will also further contribute to the creation of an ecosystem in which all the stakeholders will be
equipped to adopt and implement data-driven decision-making.
SDG Urban Index and Dashboard: Key Details
• Out of the 56 urban areas that have been ranked in SDG Index, 44 are with a population of

above one million.
• 12 are the state capitals that are with a population of less than a million.
• While for some indicators, urban area implies ULBs, in other cases, it refers to all the urban
areas within a district collectively.
• For each Sustainable Development Goal, the urban areas have been ranked on a scale of 0-
100. Achieving a score of 100 implies that the urban area has achieved the targets for 2030, while
a score of 0 implies that the area is farthest from achieving the targets.
• Overall Urban Area Scores are then generated from the Goal-wise scores for measuring the
aggregate performance of the urban area.
Top 10 Urban areas in SDG Urban Index and Dashboard 2021-22

Urban Area State/UT Composite Score
Shimla Himachal Pradesh 75.50
Coimbatore Tamil Nadu 73.29
Chandigarh Chandigarh 72.36
Thiruvananthapuram Kerala 72.36
Kochi Kerala 72.29
Panaji Goa 71.86
Pune Maharashtra 71.21
Tiruchirapalli Tamil Nadu 70.00
Ahmedabad Gujarat 69.79
Nagpur Maharashtra 69.79
Source- PIB
Bottom 10 Urban Areas in SDG Urban Index and Dashboard 2021-22
Urban Area State/UT Composite Score

Faridabad Haryana 58.57
Kolkata West Bengal 58.5
Agra Uttar Pradesh 58.21
Kohima Nagaland 58.07
Jodhpur Rajasthan 58
Patna Bihar 57.29
Guwahati Assam 55.79
Itanagar Arunachal Pradesh 55.29
Meerut Uttar Pradesh 54.64
Dhanbad Jharkhand 52.43
Source: PIB

China launches Gaofen 11-03 high resolution

satellite – Know Key Details
China launched its 3rd Gaofen 11 reconnaissance satellite on November 19, 2021, on a Long
March 4B rocket (also known as Chang Zheng 4B) from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in
northern China. The Gaofen 11 (03) satellite with an optical resolution comparable to top US
spy satellites is an addition to China’s set of classified satellites. The China Aerospace Science
and Technology Corp (CASC) announced the success of the launch after the successful insertion
of the Gaofen-11 (03) satellite into a 247 by 694-km altitude orbit inclined by 97.5 degrees. The
launch marked the 44th launch by China in 2021 and the 387th mission of the Long March
series carrier rockets.
Also read: China launches first solar observation satellite – Know all details
China launched its 3rd Gaofen 11 reconnaissance satellite – Key Details
The Gaofen 11 (03) is the third in a series of high-resolution optical imaging Gaofen 11 satellites.
The first in the series of Gaofen 11 namely Gaofen 11 (01) was launched in July 2016 followed by
Gaofen 11 (02) in September 2020.
The Gaofen 11 (03) satellite will operate in sun-synchronous orbits. It will be primarily used for
land surveys, land rights confirmation, road network design, city planning, crop yield estimation,
and disaster prevention and mitigation.
Gaofen is operated by the state-owned China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
(CASC). The CASC has developed the Gaofen-11 (03) reconnaissance satellite and its data
transmission and relay subsystems.
Experts state that the Gaofen-11 satellite has the capability to send back optical imagery at about
10 centimeters resolution. The Gaofen-11 satellite has been claimed comparable to the classified
capabilities of the US Keyhole reconnaissance satellite system.
As per the Xi’an Branch of China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) under the China
Aerospace Science and Technology Corp (CASC), the three Gaofen-11 satellites will be
networked together. This means the Gaofen-11 (03) satellite will circularize its orbit to match the

roughly 495-km altitudes shared by the earlier Gaofen satellites in the orbit launched in 2018 and
2020.
Also read: Astronaut Wang Yaping becomes first Chinese woman to walk in space
Also read: China becomes first to land spacecraft on 'dark' side of moon
About Gaofen satellites
Gaofen satellites are Chinese high-resolution Earth Observation Satellites. The Gaofen-1 was
launched in 2013 on a Long-March-2D rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in a sun-
synchronous orbit. Thereafter, more than 12 Gaofen satellites were launched in the Gaofen
series.
The Gaofen satellites form the civilian China High-resolution Earth Observation System (CHEOS).
These comprise varying optical, multispectral, hyperspectral and synthetic aperture radar
satellites.
Also read: China launches first three men crew to its new space station in five years
Also read: China successfully launches Tianhe space station core module into orbit

Coal transition will impact more than 13

million people in India: Study – Know Details
here
Coal transition will impact more than 13 million people in India employed in coal mining,
transport, power, iron, sponge, bricks, and steel sectors, noted a report to assess the ‘Socio-
economic impacts of coal transition in India’ released on November 22, 2021, by the Secretary,
Ministry of Coal Anil Jain. The report has been prepared by a think tank National Foundation for
India (NFI). The report based its study on impending coal transition in India in reference to India’s
agreement at the COP26 Glasgow Climate Summit to a clause in the Glasgow Climate Pact that
calls for phase-down of coal.
Coal transition in India will impact more than 13 million people: Study
The report to assess the ‘Socio-economic impacts of coal transition in India’ by the think tank
National Foundation for India (NFI) gathered data from assessing around 266 coal-bearing
districts in nine states in India namely Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Odisha, West Bengal,
Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Uttar Pradesh.
The report showed 135 districts out of these 266 coal-bearing districts in India will be
affected severely due to phasing out of coal. These 135 districts are hugely dependent on coal
such as a coal mine, steel plant, thermal power plant, or sponge iron plant. These districts above
will have social, political, economic, and financial consequences as they have been largely
dependent on coal for the past 200 years.
Coal transition in India will be a messy and complicated exercise that will severely impact
Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana. At least
half of all the districts including 15 districts in Jharkhand, 11 districts in West Bengal, 9 districts in
Chhattisgarh, and 30 per cent districts in Odisha will be severely impacted in the next 30 to 50
years amid the coal transition in India.
The report further noted that Jharkhand will be worst impacted during the coal transition to
renewable energy sources. 15 out of 24 districts in Jharkhand will be impacted of which four
districts will be severely impacted. These four districts are Pakur, Ranchi, Palamu, and Koderma.

While in three districts namely Latehar, Deoghar, and Seraikela, laborers are highly dependent on
coal mines for their livelihood.
COP26: India will achieve net-zero carbon emissions target by 2070, PM Modi at climate
summit in Glasgow
Way forward: Will India stop using coal?
The Executive Director of NFI Biraj Patnaik noted that as India moves towards a more climate-
resilient future, it must develop its own approach to climate change. While launching the report by
NFI, Jain also noted that India must prepare its economy, its workforce, and its communities for a
post-coal future.
At the COP26 Glasgow Climate Summit, PM Narendra Modi had announced 5 ambitious targets
of India that included achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, achieving carbon intensity reduction
of 45 per cent over 2005 levels by 2030, reducing 1 billion tonnes of projected emissions from
now till 2030, sourcing 50 per cent of energy requirement from renewables by 2030, and installing
non-fossil fuel electricity capacity of 500 GW by 2030.
However, coal remains a dominant source of energy in India which accounts for 70 per cent of
electricity output. India is the world’s 2nd largest coal producer with about 730 million tonnes
annually. Though cutting coal out of energy sources is the solution to achieving the targets
however at present India is dependent on coal for 200GW of electricity generation and providing
livelihood to more than 13 million people.
Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav who represented the Indian delegation at the COP26
Glasgow Climate Summit during the COP26 noted that how one could expect developing nations
to make promises about phasing out coal and fossil fuel subsidies when they still have to deal
with their development agendas and poverty eradication. Yadav raised the question while nearly
200 countries accepted the Glasgow Climate Pact to phase out coal.
India’s agreement to phase down coal aids a developing nation such as itself to meet its energy
requirements with its own resources, increase installation capacity of renewables which the
country currently has 100GW of installed renewable capacity, expand the commercial viability of
storage and technologies to scale up renewables, provide livelihood alternatives to those
dependent on coal among other implications of phasing out coal.
Immediate coal phase-out in India cannot happen. The country is moving away gradually from

coal and therefore there will be a decline in coal power generation in India. Coal phase down is
considered to be a part of an eventual coal phase-out which India will have to adapt sooner or
later to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, stated experts.
Why is India facing a coal shortage? How will it impact power generation and industries?

Patalpani railway station to be renamed as

Tantya Mama railway station- Know who was
Tantya Bhil?
Tantya Mama railway station: Patalpani Railway station in Indore will be renamed as Tantya
Mama railway station, informed Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on
November 22, 2021. The Madhya Pradesh CM addressed the cabinet on November 23rd to
discuss the renaming of Patalpani Railway Station.
Patalpani railway station is being renamed after tribal icon Tantya Bhil. The state is also planning
to conduct two Kalash Yatras in the memory of Tantya Bhil. The yatra, which will reach on Indore
(Patalpani) through Khandwa, Burhanpur, Barwani, Alirajpur, Jhabua, Ratlam, Ujjain, will
culminate on December 4, 2021.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister further informed that two other landmarks will also be named after
Tantya Bhil- Indore's Bhanwar Kuan intersection and MR 10 bus stand, which are being
developed at the cost of Rs 53 crore.
They also discussed 2 Kalash Yatras in the memory of Tantya Bhil. The journey to reach Indore
(Patalpani) via Khandwa, Burhanpur, Barwani, Alirajpur, Jhabua, Ratlam, Ujjain, will end on Dec
4. pic.twitter.com/KGEykoXSkG
Patalpani railway station new name: Tantya Mama railway station
Also read: Bhopal's Habibganj railway station renamed as Rani Kamalapati railway station
Significance
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had said while addressing a tribal
gathering marking the end of the week-long 'Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas' celebrations, "Like
Bhopal's Rani Kamalapati station, Patalpani railway station will be named after Tantya
Bhil, who had sacrificed his life.”
Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas was observed on November 15 on the birth anniversary of revered
tribal leader and freedom fighter Birsa Munda.

Who was Tantya Bhil?
•Tantya Bhl was a member of the Bhil Tribe, an indigenous Adivasi community. He was born in
gram barda tehsil pandhana Madhya Pradesh around 1840.
•Though he was a dacoit known to be active between 1878 and 1889, he is also known as one of
the greatest revolutionaries who had launched an armed struggle against the Britishers for almost
12 years.
•He is recognized by Indians as a heroic figure and in fact, several accounts have described him
as an Indian "Robin Hood".
•As per a modern account, he chose his way of life due to the harsh measures taken by the
Britishers following the Revolt of 1857.
•He worked to realise Bhils’ dream of a socialist society and was fired with the passion to free
India from the clutches of the British.
•He was a proficient shooter and archer and was also skillful in Guerilla warfare. The "Dava" or
Falia was his main weapon.
•He lived in dense forests, valleys, ravines and mountains all his life
Arrest and Death
Tantya Bhl was first arrested around 1874 for bad livelihood and served a year's sentence. He
then reportedly turned to more serious crimes that involved kidnapping and theft. He was
arrested again in 1878 and jailed in Khandwa. He escaped after three days and took up his life
as a dacoit.
Tantya Bhl was finally lured to a parley by an Indore army officer who had promised to get him
a pardon. However, he walked into an ambush and was later taken to Jabalpur for trial. He
faced all sorts of atrocities and torture during his imprisonment.
After facing trial, the Jabalpur Sessions court sentenced him to be hanged till death on October
19, 1889. Tantya Bhil was hanged on December 4, 1889.
Robin Hood of India
•Tantya Bhil was one of the greatest revolutionaries, who emerged as a great hero of the masses
due to his his indomitable courage and passion to uproot the British rule.

•His arrest had caught international attention and was published in the New York Times -
November 10, 1889 issue. He was described as the "Robin Hood of India" in the news.
•He was known as Indian Robinhood as he used to loot British government treasuries and
distribute the wealth among the poor and needy.
•Tantya Bhil was like a messiah to those in need of any kind of financial support. He was
popularly called as Mama by locals.
•He became a long-cherished pride of the Bhil tribe. In fact, the people of his community, the
Bhills still feel proud of being addressed as Mama after him.
•Tantya Bhil had become a symbol of the feelings of tribals and Indian people in general.

Jewar airport: PM Narendra Modi lays

foundation stone of Noida International
Airport
Jewar airport: Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the Noida International
Airport in Jewar, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh on November 25, 2021. Uttar Pradesh
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia were also present
on the occasion.
As per Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, the Jewar airport will help in the
development of the nation. It will be Asia's biggest airport. It will also create employment
opportunities for more than one lakh people."
#WATCH | PM Narendra Modi lays foundation stone of Noida International Airport, Jewar in
Gautam Buddh Nagar
(Source: DD) pic.twitter.com/M1EnwoCWdC
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 25, 2021
The Noida International Airport at Jewar is being developed by Yamuna International Airport
Private Limited (YIAPL) under the PPP model in close partnership with the centre and Uttar
Pradesh state government.
The airport will be built as a world-class airport, which will play the role of a catalyst for the
economic growth of both India and the state of Uttar Pradesh. With the construction of the airport,
Uttar Pradesh will become the only state in India to have five international airports.
Uttar Pradesh is poised to become the only state in India to have five international airports, as
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone of the Noida International Airport (NIA)
in Jewar, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh on 25 November, 2021: PMO
pic.twitter.com/ITlol0j7Ub

Five International Airports of Uttar Pradesh
1. Lucknow International Aiport

2. Varanasi International Airport
3. Kushinagar International Airport (Inaugurated on October 20, 2021)
4. Ayodhya International airport ( construction work underway and air services are expected to
begin from early next year)
5. Noida International Airport (Construction work to begin soon)
Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said, "There were only two airports in Uttar
Pradesh for the last 70 years but now Jewar airport will be the 10th airport to be built in
the state in last seven years."
First Phase of Noida International Airport
The first phase of the airport will be developed at a cost of over Rs 10,050 crore. The first phase
of the airport will have a capacity to serve around 1.2 crore passengers a year. The work is
scheduled to be completed by 2024. The groundwork for the first phase including rehabilitation of
the affected families has been completed.
Also read: Why is Jewar Aiport special- 10 Things you need to know!
India's first net-zero emissions airport
The Noida International Airport will be India's first net-zero emissions airport. The airport will
have dedicated land that will be developed as a forest park using trees from the project site.
The airport will also preserve all native species and be nature positive throughout its
development.
The Noida International Airport will also be the second international airport to come up in Delhi
NCR and will help decongest the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. The development of
the Noida International Airport is in line with the Prime Minister's vision towards boosting
connectivity and creating a future-ready aviation sector.
Noida International Airport: Top 10 Things to Know!
1. Noida International Airport will be located at a strategic position that will enable ease of
movement for people living in cities including Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Aligarh, Faridabad, Agra
and neighbouring areas.
2. The international airport will serve as a logistics gateway for northern India and bring a special
focus on the state of Uttar Pradesh due to its scale and capacity and help establish it on the

global logistics map.
3. The airport has been conceptualised with an integrated multi-modal cargo hub and it will focus
on reducing the total cost and time for logistics.
4. It will have a dedicated cargo terminal with a capacity of 20 lakh metric tonne, which will later
be expanded to 80 lakh metric tonnes.
5. The airport facilitate seamless movement of industrial products and play a huge role in
attracting huge investments and boost rapid industrial growth, expanding the reach of local
products.
6. The airport will also create new employment opportunities.
7. It will also feature a multimodal transit hub, which will house high-speed rail stations, metro,
bus, taxi services and private parking, enabling seamless connectivity.
8. Both Noida and Delhi will be connected to the Noida International Airport through the metro and
all major nearby roads and highways including the Yamuna Expressway, Delhi-Mumbai
Expressway, Western Peripheral Expressway and Eastern Peripheral Expressway and the
planned Delhi-Varanasi High-Speed Rail.
9. The airport's design will be focused on seamless and fast transfer processes for passengers.
10. The airport will be spread across over 1300 hectares of land.

International Emmy Awards 2021 winners:

Tehran, Call my Agent wins big; Check full
winners list
International Emmy Awards 2021 Winners: The 49th International Emmy Awards took place on
November 23, 2021, in New York City. Sushmita Sen-starrer Aarya, Vir Das, and
Nawazuddin Siddiqui were among the eminent nominees from India, however, they were not
able to register any big win. At the International Emmy Awards 2021, there was a total of 44
nominees across 11 categories from 24 nations across the world.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who was nominated for the category of Best Performance by an Actor for
his film ‘Serious Men’, lost to David Tennant. On the other hand, Vir Das’ Comedy Special, ‘Vir
Das: For India’, which was nominated in the Comedy Section has lost to ‘Call My Agent’ from
France.
Sushmita Sen-starrer Aarya, Ram Madhvani's directorial venture, was also nominated in the Best
Drama Category at the International Emmy Awards, however, it lost to the critically-acclaimed
Israel’s web series ‘Tehran’. In 2020, India’s Delhi Crime had won the International Emmy
Award in the same category.
‘Tehran’ wins International Emmy Award for Drama Series
The International Emmy for Drama Series goes to “Tehran” produced by Donna and Shula
Productions / Paper Plane Productions! #Israel #iemmyWIN pic.twitter.com/0Haiwe6T9N
— International Emmy Awards (@iemmys) November 23, 2021

‘Call My Agent- S.4’ wins International Emmy for Comedy
The International Emmy for Comedy goes to "Call My Agent – S.4" produced by Mon Voisin
Productions / Mother Productions / @Francetele / @netflix! @dixpourcent_F2 #France
#iemmyWIN pic.twitter.com/HnUFkLchHq
— International Emmy Awards (@iemmys) November 23, 2021

International Emmy Awards 2021: Check full list of winners
Category Winners Country
Best Performance by Best Hayley Squires for Adult United Kingdom

Actress Material
Best Performance by an
David Tennant for Des United Kingdom
Actor
Comedy Call My Agent (Season 4) France
Hope Frozen: A Quest to

Documentary Thailand
Live Twice
Drama Series Tehran Israel
Non-English Language U.S. 21st Annual Latin GRAMMY

United States of America
Primetime Program Awards
Non-Scripted Entertainment The Masked Singer United Kingdom
Short-Form Series INSiDE New Zealand
Telenovela The Song of Glory China
TV Movie/Mini-Series Atlantic Crossing Norway
Arts Programming Kubrick by Kubrick France
Also Read: Emmys 2021 winners

Delhi Air Pollution Update
The Delhi Air Quality Index (AQI) is presently at 315 in the 'very poor' category, as per System of
Air Quality & Weather Forecasting & Research (SAFAR). Strong winds are expected to improve
the situation marginally. The overall Air Quality Index, however, showed slight improvement in
comparison to 352. PM 10 levels were recorded at 249 in the 'moderate' category and PM 2.5
levels were recorded at 139 in the 'very poor' category.
Pakistan to allow India’s humanitarian assistance package for Afghanistan to pass through
Pakistan has decided to allow the 50,000 MT of wheat offered by India to Afghanistan as
humanitarian assistance to go through Pakistan. This will be allowed as soon as modalities are
finalized with the Indian side, informed Pakistan Prime Minister’s office.
Pakistani PM Imran Khan also announced that the nation will facilitate return of Afghan patients
who had gone to India for treatment and are stuck there.
US- India Trade policy Forum relaunched
The US-India Trade Policy Forum was relaunched after four years on November 23, 2021 in the
presence of US Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai and Union Minister of
Commerce Piyush Goyal. Tai is in New Delhi for two days, November 22- 23 to hold a discussion
over trade ties between the two countries.
Both Ambassador Tai & Goyal welcomed the re-launch of the trade policy forum after 4 yrs and
agreed that revitalized TPF will contribute to deepening bilateral trade relations by establishing
regular contact aimed at resolving trade obstacles.
Bihar people to take oath not to consume liquor on November 26th: CM Nitish Kumar
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on November 22, 2021 announced that people of Bihar
including government employees would take a pledge on November 26 that they would not
consume liquor. The CM said that the liquor ban will be strictly implemented in the state. The
directions have also been issued not to spare violators.
IMD issues yellow alert for Tamil Nadu

India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded a yellow alert for Tamil Nadu for November
23 and 24 and orange alert for November 25 and 26. A cyclonic circulation has formed over the
southeast Bay of Bengal and neighbourhood in lower tropospheric levels and is likely to move
west-northwestwards towards the Tamil Nadu coast in the next 4-5 days.
All-party meet on November 28th
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to attend an all-party meeting called on November 28,
2021, ahead of the winter session of the Parliament. The winter session of the parliament will
start from November 29.

Rajasthan Cabinet Reshuffle 2021: Check

Rajasthan new cabinet ministers list with
portfolios here!
Rajasthan new cabinet ministers list with portfolios: A total of 15 ministers were sworn into
the Rajasthan Cabinet on November 21, 2021, taking the total strength of Rajasthan Council of
Ministers to the maximum permissible limit of 30 following the much-awaited cabinet reshuffle.
Out of the 15 new Ministers, 11 were inducted as Cabinet Ministers and four as Ministers of State.
The ministers were administered the oath of office by Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra at the
Raj Bhavan.
While Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot retained home and finance portfolios, Dr. BD Kalla
got Education, Arts and Literature, Shanti Dhariwal got law and legal affairs, parliamentary affairs,
urban development etc and Parsadilal Meena got health portfolio.
Rajasthan Govt allocates portfolios to ministers of the rejigged Cabinet, CM Ashok Gehlot keeps
Home, Finance, and IT & Communication pic.twitter.com/NhHZP0E65p

Significance
Among the 15 new ministers, five are believed to be from former deputy chief minister Sachin
Pilot's camp. Vishvendra Singh, who was sacked from the cabinet last year has also got back his
tourism portfolio.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said that the latest cabinet reshuffle aimed to give
representation to people belonging from all communities.
Rajasthan new cabinet ministers list with portfolios: Check full portfolios
Cabinet Ministers with Portfolio
S.no Names Portfolio

Finance
1. Ashok Gehlot

Taxation
Home & Justice
DOP
GAD
Cabinet Secretariat
NRI
IT & Communication
Rajasthan State Investigation

Bureau
DIPR
Education (Primary &

Secondary)
2. Dr. BD Kalla Sanskrit education
Arts, Literature, Culture & ASI
Local Self Government
Urban Development &

Housing
Law & Legal Affairs

3. Shanti Dhariwal
Legal Consultancy Office
Parliamentary Affairs
Elections
Medical & Health
Medical Health & Services

4. Parsadilal Meena (ESI)
Excise

Agriculture
5. Lal Chand Kataria Animal Husbandry
Fisheries
Mines & Petroleum

6. Pramod Bhaya
Gopalan
7. Uday Lal Anjana Co-oprative

Food & Civil Supplies
8. Pratap Singh Khachariawas
Consumer Affairs
Minority Affairs, Waqf,

Colonization
9. Saleh Mohammad Agriculture Command Area
Development & Water

Utilization
Forest
10. Hemaram Chaudhary Environment & Climate

Change
Water Resources
11. MahendraJeet Singh Malviya IGNP
Water resource planning dept
PHED
12. Dr. Mahesh Joshi
Ground Water
13. Ramlal Jat Revenue

Panchayat Raj & Rural
14. Ramesh Meena
Development
Tourism
15. Vishvendra Singh
Civil Aviation

Women & Child Welfare
16. Mamta Bhupesh Bairwa Child Empowerment
Planning
17. Bhajan Lal Jatav PWD
Social Justice &

empowerment
18. Tika Ram Jully
Jail
Disaster Management &

Relief
Administrative Reforms and

19. Govind Ram Meghwal cordination
Statistic
Policy Planning
Industry
State Enterprises
20. Shakuntla Rawat
Devasthan
Ministers of State with Portfolio
Tribal Area Development (IC)

21. Arjun Singh Bamania
PHED, Ground Water
Sports & Youth Affairs (IC)

22. Ashok Chandna
Skills (IC)

Employment &
Enterpreneurship (IC)
DIPR
Disaster Management &

Relief
Administrative Reforms and

cordination
Statistic
Policy Planning
Power (IC)
Water Resource
23. Bhanwar Singh Bhatti
IGNP
Water Resources Planning
Higher Education (IC)
Planning (Manpower) (IC)
24. Rajendra Singh Yadav State Motor Garrage (IC)
Language & Library (IC)
Home & Justice
Technical Education (IC)
Ayurveda & Indian Medicines

(IC)
Public Grievances &

25. Dr. Subhash Garg Redressal (IC)
Minority Affairs, Waqf,

Colonisation
Agriculture Command Area

Development & Water

Utilization
Labour (IC)
Factory & Boilers Inspection

26. Sukhram Bishnoi (IC)
Revenue
27. Bijendra Ola Transport & Road Safety (IC)
Agriculture Marketing (IC)
28. Muralilal Meena Estate (IC)
Tourism, Civil Aviation
Sainik Kalyan (IC)
Home Guard & Civil Defence

29. Rajendra Singh Gudha (IC)
Panchayat Raj & Rural

Development
Science & Technology (IC)
Printing & Stationary (IC)
30. Zahida Khan Education (Primary &

Secondary)
Arts, Literature, Culture & ASI

G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting to be held in

United Kingdom in December 2021
The United Kingdom is all set to host a summit of Foreign and Development Ministers from the
G7 in December 2021 in the city of Liverpool, UK. The Foreign Secretary of the UK Liz Truss will
welcome the counterparts from France, the US, Italy, Canada, Germany, European Union, and
Japan over three days i.e. from December 10 to 12, 2021.
The United Kingdom is holding the G7 Presidency in 2021 and this will also be the second in-
person gathering of the G7 Foreign Ministers in 2021. The leaders met in May this year.
Notably, the countries from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations will also attend the G7
Foreign Ministers’ Meetings for the first time, indicating UK’s growing Indo-Pacific tilt.
G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meet in UK: Key Details
• The UK Foreign and Development Ministers will be discussing the range of global issues, global
health, economic resilience post-COVID, and human rights.
• G7 Ministers Meet comes after a series of global summits around the UK in 2021. The other
meetings include the COP Climate summit in Glasgow and the G7 Leaders Summit hosted by the
Prime Minister of the UK in June 2021.
• Among the ASEAN Foreign Ministers who will attend the G7 Foreign Ministers meeting are
those from Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Why Liverpool has been chosen to host the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meet?
Liverpool has been chosen for hosting the meeting because of its history as an iconic city with a
global outlook, strong ties around the world, and a thriving musical, cultural and sporting heritage.
The meeting of G7 Foreign and Development Ministers in Liverpool will be a fantastic opportunity
of showcasing Liverpool to the world, further highlighting the best of British culture, commerce,
and creativity.
The UK Foreign Secretary also said that G7 countries will be hosted to discuss the ways to build

closer technology, economic, and security ties globally and to deliver to the British people.

Minister for Labour and Employment

Bhupender Yadav flags off first ever All India
Domestic Workers Survey
The Union Minister for Labour and Employment Bhupender Yadav on November 22, 2021,
flagged off the first-ever All India Survey on Domestic Workers. The survey on domestic
workers will be conducted by the Labour Bureau, Chandigarh.
The Union Minister, during the launch of the survey on domestic workers, also released an
instruction manual with a questionnaire for the All India Survey on Domestic Workers. The first-
ever survey will cover 37 states/UTs and 742 districts across the length and breadth of India.
Furthering PM Shri @narendramodi ji's goal of taking the benefits of govt's policy unto the last,
flagged off the first ever All India Domestic Workers Survey. It will help the government
understand significant issues and chart evidence-based data-driven policies.
pic.twitter.com/63z7hp4syo
— Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) November 22, 2021

Significance
The domestic workers in India constitute a significant section of the total employment in the
informal sector. However, the data lacks on the magnitude and prevailing employment conditions
of the domestic workers.
Hence, the Government of India, with a view to having time-series data on the domestic
workers, the Government of India decided to entrust the Labour Bureau to conduct an All-
India survey on Domestic Workers.
Objective
• The All India Survey on Domestic Workers aims at estimating the number and proportion of
domestic workers at the National and State level. It will also estimate the percentage distribution
of the domestic workers with respect to Live-in/Live-out, Migrant/Non-Migrant, formal/informal
employment, their wages as well as other socio-economic characteristics.

• The first-ever domestic worker's survey will also provide the household estimates of Live-
in/Live-out domestic workers as well as the average number of domestic workers that are
engaged by different types of households.
First-ever All India Domestic Workers Survey
The Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, while speaking on the occasion, said that this is for the
first time in Independent India that such as Nationwide survey will be conducted.
He added that the move indicates the commitment of the government towards having an
evidence-based, data-driven policy that helps in the last-mile delivery of services and
achievement of goals under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.
The Minister also stated that all these All India Surveys and the e-Shram portal will prove to be a
game-changer and will have set new standards in the data-driven policies.

Andhra Pradesh to have only one capital-

Amravati: CM Jagan Mohan Reddy
Andhra pradesh capital news: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy announced
on November 22, 2021 that Andhra Pradesh will have only one capital- Amravati.
The chief minister's decision was informed by Advocate general S. Sriram in the high court during
the ongoing hearing on the capital city Amaravati. The decision puts to rest the row over three
capitals of Andhra Pradesh.
Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister Buggana Rajendranath Reddy introduced a bill to repeal the
Three Capitals Bill in the state assembly. CM Jagan Mohan Reddy said in the state assembly,
"Govt is going to take back the Bill which was introduced earlier. We will introduce a new Bill with
no errors."
Andhra Pradesh Govt withdraws Andhra Pradesh Decentralisation & Inclusive Development of All
Regions Bill 2020 at the State Assembly.
CM Jagan Mohan Reddy says, "Govt is going to take back the Bill which was introduced earlier.
We will introduce a new Bill with no errors." pic.twitter.com/z25O265pPY
"We believed that decentralisation of capital is much needed in Andhra Pradesh...Govt is going to
take back the Bill which was introduced earlier. We will introduce a new Bill with no errors, " he
added.
We believed that decentralisation of capital is much needed in Andhra Pradesh...Govt is going to

take back the Bill which was introduced earlier. We will introduce a new Bill with no errors: CM YS
Jagan Mohan Reddy in the state legislative assembly pic.twitter.com/8Hcjfb8TUq

What is the Andhra Pradesh three capitals row?
Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSRCP government had earlier proposed three different
capitals for the state-
Amravati-Legislative capital

Visakhapatnam- Executive capital
Kurnool- Judicial capital.

Andhra Pradesh three capitals proposal
The Andhra Pradesh state assembly had passed two acts- Andhra Pradesh Decentralisation
and Inclusive Development of All Regions Bill, 2020 and Andhra Pradesh Capital Region
Development (Repeal) Act in June 2020 amid resistance from the TDP. Both the acts were later
signed by the then governor, Biswa Bhusan Harichandan.
The Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development (Repeal) Act was aimed at abolishing the
authority created by the previous TDP government in 2015 to develop Amaravati as the state
capital.
The Andhra Pradesh Decentralisation and Inclusive Development of All Regions Bill, 2020 was
aimed at establishing three capitals for Andhra Pradesh.
Read more: AP assembly passes bill proposing three state capitals
Protest against three capitals of Andhra Pradesh
Thousands of farmers who had given up over 34,000 acres of fertile land for setting up the state
capital in Amravati, had challenged the law in the high court.
The Amravati farmers also began a Maha Padayatra in every district in protest against the three
capital decisions. The Bharatiya Janta Party extended its complete support to the protesting
farmers and backed their stand that Amaravati should remain the capital of Andhra Pradesh.
The Andhra Pradesh High Court has been conducting daily hearings related to decentralization
and the repealing of the CRDA act. Advocate General has filed an affidavit in the high court that
the government is withdrawing the bills.

World Fisheries 2021: Andhra Pradesh bags

Best Marine State; Know list of Fisheries
Awards winners
On the occasion of World Fisheries Day on November 21, 2021, the Department of Fisheries,
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, awarded best performing States for 2020-
21 for the second time in the Fisheries sector. Telangana was awarded best performer in
Inland Fisheries while Andhra Pradesh was awarded best marine State in India during the
Fisheries awards 2021 held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal
Husbandry and Dairying, Parshottam Rupala presented the awards to recognize their
accomplishments and contribution towards to fisheries sector.
Fisheries Awards 2021: List of winner states in India
Award Winner State

Best Marine District Balasore, Odisha
Best Marine State Andhra Pradesh
Best Inland District Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh
Best Inland State Telangana
Best Hilly and Northeastern District Bongaigaon, Assam
Best Hilly and Northeastern State Tripura
The awards were given across Inland, Marine, Hilly & North-eastern region, best district for
Inland, Marine, Hilly & North-eastern region, Best Quasi Government Organization/ Federation/
Corporation/ Board in Inland, Marine, Hilly & North-eastern region.
The awards were also presented to best Fish Farmer (Inland, Marine, and Hilly & NE Region),
best Hatchery (Fish, shrimp, and Trout Hatchery), best Fisheries Enterprises, best Fisheries Co-
operative societies/FPOs/SHGs, best Individual Entrepreneurs, best Innovation idea/Technology
Infusion.
Also read: Blue Revolution with an outlay of 3000 crore rupees proposed
Fisheries Sector: India

The government of India is at the forefront in transforming the fisheries sector and bringing about
economic revolution through Blue Revolution in the country. The fisheries sector in India
envisioned increasing the farmers’ income through enhancement of production and productivity,
improving the quality, and reduction of waste.
The fisheries sector in India has tremendous potential for growth. The government is working on
offering all necessary support for achieving the export target of one lakh crore by 2024-25.
Union Minister during the fisheries awards 2021 noted the need to create environment-friendly
fishing and explore sustainable avenues for the fishery sector while continuing consumption.
In line with the potential of the fisheries sector in India, PM Narendra Modi in May 2020 had
launched the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) worth Rs 20,050 crores for five
years. PMMSY aims at achieving fish production of 22 MMT by 2025-21 from the present 15
MMT as well as generating employment opportunities for about 55 lakh people in the fisheries
sector. Additionally, the government has also extended support to fishermen and women through
the Kisan Credit Card (KCC), said Rupala.
Seaweed farming is another focus of the Indian government along with empowering fisherwomen
and promoting entrepreneurship in the fisheries sector. Paradip is being developed as Major
Fishing Harbours among the five major ports.
Also read: PM Narendra Modi launches Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, e-Gopala App
World Fisheries Day 2021: Theme, History, Significance
Every year on November 21, World Fisheries Day is observed for demonstrating solidarity with all
fishermen, fisherwomen, fish farmers, and concerned stakeholders across the world. The first
World Fisheries Day was observed on November 21, 2015.
The World Fisheries Day 2021 theme was a mixture of the fishing industry, nature, and
environment, and a greater focus on biodiversity. The World Fisheries Day 2020 theme was
social responsibility in the fisheries value chain. In 1997, the ‘World Forum of Fish Harvesters &
Fish Workers’ met in New Delhi that led to the creation of the ‘World Fisheries Forum’. The 18-
member-countries led World Fisheries Forum signed a declaration for a global mandate of
sustainable fishing practices and policies.
World Fisheries Day events and awards aim to bring focus on overfishing, habitat destruction, and
other serious threats to the sustainability of marine and freshwater resources. Celebrating World

Fisheries Day is significant for changing the way global fisheries are managed to ensure
sustainable stocks and healthy ecosystems.

Gallantry Awards 2021: Check full list of

awardees of Vir Chakra, Shaurya Chakra,
Mahavir Chakra
Gallantry Awards 2021 were accorded by the President of India Ram Nath Kovind on November
23, 2021. The awardees were honoured for their service to the nation and their sacrifice in a fight
against the enemy. Gallantry Awards included Vir Chakra, Shaurya Chakra, Kirti Chakra among
others. Among the awardees is Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman who received Vir
Chakra for shooting down a Pakistani F-16 fighter aircraft during aerial combat on February 27,
2019, a day after the Balakot airstrike. The Chief of Indian Air Force Vivek R Chaudhari also
received Param Vishisht Seva Medal from the President.
Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman accorded Vir Chakra
Abhinandan Varthaman, Indian Air Force ace pilot Group Captain, was accorded Vir
Chakra by the President of India Ram Nath Kovind in an investiture ceremony on
November 22, 2021.
Abhinandan Varthaman has received Vir Chakra for shooting down a Pakistani F-16
fighter aircraft during aerial combat on February 27, 2019, a day after the Balakot
airstrike. While shooting down the enemy aircraft, Abhinandan flew over Pakistan-
occupied Kashmir and his MiG-21 was hit.
Abhinandan had to eject over the territory controlled by the enemy. The IAF pilot was then
taken into custody by the Pakistan Army which was forced to release him later because of
extensive pressure from India along with an international intervention into the matter.
Delhi: Wing Commander (now Group Captain) Abhinandan Varthaman being accorded the Vir
Chakra by President Ram Nath Kovind, for shooting down a Pakistani F-16 fighter aircraft
during aerial combat on February 27, 2019. pic.twitter.com/CsDC0cYqds
Vir Chakra
Sepoy Gurtej Singh was accorded the Vir Chakra posthumously for his gallant actions
against the vicious attack by the Chinese Army in Galwan Valley in June 2020 as part of
Operation Snow Leopard.
Delhi: Sepoy Gurtej Singh accorded the Vir Chakra posthumously for his gallant actions against

the vicious attack by the Chinese Army in the Galwan valley in June last year as part of the
His parents receive the award from President Ram Nath Kovind. pic.twitter.com/vTZABmcHpi
Naik Deepak Singh accorded the Vir Chakra posthumously for his gallant actions against the
vicious attack by the Chinese Army in Galwan Valley in June 2020 as part of Operation Snow
Leopard.
Delhi: Naik Deepak Singh accorded the Vir Chakra posthumously for his gallant actions against
the vicious attack by the Chinese Army in the Galwan valley in June last year as part of Operation
Snow Leopard.
His wife receives the award from President Ram Nath Kovind. pic.twitter.com/mjJxGyodLJ
Havildar K Palani accorded Vir Chakra posthumously for his gallant actions against the
vicious attack by the Chinese Army in Galwan Valley in June 2020 as part of Operation Snow
Leopard.
Delhi: Havildar K Palani accorded the Vir Chakra posthumously for his gallant actions against the
vicious attack by the Chinese Army in the Galwan valley in June last year as part of Operation
Snow Leopard.
His wife receives the award from President Ram Nath Kovind. pic.twitter.com/aS4f85Xg1Q
Naib Subedar Nuduram Soren accorded the Vir Chakra posthumously for his gallant actions
against the vicious attack by the Chinese Army in Galwan Valley in June 2020 as part of
Delhi: Naib Subedar Nuduram Soren accorded the Vir Chakra posthumously for his gallant
actions against the vicious attack by the Chinese Army in the Galwan valley in June last year as
part of the Operation Snow Leopard.
His wife receives the award from President Ram Nath Kovind pic.twitter.com/9tMpJqHlmS

Havildar Tijender Singh was awarded Vir Chakra for thwarting the Chinese soldiers during the
stand-off in Galwan Valley in Eastern Ladakh.
Delhi: Havildar Tejinder Singh awarded Vir Chakra for thwarting Chinese soldiers during the
violent stand-off in Galwan valley in Eastern Ladakh. He fought fearlessly till he was grievously
injured. pic.twitter.com/4oH1BIqF16

IAF Chief receives Param Vishisht Seva Medal
The Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Vivek R Chaudhari received Param Vishisht
Seva Medal from President Ram Nath Kovind.
Delhi: Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal Vivek R Chaudhari receives Param Vishisht Seva
Medal from President Ram Nath Kovind. pic.twitter.com/WU45pE9ECd

Mahavir Chakra
Col Santosh Babu received the Mahavir Chakra posthumously for resisting the Chinese army
attack while establishing an observation post in the face of the enemy in the Galwan Valley in
Ladakh sector during the ongoing Operation Snow Leopard.
Col Santosh Babu accorded Mahavir Chakra posthumously for resisting Chinese Army attack
while establishing an observation post in the face of the enemy in Galwan valley in Ladakh sector
during Operation Snow Leopard.
His mother and wife receive the award from President. pic.twitter.com/oxonlAvEWL

Shaurya Chakra
Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal was accorded with Shaurya Chakra (posthumously) for
his role in an operation where the 5 terrorists were eliminated. 200 g of explosive material was
also recovered.
His wife Lt Nitika Kaul and mother received the prestigious award from President Kovind.
Delhi: Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal accorded the Shaurya Chakra (posthumously) for his
role in an operation where five terrorists were eliminated and 200 kg explosive material was

recovered.
His wife Lt Nitika Kaul and mother receive the award from the President.
pic.twitter.com/e0PCVx0Bfh
Naib Subedar Sombir was accorded Shaurya Chakra posthumously for killing an A++
Category terrorist during an operation in J&K.
Delhi: Naib Subedar Sombir accorded Shaurya Chakra posthumously for killing an A++ category
terrorist during an operation in Jammu and Kashmir.
His wife and mother receive the award from President Ram Nath Kovind.
pic.twitter.com/uwBiIu1iUC

Kirti Chakra
Sapper Prakash Jadhav from the Corps of Engineers has been accorded the second-
highest peacetime gallantry award Kirti Chakra (posthumously) for neutralizing the terrorists
in an operation in Jammu & Kashmir.
Delhi: Sapper Prakash Jadhav from Corps of Engineers accorded the second-highest peacetime
gallantry award Kirti Chakra (posthumously) for neutralising terrorists in an operation in J&K.
His wife and mother receive the award from President Ram Nath Kovind.
pic.twitter.com/zeebN5ZL4h
Subedar Sanjiv Kumar of 4 Para Special Forces received Kirti Chakra posthumously for an
operation in Keran Sector in J&K in which he killed one terrorist and injured one another.
Delhi: Subedar Sanjiv Kumar of 4 Para Special Forces accorded the Kirti Chakra posthumously
for an operation in Keran sector in Jammu and Kashmir in which he killed one terrorist and injured
two others.
His wife receives the award from President Ram Nath Kovind. pic.twitter.com/pjxyPMjMY2

Vir Chakra- India’s third-highest gallantry medal
The prestigious Vir Chakra gallantry medal is the third-highest wartime medal. On the other
hand, Param Vir Chakra is the highest in order. Vir Chakra award was instituted by the
President of India on January 26, 1950.
Balakot Airstrike
On February 26, 2019, India had launched an aerial strike on the terrorist facility of Pakistan in the
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa area. It is run by Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
Pakistan’s terrorist camp was located deep into Pakistani territory. The airstrike by India on the
camp was in retaliation to the Pulwama terror attack that had taken the lives of over 40 CRPF
Personnel.
Pakistan had retaliated against the Balakot airstrike on February 27, 2019, by targeting Indian
Military installations.
List of Vir Chakra Awardees:
Some of the notable recipients of Vir Chakra are-

Year Recipients
1948 Brigadier Harbaksh Singh
1950 Captain TGN Pai
1950 Major Tirath Singh Oberoi
1962 Wg Cdr Krishan Kant Saini
1965 Lt Gen Zorawar Chand Bakshi
1965 Wg Cdr Trevor Keelor
1965 Flt Lt. Virendera Singh Pathania
1965 Air Cmde Alfred Tyrone Cooke
1965 Naib Subedar Ganesh Datt Joshi
1965 Air Marshal Denzil Keelor

1965 Lt Gen Mohammad Ahmad Zaki
1971 Late Lt Col Vikram Deuskar
1971 Adm Laxminarayan Ramdass
1999 Captain Jintu Gogoi
1999 Sqn Ldr Ajay Ahuja
1999 Sepoy Roshan Kumar
2000 Havildar Chunni Lal
2019 Wg Cdr Abhinandan Varthaman
2021 Sepoy Gurtej Singh

Pathankot attack: Grenade blast reported

near Indian Army's Triveni Gate in Pathankot,
high alert sounded
Pathankot attack: A grenade blast was reported early morning on November 22, 2021 near the
Indian Army's Triveni Gate in Pathankot's Dheerapul.
As per Defence sources, a grenade was hurled near the Army gate by unknown people. No
injuries have been reported. Immediately, the police rushed to the spot and parts of the grenade
were recovered from the site. The police is also going through the CCTV footage.
All police check-posts in Pathankot have also been put on high alert. The Punjab police have filed
an FIR and they have also initiated further investigation into the matter.
Local Police, Counter Intelligence, CID are working together. No arrests made yet, we're
collecting evidence & will take action based on the facts. If a grenade has been hurled then there
must be some terror angle, we are probing: Gulneet Singh Khurana, AIG- Counter Intelligence
pic.twitter.com/Ew9l4MB7pC

Pathankot attack: All important details
•An FIR has been registered at the Pathankot police station under three sections of the IPC and
explosive substances act.
•As per the FIR, unknown people came on a motorbike and hurled the grenade while a marriage
procession was passing the area.
•The explosive was reportedly thrown at a distance of 15 metres from the gate. No injuries were
reported, fortunately.
•The attack has triggered security concerns in the border region.
•The police are now reviewing the CCTV footage available of the area.

•All police check-posts in Pathankot are on high alert and security has been beefed up.
Pathankot blast a terror attack?
There is no information currently to know whether it was a terror attack or whether it was done to
create panic in the area.
Read more: War hero Abhinandan Varthaman receives Vir Chakra: Check list of Vir Chakra
awardees here

Moon’s top layer has enough oxygen to

sustain 8 billion people on Earth – Know Key
details
The Moon’s top layer of rocks known as Regolith has enough oxygen to sustain 8 billion
people of Earth for nearly 100,000 years, as per a meteorite information report of Washington
University in St. Louis. The report stated that usable oxygen can be extracted from the Regolith
which can eventually be used to support human life. If scientists discover a sustainable method of
extracting usable oxygen from the surface of the Moon, the report claims that the top 10 meters of
the lunar surface Regolith would provide enough oxygen for all 8 billion people of Earth.
Also read: NASA’s Perseverance Rover generates oxygen on Mars for first time
Also read: ISRO’s Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter avoids collision with NASA’s Lunar Orbiter – All you
need to know
Moon’s top layer has enough oxygen for 8 billion people
The Moon has an atmosphere that is very thin and composed of mostly hydrogen, argon, and
neon. Minerals such as iron, aluminum, silica, and magnesium oxides make up the landscape of
the Moon. All these minerals contain oxygen but not in the gaseous form that our lungs can
process. The surface of the Moon does not provide oxygen in gaseous form that can
sustain human life but it is trapped inside the top layer of the Moon called Regolith which is
the layer of rock and fine dust.
Also read: What is NASA’s Psyche mission, which can unveil secrets of early Solar System?
How can we extract oxygen from Moon’s Regolith?
The Regolith is made up of approximately 45 per cent oxygen. In order to extract this
oxygen, the process of electrolysis is required. The electrolysis process on Earth is used in
the manufacturing sector to produce aluminum. During the process, an electric current is passed
through a liquid form of aluminum oxide through electrodes to separate the aluminum from the
oxygen.

On Earth, the electrolysis process generates oxygen as a byproduct. However, the same
electrolysis process will generate oxygen as the main product when conducted on Moon and
other metal or aluminum will be potentially useful byproducts.
The process of extracting oxygen from Moon’s Regolith will also require substantial industrial
equipment. One need to first convert solid metal oxide into liquid form by applying heat or heat
combined with solvents or electrolytes. This technology is available on Earth but conducting this
technology on Moon requires massive resources.
Earlier in 2021, a Belgium-based startup Space Applications Services had announced that they
are in the process of building three experimental reactors which will improvise the electrolysis
process to generate oxygen. They are expecting to send the technology to Moon by 2025 as part
of the in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) mission of the European Space Agency.
Explained: What makes NASA’s new spacecraft NEA Scout special?
How much oxygen will be available from Moon’s Regolith?
The Moon’s top layer of rocks known as Regolith has enough oxygen to sustain 8 billion people of
Earth for nearly 100,000 years, as per a meteorite information report of Washington University in
St. Louis.
Each cubic meter of lunar Regolith contains 1.4 tonnes of mineral on average which
includes about 630 kg of oxygen. As per NASA, humans require 800 grams of oxygen per day
to survive. The 630 kg of oxygen can help sustain a human lie for about 2 years or more.
Lunar Eclipse November 2021: Know Date, Time, Where to watch in India; Longest Chandra
Grahan of 21st century

India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I: Rohit Sharma

becomes first Indian batsman to hit 150 sixes
in T20Is, second overall
India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I: Rohit Sharma became the first Indian batsman to hit 150 sixes
in T20 international matches during India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I on November 21, 2021.
Rohit Sharma has become the second batsman overall in the world to hit 150 sixes in T20Is after
New Zealand's Martin Guptil, who has hit 161 sixes in T20 internationals. West Indies' Chris
Gayle is at the third place with 124 sixes in T20 Internationals.
Rohit Sharma achieved the feat in the sixth over of India's innings in the 3rd T20I against New
Zealand in Kolkata. He smashed a ball by Lockie Ferguson over fine-leg.
WATCH - That moment when @ImRo45 hit his 150th SIX in T20Is.
Full video https://t.co/UeH4o9xvCN #INDvNZ @Paytm
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 21, 2021

India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I
India powered by Rohit Sharma's smashing fifty and Axar Patel's clinical bowling recorded a 73-
run win over New Zealand in the third and final T20I match at the Eden Gardens on November
21, 2021. With this, the hosts clinched the 3-match T20I series against New Zealand with a
complete 3-0 clean sweep.
One Happy Bunch!
Thank you Kolkata
Next Stop - Kanpur #TeamIndia #INDvNZ @Paytm pic.twitter.com/55Lfi7MnTR

India vs New Zealand 2nd T20I
India guided by the 117-run opening partnership between KL Rahul (65 runs) and Rohit Sharma

(55 runs) recorded a 7-wicket victory over New Zealand in the 2nd T20I at the JSCA International
Stadium Complex in Ranchi on November 19, 2021, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-
match T20 series. During the match, Martin Guptill overtook Virat Kohli to become the highest
run-scorer in T20I cricket.
India vs New Zealand 1st T20I
India beat New Zealand by 5 wickets in the first T20I match in Jaipur on November 17, 2021.
Suryakumar Yadav was the highest scorer for India in the match with 62 runs off 40 balls,
followed by Rohit Sharma, who hit 48 runs off 36 balls.
Significance
The India vs New Zealand T20 series marked the beginning of a new era in Indian cricket with
Rohit as the new T20 captain and Rahul Dravid as the new head coach of the team. Dravid
took over from Ravi Shastri whose term ended after the T20 World Cup, while Sharma
succeeds Virat Kohli who had announced his decision of stepping down as T20 captain before
the World Cup. Kohli was also rested for Ind vs NZ T20 series.
T20I series sweep
Over to the Test series, with smiles & some celebrations
Here's what #TeamIndia Head Coach Rahul Dravid has to say. #INDvNZ @Paytm
pic.twitter.com/5s4nvQURk8
India vs New Zealand Test Series
India will now take on New Zealand, who are the World Test champions in a two-match Test
series. The first India vs New Zealand test match will be played in Kanpur from November 25-29
and second in Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium between December 3-7.
Read more: Ajinkya Rahane to lead in 1st India vs New Zealand Test

Prime Minister Modi calls for constituting

High-Power Police Technology Mission at
56th DGsP/IGsP Conference
PM Modi calls for constituting High-Power Police Technology Mission to adopt the future
technologies for grassroots policy requirements. Prime Minister was talking about constituting
the mission under the leadership of Home Minister Amit Shah.
PM Modi, during his address at the valedictory session of the 56th DGsP/IGsP Conference in
Lucknow on November 21, 2021, called for an analysis of all the incidents that are related to the
police. He also talked about developing case studies in order to make it an institutionalized
learning mechanism.
The 56th DGsP/IGsP Conference on November 20 and 21 was inaugurated by Home Minister
Amit Shah on November 19. During the conference, he awarded trophies to the three-best Police
Stations in India. The Minister also participated in all the discussions and provided his valuable
suggestions and guidance.
The two day DGP/IGP conference was a fruitful one. Had the opportunity to brainstorm with
topmost police officials on diverse issues of policing and national security. Also presented the
President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service to IB personnel. https://t.co/3CtiSIwJoF
pic.twitter.com/jYevpfqI0J

PM Modi at 56th DGsP/IGsP Conference: Key Highlights
• Prime Minister Modi during the valedictory session of the conference suggested the
development of interoperable technologies which will benefit the police forces all across India.
• He also noted and admired the hybrid format of the Conference as it allowed the free flow of
information between various ranks of the Police.
• While highlighting the significance of technology in the day-to-day lives of the common public,
PM Modi gave examples of successful GeM, CoWIN, and UPI.

• He also hailed the positive changes in the attitude of the Police towards the general public,
especially after the COVID period. In his address, Prime Minister suggested the positive use of
drone technology for the people’s benefit.
• The review of the SMART Policing Concept, introduced in 2014, was also stressed by the Prime
Minister. There was also a suggestion for the development of a roadmap for its consistent
transformation of the same in the Police Force.
• For tackling some of the routine challenges that are faced by the Police, Prime Minister urged
the administration to involve highly qualified youth in technological solutions.
56th DGsP/IGsP Conference:
Core group to discuss aspects of national security-
Various core groups of DGsP were formed to discuss the major aspects of national security such
as terrorism, prison reforms, Left Wing Extremism, narcotics trafficking, cyber-crimes, foreign
funding of NGOs, development of border villages, drone-related matters, etc.
President’s Police Medal-
The Prime Minister, during the conference, also awarded the President’s Police Medal for the
Distinguished Service to the Intelligence Bureau (IB) Personnel.
Articles on contemporary security issues-
For the first time, on the directives of PM Modi, IPS Officers from various states had submitted
articles on contemporary security issues.
DGsP/IGsP Conference:
The valedictory session of the 56th Conference of Director Generals of Police (DGPs) and the
Inspector Generals of Police (IGPs) was attended by 62 DGPs and IGPs of all the Indian states
and Union Territories. The heads of the Central Armed Police Forces and the Central Police
Organisations also attended the conference.
More than 400 officers of various ranks also attended the conference virtually from the IB Offices
across the country.

Home Minister lays foundation stone of Rani

Gaidinliu Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum in
Manipur
Rani Gaidinliu Museum: Union Home Minister Amit Shah laid the foundation stone of the Rani
Gaidinliu Tribal freedom fighters Museum in Luangkao village of Tamenglong District in Manipur
through video conference on November 22, 2021.
Home Minister said that the Tribal Freedom Fighters museums that are being set up in different
parts of the country will help in unifying our society. He highlighted that the urban don't know the
struggles & sacrifices of the tribal population in India's independence, which is why PM Modi
decided to make such museums in different states.
Manipur | Union Home Min Amit Shah lays foundation stone for the Rani Gaidinliu Tribal Freedom
Fighters Museum in Luangkao village of Tamenglong District
Tribal Freedom Fighters museums being made in different parts of the country will help in unifying
our society: HM Amit Shah pic.twitter.com/Fsby6i5Ftz
The Home Minister outlined that the centre has invested Rs 195 crores for the same, out of which
Rs 110 crore have been issued. The Tribal Freedom Fighters museums will be constructed in
Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Telangana and
Manipur.
Shah highlighted that this will instill patriotism and stressed that PM Modi has done various kinds
of projects on tribal development.
Museums will be constructed in Gujarat, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, MP,
Telangana & Manipur. This will instil patriotism. PM Modi has done various kinds of projects on
tribal development: Union Home Minister Amit Shah pic.twitter.com/V9lEefAxcE

Significance
The Rani Gaidinliu Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum is being set up as a part of Azadi Ka Amrit

Mahotsav week beginning on November 15th, which was named as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas by
Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Tribal Freedom Fighters museum in Manipur has been named after Rani Gaidinliu, a
renowned freedom fighter. The Manipur state cabinet had decided to name the museum as
Rani Gaidinliu Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum and set it up at Luangkao Village in
Tamenglong District, Rani Gaidinli's birthplace.
The project was sanctioned by the Tribal Affairs Ministry at an estimated cost of Rs 15 crore.
Who was Rani Gaidinliu? Top 7 facts you need to know
1. Rani Gaidinliu was a spiritual and political leader who had led a revolt against the Britishers in
Manipur and surrounding areas.
2. At the age of 13 years, she joined the Heraka religious movement, which later turned into a
political one that aimed to drive out the Britishers from Manipur and surrounding Naga areas.
3. Gaidinliu was considered to be the incarnation of the Goddess Cherachamdinliu within the
Heraka faith.
4. Gaidinliu was arrested by the Britishers at the age of 16 years in 1932 and was sentenced to
life imprisonment.
5. Jawaharlal Nehru had met Gaidinliu in 1937 at Shillong Jail and gave her the title of "Rani".
She became known locally as Rani Gaidinliu.
6. Gaidinliu was finally released from the prison in 1947 after India gained its independence.
7. She continued to work for the upliftment of her people post-independence. She was a strong
advocate of ancestral Naga religious practices and staunchly resisted the conversion of Nagas to
Christianity.
Rani Gaidinliu awards
Rani Gaidinliu was honoured as a freedom fighter with the third-highest civilian award in the
country, the Padma Bhushan by the Indian Government in 1982.
Other awards

Tamrapatra- 1972
Vivekananda Sewa Summan-1983
Stree Shakti Purashkar-1991
Bhagwan Birsa Munda Puraskar- 1996 (posthumously)

Rani Gaidinliu Coin
The Indian government had issued a Commemorative Stamp of Rani Gaidinliu in 1996 and
released a Rs 100 coin and a Circulation Coin of Rs 5 on her birth centenary in 2015.
ICGS Rani Gaidinliu
The Indian Coast Guard had also commissioned a Fast Patrol Vessel "ICGS Rani Gaidinliu"
on October 19, 2016.

INS Vishakhapatnam commissioned into

Indian Navy: 10 things to know about stealth-
guided missile destroyer ship
INS Vishakhapatnam was formally commissioned into the Indian Navy on November 21,
2021, in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai.
The newly commissioned INS Vishakhapatnam is a P15B stealth-guided missile destroyer. The
commissioning of INS Vishakhapatnam has also marked the formal induction of the first of the
four Vishakhapatnam class destroyers into the Indian Navy.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, at the event of INS Vishakhapatnam commissioning into the
India Navy, said that the Navy’s role is very significant as India is a part of the Indo-Pacific route.
He added that PM Modi’s policy of SAGAR embodies the same values. India also has every
opportunity to build itself an indigenous ship-building hub.
Rajnath Singh also appreciated the Indian Navy in developing the indigenous ships. During the
commissioning of INS Vishakhapatnam into the Indian Navy, the Defence Minister took the first
glimpse of a warship and was informed about its features by the Naval Officers.
Attended the commissioning ceremony of INS Visakhapatnam into Indian Navy today. This
indigenously developed missile destroyer is packed with state-of-the-art weapons & modern
technology. It is a symbol of India’s growing maritime prowess.@indiannavy
https://t.co/kpQCUHiGy8 pic.twitter.com/7G35fFlzQ1
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) November 21, 2021

Significance
INS Vishakhapatnam is the first stealth-guided missile destroyer ship of P15B. The
commissioning of the missile destroyer ship into the Indian Navy will demonstrate the
indigenous capability of building complex combat platforms.
The stealth-guided missile destroyer, INS Vishakhapatnam, will help to enhance the
Indian Navy’s capacity and the firepower to face the threats by a margin.
10 things to know about INS Vishakhapatnam
1. INS Vishakhapatnam has been constructed with the use of indigenous steel DMR 249A.

2. The ship is among the largest destroyers in India. INS Vishakhapatnam has an overall length of
163 metre and a displacement of over 7,400 tonne.
3. INS Vishakhapatnam can easily undertake multifarious tasks. It also includes the missions of
the Indian Navy that spanned the full spectrum of maritime warfare.
4. The destroyer ship is equipped with major indigenous weapons such as torpedo tubes, surface
to surface missiles, indigenous medium range surface to air missile systems and launchers.
5. INS Vishakhapatnam has medium to short-range guns, communication suits, anti-submarine

rockets and advanced electronic warfare.
6. The indigenously built ship consists of a capacity of accommodating 312 crew members.
7. The warship has an endurance of 4,000 nautical miles.
8. INS Vishakhapatnam is propelled by a powerful combined gas as well as gas propulsion that
enables the speed of the ship to more than 30 knots.
9. INS Vishakhapatnam consists of a very high level of automation with extremely sophisticated
digital networks.
10. The destroyer ship has a combat management system and an integrated platform
management system.

Delhi air quality continues to remain in very poor category
Delhi's air quality continues to remain in the 'very poor' category for the ninth consecutive day on
November 22, 2021.
As per the System of Air Quality & Weather Forecasting & Research (SAFAR), the overall Air
Quality Index of the National Capital dipped again from 347 to 352 today. The PM 2.5 and PM 10
concentrations stood at 188 in the 'very poor' and 301 in the 'poor' category respectively.
Delhi truck ban extended till November 26
The Delhi government on November 21, 2021 extended the ban imposed on the entry of trucks
carrying non-essential items in the national capital Delhi till November 26 to curb air pollution. The
state has also asked its employees to continue working from home till November 26. The private
offices have also been advised to allow their staff to work from home till November 26th.
G7 Foreign Ministers' meeting to take place in Liverpool on December 10
The G7 summit of Foreign and Development Ministers is scheduled to take place from December
10-12, 2021 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss will host the summit
and welcome counterparts from countries including France, Germany, US, Canada, Italy, Japan
and the EU. This would be the second in-person meeting of the G7 Foreign Ministers this year.
The last one was held in May in London. The UK is holding the G7 presidency this year.
Read more here
Home Minister to lay foundation stone of Rani Gaidinliu Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum
in Manipur
Union Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah will lay the foundation stone of the Rani Gaidinliu Tribal
freedom fighters Museum at Luangkao village, Tamenglong District in Manipur on November 22,
2021 through video conference. The museum project has been sanctioned by the Tribal Affairs
Ministry at an estimated cost of Rs 15 crore. The Luangkao Village is the birthplace of renowned
freedom fighter Rani Gaidinliu.
Read more here

Karnataka CM to release compensation to farmers for crop damage due to rains
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on November 21, 2021 announced compensation for
the farmers whose crops have been damaged due to rains and those who have lost their houses
after reviewing of the damage caused by incessant rains in various parts of the state. The Chief
Minister was on a visit to rain-affected areas of Karnataka's Chikkaballapur district. Crops in 3.43
lakh hectares have been affected due to incessant rains in August and September affecting over
1.5 lakh farmers. The state has released Rs 130cr as compensation for their crop loss.
PM Modi calls for constituting High-Power Police Technology Mission
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 21, 2021 called for constituting a High-Power Police
Technology Mission to adopt future technologies for grassroot policing requirements. PM Modi
said this while addressing the valedictory session of the 56th DGsP/IGsP Conference in Lucknow.
He also called for an analysis of all police-related incidents and developing case studies to make
it an institutionalised learning mechanism and also suggested development of interoperable
technologies that would benefit Police forces across the country.
Read more here
Delhi schools to stay shut till further orders
All schools in the national capital will continue to remain shut for physical classes till further orders
due to rising air pollution levels. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal had announced a 'pollution lockdown'
on November 13 under which the schools were closed for physical classes for a week. Classes,
however, continued online.
Union Cabinet to take up repeal of three farm laws for approval on November 24
Union Cabinet is likely to take up the repeal of the three agricultural Laws for approval on
November 24, 2021. The repeal bills will then be introduced in the upcoming winter session of
Parliament, which is scheduled to begin from November 29.

J&K alpine skier Arif Khan qualifies for

Beijing Winter Olympics 2022
Arif Khan, Jammu and Kashmir's Alpine skier has qualified for the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022.
He secured his place in the tournament during the qualifying event in Dubai.
Arif Khan is originally from North Kashmir. He has represented India in many international events
before including the South Asian Games, Asian Games and World Ski Championships. He
secured his spot in the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 during the Olympic qualifier alpine skiing
event in Dubai.
Indian Olympic Association Secretary General Rajeev Mehta confirmed this in a tweet, "Arif Khan
qualified for Beijing Winter Olympics in ski and snowboard."
Arif Khan qualified for Beijing Winter Olympcs in ski and snow board .Congratulations to our
sports minister Mr Anurag Thakur ji and Arif Khan. https://t.co/Bb5BENWzfJ
pic.twitter.com/bs7DkYRP2N
— rajeev mehta (@rajeevmehtaioa) November 20, 2021
The Office of Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir also congratulated Arif with a tweet,
"Congratulations to skier Arif Khan for qualifying for Beijing Winter Olympics2022. It is a proud
moment for the whole country. @JKSportsCouncil to ensure Arif is provided with world-class
training facilities by best-in-class coaches& support staff. I wish him all the best for games."
Congratulations to skier Arif Khan for qualifying for Beijing Winter Olympics2022. It is a proud
moment for the whole country.@JKSportsCouncil to ensure Arif is provided with world-class
training facilities by best-in-class coaches&support staff.I wish him all the best for games.
— Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) November 20, 2021
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also congratulated Arif Khan for the
achievement with a tweet, "Congratulations Arif, well done for qualifying for #Beijing2022. We will
all be rooting for you."
Congratulations Arif, well done for qualifying for #Beijing2022. We will all be rooting for you.
https://t.co/hS4R5FDYeS
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) November 20, 2021

Who is Arif Khan- Top 5 things you should know!
1. Arif Khan is India's ace skier from Gulmarg in North Kashmir.
2. He started skiing at the young age of four years, coached by his father. His father owns a ski
rental shop in Kashmir.
3. He had participated in his first National Ski Championship at the age of 12 years and had won
a gold medal.
4. He had also participated in the Asian Junior Alpine Ski Championship before he was 15 years.
5. He was one of the top 15 skiers at the Changchun Asian Games in China at the age of 17
years.
Beijing Winter Olympics 2022
The 2022 Winter Olympics is scheduled to take place from February 4-20, 2022 in Beijing, China.
This will be the first Winter Olympics in China and the second Olympics overall after the 2008
Summer Olympics. This will also be the first time that Winter Olympics will be hosted by a city that
had previously hosted the Summer Olympics.

Swachh Survekshan 2021: Know top 10

cleanest cities in India; Indore is India’s
cleanest city
The President of India Ram Nath Kovind on November 20, 2021, conferred awards to 342
cleanest cities of India at the ‘Swachh Amrit Mahotsav’ as part of Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban
2.0 by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. More than
300 awards under various categories were given for recognizing the cleanliness and sanitation
efforts of the towns, cities, States, and Union Territories under various initiatives of Swachh
Bharat Mission – Urban such as the Swachh Survekshan 2021, Safaimitra Surakasha Challenge,
and certifications for Garbage Free Star rating for cities.
Also read: Nation-wide cleanliness survey 'Swachh Survekshan' launched
Swachh Survekshan 2021: Which is the cleanest city in India 2021?
Under the Swachh Survekshan 2021, Indore has been awarded the ‘Cleanest City’ of India award
for the 5th consecutive year in the ‘more than 1 lakh’ population category followed by Surat and
Vijayawada on the 2nd and 3rd rank respectively.
Vita, Lonavala, and Sasvad cities from Maharashtra have ranked first, second, and third Cleanest
Cities respectively in the ‘less than 1 lakh’ population category.
Hoshangabad in Madhya Pradesh emerged as the ‘Fastest Mover City’ in the ‘more than 1 lakh’
population category thus securing a place among the top 100 cities at 87th position.
In other categories, Varanasi won the ‘Best Ganga Town’, Ahmedabad Cantonment won ‘India’s
Cleanest Cantonment’ followed by Meerut Cantonment and Delhi Cantonment.
Also read: Swachh Survekshan 2021: Indore becomes first ‘Water Plus’ certified city – All you
need to know
Swachh Survekshan 2021: Which is the cleanest state in India 2021?
Under the Swachh Survekshan 2021, Chhattisgarh has been awarded as the ‘Cleanest State’ of

India for the 3rd consecutive year in the ‘more than 100 Urban Local Bodies’.
Jharkhand won the ‘Cleanest State’ of India for the second time in the ‘less than 100 Urban Local
Bodies’ category.
Karnataka emerged as the ‘Fastest Mover State’ in the ‘more than 100 Urban Local Bodies’ and
Mizoram emerged as the ‘Fastest Mover State’ in the ‘less than 100 Urban Local Bodies’.
Swachh Survekshan 2021: Top performer cities, states under first Safaimitra Surakasha
Challenge
Under the Safaimitra Suraksha Challenge, the top performer cities are Indore, Navi Mumbai,
Nellore, and Dewas across different population categories among 246 participating cities while
the top performer states are Chhattisgarh and Chandigarh.
Swachh Survekshan 2021: Nine 5-star rated Garbage Free Cities in India
Under the Star Rating Protocol of Garbage Free Cities, 9 cities were certified as 5-star cities while
143 cities were certified as 3-star.
The nine 5-star rated cities are Indore, Surat, New Delhi Municipal Council, Navi Mumbai,
Ambikapur, Mysuru, Noida, Vijayawada, and Patan.
Also read: Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban launches Smart Star-Rating for garbage-free cities
Swachh Survekshan 2021 Ranking List: Top 10 cleanest cities in India
1. Indore
2. Surat
3. Vijayawada
4. Navi Mumbai
5. Pune
6. Raipur
7. Bhopal
8. Vadodara

9. Visakhapatnam
10. Ahmedabad
Swachh Survekshan 2021: Significance, Key Highlights
The President of India Ram Nath Kovind on November 20, 2021, conferred the awardees of
Swachh Survekshan (SS) 2021 at the ‘Swachh Amrit Mahotsav’ which was organized by the
Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on November 20,
2021. The ‘Swachh Amrit Mahotsav’ marked the celebration of the achievements of cities and
states in India over the past seven years of Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban.
Launched on October 1, 2020, the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 focuses on ensuring
complete access to sanitation facilities for all. Over the years, the world’s largest urban
cleanliness survey Swachh Survekshan has become an effective tool for innovations and best
practices in sanitation and waste management across urban India.
The Swachh Survekshan 2021 holds significance as it is commemorating the ‘Azadi ka Amrit
Mahotsav’ and recognizes the efforts of Safai Mitras (frontline sanitation workers) amid the
COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite the pandemic, the 6th edition of Swachh Survekshan (SS2021) was conducted in a
record time of 28 days. A total of 4,320 cities participated. The SS2021 saw over 5 crores citizens’
feedback compared to 1.87 crores in 2020.
In Swachh Survekshan 2021, Maharashtra won 92 awards which is the highest by any State this
year followed by Chhattisgarh with 67 awards. Additionally, five cities – Indore, Surat, Navi
Mumbai, New Delhi Municipal Council, and Tirupati were categorized as ‘Divya’ (Platinum) under
a new performance category Prerak Daaur Samman in SS2021.
The Star Rating Protocol of Garbage Free Cities awards in the SS2021 saw 2,238 cities that
applied for assessment compared to only 56 cities in the 2018 edition. Further, the Housing &
Urban Affairs Ministry launched the integrated MIS portal ‘Swachhatam’ as well as the revamped
website of Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban 2.0.
Compared to Swachh Survekshan 2020, the key improvements in performance states and
cities in the Swachh Survekshan 2021 are:

•6 States and 6 UTs have shown overall improvement,
•more than 1,100 additional cities have started source segregation,
•nearly 1,800 additional Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) have started extending welfare benefits to
their sanitation workers,
•more than 1,500 additional ULBs have notified ban on the use, sale, and storage of non-
biodegradable plastic bags; in total, more than 3,000 ULBs have notified this ban,
•all Northeast states have shown significant improvement in their citizens’ feedback
Also read: Swachh Survekshan 2022 – All you need to know

Kamala Harris becomes first woman to get

US presidential powers – Know Key Details
US Vice-President Kamala Harris on November 19, 2021, became the first female acting
President of the United States for one hour and 25 minutes when US President Joe Biden
temporarily transferred power to Harris while he went under anesthesia for a routine colonoscopy.
With this development, 57-years-old Kamala Harris is now the first woman ever who held
presidential powers in the 250-years-old history of the US. Kamala Harris is the first woman, first
African-American and first Asian-American, first Indian-American who holds the second-most
powerful position in the US. Harris was elected US Vice-President on November 7, 2020, after
Joe Biden was declared the President of the United States in the US Presidential Elections 2020.
Also read: Kamala Harris becomes first female, Black and Asian-American Vice President-elect
of US
How did Kamala Harris become the first woman with presidential powers?
US President Joe Biden, 79-years-old, on November 19, 2021, underwent his first routine annual
physical checkup at Walter Reed Medical Center since taking the office. Following this, it is a
protocol for a Vice-President to assume Presidential powers while the President undergoes a
medical procedure that requires sedation or anesthesia.
What is the procedure to transfer Presidential Powers to Vice-President in the US?
Section 3 of the 25th Amendment to the US Constitution says the President can send a letter to
the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the president pro tempore of the Senate
declaring they are "unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, and until he transmits
to them a written declaration to the contrary, such powers and duties shall be discharged by the
Vice President as Acting President."
As per Section 3 of the 25th Amendment to the US Constitution, US President Joe Biden wrote a
letter to the House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont (who
is the president pro tempore of the Senate) for the official transfer of the Presidential Powers to
US Vice-President Kamala Harris before he underwent the routine checkup.
The 25th Amendment of the US Constitution comprises the procedure through which a President

or Vice-President of the US can be replaced in the event of death, resignation, removal or

incapacitation. The 25th Amendment was enacted following the death of former US President
John F Kennedy who was assassinated.
How did US President Joe Biden get back his Presidential Powers?
After the completion of the routine checkup, US President Joe Biden wrote a separate letter to
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont in accordance
with Section 3 of the 25th Amendment to transfer the Presidential Powers back to him. US
President Biden has been declared fit to successfully execute his duties of the President, wrote
the President’s medical examiner Kevin O’Connor.
Also read: Joe Biden inaugurated as 46th US President, Kamala Harris sworn-in as first female
US Vice President
Past instances of transfer of Presidential Powers in the US
In the past, US presidents have transferred Presidential Powers while they underwent routine
medical checkups which includes a colonoscopy that may require sedation or anesthesia. Former
US President George W Bush had undergone the routine colonoscopy twice (2002 and 2007)
during which he transferred his Presidential Powers to then Vice-President Dick Cheney for a
couple of hours.
Former US President Donald Trump has been an exception who did not undergo sedation or
anesthesia during his routine colonoscopy in 2019 and hence did not transfer his Presidential
Powers to then Vice-President Mike Pence.

Punjab CM announces memorial in name of farmer’s agitation in the state
The Chief Minister of Punjab, after PM Modi announced repealing three farm laws, announced
that a memorial will be set up in name of all farmers from the state who lost their lives during the
farmers’ agitation.
India defeats New Zealand by 7 wickets
India crushed New Zealand by 7 wickets to seal the series. KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma helped
India chase down the target to register a comprehensive 7 wickets victory against New Zealand.
With the win, India has clinched the three-match series 2-0 with a game in their hand.
USD 150 million loan for Chennai Metropolitan Area Project
AIIB has given its approval for a USD 150 million loans to the Indian Government for the
implementation of the Sustainable Urban Services Program for the Chennai Metropolitan Area.
The bank has also approved another 27 projects worth 5 billion USD in the pipeline for India.
Arjun Sahayak Project inaugurated in UP
PM Modi has inaugurated the Arjun Sahayak Project in the Mahoba district of the state. The
Prime Minister also inspected the models of various development projects that are to be
inaugurated in Uttar Pradesh. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was also present with the PM.
Kerala’s school adopts gender-neutral uniform for students
State Government’s lower primary school at Ernakulam district has shown the way of gender
neutrality as the school introduced a common uniform to all its students. The gender-neutral
uniform policy was introduced in the school back in 2018. It requires the students to wear shirts
and three-fourths trousers.
US VP Kamala Harris becomes first woman to get Presidential powers in the US
The President of the United States Joe Biden briefly transferred the power to VP Kamala Harris
on November 19, 2021, to undergo a routine colonoscopy before resuming its duties. Biden later
resumed his duties after speaking with Kamala Harris and the White House Chief.

Hema Malini and Prasoon Joshi to get Indian film Personality Award at IFFI
The Indian Film Personality Award 2021 at IFFI will be given to Hema Malini and Prasoon Joshi.
They will be honoured for their contributions to the field of Indian Cinema which is spread across
decades as well as their work across generations.
PM Modi hands over HAL’s Light Combat Helicopter to IAF
Prime Minister Modi formally handed over the HAL’s Light Combat helicopter to the Indian Air
Force. The helicopter has been indigenously developed by the Indian start-ups to the Indian
Army.
United States authorizes booster dose of COVID vaccine to all adults
The United States has extended the authorization of the Moderna and Pfizer COVID vaccine
booster doses for all adults aged 18 years and older. The booster doses, earlier, were allowed for
the people who are aged above 65 or those who are at high risk of severe diseases.

PM Modi announces repeal of all three farm

laws, farmers welcome move
Prime Minister Narendra Modi informed during his address to the nation on November 19, 2021
that the centre has decided to repeal all three farm laws. PM Modi announced that the procedure
to repeal the three laws will begin at the Winter Parliament session. He urged all farmers to return
home to their families and said let us start afresh.
#WATCH | We have decided to repeal all 3 farm laws, will begin the procedure at the Parliament
session that begins this month. I urge farmers to return home to their families and let's start
afresh: PM Narendra Modi pic.twitter.com/0irwGpna2N
The Prime Minister said during his national address on the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti,
"Whatever I did, I did for farmers. What I'm doing, is for the country. With your blessings, I
never left out anything in my hard work. Today I assure you that I'll now work even harder,
so that your dreams, nation's dreams can be realised."
#WATCH | PM Narendra Modi says, "Whatever I did, I did for farmers. What I'm doing, is for the
country. With your blessings, I never left out anything in my hard work. Today I assure you that I'll
now work even harder, so that your dreams, nation's dreams can be realised."
pic.twitter.com/pTWTEAut4P
The Prime Minister reiterated, "when i became PM in 2014, "we (govt) prioritised farmers'
welfare & development... Many people are unaware of the truth that 80/100 are small-scale
farmers who have less than 2 hectares of land and are over 10 crores in population. This
piece of land is their survival."
When I became PM in 2014, we (govt) prioritised farmers' welfare & development... Many people
are unware of this truth that 80/100 are small scale farmers who have less than 2 hectares of land
and are over 10 crores in population. This piece of land is their survival: PM Modi
pic.twitter.com/Z1P6ioCIrh
He said that his government took several steps to ensure that farmers get the right amount for

their hard work. He said, "we strengthened the rural infrastructure market. We not only
increased MSP but also set up record govt procurement centres. Procurement by our govt
broke the record of past several decades."
He also recalled how his government worked to provide farmers with seeds at reasonable rates
and facilities like micro-irrigation, 22 crore soil health cards. He said, "such factors have
contributed to increased agriculture production. We strengthened Fasal Bima Yojana, brought
more farmers under it."
He assured that his government will continue to work for farmers and informed that they have also
decided to implement Zero Budget Natural Farming to make MSP more efficient & other issues.
He informed that a committee will be formed which will comprise, Centre, State representatives,
farmers, scientists and economists.
#WATCH | We have also decided to implement Zero Budget Natural Farming...To make MSP
more efficient & other issues...a committee to be formed which will comprise, Centre, State
representatives, farmers, scientists, economists...Our govt will continue to work for farmers: PM
Modi pic.twitter.com/Y27eKzUScy

Farmers' response to repealing of three farm laws
Farmers welcomed PM Narendra Modi's announcement to repeal all three farm laws. At the same
time, Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait tweeted saying that the agitation will not
be taken back until the farm laws are scrapped in the Parliament.
Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait tweets, "The agitation will not be taken back.
We will wait for the day when the farm laws will be scrapped in the Parliament. Government
should talk on other issues of farmers too, besides MSP."#FarmLaws
pic.twitter.com/a5KmDhoaPP

Farmers will continue to agitate until the laws are taken back in Parliament. MSP Guarantee Act
has to be formed. This is a victory of farmers - dedicated to more than 750 farmers who died & to
tribals, workers, women who became a part of this agitation: BKU leader Rakesh Tikait
pic.twitter.com/WXo4HVEugm
Samyukta Kisan Morcha said, "We welcome PM Narendra Modi's decision to repeal all 3 anti-

farmer laws; will wait for the announcement to take effect through due parliamentary
procedures. If this happens, it will be a historic victory of the one year-long farmers'
struggle in India."
We welcome PM Narendra Modi's decision to repeal all 3 anti-farmer laws; will wait for the
announcement to take effect through due parliamentary procedures. If this happens, it will be a
historic victory of the one year long farmers' struggle in India: Samyukta Kisan Morcha

We welcome this move...Though it took the PM a year to make such an announcement. Talks
should happen...Whatever decision (on protest withdrawal) is taken, it will be followed. It's SKM's
right to do sp: Bharatiya Kisan Union's Naresh Tikait on withdrawal of farm laws
pic.twitter.com/hb0aGvjtmz
BKU-BHANU President Bhanu Pratap Singh said, "I welcome this move. Due to anti-farm
policies for 75 years, farmers died due to debts. I urge PM Modi to form a farm committee
and let it decide crop rates. Farmers' loans should be waived off in a day through an
announcement like today's."
I welcome this move. Due to anti-farm policies for 75 years, farmers died due to debts. I urge PM
Modi to form a farm committee and let it decide crop rates. Farmers' loans should be waived off in
a day through an announcement like today's: Bhanu Pratap Singh, BKU-BHANU President
pic.twitter.com/GFMdKx39fR

#WATCH | Farmers celebrate at Ghazipur border with "Kisan Zindabad" slogans following PM
Narendra Modi's announcement to repeal all three farm laws. pic.twitter.com/QHNpbtEW0g

Opposition's response to the move
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal congratulated all the farmers in the country saying, "their agitation
yielded results. Had this been done sooner lives of 700 farmers could've been saved. Still, this is
big. Perhaps for the 1st time in India's history, Govt is taking back 3 laws due to an agitation."
Farmers proved that the Centre eventually will have to listen to the people. Water cannons, lathis
dried up and nails melted against farmer's determination. Govt made all efforts to disrupt the
protest but farmers' didn't give up & fought well. : Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal
pic.twitter.com/NRVEmrVsMp

Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik also welcomed PM Narendra Modi’s decision to repeal all 3 Farm
Laws. He said it is, "in the best interests of the country and its farmers. Your farms and families
have been waiting for long and they will be happy to welcome you back. "
Welcome PM Narendra Modi’s decision to repeal all 3 #FarmLaws, in the best interests of the
country and its farmers. Your farms and families have been waiting for long and they will be
happy to welcome you back. BJD continues to stand with the farmers: Odisha CM Naveen
Patnaik pic.twitter.com/LLVfmrvege
Haryana Dy CM welcomed Centre's decision to repeal the #FarmLaws on the occasion of Guru
Parv. He said, "this is a commendable step for the reinstatement of peace & harmony in society. I
appeal to all farmer orgs to end their protest. We'll continue to make effort for farmers' welfare."
We welcome Centre's decision to repeal the #FarmLaws on the occasion of Guru Parv. This is a
commendable step for the reinstatement of peace & harmony in society. I appeal to all farmer
orgs to end their protest. We'll continue to make effort for farmers' welfare: Haryana Dy CM
pic.twitter.com/B17sUpdyzl
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan said, "the repealing of 3 #FarmLaws is the victory of the legendary
farmer's strike. Indian farmers have written a great page in the history of class struggle for an
egalitarian world. Greetings to farmers who fought tirelessly overcoming several challenges."
The repealing of 3 #FarmLaws is the victory of the legendary farmer's strike. Indian farmers have
written a great page in the history of class struggle for an egalitarian world. Greetings to farmers
who fought tirelessly overcoming several challenges: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan
pic.twitter.com/hppfKIBUsx

PM Modi inaugurates 1st Global Innovation

Summit of Pharmaceutical sector – Know Key
highlights
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first Global Innovation Summit of the
Pharmaceutical sector on November 18, 2021 via video conferencing. The two-day Summit will
comprise 12 sessions and more than 40 national as well as international speakers who discuss a
range of subjects. Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya was also present at
the Summit. “India is focusing on innovation and R&D of finished products in the pharma sector,”
said Mandaviya. India has announced various production-linked incentive schemes for the
pharma sector which will make the country self-reliant in the pharma and medical equipment
sector, Mandaviya added.
Also read: The Sydney Dialogue: Prime Minister Modi delivers keynote address, outlines India’s
technology innovation
1st Global Innovation Summit of the Pharmaceutical sector – Agenda
The two-day Global Innovation Summit of the Pharmaceutical sector will see participation from
leading members from domestic and global pharma industries, officials, investors and researchers
from John Hopkins Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, IIM Ahmedabad and other
eminent institutes.
More than 40 national and international speakers spread across 12 sessions at the two-day
Global Innovation Summit will deliberate on topics such as innovation infrastructure, industry-
academia collaboration, funding for innovation, and regulatory environment.
PM Modi addressing 1st Global Innovation Summit of the
Pharmaceutical sector – Key Points
PM Narendra Modi while addressing the Global Innovation Summit

said the Indian Pharma Industry is a key driver of India’s
economic growth.
PM Modi highlighted that the Indian pharmaceutical industry has risen

to the challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic and earned global
trust which has led to India being called the ‘pharmacy of the

world’.
India has also exported more than 65 million doses of COVID-19

vaccines to about 100 countries in 2021. India exported medical
equipment and life-saving medicines to more than 150 countries
during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Indian healthcare
sector has attracted over $12 billion in foreign direct investment
(FDI) since 2014, said PM Modi.
He stressed the need to create an ecosystem for innovation that will

turn India into a leader in drug discovery and innovative medical
devices. India has a vast pool of technologists and scientists and the
potential to the pharmaceutical industry to great heights and can be
harnessed to ‘Discover and Make in India’. Policy interventions are
being conducted basis consultation with all stakeholders, added PM
Modi.
PM Modi also highlighted the need to develop indigenous

capabilities. 1.3 billion people of India have taken to make India
Aatmanirbhar (self-reliant), we must ramp up domestic manufacturing
of key ingredients for medicines and vaccines, PM Modi highlighted.
PM Modi concluded his address by inviting stakeholders to Ideate in

India, Innovate in India, Make in India and Make for the World.
Discover your true strength and serve the World.
WATCH: PM Modi inaugurates 1st Global Innovation Summit of Pharmaceutical sector
Addressing the Global Innovation Summit. https://t.co/w9k0406FNe

NCC Alumni Association: PM Modi to be

enrolled as 1st member, Know charges,
membership criteria & how to apply?
NCC Alumni Association: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a former NCC cadet, will launch 'NCC
Alumni Association' and be enrolled as its first member during the culmination event of 'Rashtra
Raksha Samarpan Parv' in Jhansi on November 19, 2021.
The NCC Alumni Association is expected to further the objectives of the National Cadet Corps
(NCC) and assist in nation-building.
The association is being built as many prominent leaders in different fields of society including
politics, armed forces, industry, art and culture, academics and bureaucracy have emerged from
the NCC and many among them have the desire to contribute to the nation-building process
through NCC.
Also read: Jal Shakti Ministry launches new contest- Water Heroes – Share Your Stories
Objective
NCC Alumni Association has been set up to provide a formal platform to enable NCC Alumni to
reconnect with National Cadet Corps.
NCC Alumni Association: Top 5 Things to Know
1. The NCC Alumni Association is expected to fulfill the demand of lakhs of former NCC cadets.
2. The association will aim to further the objectives of NCC and assist in nation-building.
3. PM Modi will launch the NCC Alumni Association by enrolling himself as the first member of the
Association.
4. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a former NCC cadet.
5. The NCC Alumni Association will be open to all NCC Alumni and its membership will be
extremely simple to obtain.

How to apply for membership of the NCC Alumni Association?
The process for applying for NCC Alumni Association will be completely online. Those interested
can apply and get approval for the same by going to the website- www.nccauto.gov.in/alumni.
The website will go live from November 19.
What are the charges of NCC Alumni Association membership?
Charges for lifetime membership of the NCC Alumni Association - Rs 100
Payment mode- Online
Other Details
PM Modi will also inaugurate a programme on the occasion to scale up simulation training
facilities for all the three wings of NCC - Army, Air and Naval. The programme will enable NCC
cadets across the country to get trained in their respective areas.
NCC Border and Coastal Scheme
•The Prime Minister will also be briefed about the one-year implementation of his visionary
'NCC Border and Coastal Scheme'. PM Modi had announced on August 15, 2020 that NCC
shall be expanded in border and coastal areas. The Union Defence Ministry approved the
scheme in September 2020.
•A committee was also formed comprising District Collectors of the border and coastal districts
and relevant stakeholders to identify the schools/colleges in border areas where NCC should
be started under the scheme.
•Around 1,283 schools and colleges were identified under the scheme, out of which 896 are in
border areas and 255 are in coastal areas and 132 are in Taluks housing Air Force stations.
•NCC was started in the identified educational institutions in October 2020 amid COVID-19
pandemic restrictions. The training was started in a hybrid mode as COVID-19 did not permit
physical training in most areas.
•The scheme has so far benefitted 27 states and Union Territories (UTs).
Also read: India re-elected to UNESCO executive board till 2025

Indian scientists discover exoplanet 1.4 times

bigger than Jupiter – All you need to know
A new exoplanet with a mass of 1.5 times that of the Sun and about 1.4 times bigger than
Jupiter has been discovered by the exoplanet search and study group at the Ahmedabad-based
Physical Research Laboratory (PRL). Professor Abhijit Chakraborty led the discovery team
comprising students and international collaborators from the US and Europe. The exoplanet
located at 725 light-years away is the second discovery by the PRL scientists, the first exoplanet
K2-236b at 600 light-years away was discovered in 2018.
Also read: Indian scientists discover sub-Saturn like planet around sun-like star
How did Indian scientists discover an exoplanet bigger than Jupiter?
The exoplanet search and study group at the Ahmedabad-based Physical Research Laboratory
(PRL) led used the PRL Advanced Radial-velocity Abu-sky Search (PARAS) optical fiber-fed
spectrograph on the 1.2 metre Telescope of PRL at its Mt. Abu Observatory to discover the
new exoplanet bigger than Jupiter, informed the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).
The PRL Advanced Radial-velocity Abu-sky Search (PARAS) optical fiber-fed spectrograph is
the first of its kind in India that has the capability to measure the mass of an exoplanet.
PRL is an autonomous unit of the Department of Space.
Exoplanet bigger than Jupiter – Key Points
The exoplanet search and study group at the Ahmedabad-based Physical Research Laboratory
(PRL) have discovered the second exoplanet using the PARAS at 1.2 m Mt. Abu telescope.
The exoplanet is known as TOI 1789 as per the TESS catalogue and HD 82139 as per the
Henry Draper catalogue. Therefore, the exoplanet is known as TOI 1789b or HD 82139b as per
the IAU nomenclature
The mass of the new exoplanet is found to be 70 per cent which is a mass of 1.5 times that of
the Sun. The exoplanet is about 1.4 times bigger than Jupiter.
The newly discovered exoplanet is very unique as it orbits the host star in just 3.2 days. It is

extremely close to the host star at a distance of 0.05 AU which is roughly the one-tenth distance
between the Sun and Mercury. There are less than 10 such exoplanets discovered ever.
The extreme proximity of the newly discovered exoplanet to its host star also makes it extremely
heated with a surface temperature of upto 2,000 K. Therefore, it has an inflated radius because of
such a high surface temperature. This phenomenon makes it one of the lowest density planets
known to date (density of 0.31 gram per cc).
Exoplanets with such extreme proximity to the host star (with distance less than 0.1 AU) and
masses between 0.25 to a few Jupiter mass are known as Hot Jupiters.
Discovery of an exoplanet bigger than Jupiter - Significance
ISRO explains that the detection of such an exoplanet system enhances our understanding of
various mechanisms responsible for inflation in hot-Jupiters. It also aids in learning about the
formation and evolution of planetary systems around evolving and aging stars.
What is an Exoplanet?
The US space agency NASA defines exoplanets are planets that orbit around other stars. These
planets are found outside of the Solar System. All planets in the Solar System orbit around the
Sun.

UP’s first anti-air pollution tower inaugurated

in Noida- All you need to know!
UP’s first air pollution control tower opened in Noida on November 17, 2021. The anti-air
pollution tower is located in a posh sector 16-A. The tower, to curb the problem of air pollution in
Delhi NCR, has come up with joint efforts of the Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited and the Noida
Authority.
The first anti-air-pollution tower in Uttar Pradesh was inaugurated by the Union Heavy Industries
Minister Mahendra Nath Pandey. Minister Krishna Pal, Noida MLA Pankaj Singh, Noida Authority
CEO Ritu Maheshwari, and Gautam Buddh Nagar MP Mahesh Sharma were also present at the
inauguration of the anti-air pollution tower in Noida.
@BHEL_India pic.twitter.com/AqZDj07TUt
— Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey (@DrMNPandeyMP) November 17, 2021

How UP’s first anti-air pollution tower will work?
The Air Pollution Control Tower in Noida will operate by pulling the polluted air through its base.
It will capture the particulate matter in the filters that are installed in the tower. The clean air will
be then released from the top of the tower.
The 20-meter high anti-pollution tower with a dimension of nine meters will be able to filter the
air in the area of a one-square kilometer around it.
The captured particulate matter in the anti-air pollution tower in Noida will get collected in the
hopper at the bottom of it which will further provide periodic removal for disposal.
Why UP’s anti-air pollution tower is significant?
The National Capital Region has been plagued with the problem of air pollution particularly in the
winter months. The Air Quality Index has further deteriorated to hazardous levels, which is a
matter of serious concern for people’s health.
The anti-air pollution tower has been set up on the traffic island between the DND flyway and the
slip road to the Noida Expressway. The pollution is generally high in areas particularly because of
the high volume of traffic on DND and Noida Expressway.
Anti-Pollution tower in Noida: Key details

• The Air Pollution Control Tower is completely indigenous which will contribute to the success of
the ‘Make in India’ Campaign.
•The tower has been designed and developed by BHEL’s Corporate Research & Development
division. It was manufactured at its HEEP Haridwar Plant, and installed by Power Sector (NR)
Noida.
• The Pollution Control Research Institute of BHEL, Haridwar will carry out the performance study
of the APCT for 1 year.
• On the basis of the success of this project, a grid of such APCTs can be installed in the NCR to
improve the ambient air quality of the city.
• The land for the tower has been provided by the NOIDA authority. It will also be bearing 50% of
the running expenses.

Guru Nanak Jayanti 2021: Know date, time,

history, and significance of Gurupurab
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2021, also known as Gurupurab, is being celebrated on November 19,
2021 which will mark the 552nd birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. Gurupurab is also
known as Prakash Utsav. It is one of the most significant occasions in the Sikh community
everywhere when Sikhs offer their tributes to Guru Nanak Dev who was the founder of Sikhism
(Sikh religion) and the first of the ten Sikh gurus. Guru Nanak Jayanti is a Gazetted holiday in
India.
Ahead of Gurupurab 2021, the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor was also reopened on November
17, 2021. The visa-free Kartarpur Sahib Corridor was shut in March 2021 amid COVID-19. After
the reopening of the visa-free corridor, a 28-member Jatha (group) comprising the Panj Pyare
(five beloveds of Guru) visited the Gurudwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan. On November 18, Punjab
CM Charanjit Singh Channi along with his group of ministers will also visit Gurudwara Darbar
Sahib via Kartarpur Corridor.
Also read: Kartarpur Sahib Corridor reopens on November 17: Know history, significance –
Explained
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2021: When is Gurupurab? - Date and Time
Gurupurab date varies every year as it is celebrated as per the traditional lunar calendar. Guru
Nanak Dev was born in 1469 at Nankana Sahib on a day of Kartik Purnima (Full Moon) as per the
lunar calendar. Hence, every year, Guru Nanak Jayanti (Gurupurab) is celebrated on the
occasion of Kartik Purnima. In 2021, the Guru Nanak Jayanti will be celebrated on November 19
which will mark the 552nd birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.
Gurupurab time coincides with the Kartik Purnima tithi on November 19 which will begin at 12pm
on November 18, 2021, and end at 2.26pm on November 19, 2021.
Guru Nanak Jayanti (Gurupurab): History and Significance
Guru Nanak Dev was born in 1469 in Rai-Bhoi-di Talwandi (present-day Shekhupura District of
Pakistan, now Nankana Sahib). He was the founder of Sikhism (Sikh religion) and the first of the
ten Sikh gurus. Therefore, the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev is celebrated as a divine

occasion among the Sikh community. The reason behind celebrating the occasion of Guru Nanak
Jayanti or Gurupurab on Kartik Purnima is because Guru Nanak Dev was born in 1469 on a day
of Kartik Purnima as per the lunar calendar (Bikrami calendar).
Guru Nanak Jayanti (Gurupurab or Prakash Utsav) is the most significant occasion among Sikhs
to commemorate the birth anniversary of the founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev and honour his
teachings, preaching, life, achievements, and his legacy. The teachings of Guru Nanak Dev
stating belief in One God are comprised in Guru Granth Sahib (the Holy Book of Sikhism).
The celebrations of Gurupurab usually begin two days prior with a 48-hours-non-stop reading of
Guru Granth Sahib (Akandh Path). On the day of Gurupurab, the day starts with Prabhat Pheri,
then Amrit Vela, then Katha, kirtan, and langar (free communal lunches for everyone).

Jal Shakti Ministry launches new contest-

Water Heroes – Share Your Stories
Water Heroes contest: Jal Shakti Ministry has launched a new contest- "Water Heroes – Share
Your Stories" to strengthen the water consciousness in the nation.
The Water Heroes contest will start from December 1, 2021 and will go on till November 30, 2022.
Winners will be chosen every month from the received entries and they will be awarded a cash
prize of Rs 10000 each.
Water Heroes Contest- All you need to know!
Date: December 1, 2021- November 30, 2022

Objective
The ‘Water Heroes – Share Your Stories’ Contest is being launched to reach out to people
and raise awareness regarding the important subject of water conservation and management.
The Ministry aims to make water conservation and management a people's movement and
boost water consciousness and action in the nation.
The department also aims to collect best practices in water conservation and management
from across the nation and encourage such efforts.
Important Details
•The Jal Shakti Ministry will invite entries for the Water Heroes Contest every month from
December 2021 onwards for consideration of awards.
•A maximum of 10 entries will be considered for the awards every month.
•All the selected entries will be awarded a certificate and a cash prize worth Rs 10,000.
•The Water Heroes contest will end on November 30, 2022.
How to participate in Water Heroes Contest?
•The participants will be required to post success stories of their water conservation &

management practices to participate in the contest.
•The success stories can be made through a video of 1-5 minute duration along with a write-up
(up to 300 words) and pictures.
•The stories should depict the efforts and contributions to conserve and manage water resources.
Where to share the success story videos?
The participants can share their success story videos on the MyGov portal (www.mygov.in).
The entries can also be submitted by emailing at waterheroes.cgwb@gmail.com.
Important note: The participants have to only mention the YouTube link of their videos in the
comments section and not upload the entire video.

Pakistan Parliament passes bill to grant

Kulbhushan Jadhav right to appeal against
conviction
The Pakistan Parliament, in a joint sitting on November 17, 2021, passed a bill that will give
the Indian National Kulbhushan Jadhav the right to appeal against his conviction. The
International Court of Justice (Review and Re-consideration) Bill, 2020, was moved by Law
Minister Fargoh Nasim and was also passed with a majority vote.
The Pakistan National Assembly on June 10, 2021, had adopted a bill to give the right to
appeal to Kulbhushan Jadhav. Reportedly, the bill seeks to provide a further right of review and
reconsideration in giving effect to the judgement of the International Court of Justice.
The International Court of Justice (Review and Re-consideration) Bill, 2020, was adopted by the
Pakistan National Assembly after the approval from the 21-member standing committee.
What does the International Court of Justice (Review and Re-consideration) Bill, 2020
state?
• The ICJ (Review and Re-Consideration) Bill provides Pakistan High Courts with the power
of reviewing and reconsidering giving effect to the judgement of ICJ.
• The Bill also says that the Pakistani High Court has the power to review and reconsider where
the International Court of Justice (ICJ), in relation to a foreign national, passes an order in respect
of the rights under the Vienna Convention of Consular Relations or in a case where a foreign
National is aggrieved in respect of the rights available under the same.
• The latest bill also gives such a foreign national the right to appeal in Pakistani High Courts.
Kulbhushan Jadhav Case: Background
Pakistan had claimed that Jadhav was arrested from Balochistan in 2016 on the charges of
espionage, however, India rejected the allegations made and said that he was kidnapped from
the Iranian port of Chabahar.
Kulbhushan Jadhav, a retired Indian Navy Officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistan
Military Court in April 2017.

On July 17, 2019, the International Court of Justice in its judgement observed that
Pakistan was under the obligation to provide by means of its own choosing effective
review and consideration of the conviction and sentence of Kulbhushan Jadhav.
The International Court of Justice had ruled that Pakistan was in breach of its international
obligations due to the failure to provide consular access to Jadhav.
ICJ also stated that Pakistan must review the death sentence of Kulbhushan Jadhav and also
grant him consular access. It was a demand that India had been making ever since his arrest,
the ICJ verdict was a major victory for India.
What does India say about the bill?
The Government of India had expressed that it is not convinced with the bill being passed by the
Pakistan National Assembly which gives a right of appeal to Kulbhushan Jadhav in the High
Courts of Pakistan.
As per India, the International Court of Justice (Review and Re-consideration) Bill is a breach of
the International Court of Justice judgement and is also full of shortcomings.

India re-elected to UNESCO executive board

till 2025
India has been re-elected to the United Nations' cultural and education organisation (UNESCO)
Executive Board for a four-year term from 2021-25. India was re-elected to the board with 164
votes.
Union External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar applauded the good work of MEA and India's
permanent delegation to UNESCO through a tweet.
Good work #TeamMEA and @IndiaatUNESCO. https://t.co/6KwPjCXIh0
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) November 17, 2021
The election of members to the UNESCO board had taken place on November 17, 2021. Minister
of State for Culture and External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi thanked countries for supporting India’s
candidature.
Delighted to inform that India has made it to the Executive Board Of UNESCO . Heartiest
congratulations and thankful to all the member countries who supported our candidature
— Meenakashi Lekhi (@M_Lekhi) November 17, 2021

India's re-election to UNESCO board: Key Highlights
•India has been re-elected to the UNESCO board in Group IV Asian and the Pacific States along
with Japan, Vietnam, Philippines, Cook Islands and China.
•India had earlier been elected in 2017 for a four-year term till 2021.
•In Group I, Iceland, Austria and Turkey have been elected.
•In Group II East European Group, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Lithuania have been elected.
•In Group III, Chile, Mexico, Paraguay, Saint Lucia, Grenada and Haiti have been elected.
•In Group V(a), Congo, South Africa, Botswana, Angola, Dijibouti and the United Republic of
Tanzania were elected.

•Kuwait, Egypt and Jordan were elected to the UNESCO board in Group V(b).
UNESCO Executive Board
The UNESCO Executive Board is one of the three constitutional organs of UNESCO. The
other two are General Conference and the Secretariat.
The UNESCO Executive Board is elected by the General Conference.
The board mainly examines the programme of work for the organisation and corresponding
budget estimates submitted to it by the UNESCO Director-General.
UNESCO Executive Board Members
The board comprises 58 member-states, each with a four-year term of office. UNESCO has a
total of 193 member states.
Background
All the newly elected or re-elected member states will serve a four-year term from 2021-2025. The
election took place on November 17, 2021 during the ongoing 41st session of the UNESCO
General Conference.

Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar to be

honoured with prestigious Karnataka Ratna
Award posthumously
The Chief Minister of Karnataka Basavaraj Bommai announced on November 16, 2021, that
Kannada film star Puneeth Rajkumar will be conferred with the ‘Karnataka Ratna Award’
posthumously. Puneeth Rajkumar passed away on October 29, 2021, due to cardiac arrest at
the age of 46.
Puneeth Rajkumar, considered the Kannada Cinema’s reigning star, will be the 10th recipient of
the state’s highest civilian order. Puneeth was the youngest of 5 children of matinee idol Dr.
Rajkumar.
The Chief Minister, while making the announcement said, “After discussion with several
people, I have decided to confer Karnataka Ratna Award posthumously to Puneeth
Rajkumar. I’m making this announcement today.”
State Government has decided to honour late Sri #PuneethRajukumar with Karnataka Ratna
award posthumously.#KarnatakaRatna
— Basavaraj S Bommai (@BSBommai) November 16, 2021
The announcement was made by the Chief Minister while speaking at the ‘Puneetha Namana’. It
was an event to pay homage to the late Puneeth Rajkumar and was organized by the Karnataka
Film Chamber of Commerce.
Ever since the death of Puneeth Rajkumar, there has also been a chorus demanding to honour
him with the ‘Padma Shri’ Award.
Karnataka Ratna Award announcement welcomed with standing ovation
The Karnataka Ratna Award announcement by the Chief Minister of the state was welcomed with
a standing ovation at an event that was attended by the former Chief Ministers Siddaramaiah and
B S Yediyurappa, host of political leaders, State Congress Chief D K Shivakumar, and the film

personalities of Kannada as well as South Indian Film Industry.
Karnataka State Award: Previous Recipients
• Karnataka State Award was last awarded to Dr. Virendra Heggade for the social service in the
year 2009.
• Other recipients of the Karnataka State Award are CNR Rao (Science), S Nijalingappa (Politics),
Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty (Medical), Shivakumara Swamiji (Social Service), Bhimsen Joshi (Music),
and Dr J Javaregowda (Education & Literature).
• Notably, Puneeth Rajkumar’s late father Rajkumar was also among the first recipients of the
Karnataka Ratna Award in 1992, along with poet Kuvempu.
Demise of Puneeth Rajkumar
Kannada Superstar Puneeth Rajkumar passed away on October 29, 2021, at the age of
46 due to cardiac arrest. He was laid to rest with full state honours at Dr Rajkumar
Punyabhoomi in Kanteerava Studio, next to his father and mother on October 31, 2021.
Popularly known as ‘Appu’ and ‘Power star’ by his fans, Puneeth made his debut on
screen when he was just 6 years old. He went on to win National Award as a child artist
for the film “Bettada Hoovu”. Puneeth, then, remerge as a lead actor in 2002 and further
went on to star in 29 movies, delivering some of the biggest hits of the Kannada Cinema.

Tamil actor-director RNR Manohar passes

away
Popular Tamil actor-director RNR Manohar passed away on November 17, 2021. He was 61. He
was undergoing treatment for COVID-19 at a private hospital in Chennai.
He was under medical care for almost 20 days until he breathed his last. He reportedly passed
away after suffering a heart attack. He is survived by his wife. His death has come as a shock and
many celebrities took to social media to express their grief and pay their condolences.
RNR Manohar had begun his career in films as an assistant director in KS Ravi Kumar’s movie
Band Master and his acting career with the popular Malayalam director IV Sasi’s Tamil movie
‘Kolangal’, in which he was also the assistant director.
RNR Manohar's film career: Key Highlights
•RNR Manohar began his film career by assisting KS Ravikumar. He initially worked as an
assistant director on films including Band Master and Suriyan Chandran.
•He also wrote screenplays and dialogues for films including Thennavan, Punnagal Poove,
Kolangal and Maindhan.
•His first film as an Independent Director was Maasilamani in 2009.He also wrote and directed
Vellore Maavattam in 2011.
•He began acting with Kolangal and went on to essay popular roles in more than 50 films
including Veeram, Dhill, Vedalam, Salim, Andavan Kattale, Kaithi, Naanum Rowdy Dhaan
Kaappaan, Viswasam, Yennai Arindhaal, Miruthan and Achcham Enbadhu Madamaiyada.
•He was last seen in Shakti Soundar Rajan’s fantasy drama film Teddy. He will appear on the
screen for one last time in the upcoming Tamil film Veerame Vaagai Soodum, directed by
debutant director Thu.Pa.Saravanan. The film which stars Vishal in the lead role is currently in the
post-production stage.
Son's death

RNR Manohar's son Rajan had passed away in 2012 after drowning in the school swimming pool.
The unfortunate incident had sparked a huge debate and five people including the school's
swimming trainer were arrested.

PM Modi addresses Sydney Dialogue
Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered the keynote address at The Sydney Dialogue on
November 18, 2021. He spoke on the theme of India's technology evolution and revolution. The
Sydney Dialogue is being held from November 17-19 November at the initiative of the Australian
Strategic Policy Institute. The platform aims to bring together political, business and government
leaders to debate and work towards common understandings of the opportunities and challenges
posed by emerging and critical technologies.
Read more here
Pakistan's Parliament passes bill giving Kulbhushan Jadhav right to appeal
The Pakistan Parliament passed a bill that gives Kulbhushan Jadhav the right to appeal against
his conviction.
The International Court of Justice (Review and Re-consideration) Bill, 2020 was passed with a
majority vote during a joint sitting of the Parliament on November 17, 2021. The Indian National
was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court in April 2017.
PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti under house arrest?
Peoples Democratic Party chief and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti
has claimed that she was put under house arrest today at her residence in Srinagar. As per
sources, she was going to participate in a protest in Press Colony in the city. However, senior
J&K police officer has denied the claim saying that the PDP president Mehbooba Mufti was on
the way to Press Colony in Srinagar to participate in a protest but police did now allow her to
move towards the site due to security reasons. She is not under house arrest, the officer
confirmed.
Heavy Industries Minister inaugurates Bhel’s air pollution control tower prototype
Heavy Industries Minister Mahendra Nath Pandey inaugurated an air pollution control tower
(APCT) prototype in Noida, which has been developed by state-run Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd
(Bhel). The prototype can filter the air in an area of one square kilometre around it.

Haryana planning to implement odd-even scheme: CM Manohar Lal Khattar
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced that his state is planning to implement
the odd-even scheme for the operation of vehicles to curb air pollution. The state has also
prepared a committee of engineers to look for alternatives to reduce pollution. The state is also
following the directions of the Supreme Court to shut schools, colleges and industries for a few
days.
Mali's premier hit by ECOWAS sanctions
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has issued sanctions against members
of Mali's transitional government, including its prime minister Choguel Kokalla Maiga. The
sanctions were issued by the West African bloc after two coups in August 2020 and May 2021
and the failure of the new regime to hold up to its promise to conduct elections by February 27,
2022. The Prime Minister is the most senior figure to be named in the new sanctions. Others
include 27 ministers of the transitional government.
Chinese vessels accused of firing water cannon
The Philippines has accused Chinese Coast Guard vessels of firing water cannons at its boats in
the disputed sea. The boats were delivering supplies to Filipino military personnel in the disputed
South China Sea. The nation has ordered Beijing to "back off".

The Sydney Dialogue: Prime Minister Modi

delivers keynote address, outlines India’s
technology innovation
Prime Minister Modi on November 18, 2021, delivered a keynote address at The Sydney
Dialogue. PM Modi spoke on the theme of India’s technology evolution and revolution with the
address being preceded by the Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison. The Sydney Dialogue
will witness a keynote address by the former Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe.
Australian Prime Minister in his address noted that Australia-India shares and the relations will
grow even more with time. He added that both countries have been making great progress in so
many areas including science, space, and digital technology. It is an honour for Australia that PM
Modi is addressing Sydney Dialogue.
Australia-India share deep friendship & our relations will grow even more with time. We are
making great progress in so many areas including space, science, digital technologyy. It's an
honour for Australia that PM Modi is addressing Sydney dialogue: Australia PM Scott Morrison.
pic.twitter.com/17LVGPpSb3
PM Modi's address at The Sydney Dialogue:

Highlights
• Prime Minister Modi during his address at The Sydney Dialogue said that we are in a time of
change that happens once in an era. The digital age has been changing everything around us
and it has redefined the economy, politics, and society. The digital age is also raising new
questions on governance, sovereignty, law, ethics, rights, and security.
We are in a time of change that happens once in an era. The digital age is changing everything
around us. It has redefined politics, economy & society. It is raising new questions on sovereignty,
governance, ethics, law, rights & security: PM Modi addresses Sydney Dialogue
pic.twitter.com/1cNVEmTWGX

• While further talking about the digital age, Prime Minister added the digital age is also
responsible for reshaping international competition, power, and friendships and has ushered a
new era of opportunities for progress and prosperity.
• Also noting the downsides of the digital age, PM Modi highlighted that the world faces new risks
and new forms of conflicts across the diverse threats from sea-bed to cyber to space.
It is reshaping international competition, power and leadership. It has ushered in a new era of
opportunities for progress and prosperity. But, we also face new risks & new forms of conflicts
across diverse threats from sea-bed to cyber to space: PM Modi addresses Sydney Dialogue
pic.twitter.com/rfD6GsJeRL
• Noting India as a democracy and digital leader, Prime Minister Modi said that the country is
ready to work with the partners for shared security and prosperity. The digital revolution in India is
rooted in our democracy, demography, and the scale of our economy. The revolution is powered
by the innovation and enterprise of India's youth.
As a democracy & digital leader, India is ready to work with partners for our shared prosperity &
security. India's digital revolution is rooted in our democracy, our demography & the scale of our
economy. It's powered by enterprise & innovation of our youth: PM Narendra Modi
pic.twitter.com/WG00BAGb7r
India going through 5 important transitions: PM Modi at The Sydney Dialogue
1. India is building the world's most extensive public information infrastructure and is on its way to
connecting 6,00,000 villages. The country also used technology to deliver over 1.1 billion doses of
the vaccines across using Aarogya Setu and Cowin.
2. India has been transforming the lives of people by using digital technology for governance,
including connectivity, empowerment, delivery of welfare, and benefits.
3. India has now the world's third-largest fastest-growing start-up ecosystem.
4. India's industries and the service sectors have been undergoing massive digital transformation
using the technology for conversion of resources and the protection of biodiversity.

5. A larger effort is going on to prepare India for the future as the country has been investing in
developing the indigenous capability in telecom technology such as 5G and 6G. India is one of
the leading nations in artificial intelligence.
The Sydney Dialogue
The Sydney Dialogue is scheduled to be held from November 17 to 19, 2021. The
dialogue is an initiative of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute that will bring together
the political, business, and government leaders on a single platform.
The leaders, at the Sydney Dialogue, will debate, generate new ideas, and will work
towards the common understandings of the opportunities and challenges that are posed
by the emerging and critical technologies.

Union Cabinet approves scheme to provide

4G mobile services in over 7,000 villages
across 5 states
The Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur announced on November 17,
2021, that the Union Cabinet has decided to provide 4G mobile services in over 7,000
villages across Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Odisha. The
Union Minister Anurag Thakur further added that the expenditure on the project is estimated to be
Rs. 6,466 crores. With the latest approval by the Union Cabinet, 4G mobile services will be
provided and people will also be able to utilize the benefits of e-governance.
Objective
The Union Cabinet under the chairmanship of PM Modi gave its approval for the
provisioning of mobile services in Uncovered Villages of Aspirational Districts across 5
states.
The approved project aims to provide 4G-based mobile services in 7,287 uncovered villages of 44
Aspirational Districts across Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and
Jharkhand.
In over 7000 villages of 44 aspirational dists across Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand,
Maharashtra & Odisha, mobile towers connectivity will be provided. It has been decided to
provide 4G mobile services. Project is expected to be worth Rs 6466 cr: Union Min Anurag
Thakur pic.twitter.com/MXEdXhGICl

Significance
The provisioning of 4G mobile services in the remote and difficult uncovered areas of the
Aspirational Districts across 5 states will enhance the digital connectivity useful for facilitating
learning, self-reliance, dissemination of learning and knowledge, disaster management, skill up-
gradation, and management, e-Governance initiatives, among others. It will also help in fulfilling
the vision of Digital India.

4G Mobile Services in over 7,000 villages: Key Details
• The estimated cost for the implementation of the project will be about Rs. 6,466 crores. It will
also include the operational expenses for 5 years.
• The ambitious project will be funded by the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).
• The project of implementing 4G mobile services in over 7,000 villages across 5 states will be
completed within 18 months after the signing of the agreement and it is likely to be completed by
November 2023.
• The work regarding the provision of 4G mobile services in identified uncovered villages will be
awarded through an open competitive bidding process as per extant USOF procedures.
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)
Union Minister Anurag Thakur also informed that the roads will be built under Pradhan
Mantri Gram Yojana. It will benefit the areas that are affected by “Left-Wing Extremism”
across India.
Areas that were not covered for road connectivity under phases 1-2 of Pradhan Mantri Gram
Sadak Yojana or the Left-Wing Extremism affected areas & the tribal areas are going to be
benefitted. Roads will be built through dense forests, mountains & rivers: Union Min Anurag
Thakur pic.twitter.com/A4yysOWPrD
Areas that were not previously covered for the road connectivity under the Phase 1 and 2 of
PMGSY or the Left-Wing Extremism affected areas as well as the tribal areas will be benefitted.
Roads will be built under the scheme through dense forests, rivers, and mountains. He added that
the total expenditure on this project is estimated to be Rs. 33, 822 crores.

ISRO’s Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter avoids

collision with NASA’s Lunar Orbiter – All you
need to know
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) on November 15, 2021, revealed that its
Chandrayaan-2 orbiter made a collision avoidance manoeuvre (CAM) in October 2021 with
NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO). The Orbiters of both agencies experienced very
close conjunction on October 20, 2021, at 11:15am IST near the Lunar North Pole. ISRO’s
Chandrayaan-2 and NASA’s LRO orbit the Moon in a polar orbit and therefore both the Orbiters
came close to each other over the lunar poles. Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter has been orbiting the
Moon for the last two years.
This was the first time during the space exploration mission of ISRO’s Chandrayaan-2 that such a
manoeuvre was undertaken to avoid a collision. Both the Orbiters were predicted to come very
close to each other on October 20, 2021, near the Lunar North Pole. Both agencies, ISRO and
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) had tracked that the radial distance between the two
Orbiters would be less than 100m and the closest approach distance would only be 3-km on
October 20, 2021.
Also read: Chandrayaan-2 completes one year on Moon orbit
How did ISRO’s Chandrayaan-2 avoid collision with NASA’s Lunar Orbiter?
Both, ISRO and NASA agreed to a collision avoidance manoeuvre (CAM) to avoid the collision of
both their Orbiters on October 20, 2021. As per the mutual agreement, ISRO moved its
Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter away on October 18, 2021, to ensure a sufficient large radial separation
when both the orbiters come at the next closest conjunction on October 20.
Post the collision avoidance manoeuvre (CAM) on October 18, the orbit determination exercise
was conducted with post-manoeuvre tracking data. During the post-manoeuvre, it was confirmed
that Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter and NASA’s LRO will not have close conjunction in the near future
with the modified orbit.
Collision avoidance manoeuvres (CAM)

Collision avoidance manoeuvres (CAM) are a common thing for satellites in Earth orbit to avoid
them from colliding because of space objects including other satellites and space debris. In 2020,
Russia’s space agency Roscosmos informed that India’s 700-kg cartography satellite Catrosat-2F
and Russia’s 450-kg Kanopus-V satellite had a near-miss collision instance. Both satellites came
close at a distance of 224-meters from each other.
Also read: Chandrayaan-2 Mission: All you need to know
Also read: Gaganyaan mission: ISRO to launch first uncrewed mission in December 2021

Duare Ration: West Bengal launches ration at

doorstep scheme to benefit 10 crore people
The Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee on November 16, 2021, inaugurated the
‘DuareRation’ (ration at doorstep) scheme. It aims at benefitting around 10 crores of the
people of the state. The Chief Minister also said that the state government has decided to
enhance the commission for ration dealers from Rs. 75 to Rs. 150 per quintal of food grains.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, “This Duare Ration Scheme will help 10 crore people of
the state. I will request all the ration dealers to make it a success. From now on, over 10
crore people in the state will getting their ration at the doorstep on a fixed day of every
month.”
Duare Ration Scheme in West Bengal: Key Highlights
• Under the Duare ration scheme, each dealer will be allowed to appoint at least two people
who will help them in the delivery of the ration.
• As per the Chief Minister, each of the individuals delivering the ration will get a salary of Rs.
10,000 per month. The State Government will pay Rs. 5,000 and the rest will be paid by the
dealer. For 21,000 dealers, 42,000 jobs will be created.
• The West Bengal Government will spend Rs. 160 crores on the scheme.
• The State Government will provide around 21,000 ration dealers with the financial
assistance of Rs. 1 lakh each to purchase the vehicles for delivering the ration to people in this
way.
• As more ration dealers will be required, the Chief Minister also said that under the
ration at doorstep scheme the working capital to apply for a ration dealer will be lowered
from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 50,000.
Kolkata: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee launches ‘Duare Ration’ scheme for delivery of ration
at the doorstep of beneficiaries in the state.
The scheme was part of the TMC manifesto in the recently concluded Assembly elections.
pic.twitter.com/vkpsujbLAu

Easing the distribution process under Ration at Doorstep scheme

While talking about the distribution process under the Duare Ration scheme in West Bengal, the
Chief Minister acknowledged that the distribution process at each doorstep is quite a tough job. It
will take at least one year for completing one locality.
To ease the distribution process, one stretch of a road can be divided into four parts and distribute
ration to the people there. The locals will also need to be informed about the distribution
beforehand.
Khadya Sathi: Amar Ration Mobile App launched
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, at the programme, inaugurated a WhatsApp Chatbot for the
Food and Supplies Department of the West Bengal Government. She also launched a mobile
app, Khadya Sathi: Amar Ration Mobile App. It will help people apply for the ration cards and
also get information about how to do it.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated a programme for the portability of ration cards. With it, people
will be able to get ration from any shop anywhere in the state.
Background
The Chief Minister of West Bengal had announced the ‘Duare Ration’ scheme before the
assembly elections in the state which were held in March-April 2021.

Sourav Ganguly appointed Chairman of ICC

Men's Cricket Committee
BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has been appointed as the Chairman of ICC Men's Cricket
Committee. He will be succeeding Anil Kumble, who stepped down from the post after having
served a maximum of three, 3-year terms.
ICC Chairman Greg Barclay welcomed Ganguly's appointment saying, "I am delighted to
welcome Sourav to the position of Chair of the ICC Men's Cricket Committee. His
experience as one of the world's best players and latterly as an administrator will help us
shape our cricketing decisions moving forward."
The ICC Chairman also thanked Anil Kumble for his outstanding leadership over the last nine
years that has included improving the international game through more regular and consistent
application of DRS and a robust process for addressing suspect bowling actions.
ICC appoints working group to review Afghanistan cricket
The International Cricket Council (ICC) Board has also appointed a Working Group to review
cricket in Afghanistan and the status of the Afghanistan Cricket Board amid the Taliban's takeover
of the nation. The working group will have to report back to the Board over the coming months.
Working Group Composition
Working Group Chairman-Imran Khwaja
Working Group members- Ross McCollum, Lawson Naidoo and Ramiz Raja.
ICC Chair Greg Barclay said in an official statement that the ICC Board is committed to continuing
to support Afghanistan Cricket to develop both men's and women's cricket moving forward. He
said, "we believe the most effective way for this to happen will be to support our Member in
its efforts to achieve this through its relationship with the new government."
He said cricket is fortunate to be in the position to influence a positive change in Afghanistan with
the national men's team a source of great pride and unity in a country with a young population
that has experienced more upheaval and change than most.

He affirmed that we should protect that status and continue to try to influence change through the
Afghanistan Cricket Board but will continue to closely monitor the situation and take any decisions
accordingly.
Other Key Decisions
The ICC Board has approved the continuation of the ICC World Test Championship over a two-
year period with the final scheduled between the top two teams at the conclusion. The
championship will comprise nine teams like it did in its first edition.
The ICC Board also accepted a recommendation from the Chief Executives' Committee that the
primary avenue for qualification for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup be based on rankings at a
pre-determined cutoff date with the 10 highest-ranked teams on the Men's ODI Rankings
qualifying automatically and remaining 4 teams determined through a global qualifier.
The ICC Board also approved that first-class and list A classification will be applied to women's
cricket to align with the men's game. The ICC Women's Committee will now be known as the ICC
Women's Cricket Committee. The committee will assume all decision-making responsibility for
women's cricket and will report directly to the CEC. West Indies Cricket CEO Johnny Grave has
been appointed to the ICC Women's Cricket Committee.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurates

Rashtra Raksha Samarpan Parv – All you
need to know
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on November 17, 2021, inaugurated the three-day ‘Rashtra
Raksha Samarpan Parv’ in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. The Rashtra Raksha Samarpan Parv will be
held from November 17 to November 19, 2021, as a part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav
celebrations. PM Narendra Modi will also be launching several initiatives of the Defence
Ministry during a grand ceremony at Jhansi Fort on November 19, which is the birth
anniversary of Rani Lakshmi Bai. She is revered as the epitome of courage and bravery as well
as a great national icon of Rashtra Raksha.
‘ ’, -, https://t.co/roQXoUBaZJ

Rashtra Raksha Samarpan Parv 2021: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh speech – Key
Points
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in his speech on November 17, 2021, at Rashtra
Raksha Samarpan Parv 2021 said India is facing several conventional and non-
conventional challenges. The country needs a strong, modern & well-equipped military, along
with an equally capable, vibrant, and self-reliant defence industry.
The Government is constantly striving to achieve ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ as India cannot

fulfill its strategic and security needs by relying on other countries. Strengthening the
national security apparatus is very important.
Several structural and organizational reforms in the defence sector to provide a roadmap to
the Indian defence manufacturing future include the corporatization of Ordnance Factory
Board; increase in Foreign Direct Investment; setting up of defence corridors in Uttar Pradesh
and Tamil Nadu; draft Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy 2020.
In the last 7 years, the defence exports have crossed the Rs 38,000 crore mark. The vision of
the Indian government is ‘Make in India, Make for the World’.
List of defence schemes to be launched by PM Narendra Modi on November 19
•Setting up 100 new Sainik Schools

•Launch of NCC Alumni Association & National Programme of Simulation Training for NCC
Cadets
•Laying of the foundation stone of Rs 400 crore project of Bharat Dynamics Ltd at Jhansi node
of UP Defence Industrial Corridor.
•Handing over of indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter, drones/UAVs, and

Advanced EW suite for naval ships to the Armed Forces
•Launch of digital kiosk at National War Memorial
•Launch of mobile app of National War Memorial
•Showcasing implementation of NCC Border and Coastal Scheme
Rashtra Raksha Samarpan Parv: New initiatives of Defence Ministry
Setting up 100 new Sainik Schools
The Cabinet has approved the scheme of setting up 100 new Sainik Schools throughout India.
Under the scheme launched during the Rashtra Raksha Samarpan Parv, 100 Sainik Schools will
be set up over the next two years in each State/UT in partnership with private educational
institutions, state governments, and NGOs.
These 100 new Sainik Schools will offer 50 per cent fee support for 50 per cent of the students on
a merit cum means basis. Teachers at these 100 Sainik Schools will be given Teachers’ Training
through the Indian Institute of Teachers’ Training, Gandhinagar. Each of these Sainik Schools will
need to excel in a sport in accordance with the ‘One School, One Sport’ concept and ‘Khelo
India’ scheme of the Sports & Youth Affairs Ministry.
Launch of NCC Alumni Association & National Programme of Simulation Training for NCC
Cadets
The NCC Alumni Association will be launched during the Parv on November 19, 2021, to offer a
platform for NCC Alumni to reconnect with NCC. The Association will enroll the Prime Minister of
India, a former NCC Cadet as the first member to mark the launch of the NCC Alumni
Association.
The Defence Ministry will also launch a nationwide programme on November 19, 2021, for scaling
up simulation training for NCC Cadets across three wings of NCC (Air, Army, and Naval).

Laying of foundation stone of Rs 400 crore project of Bharat Dynamics Ltd at Jhansi node
of UP Defence Industrial Corridor
On November 19, PM Modi will lay the foundation stone of Rs 400 crore project of Bharat
Dynamics Ltd at the Jhansi node of UP Defence Industrial Corridor. Bharat Dynamics is setting up
a plant for a propulsion system for Anti-Tank Guided Missiles at Jhansi Node.
The Indian Government has been setting up two Defence Industrial Corridors in India, one in Uttar
Pradesh (UP) and another in Tamil Nadu. The UP Defence Industrial Corridor comprises nodes at
Aligarh, Agra, Chitrakoot, Jhansi, Lucknow, and Kanpur. The government has made around 1,034
hectares of land available for the Jhansi Node of the UP Defence Industrial Corridor.
Handing over of indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter, drones/UAVs, and

Advanced EW suite for naval ships to the Armed Forces
The Defence Ministry has been promoting ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ across the Indian Air Force,
Indian Army, and Indian Navy over the last two years. Several initiatives include setting up
Defence Industrial Corridors, promotion of startups under Innovations for Defence Excellence
(iDEX), adopting indigenously designed and developed platforms, to name a few.
During the Parv, PM Modi will hand over Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) developed and
designed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) to Chief of the Air Staff. He will also hand over drones
and UAVs developed and designed by Indian startups to the Chief of the Army Staff. He will also
hand over DRDO designed and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) manufactured Advanced
Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite for naval ships to the Chief of the Naval Staff.
Launch of digital kiosk at National War Memorial
PM Modi on November 19 will launch the two Augmented Reality (AR) powered electronic kiosks
at the National War Memorial to enable visitors to register and pay their tribute virtually to the
fallen heroes.
Launch of mobile app of National War Memorial
A mobile app of the National War Memorial developed by the Directorate of National War
Memorial offers a virtual tour of the National War Memorial with a 360-degrees view. It offers
multi-lingual support with commentary in 21 languages. It is available on iStore and Google
Playstore.

Implementation of NCC Border and Coastal Scheme
The Rashtra Raksha Samarpan Parv will witness the presentation of the implementation of the
NCC Border and Coastal Scheme for the past one year on November 19. The Scheme was
announced by PM Modi on August 15, 2020, during his Independence speech with an aim to
expand NCC Cadets by 1 lakh in border and coastal areas. The Defence Ministry approved the
scheme in September 2020.
Following this, a Committee comprising District Collectors of the border and coastal districts,
Panchayat Residents, local NCC officers identified 1,283 schools and colleges (896 in border
areas, 255 in coastal areas, and 132 in Taluks housing Air Force stations). The scheme has been
implemented across 27 States/UT.
Also read: 82nd All India Presiding Officers’ Conference: PM Modi virtually addresses the
inaugural session of Conference

India to finalise $3 billion predator drone deal

with US by Current Fiscal
India is all set to seal a long-conceived proposal to procure 30 multi-mission armed Predator
Drones from the United States for the three defence services of the country. The
procurement of the drones will be at an estimated cost of over USD 3 billion (around Rs. 22,000
crores).
Reportedly, the proposal for acquiring the MQ-9B long-endurance drones, armed with air-to-
ground missiles, is likely to be cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council in the next few weeks
after which it will be placed before the Cabinet Committee on Security led by Prime Minister.
The various key aspects of the procurement of predator drones from the United States, including
the cost components and the weapons package have already been finalized and the mega-deal is
set to be sealed with the United States by the current fiscal.
Key Highlights
• The proposal for the procurement of predator drones from the United States has been moved
by the Indian Navy and all three services are likely to get 10 drones each.
• The armed forces of India have been focusing on procuring unmanned platforms including the
armed drones following the Eastern Ladakh standoff with China and a drone strike on the Jammu
airbase.
• Explosives laden drones were earlier used to carry out the attack on the Jammu Air Force
station in June 2021. It was done in the first such instance of suspected Pakistan-based terrorists
deploying unmanned vehicles to strike at military installations in India.
Predator Drones of the US: Key Features
1. The remotely piloted predator drones are capable of remaining airborne for around 35 hours.
2. The drones can be deployed on a range of missions including reconnaissance, surveillance,

destroying enemy targets and intelligence gathering.

3. The medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) Predator B-drone is the first hunter-killer UAV
that has been designed for long-endurance and high-altitude surveillance.
4. The predator drones have been manufactured by the US defence major General Atomics.
Armed drones deal between US and India
The United States, in 2019, had approved the sale of armed drones to India and had even offered
integrated air and missile defence systems.
In 2020, the Indian Navy had received two Predator drones on lease from the United States. It
was primarily for surveillance over the Indian Ocean.
The two non-weaponized MQ-9B drones were also leased for the period of one year with an
option of extending the period of another year.

India’s 1st Food Museum Launched in

Thanjavur - All You Need to Know
India’s 1st Food Museum Launched: FCI – the Food Corporation of India, as a novel initiative
has launched India’s India’s First Food Museum in Tamil Nadu. The Museum has been set up at
Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu, which is also the cultural capital of the state. The FCI Food Musem has
been setup to digitally exhibit the foodgrain production scenario in India and across the globe also
to also highlight the challenges with regards to Food Storage.
The museum has been established by FCI in association with Visvesvaraya Industrial and
Technological Museum (VITM), Bengaluru. The museum has been setup at a cost of about 1.1
crore. Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution System Mr Piyush Goyal,
inaugurated the museum through video conference. He was joined by FCI Chairman and
Managing Director Atish Chandra for the ceremony.
Discover the Journey of '' in Our Lives!
Do visit the Food Museum whenever you travel next to Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu to explore the
evolution of our food habits & get a glimpse of:
History of Foragers
Food Storage
Last mile Distribution
Operations of FCI pic.twitter.com/uDX1szRRfc
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) November 15, 2021

Why Food Museum is set up in Thanjavur?
The location for India’s 1st Food Museum was finalized as Thanjavur because of its historical
significance for the FCI. In a way, Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu is the birthplace for FCI as its first
office was opened here on 14th January 1965. The Museum has been developed on the
premises of FCI Divisional Office at Nirmala Nagar in Thanjavur. Today, after 56 years, India’s

Food Museum has been set up here to commemorate the role played by FCI in ensuring food
security in the country.
About India’s First Food Museum
FCI’s Food Museum set up at Thanjavur showcases several themes and evolution of agricultural
food practices in the country. Some of the important themes and points about FCI’s Food
Museum are as follows:
- History of Foragers: The museum showcases evolution of agricultural systems for human
race; right from the time of nomadic hunter gatherers to settled agricultural producers and
farmers, which led to beginning of civilizations.
- Food Storage: The Food Museum also showcases different types of food storage methods
that have been developed and used over the year, both in India as well as across the world. It
also exhibits the foodgrain production scenario in India and across the globe and the
challenges in storage as part of the showcase at the Museum.
- Last mile Distribution: Another important aspect that is showcased at the Food Museum
includes journey of the foodgrain from the farm to the consumers’ plate and the role played by
FCI in it.
- Operations of FCI: Through Digital presentation, the Food Museum also showcases a host
of technological features employed by FCI to streamline agricultural production and
distribution network. The Museum exhibits various technologies such as projection mapping,
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), touch screen kiosk, proximity and touch sensors and
virtual reality system.
India’s 1st Food Museum Exam Specific Information / Details
- Location: Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu

- Cultural Capital of Tamil Nadu: Thanjavur
- Set up By: FCI – Food Corporation of India
- Inaugurated by: Union Minister of Consumer Affairs – Piyush Goyal
- FCI Chairman and Managing Director: Atish Chandra
- FCI Establishment Date: 14th January 1965

India vs New Zealand 1st t20 live streaming:

When, where to watch Ind vs NZ T20 live?
Know match timing, venue & squad
India vs New Zealand T20 Live streaming: First India vs New Zealand T20 match will get
underway today from 7 pm at Sawai Mansingh Indoor Stadium in Jaipur. Team India will be led by
new T20 skipper Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid in the home series.
India will take on New Zealand in the first T20 of the three-match T20 series. While India had a
dismal run in the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2021 after failing to qualify for the semifinals,
New Zealand ended up being the runner-up after losing to Australia in the finals by 8 wickets.
India and New Zealand had last faced each other in their Super 12 stage match in the T20 World
Cup tournament, in which India had lost by 8 wickets. This would be New Zealand's first bilateral
series in India in four years.
Say Hello to our T20I captain @ImRo45 & Head Coach Rahul Dravid. #TeamIndia #INDvNZ
pic.twitter.com/feQpH0q7tC

Head Coach Rahul Dravid rekindles his first meeting with a young @ImRo45 & lauds the
#TeamIndia T20I captain for his contribution towards the Indian cricket. #INDvNZ
pic.twitter.com/croLaIElLu

India vs New Zealand T20 Series: Live streaming details, timing and squad
When to watch India vs New Zealand 1st T20 match live streaming?
The India vs New Zealand 1st T20 match will begin at 7 pm on November 17, 2021. The toss will
be at 6.30 pm.
Where to watch India vs New Zealand 1st T20 match live streaming?
India vs New Zealand 1st T20 match live streaming will be available on Disney +Hotstar. The
match will also be telecasted on Star Sports Network.

Where is India vs New Zealand 1st T20I taking place?
The India vs New Zealand 1st T20I match will get underway today at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in
Jaipur, India.
India vs New Zealand T20 Schedule 2021
1st T20- November 17, Jaipur
2nd T20- November 19, Ranchi
3rd T20- November 21, Kolkata
India vs New Zealand T20 squad
India T20 squad for New Zealand Series: Rohit Sharma (c), KL Rahul (VC), Ruturaj Gaikwad,
Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Venkatesh Iyer,
Yuzvendra Chahal, R Ashwin, Axar Patel, Avesh Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Deepak Chahar,
Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj
New Zealand T20I Squad for India series: Kane Williamson (c), Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Mark
Chapman, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy
Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee

82nd All India Presiding Officers’ Conference:

PM Modi virtually addresses the inaugural
session of Conference
Prime Minister Modi on November 17, 2021, virtually addressed the inaugural session of the
82nd All India Presiding Officers’ Conference in Shimla. The All India Presiding Officers’
Conference (AIPOC), the apex body of Legislatures in India will be celebrating its hundred years
in 2021.
The 82nd edition of the All India Presiding Officers’ Conference will be held in Shimla, Himachal
Pradesh on November 17 and November 18 to commemorate the centennial year of AIPOC.
The first conference had also taken place in Shimla in 1921.
The President of All India Presiding Officers’ Conference and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla
inaugurated the conference, while Rajya Sabha Deputy speaker Harivansh Narayan Singh also
took part in it. The other officials who participated in the conference included the Governor of
Himachal Pradesh Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister of HP Jai Ram Thakur, Union
Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur along with other dignitaries.
82nd All India Presiding Officers’ Conference: Key details
• The 82nd All India Presiding Officers' Conference will be attended by the dignitaries of 36 state
assemblies.
• The two-day All India Presiding Officers' Conference in Shimla will be attended by a total of 378
dignitaries, including 288 presiding officers of 36 state assemblies.
• The dignitaries at the conference will deliberate on various issues such as reviewing the
centenary journey, strengthening the democracy, and the responsibility of the presiding officers
towards the house and the people.
• Apart from the speakers, principal secretaries, deputy speakers, secretaries, and the senior
officials of 36 state assemblies and the councils will also participate in the conference.
For India, Democracy is not just a system: PM Modi

Prime Minister Modi, while virtually addressing the inaugural session of the All India Presiding
Officers' Conference, said that for India, democracy is not just a system. Democracy is India's
nature and its natural tendency.
For India, democracy is not just a system. Democracy is India's nature and its natural tendency:
PM Narendra Modi at the inaugural session of 82nd All India Presiding Officers’ Conference in
Shimla, via video conferencing pic.twitter.com/EzC7G3Bp0X
Prime Minister Modi further said that in the years to come, we have to take the nation to new
heights and achieve extraordinary goals. This resolve can be completed only with the efforts of
everyone. He also added that when we talk of everyone's efforts in democracy, in India's federal
system, the role of all states is its major foundation.
In the yrs to come, we've to take the nation to new heights. We've to achieve extraordinary goals.
This resolve can be completed only with efforts of everyone. When we talk of everyone's efforts in
democracy,in India's federal system,role of all states is its major foundation: PM
pic.twitter.com/2gI5v189Rr

'One Nation One Legislative Platform'
PM Modi, while addressing the inaugural session of the All India Presiding Officers' Conference,
said that one of his ideas is of 'One Nation One Legislative' Platform- a portal that will not only
give the technological boost to our Parliamentary system but also work to connect the democratic
units of the nation.
One of my ideas is of 'One Nation One Legislative' platform - a portal that'll not only give
technological boost to our Parliamentary system but also work to connect democratic units of the
nation: PM at inaugural session of 82nd All India Presiding Officers’ Conference in Shimla
pic.twitter.com/Q4BUPexCV2

All India Presiding Officers’ Conference: Background
The first All India Presiding Officers' Conference was held in Shimla hundred years ago in 1921. A
total of six such conferences in Shimla has been held so far, out of which four were held pre-
independence in 1921, 1926, 1933, 1939, and two took place in the post-independence era in
1996 and 1997.

Hot Air Balloon in Varanasi- Know Price,

Dates and how to book?
Hot air balloon in Varanasi: The three-day hot air balloon festival kick-started in Varanasi,
India on November 17, 2021. The hot air balloon rides have been organised to promote tourism in
the city. The opening rides were made free for few children from an orphanage along with COVID-
19 warriors and locals.
People can take the hot air balloon ride in Varanasi to catch an aerial glimpse of the city on the
banks of Ganga. Around 50 people took the hot air balloon ride on the first day of the Varanasi
balloon festival.
All the hot air balloon tickets were sold out within three hours itself, as per regional tourism officer
Kirtiman Srivastava. While some of the balloons have the capacity of carrying five passengers,
others can carry up to eight passengers.
Hot Air Balloon Varanasi Dates: November 17-19
Hot Air Balloon Price: Rs 500 per person
Hot Air Balloon ride duration: 45 minutes
#WATCH | A three-day hot air balloon show began in Varanasi yesterday in a bid to boost
tourism, ahead of Dev Deepawali. pic.twitter.com/wG9IFbxHNB

Hot Air Balloon Rides in Varanasi: All you need to know
•The hot air balloon festival is being held in Varanasi between November 17 and November 19 at
the bank of the river near Domri Raj Ghat.
•There will be 11 hot air balloons that will be part of the hot air balloon event in Varanasi, as per
Varanasi District Commissioner Deepak Agrawal. The hot air balloon rides are a promotional
event and efforts are on to turn it into a regular event in Varanasi.
•The hot air balloon rides will take people up to a height of 1,000 feet.

•People will be able to enjoy the beautiful views of Varanasi through these hot air balloons.
•The tourism department has fixed the hot air balloon price at Rs 500 per person.
•A total of four stations have been built around Varanasi to facilitate take-off and landing of the hot
air balloons.
•Hot air balloon stations-CHS Sports Ground, BLW Sports Ground, Domri and Sigra Stadium
have been made stations for flying hot air balloons.
Will the hot air balloon rides be safe?
•Varanasi District Commissioner Deepak Agrawal informed that eight pilots have been called to fly
the hot air balloons, among whom seven are from foreign nations.
•The hot air balloon rides will be conducted under ATC supervision. All hot air balloons take off
under instruction from the Air Traffic Control, Varanasi.
•The four stations will fly the hot air balloons safely with mutual coordination.
•The hot air balloons will be flown for 45 minutes in the morning.
Background
A ten-day long hot air festival was held on the bank of River Ganga in December 2017. The
festival was organised by a private tour operator - Tour Assistant India - in collaboration with the
Uttar Pradesh (UP) Tourism department to explore the scope of adventure tourism in the city.
The pilot project aimed to check the feasibility of the project to make it a permanent adventure to
attract more tourists to the city. The hot air balloon rides were affordable and were priced at Rs
500 per head.

Government approves new Rajya Sainik Board for Ladakh
The Central Government has given its approval to the new Rajya Sainik Board for Ladakh. It will
be an effective link between the Central Government and Ladakh Administration. The board will
play an advisory role on the matters that are related to the war widows, ex-servicemen, widows,
and non-combatants, including the serving soldiers and their dependents.
Defence Minister to inaugurate Rashtra Raksha Samarpan Parv in Jhansi today
The Defence Minister of India Rajnath Singh on November 17, 2021, will inaugurate the Rashtra
Raksha Samarpan Parv in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. The event is part of the ‘Azadi ka Amrit
Mahostav’. PM Modi will also dedicate several new initiatives of the Defence Ministry to the nation
in a grand ceremony.
Guinness World Records recognizes BRO achievement for constructing the world’s
highest motorable road
The Director-General of Board Roads Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhary on November 16, 2021, received
the Guinness World Records Certificate for the achievement of BRO of constructing and
blacktopping the world’s highest motorable road. The road has been constructed at Umlingla
Pass in Ladakh.
PM Modi to address the inaugural session of 82nd All India Presiding Officer’s Conference
today
Prime Minister Modi will address the 82nd session of the All India Presiding Officer’s Conference
in Shimla on November 17, 2021. The apex body of Legislatures in India will be celebrating its
100 years in 2021. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh will also be
present on the occasion.
India-France Meeting on counter-terrorism
The Ministry of External Affairs has informed that India-France in a meeting on Counter-Terrorism
has stressed that the territories under their control cannot be used to launch or plan any form of
terrorist attacks or shelter the train terrorists. The countries also emphasized the need of taking
action against terrorist organisations.

MP CM flags off vehicles for the 1st phase of ‘Ration Aapke Gram’ Scheme
The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chouhan has flagged off the vehicles for the
first phase of the Ration Aapke Gram Scheme. It aims at delivering the monthly quota of the PDS
Ration to the beneficiaries from Janjatiya Community in their own villages every month.
Rajasthan Clears land allocation for new greenfield airport Kota
Rajasthan Cabinet has given its approval to the allocation of free land for a new greenfield airport
in Kota. With this move, the economic activities will be strengthened and the travel will also
become very easy, said the state department in a press note.
Union Minister Giriraj Singh inaugurates ‘Bhumi Samvaad’
The Union Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Giriraj Singh has inaugurated
‘Bhumi Samvaad’. It is a national workshop on the digital India land record modernization
programme.
All Public & private schools, colleges and educational institutions to be closed in Delhi
NCR
In order to control the severity of the pollution in Delhi NCR, the Commission for Air Quality
Management (AQM) has ordered to physically shut all the public and private schools, colleges,
and educational institutions till further orders.

Kartarpur Sahib Corridor reopens on

November 17: Know history, significance –
Explained
The Kartarpur Sahib corridor reopens from November 17, 2021. The first Jatha (batch) of
pilgrims at Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) is ready to cross over to
Pakistan to visit the Gurudwara Darbar Sahib to pay their obeisance. The move comes days
ahead of Gurupurab which is the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev on November 19. Union
Home Minister Amit Shah called the decision a reflection of the Modi government’s immense
reverence for Guru Nanak Dev and the Sikh community.
Also read: Government decides to reopen Kartarpur Sahib Corridor from November 17, to benefit
Sikh Pilgrims
Why in news?
The Union Government has announced the re-opening of the Kartarpur Sahib corridor
from November 17, 2021. The corridor was shut in March 2020 just four months after it was
inaugurated in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Kartarpur corridor will be reopened
with COVID-19 restrictions in place including RT-PCR tests within 72 hours, social distancing,
double vaccination, and a restricted number of visitors.
Punjab: #KartarpurSahibCorridor reopens from today. A jatha at Shiromani Gurdwara
Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) ready to cross over to Pakistan to pay obeisance.
Visuals from Amritsar. pic.twitter.com/5eTyYO7tdg

Reopening of Kartarpur Sahib Corridor: Significance
The decision of the government to reopen the Kartarpur Sahib corridor will benefit several
Sikh pilgrims ahead of Gurupurab, the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev on November 19.
The nation is all set for celebrating the Prakash Utsav of Guru Nanak Dev on November 19. The
Sikh pilgrims from India will be able to visit the Gurudwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan via the Attari-
Wagah border through the visa-free corridor.

Kartarpur Sahib Corridor Registration Process
Step 1: Visit https://prakashpurb550.mha.gov.in/kpr/ on the website of the Ministry of Home

Affairs
Step 2: Read instructions for Filling Registration
Step 3: Click ‘Apply Online’ on the top panel of the website
Step 4: Select the date of journey and nationality. Press continue.
Step 5: Fill ‘Part A’ of the Kartarpur Corridor Registration form. Click save and continue.
Step 6: After completing the registration, you will get a registration number and a PDF copy of
the filled registration form. Keep the registration number for use.
Step 7: An SMS and email will be sent on the registered mobile number and email ID 3-4 days
before the scheduled journey. It will have the confirmation of registration.
What is Kartarpur Sahib Corridor?
History
The Kartarpur Sahib Corridor was inaugurated on Gurupurab in November 2019. The 4.7-
km long corridor It is a rare visa-free corridor that allows pilgrims from India to visit the
Gurudwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan via the Attari-Wagah border. The Gurudwara is believed to
be one of the holiest places in Sikhism and the final resting place of Guru Nanak.
On October 24, 2019, India and Pakistan signed an agreement for the operationalization of
the Kartarpur Corridor at Zero Point, International Boundary, Dera Baba Nanak. The
Kartarpur corridor is also called a peace corridor between India and Pakistan. PM Narendra Modi
compared the opening of the corridor between two countries with the fall of the Berlin Wall in
November 1989 stating the corridor would aid in easing tensions between the two countries.
On November 9, 2019, the Kartarpur corridor was opened ahead of the Guru Nanak’s 550th
Prakash Purab celebrations to connect Gurudwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan with
Darbar Sahib Dera Baba Nanak in India. The first Jatha (batch) comprising more than 550
pilgrims traveled to the final resting place of Guru Nanak.
Between November 2019 and February 2020, around 45,000 pilgrims have traveled through the

Kartarpur Corridor to the Gurudwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan.
Significance of Kartarpur Sahib Corridor: Religious and Political
Kartarpur Sahib Corridor is the place of most significance in the life of Guru Nanak Dev
who had laid the foundations on the banks of the river Ravi. He is believed to have lived with his
family during his last days preaching liberation from 1521 to 1539.
However, during the 1947 partition of India, the Radcliff Line gave Kartarpur Sahib to
Pakistan territory. For decades, pilgrims had to take a bus via Lahore to reach the Gurudwara
Darbar Sahib in Pakistan despite being 4.7 kms away from the India-Pakistan border.

Government decides to reopen Kartarpur

Sahib Corridor from today- What is the
significance?
The Union Home Amit Shah announced on November 16, 2021, that in a major decision, PM
Modi-led government has decided to reopen the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor from November 17. The
Corridor was closed by the Government in March 2020 in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
While announcing the news via Twitter, the Home Minister said, “In a major decision, that will
benefit a large number of Sikh Pilgrims, PM Modi government has decided to re-open the
Kartarpur Sahib Corridor from tomorrow, November 17. This decision reflects immense
reverence of the Modi Government towards Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji and our Sikh
Community.”
In a major decision, that will benefit large numbers of Sikh pilgrims, PM @Narendramodi govt has
decided to re-open the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor from tomorrow, Nov 17.
This decision reflects the immense reverence of Modi govt towards Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji and
our Sikh community.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) November 16, 2021
He further added, “The nation is all set to celebrate the Prakash Utsav of Shri Guru Nanak
Dev Ji on November 19 and I am sure that PM Modi government’s decision to reopen the
Kartarpur Sahib Corridor will further boost the joy and happiness across country.”
The nation is all set to celebrate the Prakash Utsav of Shri Guru Nanak Dev ji on 19th of
November and I am sure that PM @NarendraModi govt’s decision to reopen the Kartarpur Sahib
corridor will further boost the joy and happiness across the country.

Why reopening of Kartarpur Sahib Corridor is significant?
The reopening of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor will assist thousands of devotees, largely
Sikhs, to visit the final resting place of Guru Nanak in Pakistan before the Guru Nanak
Jayanti on November 19, 2021.
Kartarpur Sahib reopens: Locals in Punjab welcomes the decision

Ahead of the reopening of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor on November 17, 2021, the locals in
Punjab have welcomed the government's decision to resume the operations.
Punjab: Ahead of the reopening of Kartarpur Corridor, which is scheduled for today, locals
welcome government's move to resume operations.
"It's a welcome step. People have been eagerly waiting to offer prayers at the shrine (Gurdwara
Darbar Sahib)," says Triclochan Singh pic.twitter.com/kP3UxBMV2A

Punjab Government to be part of Jatha
The Chief Minister of Punjab Charanjit Singh Channi has welcomed the Central Government's
decision of reopening the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor. He also informed that the Punjab Cabinet will
be a part of the 'Jatha', which will visit the historic shrine in Pakistan on November 18, 2021.
The Chief Minister of Punjab in a tweet said, "I warmly welcome the decision to reopen the
Shri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor on the auspicious occasion of 552nd Parkash Purb of Shri
Guru Nanak Dev Ji. This laudatory step has fulfilled the aspirations of millions of devotees
who've been deprived of 'darshan didare' due to COVID-19 pandemic."
I warmly welcome the decision to reopen the Sri Kartapur Sahib Corridor on the auspicious
occasion of 552nd Parkash Purb of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. This laudatory step has fulfilled
aspirations of millions of devotees who've been deprived of 'Darshan Didare' due to COVID
pandemic.
— Charanjit S Channi (@CHARANJITCHANNI) November 16, 2021

Kartarpur Sahib Corridor
The visa-free 4.7-kilometer-long corridor joins the Indian border to Gurudwara Darbar
Sahib in Pakistan. Kartarpur Sahib Corridor had become operational in 2019 and it was
inaugurated by the Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan.
Alternatively, the devotees have been visiting the shrine going via the Attari-Wagah border which
requires a visa.
COVID-19 restrictions to be in place
Reportedly, COVID-19 restrictions will be put in place after the reopening of Kartarpur Sahib

Corridor, including the social distancing, RT-PCR tests within 72 hours, double vaccination and
the numbers of visitors may also be restricted.
Pakistan, last week, had urged the Government of India to reopen the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor
and allow the Sikh pilgrims to visit the holy site for the birth anniversary celebrations of Guru
Nanak Dev Sahib.
Background
As per the Ministry of Home Affairs, India and Pakistan had signed an agreement on October 24,
2019, on the modalities for the operationalization of the Shri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor at Zero
Point, International boundary, Dera Baba Nanak.

India, ADB sign $60 million loan pact for

Agartala City Urban Development Project
The Central Government and Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a pact worth a $61
million (around Rs 454 crore) loan to fund development projects in Agartala, Tripura. The $61
million pact for the Agartala City Urban Development Project was signed by Rajat Kumar
Mishra, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance on behalf of the
Indian government, and Takeo Konishi, Country Director of ADB’s India Resident Mission.
Also read: India, World Bank sign $40 million Meghalaya Health Systems Strengthening Project
India, ADB sign $61 million loan pact for Agartala City Urban Development Project
The $61 million loan pact signed by the Indian Government and ADB for the Agartala City Urban
Development Project aims at improving livability, promoting new developments, and harnessing
technology for accommodating the growing population in Agartala city. The pact will also aid in
building the capacity of state agencies in Agartala for improved service delivery.
Significance
The Agartala City Urban Development Project aligns with the vision of the Smart City Mission for
upgrading urban infrastructure services, improving livability in Agartala, upgrading road
connectivity, making tourist places more attractive, and installing flood resilient measures.
The provision of sustainability strategy and asset management, livelihood improvement of

artisans and street vendors, and capacity-building of tourism operators will serve as a model to
other assets and tourist attractions in Agartala, noted Rajat Kumar Mishra, Additional Secretary,
Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance.
Through this project, Agartala’s central and north zones will be developed as models of area-
based development in accordance with the principles of the smart city mission initiative. This in
turn will create a ripple effect on other parts of Agartala and nearby cities by making urban areas
more citizen-friendly, livable, sustainable, and resilient.
Key Features

The Agartala City Urban Development Project will help in building and upgrading 48-kilometers of
new or existing stormwater drainage and constructing 23-km of climate-resilient urban roads.
The Project will also help in funding the renovation of open spaces and creating water recreation
and lakeside walkways in Maharaja Bir Bikram College Lake and Ujjayanta Palace which are
major tourist attractions in Agartala.
The Project will aid ADB in catalyzing synergies with the smart city components in Agartala.
These include improving road-geometry, urban design interventions, shifting electrical lines,
installing elderly, differently-abled, women, and children responsive features.
Also read: ADB approves $250 million loan for India’s National Industrial Corridor Development
Program
Also read: ADB approves $150 million loan for urban housing project in Tamil Nadu

India’s first Grass Conservatory in

Uttarakhand – Know key features,
significance
India’s first Grass Conservatory was launched by the research wing of the Uttarakhand forest
department on November 14, 2021, in Ranikhet of Almora district. The Chief Conservator of
Forests (Research) and Head, Research Wing of Uttarakhand forest department Sanjiv
Chaturvedi stated the economic value of grasses as the most important of all flowering plants
because of their soil-forming functions and nutritious grains.
India’s first Grass Conservatory - Significance
India’s first Grass Conservatory project aims at creating awareness about the importance of
grass species, promoting conservation, and facilitating further research in grass species as
research has proved that grasslands are more effective compared to the forest land for the
purpose of carbon sequestration.
Chaturvedi further stated that grasses play a key role in Carbon Sequestration during which
grasses store most of the absorbed carbon underground. He explained that during a forest fire,
carbon stored in trees information cells of biomass gets released into the atmosphere. Whereas,
during a fire in grasslands, the grass species store the carbon underground. Research suggests
that more than a third of the world’s land-based carbon is stored in the grasslands, Chaturvedi
added.
Officers involved in India’s first Grass Conservatory project highlighted that grasslands in the
country are facing several types of threats. The shrinking of grasslands is endangering the entire
ecosystem of birds, mammals, and insects that are dependent on them.
India’s first Grass Conservatory – Key Features
The first Grass Conservatory project in India has been established in an area of 2 acres. The
project has been funded under the CAMPA scheme by the Central Government. The research
wing of the Uttarakhand forest department took 3 years to develop the conservation area of the
Grass Conservatory project.

The conservation area houses around 90 different grass species while displaying important
ecological, scientific, medicinal, and cultural information related to grass species ‘All Flesh is
Grass’.
There are seven different sections of grasses in the conservation area namely medicinal,
aromatic, fodder, ornamental, agricultural grasses, religious importance, and miscellaneous.
Tiger grass or Broom grass (scientific name Thysanoleanamaxima) is an important fodder

grass. It is found in ravines, steep hills, and sandy banks of rivers upto an altitude of 2,000 m in
Uttarakhand. It is a perennial species that is used as green fodder throughout the year. It is
beneficial in the rehabilitation of degraded land and preventing soil erosion on steep hillsides.
Elephant or Napier grass (Pennisetumpurpureum) is an excellent pasture fodder. It is a good

contour hedgerow. It is used for firebreaks, windbreaks in paper pulps production and charcoal,
biogas, and bio-oil.

National Press Day 2021: Know Theme,

Significance and Reason for Celebration
National Press Day 2021: National Press Day is celebrated every year on 16th November as a
mark to commemorate the presence of an independent and responsible press in India. The day
also marks the establishment of the Press Council of India and the day it started functioning as a
statutory and quasi-judicial establishment. Being the 4th Pillar of Democracy, Press and Media
has a very big responsibility in helping India evolve as a vibrant and egalitarian democracy.
Journalists and members of the press act as a mirror to the society and bring out the truth with no
fear or favour for or against any governmental agency or private entity. Let's understand the
National Press Day Significance and why it is an important day for every citizen of India.
My greetings to all the media professionals on National Press Day. The role of media in providing
accurate, authentic and unbiased news & information assumes huge importance in the present
times of fake news. #NationalPressDay
— Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) November 16, 2021

National Press Day History
The National Press Day is celebrated across the country as a day to commemorate the setting up
of the Press Council of India. The seeds of the Press Council of India were sown at the first
meeting of the Press Commission in 1956. At the meeting, PCI was envisioned as an
independent watchdog for the press and to protect the ethics of journalism and freedom of the
press in India. After several deliberations and discussions, the Press Council of India came into
being on 16th November 1966. Since then, the council has been working as an agency to monitor
the quality of reportage provided by the Indian Press.
National Press Day Theme & Programmes
The Theme for National Press Day 2021 is ‘Who is Not Afraid of Media?’ As part of the
celebration, the Press Council of India will hold a function at the Constitution Club of India, New
Delhi. Eminent Journalist and Author Mr Swaminathan Gurumurthy, will grace the celebration as
the Guest of Honour and Keynote Speaker.
Greetings to the media fraternity on #NationalPressDay.

Today, let us reaffirm to support and encourage the voices that strengthen our democratic roots
by maintaining ethics and bringing out the most inspiring, fair and unbiased stories.
pic.twitter.com/i4ICfSTho0
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) November 16, 2021

Press Council of India – Duties and Structure
The Press Council of India was set-up under the aegis of the Press Council Act of 1978. The
council enjoys a statutory and quasi-judicial establishment as an independent agency. The
Council has been tasked with the duty to safeguard the independence of the press. It ensures that
the Indian press is not affected by any external matter. Currently, Justice Chandramauli Kumar
Prasad is Chairman of the Council as of 2021, who was appointed for a second term recently.
Generally, the council consists of 29 members including a Chairman. The PCI chairmanship is
typically entrusted to a retired Supreme Court judge, who along with 28 members acts as the
national watchdog agency for media. Of the additional 28 members of the council, 20 members
are from the media, nominated by the newspapers, television channels and other media outlets
operating in India. Of the rest 8 members, 5 are from Parliament i.e. Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha,
while three represent culture, literary and legal fields as nominees of Sahitya Academy, University
Grant Commission and Bar Council of India.
Type of Members Representative Agency
Chairman Retired Supreme Court Judge
Nominated by newspapers, television channels and other media

20 Media Members
outlets
5 Parliament Members From Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
1 Culture Member Sahitya Academy
1 Literary Member UGC – University Grants Commission
1 Legal Member Bar Council of India
Also Read: First Audit Diwas: PM Modi unveils Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, says CAG is a
heritage and it should be cherished

China overtakes US to take top spot in list of

richest countries, global wealth triples over
last two decades
wealth has tripled over the last two decades with China overtaking the United States for the top spot wor
are one of the takeaways from a new report by the research arm of the consultants McKinsey & Co. that has
balance sheets of the ten countries representing more than 60% of the world income.
ke, a partner at the McKinsey Global Institute in Zurich said that the world is now wealthier than it has eve
atest study, the net worth worldwide has risen to $514 trillion in 2020, from $156 trillion in 2020. China has accou
-third of the increase as it wealth skyrocketed to $120 trillion from a mere $7 trillion. It was the year before it joined
nisation, speeding its economic ascent.
0% of the world: Key details
ed States, held back by more muted increases in its property prices, saw its net worth more than double over the
.
US and China- the world’s biggest economies- more than two-thirds of the wealth is held by the richest 10% of the
s and as per the report, their share has been increasing.
g to McKinsey, 68% of the global net worth has been stored in real estate. The balance has been held in such thi
, infrastructure, equipment, and the intangibles such as patents and intellectual property.
l assets have not been counted in the global wealth calculations as they are effectively offset by liabilities.

alth triples over last two decades: What can be the side effects?
net worth over the past two decades has outstripped the increase in the global Gross Domestic Product. As per M
rices are almost 50% above their long-run average relative income.
be a problem, as the surging real-estate values can make homeownership unaffordable for many and also
a financial crisis- like the one that had hit the US in 2008 after a housing bubble burst.
also potentially run into similar trouble over the debt of property developers such as the China Evergrande group.

be the solution?
eport, the ideal resolution will be for the world’s wealth to find its way into a more productive investment that will e
s Domestic Product (GDP). The nightmare scenario will be a collapse in asset prices that can erase as much as o
th, bringing it more in line with the world income.

India launches 41st scientific expedition to

Antarctica – Know Key Details
India on November 16, 2021, launched the 41st scientific expedition to Antarctica as the first
batch of 23 scientists and support staff reached the Indian Antarctic station Maitri last week. Four
more batches will reach Antarctica by mid-January 2022 via air route using the DROMLAN facility
and onboard chartered ice-class vessel MV VasiliyGolovnin, the Ministry of Earth Sciences
confirmed in a statement.
Also read: Antarctica reports record high temperature of 18.3 degrees Celsius: UN Agency
India launches 41st scientific expedition to Antarctica – Know Key Details
Two major programs of India’s 41st expedition to Antarctica
Once all the batches of the Indian contingent reach Antarctica, they will launch two major
programs as part of India’s 41st expedition to Antarctica.
The first program includes geological exploration of the Amery ice shelf at Bharati station.
This program will aid in exploring the link between India and Antarctica in the past.
The second program includes reconnaissance surveys and preparatory work for drilling of 500
meters of ice core near Maitri station. This program will aid to improve the understanding of
Antarctic climate, sea-ice, westerly winds, and greenhouse gases from a single climate archive
for the past 10,000 years.
The British Antarctic Survey and the Norwegian Polar Institute have collaborated to carry out
the ice core drilling near Maitri station. The collaboration will also aid in replenishing the
annual supplies of food, provisions, fuel, and spares for operations and maintenance of life
support systems at Maitri and Bharati.
Crew, Training, COVID-19 protocol
Dr Shailendra Saini, Scientist of National Centre for Polar & Ocean Research (voyage leader),
Anoop Kalayil Soman, scientist from the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (leader, Bharati
Station), and Huidrom Nageshwar Singh, meteorologist, IMD (leader, Maitri station) are leading
India’s 41st expedition to Antarctica.
The crew of India’s 41st expedition to Antarctica has received training for snow-ice
acclimatization and survival at the mountaineering and skiing Institute ITBP Auli,
Uttarakhand.

As a commitment to keep Antarctica free of COVID-19, the Indian contingent has undergone a
strict medical exam at AIIMS (Delhi) and a stringent sanitary protocol including a 14-days
quarantine at Cape Town in South Africa.
The crew is expected to return to Cape Town in March-April 2022 along with the winter team
of India’s 40th expedition to Antarctica. A team of 48-members will stay back for winter.
Indian Antarctic Program – Key Points
The Indian Antarctic Program was launched in 1981. The National Centre for Polar and Ocean
Research (NCPOR), Goa manages the entire Indian Antarctica program. NCPOR is an
autonomous institute under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
The Indian Antarctic program has completed 40 scientific expeditions. It has built three permanent
research base stations in Antarctica namely DakshinGangotri (1983), Maitri (1988), and Bharati
(2012). Currently, Maitri and Bharati are fully operational.
Also read: World’s largest Iceberg breaks off in Antarctica as Glaciers Retreat; Check details

First Audit Diwas: PM Modi unveils Sardar

Vallabhbhai Patel statue, says CAG is a
heritage and it should be cherished
First Audit Diwas: Prime Minister Modi on November 16, 2021, unveiled the statue of Sardar
Vallabhbhai Patel at the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) to
mark the First Audit Diwas. PM Modi addressed the event and highlighted that CAG is a key
part of the country’s development. He also noted that the institution played a significant role in
productivity and efficiency.
The Comptroller and Auditor General of India Girish Murmu, while addressing the First Audit
Diwas, said that 16 November has been chosen as the ‘First Audit Diwas’ as on this day in 1860,
the first Auditor-General took charge and from now on Audit Diwas will be celebrated on
November 16 every year.
We chose this day to be the first Audit Diwas. Under the Government of India Act 1858, after the
merging of audit departments of Bengal, Madras & Bombay presidencies, on 16th Nov 1860 the
first Auditor-General took charge: CAG of India, GC Murmu on the first Audit Diwas, in Delhi
pic.twitter.com/vSbyR29VlH

Audit Diwas: What is the significance?
Audit Diwas in India is celebrated on November 16 to mark the historic origins of the
institution of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. Audit Diwas also highlights
the contribution that it has made towards transparency, governance, and accountability
over the past several years.
Audit Diwas aims to highlight the rich contributions of the CAG to boost transparency
and good governance.
Prime Minister Modi unveils Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Statue at CAG Office
On the First Audit Diwas, Prime Minister Modi unveiled the statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at
the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) in New Delhi.
Delhi: PM Narendra Modi inaugurates a statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at CAG office. He is

here to take part in the programme to mark the first Audit Diwas. pic.twitter.com/EYz9EqcVgc
While referring to CAG and the institution’s significance, PM Modi noted that there are very
institutions that have become stronger, more mature, and relevant with the passage of time, and
CAG is one of them.
CAG is a heritage and every generation should cherish it: PM Modi
Prime Minister in his address at the First Audit Diwas said that there are very few institutions that
have become stronger and more mature and more relevant with the passage of time. Most
institutions lose relevance after some decades. But CAG is a heritage and every generation
should cherish it. It's a huge responsibility.
There are very few institutions that become stronger, more mature & more relevant with the
passage of time. Most institutions lose relevance after some decades. But CAG is a heritage &
every generation should cherish it. It's a huge responsibility: PM on 1st Audit Diwas, in Delhi
pic.twitter.com/ZoKoOJtEzd

CAG is a significant part of value addition
Prime Minister Modi noted that there was a time when the audit was seen with suspicion and fear
and CAG vs Govt had become a common mindset of our system. Sometimes officials used to
think that CAG sees fault in everything. But today mindset has changed and audit is considered
an important part of value addition.
There was a time when audit was seen with suspicion & fear. CAG vs Govt became common
mindset of our system. Sometimes officials used to think that CAG sees faults in everything. But
today mindset has been changed. Today audit is considered an important part of value addition:
PM pic.twitter.com/PqlQcFmtMz
Prime Minister Modi on the first Audit Diwas said that while assessing the work of the
Government, CAG has an advantage of an outsider viewpoint. He added that government makes
systematic improvements with the help of whatever CAG tells. The government sees it as
cooperation.
Prime Minister Modi also said that the Government took brave decisions of monetizing the unused

and under-used elements. As a result of those decisions we have a reviving economy- that is
being discussed and welcomed across the world.
We took brave decisions of monetising unused and under-used elements. As a result of those
decisions we have a reviving economy - that is being discussed & welcomed across the world:
PM Narendra Modi on the first Audit Diwas, in Delhi pic.twitter.com/dTMH4T4gaq

Role of Comptroller and Auditor General of India
The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) was established under Article 148 of
the Indian Constitution. CAG is constitutionally empowered to audit all the receipts and
expenditures of the Indian Government and the State Governments. It also includes
those of the autonomous bodies and the corporations that are substantially financed by
the Government of India.

International Day for Tolerance 2021: Know

theme, history, why it is important?
Every year, November 16 is observed as the International Day of Tolerance to create public
awareness of the dangers of intolerance. As an UN-declared day, the International Day for
Tolerance aims to strengthen tolerance among people and cultures by fostering mutual
understanding. In 1995, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) declared the United Nations Year for
Tolerance. In 1996, the UN declared November 16 as the International Day for Tolerance.
International Day for Tolerance 2021: Theme
The United Nations on the occasion of International Day for Tolerance 2021 tweeted, “We can all
practice tolerance and respect for diversity – values that bring people together and make us all
stronger.”
The commitment of the UN to strengthen tolerance by fostering mutual understanding among

cultures and peoples lies at the core of the UN Charter as well as the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights.
History: Why was International Day for Tolerance declared by UNESCO?
The UNESCO’s 1995 Declaration of Principles on Tolerance states, “Tolerance is respect,

acceptance, and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world’s cultures, our forms of expression
and ways of being human.”
In 1995, the Declaration of Principles on Tolerance by UNESCO’s Member States was adopted.
In the same year, the UN created the UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the promotion of
Tolerance and Non-Violence to mark the UN Year for Tolerance and the 125th birth anniversary
of Mahatma Gandhi. The Prize is awarded every two years on the International Day for
Tolerance.
In 1996, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 51/95 to declare November 16 as

International Day for Tolerance.
Significance: Why do we celebrate International Day for Tolerance?

The UNESCO’s Declaration on Principles of Tolerance to mark International Day for Tolerance
affirms respect and appreciation of the rich variety of our world’s cultures, peoples, and forms of
expression. Tolerance is the means to recognize universal human rights and ensure the
survival of mixed communities in every religion.

What is Super Hercules Aircraft which will

land PM Modi on Purvanchal Expressway? -
Explained
What is Super Hercules Aircraft? Prime Minister Narendra Modi will land on Purvanchal
Expressway through C-130J Super Hercules Today. PM Modi is visiting UP on a special visit and
will be inaugurating the Purvanchal Expressway at Karwal Kheri in Sultanpur district at 1:30 PM in
the afternoon. The express-way has been envisioned as a dream project of the Yogi Adityanath
led UP Government. As per a statement issued by Uttar Pradesh Expressway and Industrial
Development Authority (UPEIDA) CEO Avanish Awasthi, “the Purvanchal Expressway project
was completed in record time despite severe restrictions caused by the Covid pandemic.”
C-130J Super Hercules aircraft to take PM to Purvanchal Expressway
Prime Minister landing on Purvanchal Expressway in a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft is a unique
event and will surely capture imagination of common people. However, this is not the first time
that a Super Hercules Aircraft has landed on an express way. Previously also, the Indian Air
Force has conducted a mock emergency landing on NH-925 in Rajasthan's Barmer district with C-
130J Super Hercules aircraft. Let’s know what a Super Hercules Aircraft is and how it is able to
land on a National Highway or Expressway with ease!
Super Hercules C-130J by Lockheed Martin
C-130J is an military transport aircraft which was originally designed and manufactured by
American defence company Lockheed Martin. The aircraft is also known as Super Hercules is the
latest iteration of the Hercules C130, which offers “superior performance and capabilities”. The
aircraft took its first flight in 1996 and completed a million flight hours worldwide by 2013. The
aircraft’s size is 34.37-metre-long with a wingspan of 40.41 metres. Super Hercules C-130J has
the unique ability to to land at short and rough airstrips which makes it an ideal military aircraft for
a series of special operations. Super Hercules has landing distance of 914 metres and a range of
4,000 kilometres.
Super Hercules C-130J in India
In Indian Context, the IAF – Indian Air Force, currently operates 12 C-130J Super Hercules

aircraft. India had ordered purchased six C-130J-30s in early 2008 for special operations in a
package deal with the US government. After the Super Hercules C-130J were inducted by IAF, it
also carried out the highest landing of Super Hercules aircraft at the Daulat Beg Oldi airstrip in
Ladakh at the height of 16,614 ft.
Super Hercules C-130J on National Highways and Expressways
PM Modi’s flight in Super Hercules C-130J will not be the first time that the aircraft will land on
Expressway. Earlier, C-130J has also performed emergency landings on National Highways and
Expressways. In October 2017, a Hercules C-130J landed on the Lucknow-Agra expressway for
the first time ever. ‘Touch-and-go’ maneouvres were used at the expressway by Mirage 2000 and
Sukhoi 30 MKI aircraft. In another similar development, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and
Road, Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari also landed on National Highway-925 in
Rajasthan’s Barmer district, which was earmarked as an emergency landing strip for Indian Air
Force planes on 9th Sept 2021. The 3.5-km strip on the national highway in Barmer is expected to
aid the IAF during times of war as well as relief operations for national calamities.
Also Read: PM Modi in UP: Prime Minister to inaugurate Purvanchal expressway in

Sultanpur district of Uttar Pradesh today

PM Modi in UP: Prime Minister inaugurates

Purvanchal expressway in Sultanpur district
of Uttar Pradesh
PM Modi inaugurated the Purvanchal Expressway at Karwal Kheri in Sultanpur district,

Uttar Pradesh on November 16, 2021. The inauguration of the expressway in UP was be held at
around 1.30 pm.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the 341 km long Purvanchal Expressway, in Sultanpur.
pic.twitter.com/q1C0rmGMAa
After the inauguration of the Purvanchal Expressway in Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister will also
witness an airshow by the Indian Air Force on the 3.2 km long airstrip which has been constructed
on the Expressway in Sultanpur district to enable the landing and take-off of the Indian Air Force
fighter planes in case of an emergency.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives on the stage at the inauguration event of 341 Km long
Purvanchal Expressway, at Karwal Kheri in Sultanpur district. pic.twitter.com/qi7jAVzXZe

Significance
• The Purvanchal Expressway in Uttar Pradesh will give a boost to the economic development of
the Eastern Part of Uttar Pradesh particularly the districts of Barabanki, Lucknow, Ayodhya,
Amethi, Ambedkar Nagar, Sultanpur, Mau, Azamgarh, and Ghazipur.
• Through the Purvanchal Expressway in UP, the journey from Ghaziabad to Ghazipur can now
be covered in less than 12 hours which will be faster than even Rajdhani Express.
Purvanchal Expressway in Uttar Pradesh: Key Details
• The 341-km long Purvanchal expressway starts from Village Chaudsarai, district Lucknow
located on Lucknow-Sultanpur road (NH-731) and it ends at Village Hydaria which is located on
NH-31, 18 km east of the Uttar Pradesh-Bihar border.

• The Purvanchal Expressway in UP is 6-lane wide which can also be expanded to 8-lane in the
future.
• The Expressway in UP has been constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 22,500 crores.
• The Purvanchal Expressway in UP will have 7 major bridges, 7 railway overbridges, 271
underpasses, and 114 minor bridges.
Facilities at Purvanchal Expressway in UP
• Police vehicles, ambulances, and cattle catcher vehicles will be deployed for safety and medical
emergencies.
• 4 CNG stations and 8 Petrol stations will also be established at the expressway. The journey on
the expressway will be free for a few days and the work of collecting toll tax will be eventually
given to the private company.

Prime Minister Modi to inaugurate Purvanchal Expressway in UP today
PM Modi will inaugurate Purvanchal Expressway in Sultanpur district, Uttar Pradesh on

November 16, 2021. After the inauguration, Prime Minister will also witness an air show by the
Indian Air Force on the airstrip constructed on the expressway to enable the landing and take off
of the Indian Air Force fighter planes.
IFS Officer Vinay Kumar appointed as next Ambassador of India to Myanmar
The Ministry of External Affairs has informed that the 1992-batch IFS (Indian Foreign Services)
officer Vinay Kumar, has been appointed as the next Ambassador for India to Myanmar.
PM Modi to take part in first Audit Diwas
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the programme to mark the first Audit Diwas in
India. Audit Diwas aims to highlight the rich contributions of CAG (Comptroller and Auditor
General of India) to boost transparency and good governance.
Minister of State for External Affairs visits Rwanda
S. Muraleedharan, Minister of State for External Affairs and the Parliamentary Affairs paid an
official visit to the Republic of Rwanda to co-chair the first India-Rwanda Joint Commission
Meeting. It was held on 14-15 November 2021, in Kigali.
US President signs Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Bill
US President Joe Biden has signed ‘Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Bill’. It authorizes the
surface transportation programs for the period of 5 years, through the fiscal years 2026, and also
provides for a one-time transfer of funds from the general fund into the highway trust fund.
Centre extends ban on Zakir Naik’s NGO
The Central Government has extended the ban imposed on the fugitive evangelist Zakir Naik’s
NGO Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) for a period of five years. As per the Home Ministry, IRF
has been indulging in activities that are prejudicial to the security of India and also have the
potential of disturbing peace and communal harmony.

First virtual summit between US and China President on November 16
The Presidents of the US and China will hold their first virtual summit on November 16. As per the
Foreign Ministry of China, US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping will have a
candid and in-depth exchange of views on the strategic issues related to the future of US-China
relations.

Mannu Bhandari, renowned Hindi author

passes away at 90
Mannu Bhandari, a renowned and widely celebrated Indian author has passed away at the
age of 90. The news of her demise was confirmed by her family. Mannu Bhandari breathed her
last in Gurugram where she had been living with her daughter. As per her son-in-law, Bhandari
was not keeping well for the last few years and had been in the hospital for the past week. She
passed away at around 2 pm on November 15, 2021.
Mannu Bhandari, a renowned name in the literary world, had been credited with writing various
books, which date back to the late 1950s and early 1960s India. However, two of her most
renowned Hindi novels are ‘Mahabhoj’ and ‘Aapka Banti’.
Renowned Hindi author Mannu Bhandari passed away at Narayana hospital in Gurugram,
Haryana today. She had been keeping unwell; her last rites will be performed in Delhi tomorrow,
confirms her daughter.
(Pic source: NCERT Official YouTube channel) pic.twitter.com/vHXgvs3lBH

Mannu Bhandar: One of the pioneers of ‘Nayi Kahani’ movement
Mannu Bhandari was considered to be one of the pioneers of the ‘Nayi Kahani’ movement.
It was a Hindi literary movement that is understood to have been initiated by famous
authors such as Rajendra Yadav, Nirmal Verma, Kamleshwar, Bhisham Sahni, etc.
In the 50s and the early 60s, an Independent India was going through a transformation in terms of
changes in society. There was a major push for industrialization and urbanization, and this
opened many opportunities for literary debates and discussions.
Mannu Bhandari and several other eminent authors presented their point of view as part of the
‘Nayi Kahani’ movement.
Mannu Bhandari: Notable work that presented strong women in the post-independence era
• Bhandari wrote on human emotions, on narratives that dealt with the emergence of a new class

of working and educated women and gender inequality.
• Mannu Bhandari was a forward thinker and one of the writers of the post-Independence era
who wrote about women and showed them in a new light- as independent, strong individuals.
• Through her writing, Bhandari challenged the emotional, sexual, mental, and financial
exploitation of women. In her stories, Mannu Bhandari created women who were seen as no-
nonsense and strong individuals with intellect.
• Mannu Bhandari’s work has been translated into many Indian languages. Some of them have
adapted into films as well as for the stage. The popular Hindi movie ‘Rajnigandha’ was based on
her short story ‘Yahi Sach Hai’. The movie won the Filmfare Best Movie Award in 1974.
Personal Life
Mannu Bhandari was born in Madhya Pradesh on April 3, 1931, and grew up in Ajmer, Rajasthan.
Bhandari’s father was a freedom fighter who had produced one of the first English-to-Hindi and
English-to-Marathi dictionaries.
Bhandari received her early education in Ajmer and graduated from Calcutta University. She went
on to pursue an M.A. degree in Hindi from the Banaras Hindu University.

Defence Minister inaugurates UP's first

operationalized private sector defence
manufacturing facility
The Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on November 13, 2021, inaugurated Uttar Pradesh’s
first operationalized private sector defence manufacturing facility in Lucknow.
The facility, established in Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC), Lucknow, will be
run by Aerolloy Technologies which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PTC Industries.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also laid the foundation stone for an integrated metal
manufacturing facility under PTC industries that will produce key raw materials in titanium and
other exotic alloys for aerospace applications.
Inaugurated the first operationalised private sector defence sector defence manufacturing facility
in UP Defence Corridor.
Also, laid the foundation stone for an integrated Metal Manufacturing Facility under PTC
industries for aerospace applications.https://t.co/IDll4qaV3w pic.twitter.com/h3Qt6hG8ZF

Significance
• The private sector defence manufacturing facility in Lucknow will be able to significantly reduce
India’s dependence on imports for all platforms which require titanium and nickel superalloys.
• The units will also prove to be a major milestone in the path of self-reliance in the times to come.
What will be the objective of defence manufacturing facility in UP?
Uttar Pradesh’s first operationalized private sector defence manufacturing facility in Lucknow will
manufacture the parts for the aircraft engines, structural parts for aircraft, helicopter engines,
drones and UAV, ultra-light artillery guns, submarines, strategy systems and space launch
vehicles etc.
Achieving self-reliance in Defence manufacturing

The Defence Minister while speaking on the occasion applauded the PTC Industries and
appreciated fact that PTC supplied products to the renowned companies in India as well as
abroad, contributing to the Government’s vision of transforming the country into a net defence
exporter.
The Union Minister, on PTC obtaining the clearance certificate of Critical On-line fittings (OLFs)
for defence applications from the Defence Ministry recently, said that the recent clearance will
prove to be a big step in ‘Make in India’ and achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Significant growth in defence exports
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh informed that in the last 7 years, defence exports have crossed
the mark of Rs. 38,000 crores and more than 10,000 SMEs have joined the defence sector.
He further added that the research and development, innovation, startup and employment have
also increased as a result of the government’s policies that aim to achieve self-reliance in the
defence industry of the country.

Defence Ministry to decide on acquisition of

30 Predator drones from US
The Union Defence Ministry has called a high-level meeting on November 15, 2021 to discuss the
acquisition of 30 Predator drones from the United States worth around Rs 21,000 crore. The
deal has been in the pipeline for years.
As per sources, the high-level meeting will be attended by senior officials of the Ministry. If the
acquisition is cleared in the meeting, the proposal will be forwarded to the Defence Acquisition
Council headed by Union Defence minister Rajnath Singh
The proposal will then be sent for final approval to the Cabinet Committee on Security after which
the contract will be signed.
Predator drones contract: Key Highlights
The predator drones will be armed with advanced systems and weapons packages. It will enable
long-range surveillance and precision strikes.
The Indian Navy is the lead service for the acquisition case. If approved, all three armed services-
the Indian Army, Air Force and the Navy will get 10 drones each with customised specifications.
Significance
The Indian Navy has already been using two unarmed SeaGuardian drones, which it had leased
last year from the US for surveillance in the Indian Ocean Region under the emergency
procurement powers given by the government.
The Navy had deployed these drones in the Indian Ocean Region. The drones with over 30 hours
of endurance have boosted the domain awareness of the Naval force in the area, which
frequently sees Chinese Navy warships and submarines and merchant vessels passing through.
Background
India and the United States have been negotiating the deal for over two years and it is now finally
in the final stages of getting the required clearance from the government. India also aims to

acquire SeaGuardian/SkyGuardian variants of the MQ-9B.
India has also been getting drones from Israel that have boosted the armed forces' coverage in
high-altitude areas. These drones have been equipped with the latest surveillance gadgets.
MQ-9 Reaper (Predator B)
The MQ-9 Reaper is a long-endurance, medium-altitude, multi-mission unmanned aircraft

system (UAS) that has been designed for surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
The predator drone built by General Atomics Aeronautical System is one of the most popular
military drones. It is known as the first “hunter-killer UAV” that promotes high altitude and long
endurance missions.
The MQ-1 Predator, one of the original military drones, was deployed as part of Operation
Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom. It was also deployed for
combat in Pakistan, Serbia, Yemen, Syria and Somalia.

Habibganj to Rani Kamalapati station: Know

how names of Railway Stations are changed
and who has the authority?
Prime Minister Modi on November 15, 2021, inaugurated the Habibganj Railway Station in
Madhya Pradesh which has been redeveloped at a cost of Rs. 100 crores and is also provided
with airport-like amenities.
Habibganj Railway Station in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh has been renamed after the Gond
queen Rani Kamalapati. The renaming of the station is also in accordance with the Government
of India’s decision of celebrating November 15 as ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas’ in remembrance of
Birsa Munda.
In the article, we are going to further explain that how the names of railway stations in India are
changed and who contains the final authority of taking this decision.
India's first world-class railway station: PM Modi inaugurates revamped Rani Kamalapati
Railway Station today
How the name of Habibganj Railway Station in Bhopal changed?
The Government of Madhya Pradesh had written to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) about
renaming the recently redeveloped Habibganj Station after Rani Kamalapati. She was an 18th-
century Gond queen of the region.
The letter from the transport department of Madhya Pradesh stated that the renaming of the
station will also be in accordance with the Central Government’s decision of celebrating
November 15 as ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas’ in remembrance of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda.
The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chouhan thanked PM Modi for allowing the
government to change the name of the Habibganj station. MP Government also issued a gazette
notification saying that the changed name will be spelled at Rani Kamalapati Railway Station.
@narendramodi , ,,

: CM#__ pic.twitter.com/YcVcUzWAOG
— CMO Madhya Pradesh (@CMMadhyaPradesh) November 15, 2021
The decision of changing the name to Rani Kamalapati station had come after BJP MP from
Bhopal Pragya Singh Thakur demanded that the station must be renamed after the former PM
late Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Who was Rani Kamalapati?
Queen Kamalapati was the 18th century Gond Queen of the region. She was the widow
Gond ruler of Nizam Shah, Chief of Ginnorgarh. She had also built the seven-storey
Kamalapati Palace that overlooks the Upper and Lower Lakes and has become an ASI-
protected monument.
Rani Kamalapati is said to be one of the seven queens of Nizam Shah and she was
widely known for her beauty and abilities in the region.
How the names of railways stations are changed in India?
Before Habibganj station in Bhopal was renamed to Rani Kamalapati, the name of Allahabad
Railway Station was changed to Prayagraj, and Mughalsarai Railway Station has been renamed
Pt Deen Dayal Upadhyay junction recently.
It must be noted that even though the Indian Railways own the station, it does not have
any role in renaming the stations. The renaming of railway stations in the country is a state
subject. The state government sends requests to the Home Ministry and then the ministry takes
the decision of keeping the Ministry of Railways informed about the developments.
It is also ensured that no other railway station with the newly proposed name exists anywhere in
India.
What happens after the renaming of the railway station is approved?
Once the new name has been approved, the Railways of India starts the necessary work which
includes issuing a new station code, platform signage, changing boards at the building, and
entering the new name into its ticketing system as well. The name and their spellings in different
languages will also be approved by the state government.

Air Pollution in Delhi-NCR: All schools shut,

WFH for 50 percent staff in NCR- Check full
list of CAQM guidelines
Air Pollution in Delhi-NCR: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has issued a
list of mandatory guidelines to curb air pollution in Delhi-NCR. The announcement comes after a
meeting of commission for air quality management for Delhi-NCR and adjoining areas and all
Chief Secretaries of NCR states and Central ministries senior officials.
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai also called a high-level meeting in the National Capital
today to ensure implementation of CAQM's guidelines.
Air pollution | Delhi Environment Min Gopal Rai holds a high-level meeting to ensure the
implementation of Commission for Air Quality Mgmt in National Capital Region & Adjoining Areas
directions. Environment Dept, PWD, Police, Traffic Police, MCD officials are present at the meet
pic.twitter.com/rl0YXFTzJW
The matter was also heard by the Supreme Court today. The next hearing will now be on
November 24, 2021. The CJI observed during the hearing, "Bureaucracy has gone into inertia
and they don't want to do anything. Like using sprinklers or water buckets we have to say,
this is the attitude of the executive."
SC to hear the matter on air pollution next Wednesday. CJI observes "Bureaucracy has gone into
inertia and they don't want to do anything. Like using sprinklers or water buckets we have to say,
this is the attitude of the executive," pic.twitter.com/O13p77KghA

Commission for Air Quality Management: List of Guidelines
The Commission for Air Quality Management has directed the Chief Secretaries of Delhi and
NCR states to monitor the implementation of its directions on a regular basis and file a
compliance report before the commission on November 22nd.
The CAQM is an agency under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, for

people residing in Delhi-NCR regions to tackle with the rising air pollution situation. The
commission's guidelines do not include anything related to complete lockdown in Delhi,as
suggested by the Supreme Court.
Check full list of CAQM guidelines here:
•All schools, colleges and educational institutions in the National Capital Region to remain closed
until further orders. Only online mode of education will be allowed.
•All construction and demolition activities to be stopped in Delhi-NCR till November 21. Only
projects of national importance will be exempted from the ban subject to strict compliance of the
C&D Waste Management Rules and dust control norms.
•The commission has also directed use of smog towers, sprinklers, and dust suppressants in
vulnerable hotspots at least three times a day.
•All trucks carrying non-essential goods have beens banned from entering Delhi till November
21st.
Only 5 out of total 11 thermal power plants located within 300 km radius of Delhi will remain
operational till November 30.
•Work from home (WFH) for at least 50 per cent of the staff in the state government offices in
NCR till November 21st. The states have also been asked to encourage the private establishment
to implement the same.
•All industries in NCR using unapproved fuels have been directed to shut down with immediate
effect and industries having gas connectivity to immediately shifted to gas.
•The NCR states have also been asked to impose a strict ban on use of Diesel Generator sets
except for emergency services.
•The NCR authorities have also been ordered to ensure that no diesel and petrol vehicles older
than 10-15 years are plying on the road.
•The Delhi government has been directed to speedily procure and deploy adequate number of
CNG buses at the earliest.
Centre unwilling to ask employees to WFH, advises carpooling instead

The centre expressed unwillingness before the Supreme Court to ask its employees to work from
home and instead it has advised its employees in Delhi to resort to carpooling to reduce the
number of vehicles used by them for commuting.
The centre informed the top court through an affidavit, that number of vehicles used by Central
government is a minuscule fraction of the total vehicles in the national capital and stopping their
plying would not make much impact towards improving the air quality of Delhi.
Centre tells Supreme Court, through an affidavit, that number of vehicles used by Central
government is a minuscule fraction of the total vehicles in the national capital and stopping their
plying would not make much impact towards improving the air quality of Delhi.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that WFH in a state like Delhi will have an
impact in Delhi but if we (Central employees) go WFH, it'll have pan-India ramifications. Can the
minimum impact it has on pollution outweigh the impact it will have on Pan India functioning; thus
we've suggested car-pooling.
SG tells SC that Commission suggested NCR States allow WFH for at least 50% employees till
November 21. It (States) should also encourage the same for people working in private
establishments.
The Supreme Court has suggests the Central government officers living in government colonies
to travel in public transport.
Response by NCR states
Delhi
Upon being asked by SC over steps taken to curb air pollution, Delhi government stated that
construction sites are being vigorously looked at with day and night patrolling and anti smog guns
have been installed and anti-dust campaign is being organised as well.
Delhi government also informed the court that it will give any amount to buy sweeping
machines. The Delhi government also informed the top court that it can increase metro and bus
frequencies and requested the Supreme Court to order work from home and ban on vehicles in
adjoining states as well.

On sweeping mechanized machines and steps taken for a new purchase order apart from the 69
machines it has, Delhi govt tells Supreme Court that it will give any amount to buy sweeping
machines
Haryana
Haryana government also informed SC that it has implemented whatever was suggested by the
Commission and that whatever is ordered will be followed. The state also informed that Chief
Secretary and District Magistrates are taking stock of the situation so that no stubble burning
takes place in the next two weeks.
Punjab
Punjab state government's counsel informed the Supreme Court that the state doesn't fall under
Delhi-NCR region but has taken measures to stop stubble burning.
Background
Delhi Government informed the Supreme Court on November 15, 2021 that it is ready to impose
a lockdown if the centre can consider having it in the entire NCR region.
A special Supreme Court bench led by the Chief Justice of India had on November 13th
expressed deep concerns at the Delhi pollution situation, and had called for emergency steps.
The Bench had also suggested the imposition of a lockdown to prevent the situation from going
out of control.
The Delhi Government, agreeing to Supreme Court's suggestion, said in the affidavit :
"GNCTD is ready to take steps like complete lockdown to control the local emissions.
However, such a step would be meaningful if it is implemented across the NCR areas in
neighboring states. Given Delhi's compact size, a lockdown would have a limited impact
on the air quality regime. This issue would need to be addressed at the level of airshed
involving NCR areas. In view of the above, we are ready to consider this step if the same is
mandated for the entire NCR areas by the Government of India or by the Commission for
Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas"
Major cause of air pollution in Delhi is dust, heavy vehicular traffic - SC

•Supreme Court noted that the Delhi government's affidavit is all about bashing farmers and
how the entire cause is stubble burning. The court observed that the major cause of air
pollution in Delhi is dust, heavy vehicular traffic and industries. The court observed that if timely
steps are taken by the government, the pollution can be kept at manageable levels.
Air pollution in Delhi: Supreme Court while perusing the Delhi government's affidavit says the
affidavit is all about bashing farmers and how the entire cause is stubble burning.
pic.twitter.com/TTGYN2jrdI
•The court directed the centre to call for an emergency meeting to discuss which industries can
be stopped, which vehicles can be prevented from plying and which power plants can be
stopped and how they can provide alternative power by then.
•The court had also asked the centre and states of the NCR region to consider work from home
for the employees in the meantime and the matter was adjourned for hearing on November
17th.
Stubble burning is not the major cause of pollution: Centre to SC
The centre had also earlier informed the Supreme Court that stubble burning is not the major
cause of pollution at present in Delhi and northern states, as it contributes to only 10 percent of
the pollution.
Centre suggested following three steps to the apex court to curb pollution in Delhi-
1. Introduction of odd-even vehicle scheme
2. Ban on trucks' entry in Delhi
3. Lockdown severest action to be taken

India receives S-400 Triumf air defence

system from Russia, Know key details
Russia started the supply of the S-400 Triumf air defence system to India, announced the
Director of Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC) Dmitry Shugaev.
The S-400 Triumf air defence system will be a major boost to Indian capabilities to take out
enemy fighter aircraft and cruise missiles at long range. The Indian defence industry also
confirmed that parts of the S-400 defence system have begun reaching India.
Also read: Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit India on December 6, Know Key Details
Russia starts supplying S-400 Triumf air defence system to India – Key Details
The Director of Russia’s FSMTC Dmitry Shugaev during the Dubai Air Show announced that
Russia has started the supply of the S-400 Triumf air defence system to India. The first
squadron of the system will be deployed at a location close to the Western border that will
aid in tackling threats from both the Northern and Western borders with China and Pakistan.
India would require five squadrons for tackling air threats from upto 400-km. The first squadron
of the S-400 air defence system is expected to be complete by the end of 2021. The system
is being brought to India via air and sea routes.
India signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) with Russia during the BRICS Summit in
October 2016 and formally in October 2018 to procure the S-400 defence system. The deal is
worth around Rs 35,000 crores for contracting the S-400 air defence system from Russia.
After the negotiations, India was able to bring down the price of the deal by almost a billion
dollars.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) officers and personnel have received training in Russia to operate
the S-400 defence system.
What is S-400 Triumf air defence system and its significance for India?
The S-400 Triumf air defence system will be a major boost to Indian capabilities to take out
enemy fighter aircraft and cruise missiles at long range.

The S-400 air defence system will provide India with an edge in South Asian skies. With the S-
400 defence system, India will be able to take out enemy aircraft and cruise missiles from a 400-
km distance.
The S-400 missile defence system is equipped with four different missiles. These missiles can
engage enemy aircraft, AWACS planes, and ballistic missiles at 400-km, 250-km, 120-km
(medium-range), and 40-km (short range).
Also read: India likely to be first buyer of Russia’s S-500 anti-aircraft missile system

Who was Birsa Munda?- Remembering Indian

Tribal Freedom Fighter on his birth
anniversary on November 15
Birsa Munda or Bhagwan Birsa Munda is the name that stands tall among those who worked
for the freedom of the motherland against the oppressive British Raj. As India celebrates Azadi
ka Amrit Mahotsav, November 15 reminds us of the birth of the icon who belonged to the
Munda tribe. Birsa Munda spearheaded a tribal religious millenarian movement that arose in the
Bengal Presidency (now Jharkhand) in the late 19th century, thereby making him a significant
figure in the history of the Indian Independence Movement.
Who was Birsa Munda?
Birsa Munda also known as Bhagwan Birsa Munda was born on November 15, 1875. During the
British rule in India, Birsa Munda led an Indian tribal religious movement across the tribal belt of
modern-day Bihar and Jharkhand.
Birsa Munda joined the German Mission School and had converted to Christianity on the
recommendation of his teacher Jaipal Nag. Munda was renamed Birsa David. However, after
studying there for a few years, he left the German Mission School.
Read- Centre declares November 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas – Know Significance, Role
of tribal freedom fighters
Birsa Munda behind the revival of tribal culture
Birsa Munda has been credited for reviving the traditional tribal culture which was most negatively
affected by the Christianity missionary works. Many tribals had already converted to Christianity.
Munda opposed the church as well as its practices such as religious conversions and levying of
taxes.
Eventually, Bhagwan Birsa Munda himself became a preacher and a representative of their tribal
religion. He built up a reputation as a healer, a preacher, and a miracle worker. Birsa Munda also
started to advise tribal people to pursue their original traditional tribal religious system. Later, he
became a saintly figure to the tribal people and they sought his blessings.

PM Modi inaugurates Bhagwan Birsa Munda Museum in Ranchi on November 15 to mark

Janjatiya Gaurav Divas
Tribal Movement by Birsa Munda: What was its significance during British Raj?
Birsa Munda’s slogan threatening the British Raj is still remembered in the areas of Bihar,
Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh.
The Britishers had intensified the transformation of the tribal agrarian system into a feudal state.
As the tribals were not able to generate a surplus, the non-tribal peasantry was invited by the
Chiefs to settle on and cultivate the land.
To challenge the agrarian breakdown and culture change, Birsa along with the Munda tribe
responded through a series of revolts and uprisings under his leadership.
It is said that around the Christmas of 1899, around 7000 tribal men and women had assembled
to herald the revolution which had soon spread to Tamar, Khunti, Ranchi, and Basia. The Birsaits
had also openly declared that the real enemies were the British and not Christian Mundas and
had called for a war against the British.
Birsa Munda was arrested on February 3, 1900, and he died in jail on June 9, 1900. After Birsa
Munda’s death, the tribal movement faded out.
Jharkhand Foundation Day: How it is connected with the Brisa Munda movement?
Jharkhand celebrates its foundation day on November 15, the date which coincides with the birth
anniversary of the tribal leader Birsa Munda.
Jharkhand shares the border with the states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and
West Bengal. However, the state was carved out of Bihar as the 28th state of India after
Parliament passed the Bihar Reorganization Act, 2000.
The foundation of Jharkhand is connected with Birsa Munda’s tribal movement as the state is the
homeland of many tribals who had dreamed of a separate state even before the freedom
movement.

VVS Laxman to take charge as Head of

National Cricket Academy
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President Sourav Ganguly on November 14,
2021, confirmed that former India batsman VVS Laxman will take charge as the Head of the
National Cricket Academy (NCA). Laxman is expected to take up the role by December 2021.
The announcement comes after the post got vacant after the former Indian cricketer Rahul Dravid
became Team India’s Head Coach on November 3, 2021. Prior to that, Dravid was the Head of
the National Cricket Academy.
Former Indian skipper and BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has always highlighted the need to
have former cricketers in the system for the growth of the game. Ganguly had also worked
towards getting Rahul Dravid to become Team India’s Head Coach. Dravid was the Head of NCA
since July 2019. He was looking after the overall development of players who visited NCA based
in Bengaluru, India.
Who is VVS Laxman?
Vangipurapu Venkata Sai Laxman, popularly known as VVS Laxman is a former Indian
international cricketer and a right-hand batsman. 47-years-old Laxman will take charge as the
Head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA). Laxman is among the few cricket players who have
played 100 Test matches. During the inaugural season of IPL, Laxman served as the Captain of
the Deccan Chargers. Currently, he is a mentor of the Sunrisers Hyderabad until IPL 2021.
Laxman is popularly known as the ‘God of 4th Innings’. Laxman took retirement from international
cricket in 2012.
Awards
In 2002, Laxman was named one of Wisden’s five Cricketers of the Year. In 2011, Laxman was
presented with the Padma Shri which is India’s 4th highest civilian award.
Former Indian cricketer Rahul Dravid became Team India’s Head Coach on November 3
The former Indian skipper Rahul Dravid became the Head Coach of Team India on November 3,
2021. He will take charge of Team India from the upcoming T20 series against New Zealand.
Prior to becoming Team India’s Head Coach, Dravid was serving as Head of the National Cricket

Academy (NCA) since 2019. The NCA Head will now be VVS Laxman.
Dravid has been the Head Coach of India Under 19 and India A side from 2016 to 2019. Under
the mentorship of Dravid, the India Under-19 became winners at the 2018 Under-19 Cricket World
Cup and runners-up at the 2016 Under-19 Cricket World Cup.
Also read: Rahul Dravid appointed as head coach of Team India

PM Modi inaugurates Bhagwan Birsa Munda

Museum in Ranchi on November 15 to mark
Janjatiya Gaurav Divas
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 15, 2021, virtually inaugurated the Bhagwan
Birsa Munda Museum in Ranchi, Jharkhand to commemorate the birth anniversary of the tribal
freedom fighter Birsa Munda which the country is observing as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas. Born on
November 15, 1875, Birsa Munda belonged to the Munda tribe who led an Indian tribal religious
Millenarian movement during the British rule in the late 19th century across the tribal belt of
modern-day Jharkhand and Bihar.
“The nation decided that during ‘Amrit Kaal’ of Independence, tribal traditions and its tales of
gallantry will be given even more grand identity. The historic decision has been taken that
November 15, the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, will be celebrated as Janjatiya
Gaurav Divas,” said PM Modi.
During the launch, PM Modi also credited the efforts of the former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee
towards the creation of Jharkhand as a separate state. PM Modi also paid his tributes to former
PM Vajpayee.
WATCH: PM inaugurate Bhagwan Birsa Munda Museum in Ranchi on Janjatiya Gaurav

Divas
India pays tributes to Bhagwan Birsa Munda. https://t.co/990K6rmlDy

Janjatiya Gaurav Divas: PM Modi inaugurates Bhagwan Birsa Munda Museum in Ranchi on
November 15
PM Modi on November 15, 2021, inaugurated Bhagwan Birsa Munda Museum in Ranchi,
Jharkhand on the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda which was declared as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas
by the Union Cabinet led by PM Modi on November 10, 2021.
On November 10, 2021, the Centre under the leadership of PM Modi had approved the

declaration of November 15 to be observed as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas to commemorate the tribal

freedom fighter Birsa Munda. November 15 is the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda who is
celebrated as God among tribal communities across India.
Also read: Centre declares November 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas – Know Significance, Role
of tribal freedom fighters
Bhagwan Birsa Munda Museum in Ranchi – Key Points
The Bhagwan Birsa Munda Museum inaugurated by PM Modi on November 15, 2021, is known
as Bhagwan Birsa Munda Smriti Udayan Sah Swantantra Senani Sangrahalaya.
The Bhagwan Birsa Munda Museum in Ranchi is spread across 38 acres of land. The Museum
houses a 25ft high statue of Bhagwan Birsa Munda along with 9ft high statues of 13 other
freedom fighters of tribal movement during India’s Independence.
Janjatiya Gaurav Divas: PM Modi to launch several initiatives in Madhya Pradesh for
Janjatiya community on November 15
After paying his tributes to the statue of Birsa Munda at Parliament House, PM Modi will also
leave for Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh to participate and launch several initiatives for the welfare
of the Janjatiya community during the Janjatiya Gaurav Divas Mahasammelan at Jamburi
Maidan in Bhopal.
PM Modi will launch the ‘Ration Aapke Gram’ scheme in Madhya Pradesh under which the
beneficiaries from Janjatiya community will receive monthly quota of PDS Ration in their own
villages every month. This will save them from commuting to the Fair Price Shop.
PM Modi will also hand over genetic counselling cards to beneficiaries to mark the launch of the
Madhya Pradesh Sickle Cell (Hemoglobinopathy) Mission to increase public awareness about
diseases such as sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, and other anaemia related diseases among the
Janjatiya community of Madhya Pradesh.
PM Modi will also lay the foundation stone of 50 Eklaya Movel Residential Schools across
India including Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra,
Tripura, Odisha, Daman & Diu, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli.
PM Modi will visit the exhibition of products by Janjatiya self-help groups. He will also visit a
photo exhibition of heroes and martyrs of the freedom struggle from the Janjatiya community of

Madhya Pradesh. He will also give the appointment letters to newly appointed teachers of the
Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.
PM Modi will also be inaugurating the redeveloped Rani Kamalpati Railway Station as well as
launch various initiatives of Railways in Madhya Pradesh.
Who was Birsa Munda?
Born on November 15, 1875, Birsa Munda was an Indian tribal freedom fighter. He belonged to
the Munda tribe. Birsa Munda is revered as God among the tribal communities. He led an Indian
tribal Millenarian movement across the modern-day Jharkhand and Bihar belt during the fight for
India’s Independence against the exploitative system during the British rule. Birsa Munda took his
last breath in Ranchi.
The portrait of Birsa Munda is up on the walls of the Indian Parliament. Munda is the only tribal
freedom fighter who has been honoured.

Babasaheb Purandare, historian and Padma

Vibhushan awardee, passes away at 99
Notable author, historian, and Padma Vibhushan awardee Babasaheb Purandare passed
away on November 15, 2021, at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital of Pune, Maharashtra. In 2019,
Babasaheb Purandare was honoured with Padma Vibhushan. He was a celebrated author and a
historian and was known for his work on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Notably, Prime Minister Modi in August 2021 had attended a function to mark Babasaheb
Purandare entering the 100th year of his life. The Prime Minister had also recalled Babasaheb
Purandare’s contributions from the Goa Mukti Sangram to the Dada Nagar Haveli freedom
struggle.
On the demise of Babasaheb Purandare, PM Modi expressed his grief via a series of
tweets. He wrote, “I am pained beyond words. The demise of Shivshahir Babasaheb
Purandare leaves a major void in the world of history and culture. It is thanks to him that
the coming generations will get further connected to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. His other
works will also be remembered.”
I am pained beyond words. The demise of Shivshahir Babasaheb Purandare leaves a major void
in the world of history and culture. It is thanks to him that the coming generations will get further
connected to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. His other works will also be remembered.
pic.twitter.com/Ehu4NapPSL
In another tweet, Prime Minister Modi said, “Shivshahir Babasaheb Purandare will live due to
his extensive works. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with his family and countless
admirers. Om Shanti.”
Shivshahir Babasaheb Purandare will live on due to his extensive works. In this sad hour, my
thoughts are with his family and countless admirers. Om Shanti.

Babasaheb Purandare: Notable writings, play and contribution to Shiv Sena Party
• Babasaheb Purandare was an Indian writer, theatre personality, and historian from Maharashtra.

• Purandare’s works are mostly based on the events that are related to the life of Chatrapati
Shivaji Maharaj, the 17th-century founder of the Maratha Empire.
• Babasaheb Purandare was mostly known for his popular play ‘Jaanata Raja’ which became
popular not only in Maharashtra but also in Goa and Andhra Pradesh.
• The notable historian Purandare also wrote several books on Chhatrapati Shivaji, his
administration, and the forts from the King’s era. His other works also include books titled Raja
Shiva-Chatrapati and Kesari, and a book on the life of Narayanrao Peshwa.
• Purandare was also known for his significant contribution along with Madhav Mehere & Madhav
Deshpande as senior party leaders in the early 1970s of Shiv Sena along with Balasaheb
Thackeray.
Babasaheb Purandare’s ‘Jaanata Raja’ Play
The most well-known of Purandare’s works is the drama, Jaanata Raja. It was a widely popular
play on Shivaji which was published and first staged in 1985.
Since then, the drama has been staged over 1000 times in 16 districts of Maharashtra, Delhi,
Agra, Bhopal as well as the United States. The play was originally written in Marathi and was later
translated into Hindi.
‘Jaanata Raja’ has been performed by over 200 artists, as well as the camels, elephants, and
horses. Generally, the performance of this drama begins around Diwali every year.
Babasaheb Purandare Awards & Honours
1. On January 25, 2019, Babasaheb Purandare was awarded Padma Vibhushan, India’s
second-highest civilian award.
2. In 2015, Babasaheb Purandare was awarded with Maharashtra Bhushan Award. It is

Maharashtra’s highest Civilian Award.
3. For his works, in the field of drama, Purandare was awarded the Kalidas Samman by
the Government of Madhya Pradesh for the year 2007-2008.
Personal Life
Babasaheb Purandare’s wife Nirmala Purandare was a veteran social activist who founded
Vanasthali Organisation in Pune. Nirmala Purandare was known for working amongst rural

women and in the area of child development.
Babasaheb Purandare has a daughter and two sons and all of them are active in Marathi literary
field. His daughter is a renowned singer, writer, and painter.

CBI, ED Directors' term extended up to 5

years
The central government moved an ordinance on November 14, 2021 proposing an extension of
the tenure of the CBI and ED Directors up to 5 years. The ordinance was promulgated after it
received President Ram Nath Kovind's assent.
The centre's ordinance had sought three consecutive one-year term extensions for the directors
of CBI and Enforcement Directorate.
The current term of CBI and ED Chiefs is two years, as per the Central Vigilance Commission
(CVC) Act, 2003. The centre is expected to table a law in Parliament to replace the same.
CBI full form: Central Bureau of Investigation
Current CBI Chief: Subodh Kumar Jaiswal (incumbent since May 25, 2021)
ED full form: Enforcement Directorate
Current ED Director: Sanjay Kumar Mishra (incumbent since November 19, 2018)
The Government of India brings Ordinance to extend the tenure of Enforcement Directorate (ED)
and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Directors up to 5 years. pic.twitter.com/r6NZ8cLyJS

Opposition slams move
The opposition has raised questions over centre's hurry to promulgate an ordinance to ensure
that Directors of the ED and CBI have longer tenures, especially since the Parliament is
scheduled to meet later this month. The Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs (CCPA) had
previously recommended that the Winter Session of the Parliament should begin from November
29 but it is yet to be formally announced.
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Jha alleged that the move is an attempt to destroy
democratic institutions. He pointed out that the parliament session is going to begin two weeks
and the decision to extend the terms of CBI and ED before that through an ordinance raises

doubts regarding the motive of the government.
Congress Lok Sabha MP, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who is the member of the opposition in the
three-member committee headed by PM Modi that selects the CBI chief, said that the ordinance
was another “example” of the “dictatorial attitude of the government”.
CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury also wrote on Twitter, “Parliament session begins on
29th. To avoid its scrutiny, Centre on Sunday promulgates ordinances to extend the tenure
of Directors of CBI and ED. This desperate hurry smacks of something fishy.”
Parliament session begins on 29th.

To avoid its scrutiny, Centre on Sunday promulgates ordinances to extend the tenure of Directors
of CBI and ED.
This desperate hurry smacks of something fishy. pic.twitter.com/X309ODjqAL
— Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) November 14, 2021

Significance
The ordinance will allow the centre to bypass a Supreme Court order that had forbidden any
further term extension to ED chief Sanjay Mishra, who was supposed to demit office on
November 19, 2021.
Background
The Supreme Court of India had in September 2021 directed the centre not to further extend ED
Chief Sanjay Kumar Mishra's tenure, which had already received one-year extension. The court
clarified that extension of officers beyond the age of superannuation should be done only in rare
and exceptional cases. The Supreme Court bench was headed by Justice L Nageswara Rao.

Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit

India on December 6, Know Key Details
Putin visit to India 2021: Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India on
December 6, 2021, for the Annual Summit with PM Narendra Modi. During Putin’s visit to India, a
number of pacts in the field of economy, defence, science and technology, trade are expected to
be signed. The visit of Russian President Putin coincides with the delivery of the first batch of the
S400 air defence systems to India by the end of 2021. Putin’s visit will be preceded by the first
2+2 dialogue of the foreign and defence ministers meeting and a joint military commission.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India on December 6: Key Agendas
During Putin’s visit to India on December 6, 2021, a number of pacts in the field of economy,
defence, science and technology, trade are expected to be signed. The Summit will also witness
the renewal of a framework for military-technical cooperation for the next decade (2021-31). A
joint commission on technology and science is also likely to be announced.
India and Russia are at the stage of finalizing negotiations for the Reciprocal Exchange of
Logistics Agreement (RELOS) which is likely to be signed during the Summit or the first 2+2
dialogue of the foreign and defence ministers meeting.
The situation and developments in Afghanistan since the Taliban take over are also expected to
be taken up during 2+2 ministerial dialogue and the Summit. In August 2021, PM Modi and
Russian President Putin had announced to create a permanent channel between India’s National
Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Russian counterpart Nikolay Patrushev for discussions relating to
Afghanistan.
The visit of the Russian President coincides with the delivery of the first batch of the S400 air
defence systems to India by the end of 2021. India and Russia had signed the contract for S400
air defence systems in October 2018.
Besides strategic areas of discussion, the COVID-19 crisis and overall health sector will also be
discussed. India is a major production hub for Russian Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine.
Also read: India likely to be first buyer of Russia’s S-500 anti-aircraft missile system

Russian President Vladimir Putin last visit to India
Last, Russian President Putin visited India in 2018 for the Annual Summit during which the
contract for S400 system was signed between India and Russia. The last edition of the Summit
between India-Russia in 2020 was postponed due to COVID-19.
List of international presidential trips made by Vladimir Putin in 2021
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the visit to India on December 6 will be Putin’s second foreign
visit in 2021.
The first foreign visit of Putin in 2021 was to Geneva for a summit-level meeting with US
President Joe Biden. Putin had joined the G20 Summit virtually amid COVID-19 crisis in Russia.

Notable Historian Babasaheb Purandare passes away
Padma Vibhushan awardee Balwant Moreshwar Purandare passed away on November 15, 2021.
He Purandare was a notable Indian historian, writer and theatre personality. He was awarded
India's second-highest civilian award in January 2019.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on the demise of the veteran author
saying, "I am pained beyond words. The demise of Shivshahir Babasaheb Purandare leaves a
major void in the world of history and culture. It is thanks to him that the coming generations will
get further connected to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. His other works will also be remembered."
Read more here
Zika virus in India: 123 cases reported in Kanpur, 3 in Lucknow and one in Kannauj
Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur has reported a total of 123 cases of Zika virus so far, as per Additional
Chief Secretary (Health) Amit Mohan Prasad. Out of the total number of cases, 96 are active
cases.
Besides Kanpur, three cases of Zika virus were reported in Lucknow and one case was reported
in Kannauj. The authorities have undertaken all necessary steps and are doing contact tracing.
Australia wins T20 World Cup 2021 finals
Australia won ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021 by beating New Zealand by 8 wickets in 18.5 overs
in the finals at Dubai International Stadium on November 14, 2021. Batting first, New Zealand had
put up a high total of 172 runs for the loss of 4 wickets.
Australia vs New Zealand T20 World Cup 2021 Final Highlights
Govt brings Ordinance to extend term of ED, CBI Directors
The central government moved an ordinance on November 14, 2021 to extend the term of
directors of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) up to five
years.

The ordinance has received the assent of President Ram Nath Kovind. The same is expected to
be tabled in the Parliament to be turned into a law. The CBI and ED directors are currently
appointed for a term of two years as per Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) Act, 2003.
Read more here
PM Modi transfers first instalment of PMAY-G to over 1.47 lakh beneficiaries in Tripura
PM Narendra Modi transferred the first instalment of Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana - Gramin
(PMAY-G) to over 1.47 lakh beneficiaries in Tripura through video conferencing on November 14,
2021.
With this, over Rs 700 crore were transferred directly into the bank accounts of the eligible
beneficiaries. This would enable a large number of people living in kuccha houses to get financial
support to build a pucca house.
Russia begins supplying S-400 air defence missile systems to India
Russia has started supplying S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems to India. The first
squadron will be deployed near the Western front from where India will be able to tackle threats
from both Western and Northern borders with Pakistan and China.
As per Indian defence industry sources, parts of the air defence system have started reaching
India. The equipment is being brought through both air and sea routes. The contract for S-400 air
defence system was signed by India in a Rs 35,000 crore deal. Under the deal, five squadrons
would be provided to India that would be capable of tacking air threats from up to 400 km.
Read more here
VVS Laxman to take charge as NCA head: BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President Sourav Ganguly confirmed on November
15, 2021 that veteran Indian cricketer VVS Laxman will be the new head of the National Cricket
Academy (NCA). This comes after Rahul Dravid stepped down from the position to take up his
new role as the head coach of Team India.
Read more here

T20 World Cup 2021 Final Highlights:

Australia beat New Zealand by 8 wickets to
win maiden T20 World Cup trophy
T20 World Cup 2021 Final Highlights: Australia beat New Zealand by 8 wickets in the ICC
Men's T20 World Cup 2021 final at Dubai International Stadium on November 14, 2021. This is
the first time Australia has won a T20 World Cup Trophy.
Australia was deemed as the underdogs at the start of the T20 World Cup 2021 but the team put
up an exemplary performance in the knockout stage and pulled an upset over Pakistan in the T20
World Cup 2021 semifinals to meet New Zealand in the T20 World Cup 2021 finals.
Australia powered by two smashing half centuries by David Warner and Mitchel Marsh and power
hitting boundaries towards the end by Glen Maxwell chased down the 173-run target, which was
the highest so far in a Men's T20 World Cup Final.
#T20WorldCup #T20WorldCupFinal pic.twitter.com/ip8vSnupO7
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) November 14, 2021

NZ vs AUS T20 World Cup 2021 Final Player of the match- Mitchell Marsh
T20 World Cup 2021 Player of the tournament- David Warner
Australia vs New Zealand T20 World Cup 2021 Final Highlights
•David Warner and Mitchell Marsh put up an important 50 runs partnership against New Zealand
while chasing a not so easy target of 173 runs.
•David Warner hit his half century in just 34 balls and was dismissed by Trent Boult at 53, getting
Australia to 107/ 2 in 12.2 overs.
•Mitchell Marsh scored fastest fifty off just 31 balls in a T20 World Cup final. Then he along with
Glenn Maxwell finished the game off with 7 balls to spare.
•Put to bat first after losing the toss, New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson powered his team to
172/4 with his 85 runs off 45 balls. His incredible knock made him equal the record for the highest
individual score in a T20 World Cup Final.

•The record was held till recently by England's Marlon Samuel who had made 85 runs in the 2016
T20 World Cup final.
The joint-highest score in a #T20WorldCupFinal from Kane Williamson
A knock for the ages #T20WorldCup | #NZvAUS | https://t.co/50horpfG97

pic.twitter.com/FJdWmod5TK
— ICC (@ICC) November 14, 2021

•Williamson's score is also the highest by a captain in a men's final, as the previous highest score
was Sangakkara's 64 runs not out against Pakistan in 2009.
•New Zealand's 172/4 was the highest score posted by a team in a Men's T20 World Cup Final.
Australia, however, kept its cool and started the chase well despite losing skipper Aaron Finch
early for just 5 runs.
T20 World Cup 2021 Final: Australia vs New Zealand Scorecard
Australia T20 World Cup 2021 Final Scorecard
Batsmen Runs/ Balls 4s/ 6s
David Warner 53/38 4/3

b Trent Boult
Aaron Finch 5/7 1/0

c Daryl Mitchell b Trent Boult
Mitchell Marsh 77/50 6/4

NOT OUT
Glenn Maxwell 28/18 4/1

NOT OUT
Steve Smith - -
Marcus Stoinis - -
Matthew Wade - -
Pat Cummins - -
Mitchell Starc - -
Adam Zampa - -

Josh Hazlewood - -
EXTRAS (w 6, lb 4) 10
TOTAL (2 wickets, 18.5 overs
173
)
FALL OF WICKETS- 1-15 (A Finch, 2.3 ov), 2-107 (D Warner, 12.2 ov)
NEW ZEALAND BOWLING

Bowlers Overs Runs/ Wickets Dots
Trent Boult 4 18/2 14
Tim Southee 3.5 43/0 6
Adam Milne 4 30/0 12
Ish Sodhi 3 40/0 3
Mitchell Santner 3 23/0 4
Jimmy Neesham 1 15/0 1
New Zealand T20 World Cup 2021 Final Scorecard

Batsmen Runs/ Balls 4s/6s
Daryl Mitchell
c Matthew Wade b Josh 11/8 0/1
Hazlewood
Martin Guptill
c Marcus Stoinis b Adam 28/35 3/0
Zampa
Kane Williamson
c Steve Smith b Josh 85/48 10/3
Hazlewood
Glenn Phillips
c Glenn Maxwell b Josh 18/17 1/1
Hazlewood
Jimmy Neesham 13/7 0/1
NOT OUT
Tim Seifert 8/6 1/0
NOT OUT

Mitchell Santner - -
Adam Milne - -
Tim Southee - -
Ish Sodhi - -
Trent Boult - -
EXTRAS (nb 1, w 4, b 1, lb 3) 9
TOTAL (4 wickets, 20 overs) 172
FALL OF WICKETS- 1-28 (D Mitchell, 3.5 ov), 2-76 (M Guptill, 11.1 ov), 3-144 (G Phillips,
17.2 ov), 4-148 (K Williamson, 17.5 ov)
AUSTRALIA BOWLING
Bowlers Overs Runs/ Wickets Dots
Mitchell Starc 4 60/0 5
Josh Hazlewood 4 16/3 18
Glenn Maxwell 3 28/0 5
Pat Cummins 4 27/0 7
Adam Zampa 4 26/1 7
Mitchell Marsh 1 11/0 1
T20 World Cup: Full List of Winners
2007- India (Runner-up -Pakistan)
2009- Pakistan (Runner-up -Sri Lanka)
2010- England (Runner-up -Australia)
2012- West Indies (Runner-up -Sri Lanka)
2014- Sri Lanka (Runner-up -India)
2016- West Indies (Runner-up -England)
2021- Australia (Runner-up -New Zealand)

Children's Day India: Why is children's day

celebrated in India -Know date, history &
significance!
Children's Day India: Children's Day is celebrated across India on November 14, 2021 to
commemorate India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru's birthday.
Jawaharlal Nehru also known as 'Chacha Nehru' among children was extremely fond of them and
was a strong advocate of their all-rounded education, calling them the real strength of a nation
and foundation of the society.
Hence, Children's Day is celebrated in India to raise awareness of the rights, care and education
of children. The day is observed by conducting several educational programs across the country.
Children's Day 2021 Date: 14th November
Children’s Day 2021 Significance
Children's Day is observed not only as a tribute to India's first Prime Minister, but it also speaks of
Children’s rights, care and education.
Nehru is known to have said, “The children of today will make the India of tomorrow. The way we
bring them up will determine the future of the country”.
Children’s Day History
Till 1956, Children's Day in India was celebrated annually on November 20- the day marked by
the United Nations. India decided to celebrate Children's Day on November 14 after Jawaharlal
Nehru's death to mark his birth anniversary.
Children's Film Society
Jawaharlal Nehru had set up a Children's Film Society India in 1955 so that children could see
themselves represented in cinema.

Covid-19 booster dose is a scandal that must

stop now: WHO Chief
World Health Organization (WHO) director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyes has called the
administration of COVID-19 booster doses a scandal that must stop now. He said every day
there are 6 times more boosters administered globally than primary #COVID19 vaccine doses in
low-income countries.
The WHO Chief continued by saying, " it makes no sense to give boosters to healthy adults or to
vaccinate children when the health workers, older people and other high-risk groups around the
world are still waiting for their first dose. "
"The exception as we have said is immunocompromised individuals," reiterated Tedros Adhanom

Ghebreyes. He pointed out that countries with the highest vaccine coverage continue to stockpile
more vaccines, while low-income countries continue to wait.
He further stated that we need an additional 550 million doses- which is about 10 days production
to reach WHO's target of vaccinating 40 percent of the population of every country by the end of
this year.
The WHO Director General made the observation while speaking during a media briefing on
Covid-19 on November 12, 2021. His remarks come at a time when several countries including
the United States have begun administering booster doses to at least a section of the eligible
population in the wake of a fresh spike in Covid-19 cases.
Every day, there are 6 times more boosters administered globally than primary #COVID19
vaccine doses in low-income countries. This is a scandal that must stop now.
https://t.co/6in6FNlmBD #VaccinEquity pic.twitter.com/YDt8mVocZC
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) November 13, 2021

COVID Booster shots
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had in September 2021 autorised a single
booster shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for those aged 65 years and above and
those at high risk of severe diseases or high-exposure jobs.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) also approved a single Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19

booster shot for those aged 18 years and above in October 2021. The COVID-19 booster shot
is to be administered at least 6 months after administering the second vaccine dose.
WHO had earlier in August 2021 also condemned the rush by wealthy nations to administer
booster shots to their citizens, while millions across the world still await their first dose.
Background
Europe is currently witnessing an unexpected surge in COVID-19 cases. Germany on November

11 recorded more than 50,000 new COVID-19 cases in a single day for the first time since the
outbreak of COVID-19.

India’s Bimal Patel elected to UN’s

International Law Commission
Professor Bimal Patel from India has been elected to the International Law Commission for
a 5-year-term starting January 1, 2023, by topping the Asia-Pacific group for the election at the
United Nations on November 12, 2021. Patel is a Vice-Chancellor at Rashtriya Raksha University
and a Member of the National Security Advisory Board of India. Patel topped the Asia-Pacific
group with 163 votes in the UN General Assembly out of 192 members present and voting.
India’s Bimal Patel elected to International Law Commission during election at the United
Nations
Professor Bimal Patel from India topped the Asia-Pacific group with 163 votes in the UN
General Assembly out of 192 members present and voting during the election to International
Law Commission.
The Asia-Pacific group saw 11 very strong candidates contesting for 8 seats. The 11 candidates
by nationality included candidates from India, Japan, China, the Republic of Korea, Thailand,
Cyprus, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Mongolia, and Lebanon.
India topped the Asia-Pacific group with 163 votes on the account of Bimal Patel, followed by
162 votes for Thailand, 154 votes for Japan, 145 votes for Vietnam, 142 votes for China, 140
votes for South Korea, 139 votes for Cyprus, and 123 votes for Mongolia.
The term of office of the present 34-members of the International Law Commission will expire at
the end of 2022. The election of the members of the Commission for a five-year term beginning
on 1 January 2023 took place at the 76th session of the UN General Assembly on 12 November
2021.
Who is Bimal Patel?
Professor Bimal Patel from India has been elected to the International Law Commission for a 5-
year-term starting January 1, 2023, by topping the Asia-Pacific group for the election at the United
Nations.
Patel is a Vice-Chancellor at Rashtriya Raksha University and a Member of the National Security

Advisory Board of India. Patel is an esteemed educationalist, administrator, and jurist. During his
career over three decades, Parel has worked in several roles such as a member of the 21st Law
Commission of India and the Director at the Gujarat National Law University.
Patel has worked for 15 years across different global organizations such as the United Nations of
Youth and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) at the Hague,
Netherlands.
International Law Commission: Key Facts and Election
The UN General Assembly established the International Law Commission in 1947 to undertake
the mandate of the Assembly to ‘initiate studies and make recommendations for the purpose of
encouraging the progressive development of international law and its codification’.
The 34-members of the International Law Commission are elected every five years by the UN
General Assembly from a list of candidates nominated by the Governments of States Members of
the United Nations based on their expertise and qualifications in international.
The allocation of seats on the Commission for the five-year term beginning on 1 January 2023 will
be as follows:
•9 nationals from the African States,
•8 nationals from the Asia-Pacific States,
•3 nationals from the Eastern European States,
•6 nationals from Latin American and the Caribbean States,
•8 nationals from Western European and other States.

COVAXIN showed 77.8 per cent efficacy

against symptomatic COVID-19: Lancet Study
Bharat Biotech’s COVID vaccine COVAXIN showed 77.8 per cent efficacy against
symptomatic COVID-19 in its Phase-III trials data published in the prestigious medical journal
The Lancet on November 12, 2021. Bharat Biotech had announced Phase-III trials of COVAXIN
in November 2020 which was India’s first and largest Phase-III efficacy trials of a COVID-19
vaccine.
The Phase-III trial Efficacy and Safety data of COVAXIN got published in the prestigious
medical journal The Lancet just a few days after the World Health Organization (WHO) on
November 3, 2021, also granted the Emergency Use Listing (EUL) to India’s first indigenously
developed COVID-19 vaccine COVAXIN by Bharat Biotech.
Also read: Where did COVID-19 virus come from? – All You Need to Know
COVAXIN showed 77.8 per cent efficacy against symptomatic COVID-19: Lancet Study
“The data from our product development and clinical trials have been published in 10-peer
reviewed journals making COVAXIN one of the most highly published COVID-19 vaccines in the
world,” Bharat Biotech Chairman Krishna Ella said in a statement on the Phase III efficacy data
being published in The Lancet.
The 10-peer-reviewed journal The Lancet arrived at the COVAXIN vaccine’s efficacy
through evaluation of 130 confirmed cases of which 24 were examined under the vaccine
group and 106 were examined in the placebo group.
The Lancet peer-reviewed journal noted that Bharat Biotech’s COVAXIN was well-tolerated. The
Data Safety Monitoring Board also did not report any safety concerns related to the vaccine. The
overall rate of adverse events in the COVAXIN vaccine group was lower than those seen in
COVID-19 vaccines. The safety profile of COVAXIN has now been well-established.
Bharat Biotech in a statement noted that COVAXIN is the only COVID-19 vaccine that has
demonstrated 65.2 per cent efficacy against Delta variant during the Phase-III Efficacy and
Safety trials.

Phase-III trials data of COVAXIN in The Lancet showed:
•93.4 per cent efficacy against severe symptomatic COVID-19
•77.8 per cent efficacy against symptomatic COVID-19
•63.6 per cent efficacy against asymptomatic COVID-19
•65.2 per cent efficacy against Delta variant of COVID-19
•90.1 per cent efficacy against Kappa variant of COVID-19
•70.8 per cent efficacy against all variants of COVID-19
Phase-III trials data of COVAXIN: Background and Key Details
The Phase-III trial Efficacy and Safety data of COVAXIN was announced by Bharat Biotech
on November 16, 2020. The Phase-III trials involved 26,000 volunteers aged 18 years or older
from India. It was India’s first and largest Phase-3 efficacy study for a COVID-19 vaccine.
The trials were approved by the Drugs Controller General of India (DGCI). The Phase-III trials of
COVAXIN had showed 78 per cent efficacy against mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19
infections.
Also read: Bharat Biotech begins phase III trial for COVAXIN
Bharat Biotech’s COVAXIN
COVAXIN is the first indigenous COVID-19 vaccine of India that has been developed by
Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech in association with the Indian Council of Medical Research
(ICMR) and the National Institute of Virology (NIV).
The SARS-CoV-2 virus was successfully isolated in a joint effort by NIV, ICMR and Bharat
Biotech which led to the development of the virus isolate into an effective COVID-19 vaccine.
The inactivated COVID-19 vaccine is developed in the BSL-3 (Bio-Safety Level 3) biocontainment
facility of Bharat Biotech.
Also read: Bharat Biotech submits COVAXIN phase 3 trial data to DGCI; expert panel to meet
today to review

Also read: Covaxin to be added to UK's approved list of vaccines from November 22

President Ram Nath Kovind to give away National Sports Award on November 13
The President of India Ram Nath Kovind will give away the National Sports Awards on November
13, 2021. Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award will be given to 12 sportspersons. The athletes
will also receive the Arjuna Award and Dronacharya Award to the outstanding coaches in sports
and games.
UN Climate conference to continue till afternoon of November 13
The President of the ongoing United Nations Climate Change Conference in Scotland, Alok
Sharma has said that he expected the negotiations for a deal will continue into the afternoon of
November 13, 2021. The President of the COP26 said that he envisages the formal plenary
meetings in the afternoon to adopt the decisions and close it on Saturday. The two-week COP26
was originally scheduled to end on November 12, 2021.
PM Modi to lead celebrations of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas on Nov 15
The Union Tribal Minister Arjun Munda has said that PM Modi will lead the celebrations of
Janjatiya Gaurav Divas as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav on November 15, 2021. PM will
participate in a major programme at Bhopal being organized on the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav
Divas which will be joined by more than 2 lakh tribals.
Bhopal’s Habibganj railway station to be renamed
The Government of Madhya Pradesh has written to the Central Government to rename Habibganj
Railway Station in Bhopal after the tribal queen Rani Kamplapati. As per the state government,
she was the widow Gond ruler of Nizam Sheh, Chief of Ginnnorgarh. The Gond Community
comprises the largest tribal group of India with more than 1.2 crore population.
US President to virtually meet Chinese President on Nov 15
The President of the United States Joe Biden will virtually meet the President of China Xi Jinping
on November 15, 2021. The leaders will discuss the ways to responsibly manage the competition
between US and China. Biden will make clear of US’s intention and be clear about its concerns
with China.

Johnson & Johnson to separate company’s Consumer Health Business
Johnson & Johnson has decided to separate the consumer health business of the company and
to create a new public traded company. The separation will create two global leaders that will be
better positioned for delivering improved health outcomes for the patients and consumers through
innovations.
US Journalist sentenced for 11 years jail in Myanmar
Myanmar court has sentenced US Journalist Danny Fenster to 11 years imprisonment. The
sentence has been announced on the charges of incitement and violations of immigration and
unlawful association laws. He is the first western journalist who has been sentenced to jail term by
the Military government of Myanmar.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to meet

CMs, state FMs on November 15
The Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will meet the Chief Ministers and the Finance
Ministers of States on November 15, 2021. The meeting will be held to discuss the measures to
attract private investments to help boost the country’s economy.
Finance Secretary T V Somanathan said that the meeting comes in the backdrop of the strong
economic recovery after the two COVID-19 waves in the country and that the Central Government
has made a big push in Capex.
The meeting with the Finance Minister will also be attended by the secretaries of the Government
of India, Chief Secretaries, and Financial Secretaries of the state.
Finance Minister to meet CMs, state FMs on November 15: What can be expected?
• The Finance Minister will direct the states to take reform measures to take the advantage of the
positive sentiment of investors towards India as they plan on diversifying their business away from
China.
• During the meeting, the states may also share their ideas for enhancing the investment climate,
leading to a broad consensus regarding the trajectory to be undertaken for India to become the
fastest-growing economy.
• The discussion during the meeting will also focus on easing the norms on land and water use for
attracting private investments. The purpose of the meeting will be to use this juncture not only to
push growth from the Centre but also at the state level.
Collaborative growth vision for Indian economy
The Finance Minister of India seeks to embark on a collaborative growth vision for the nation and
encourages an open exchange of ideas that are centered on enhancing private investment in the
country.
The interaction between Center and State will attempt to create a policy discourse and facilitative
environment for the inward investment-led growth.

It will be done by a pro-active approach to investment promotion, efficiencies brought about by

Ease of Doing Business, and clearances up to Urban Local Bodies (ULB) levels.
India, post-COVID, one of the fastest-growing economies
As per the Finance Ministry, while the growth had slowed down in the Coronavirus pandemic,
after the first quarter of the current fiscal, the Indian economy has picked up again with green
shoots of recovery clearly visible.
It added that the projections of the World Bank and IMF have projected India’s GDP growth to
about 9.5% and 8.3% respectively, as one of the fastest-growing economies.

NIXI establishes 24x7 dedicated customer

care unit- Know all about it!
National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) has set up a 24-hour “Customer-Care Unit" to
facilitate round-the-clock interaction of customers with all its Business units. The customer-
focused unit will support by responding to all customer queries for all the operations.
NIXI Customer Care Unit number - 011-48202001
NIXI Customer Care Unit email- customercare@nixi.in
The National Internet Exchange of India has the following three businesses-
-Internet Exchange
-Dot IN Registry
-IRINN
All three units deal with their respective customers, supporting and managing their queries.
However, there are times when the same customer might be consuming services from two
different units and interacting with two different teams.
Significance
NIXI has created the customer care unit for an efficient response towards their customers, to
make their experience seamless and overcome any issues that come with interacting with two
teams.
NIXI CEO Anil Kumar Jain stated, “In our continuous endeavour to serve the Indian Internet
community, NIXI has announced the formation of Customer-Care Unit, which will be
managing the complete life cycle of the customer right from their onboarding till the exit.
This initiative will make the interaction of the customer seamless and more efficient.”
About NIXI
The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) is a not-for-profit organization that has spreading

internet infrastructure to people in India since 2003 through the following activities-
i) Internet Exchanges through which the internet data is exchanged amongst ISP’s, Data Centers,
and CDNs.
ii).IN Registry, managing, and operation of IN country-code domain and. IDN domain for India.
iii) IRINN, managing and operating Internet protocol (IPv4/IPv6).
Source: PIB

Google Doodle celebrates Dutch artist

Johannes Vermeer on November 12
Google Doodle on November 12, 2021, celebrated the long-forgotten Dutch artist Johannes
Vermeer who was considered one of the greatest artists of the Dutch Golden Age. On this day on
November 12, 1995, an eponymous exhibition featuring 21 of Vermeer’s 35 existing works was
opened at the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC. Google has dedicated a Doodle to
Vermeer to mark the 26th anniversary of the opening of the exhibition of his artwork.
The Google Doodle dedicated to Johannes Vermeer depicts three of Vermeer’s noteworthy
paintings in a way as if they have been arranged in a gallery. Starting from the left, the three
paintings are ‘The Art of Painting’ (also known as The Allegory of Painting), ‘Lady Writing a
Letter with her Maid’, and ‘Girl Reading a Letter at an Open Window’.
Also read: Google doodle celebrates 117th birth anniversary of Subhadra Kumari Chauhan
Who was Johannes Vermeer?
Johannes Vermeer was a Dutch Baroque Period Painter who specialized in domestic
interior scenes of middle-class life. Vermeer was a famous provincial genre painter, especially
in Delft and The Hague. He was particularly known for his use of light in his work and mostly
portraying women in two small rooms in his house in Delft.
Vermeer was widely regarded among the greatest Dutch painters of all time. He was born in
Delft, the Netherlands, in 1632. Though there is not much on his early life, historians believe that
he was initially interested in historical painting.
By the 1650s, Vermeer started painting interiors with traditional Dutch motifs which later became
his hallmark. He created masterworks such as ‘The Girl with the Pearl Earring’ in 1665 which
is currently on display at the Mauritshuis museum in The Hague, the Netherlands.
In 1979, an X-ray revealed a hidden cupid in one of Vermeer’s paintings ‘Girl Reading a Letter at
an Open Window’. In fact, for nearly 200 years, Vermeer’s paintings were undiscovered outside
Delft, and in some cases, they were attributed to more well-known Dutch painters of that era.
After some rediscovery, journalist and art critic Théophile Thoré-Bürger published a

comprehensive list featuring Johannes Vermeer’s artwork.
Also read: Google Doodle honours Sarla Thukral on her 107th birthday, first Indian woman to fly
an aircraft

MobiKwik launches RuPay Card in

collaboration with NPCI, Axis Bank: All you
need to know
MobiKwik has launched MobiKwik RuPay Card in collaboration with the National Payments
Corporation of India (NPCI) and Axis Bank. The new RuPay card will be offered free of charge to
the customers and will also be completely digital keeping in line with the growing demand for
digital payments.
The mobile wallet company informed that MobiKwik RuPay Prepaid Card can be used with
more than 41 million merchants across 190 countries around the world.
MobiKwik’s co-founder and COO, Upasana Taku commented that the MobiKwik RuPay Prepaid
Card strongly reaffirms the company’s commitment to financial inclusion in India. MobiKwik has
also been diligently working towards bringing innovative products which will deliver pay later
experience to the customers.
MobiKwik RuPay Card: Points to know
• The MobiKwik RuPay Card will be offered free of charge to the customers and will also be
fully digital.
• MobiKwik said that the customers will now be able to get up to Rs. 2 lakh of their MobiKwik
wallet balance mirrored on MobiKwik RuPay Prepaid Card.
• The integration of the card with MobiKwik wallet will also allow MobiKwik customers to use the
card and wallet balance at over 41 million merchants across 190 nations, in addition to the
MobiKwik merchant network.
• MobiKwik Card users will automatically qualify for the MobiKwik Zip which provides up to Rs.
30,000 credit in the user’s wallet.
• The users will also be able to save extra on each card purchase by benefitting from both
MobiKwik SuperCash and RuPay Card.

MobiKwik RuPay Card: Key features
• There will be no activation fees
• Up to 50% discount on Home Centre and up to 30% discount on Uber bookings when signing up
• Personal Accident Insurance (Accidental death or Permanent Total Disability) of up to Rs. 2

lakhs
• MobiKwik SuperCash on card purchases

PM Modi launches RBI’s Retail Direct

Scheme, Integrated Ombudsmen Schemes –
Know Key Facts, Significance
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 12, 2021, launched two innovative, customer-centric
initiatives of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) namely the RBI Retail Direct Scheme and the
Reserve Bank - Integrated Ombudsman Scheme. These two schemes will ease access to the
government securities market for retail investors. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and
RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das were present during the virtual launch.
Significance
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been leveraging innovation and technology for enhancing
the efficiency of its services. The developmental role of the RBI is focused on undertaking people-
centric initiatives and further deepening financial inclusion.
Both, the RBI Retail Direct Scheme and the Reserve Bank – Integrated Ombudsman Scheme
launched on November 12 will aid in expanding the scope of investment in India while
making access to capital markets easier and more secure.
Also read: PM Narendra Modi to launch two RBI initiatives on November 12
WATCH: PM Modi speaking at launch of two customer-centric initiatives of RBI
Speaking at the launch of two customer centric initiatives of RBI. https://t.co/Xt4HGfz1Ut

What is RBI Retail Direct Scheme?
The RBI Retail Direct Scheme aims to enhance access to the government securities market
for retail investors. The scheme provides new avenues for directly investing in securities issued
by the Central and State government. With the RBI Retail Direct Scheme, retail investors in
India will be able to easily open and maintain their Government Securities (G-Sec) account
online with the RBI for free of cost.
The RBI Retail Direct Scheme will offer the inclusion of everyone in the economy as the scheme

will bring the middle class, senior citizens, small businessmen, and employees directly and
securely in government securities.
Government Securities (G-Sec) are considered to be the safest asset class. The idea was floated
by the RBI during the monetary policy in February 2021. In July 2021, the Central Bank
announced that investors will be able to access bidding in primary auctions as well as the trading
platform for government securities (G-Sec) called Negotiated Dealing System-Order Matching
Segment (NDS-OM).
What is Reserve Bank - Integrated Ombudsman Scheme?
The central theme of the Reserve Bank – Integrated Ombudsman Scheme is based on ‘One
Nation-One Ombudsman’ with one portal, one email, and one address for the customers to
lodge their complaints. The Reserve Bank – Integrated Ombudsman Scheme aims at improving
the grievance redress mechanism for resolving customer complaints against entities regulated
by the RBI.
The Reserve Bank – Integrated Ombudsman Scheme will offer a single point of reference for
customers to lodge their complaints, track status, submit documents and provide
feedback. The scheme will provide a multi-lingual toll-free number through which customers can
seek all relevant information on grievance redressal and filing complaints.
Currently, India has three separate Ombudsmen for banks, non-banking finance companies
(NBFCs), and non-bank prepaid payment issuers (PPIs) commonly known as wallets. The RBI
operates these three Ombudsmen through 22 Ombudsmen offices across India. With the launch,
all of the Ombudsmen will be integrated into one centralized system. The Scheme will
remove any jurisdiction limits while filing complaints.
However, the complaints that are not covered under the Ombudsmen Scheme will be addressed
by the Customer Education and Protection Cells (CEPCs) located across 30 regional offices of
RBI.

India hockey squad for Men's Junior World

Cup 2021: Olympic medalist Vivek Sagar to
lead 18-member squad - Check full player list
India hockey squad for Men's Hockey Junior World Cup 2021: Olympic Bronze Medalist
Vivek Sagar Prasad will lead the Indian Junior Men’s Hockey team for the FIH Hockey Men's
Junior World Cup 2021, which is scheduled to begin in Bhubaneswar, Odisha from November 24,
2021.
Hockey India had announced an 18-member India squad on November 11 to defend India's
Junior Hockey World Champion title. The much-awaited FIH Odisha Hockey Men's Junior
World Cup Bhubaneswar 2021 will see 16 top teams clash against each other.
India will open its campaign in the Junior Hockey World Cup with their opening match against
France on November 24th. India had won the previous Junior World Cup edition in 2016.
Olympic Bronze Medalist Vivek Sagar Prasad to lead the Indian Junior Men’s Hockey team for the
FIH Odisha Junior Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2021
Here is the 18-member defending champion squad https://t.co/VvM8v5BRI0#IndiaKaGame

#RisingStars #JWC2021
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) November 11, 2021

India hockey squad for Men's Hockey Junior World Cup 2021
Captain- Vivek Sagar Prasad (He was a part of the Indian Men's hockey that won historic
Olympic Bronze Medal in Tokyo Olympics 2020)
Vice-Captain- Sanjay ( He was a part of India U-18 team that won Silver at the Youth Olympic
Games 2018 in Buenos Aires)
India full junior hockey squad: Shardanand Tiwari, Prashant Chauhan, Sudeep Chirmako,
Rahul Kumar Rajbhar, Maninder Singh, Pawan, Vishnukant Singh, Ankit Pal, Uttam Singh, Sunil
Jojo, Manjeet, Rabichandra Singh Moirangthem, Abhishek Lakra, Yashdeep Siwach, Gurmukh
Singh and Araijeet Singh Hundal.

Alternate players- Dinachandra Singh Moirangthem and Boby Singh Dhami. (The alternate
players will be allowed to play only if there is an injury or if any of the players is ruled out of the
tournament due to COVID-19. )
Indian Men's Hockey Chief Coach Graham Reid said, "To choose the best 18 players to
represent their country is one of the hardest things to do in sport. Each of these guys have
put their everything into trying to make this team for the last 12-18 months. We have
chosen a group of 20 players, a team of 18 and 2 alternate players who we believe gives us
the best chance of defending our title as Junior World Cup Champions."
Men's Hockey Junior World Cup 2021- Key Details
•India will begin its campaign in the FIH Odisha Hockey Men's Junior World Cup Bhubaneswar
2021 on November 24th against France.
•India's second match will be against Canada on November 25th and third against Poland on
November 27th.
•The knockout matches will take place between December 1-5, 2021.
Top 16 hockey teams- India, Germany, Belgium, Argentina, Canada, South Africa, Egypt,
Pakistan, Korea, Malaysia, Poland, France, Chile, Spain, USA and the Netherlands.
India full Junior Hockey player list (U-21 Team)
1. Vivek Sagar Prasad (C)

2. Sanjay (VC)
3. Shardanand Tiwari
4. Prashant Chauhan (GK)
5. Sudeep Chirmako
6. Rahul Kumar Rajbhar
7. Maninder Singh
8. Pawan (GK)
9. Vishnukant Singh
10. Ankit Pal
11. Uttam Singh
12. Sunil Jojo
13. Manjeet

14. Rabichandra Singh Moirangthem

15. Abhishek Lakra
16. Yashdeep Siwach
17. Gurmukh Singh
18. Araijeet Singh Hundal.

SpaceX Mission with crew of four, led by

Indian-origin astronaut, docks with
International Space Station
A new SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule carrying four astronauts which also included Indian-
origin Raja Chari to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the company’s Crew-3
mission has docked successfully at the orbiting lab on November 11, 2021. The crew of
four was led by Raja Chair.
NASA said in a statement that NASA astronauts Tom Marshburn, Chari, Kayla Barron, and ESA
astronaut Matthias Maurer arrived at the International Space Station at 6.32 PM EST on
November 11.
SpaceX Crew Dragon Endurance docked to the orbital complex while the spacecraft was flying
260 miles above the eastern Caribbean Sea.
NASA’s SpaceX Crew-3 Mission had lifted off at 9:03 pm on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Crew
Dragon spacecraft from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida for the
agency’s third crew rotation mission.
Get your kicks with Expedition 66
Now that #Crew3 has arrived at the @Space_Station, they round out the full roster of seven who
make up "Expedition 66." Get to know these @NASA, @ESA & @Roscosmos crewmates and the
science they'll do: https://t.co/WaRDnpHxqL pic.twitter.com/oThWgipLjR
— NASA (@NASA) November 12, 2021

NASA’s SpaceX Crew-3 Mission astronauts at ISS: Key details
• Marshburn, Chari, Maurer, Barron will join the Expedition 66 Crew of Mark Vande Hei of NASA
and cosmonauts Anton Shkaplerov and Pyotr Dubrov of Roscosmos for a planned 6-month
mission living and working aboard the microgravity laboratory.
• They will help to advance scientific knowledge and demonstrate the new technologies for future
human and robotic exploration missions as part of NASA’s Moon and Mars exploration approach,

including lunar missions through NASA’s Artemis Program.
• The Crew-3 astronauts will spend approx. 6 months aboard the space station conducting new
and exciting scientific research in the areas such as health technologies, material science, and
plant science to prepare for human exploration beyond low earth orbit and to benefit life on Earth.
Four new astronauts through the hatch and seven crewmembers total on the @Space_Station!
After almost exactly a day from launch, #Crew3 is aboard the orbiting laboratory.
pic.twitter.com/QJoBUsJcsj

NASA’s Crew-3 Mission: Why is it significant?
The Crew-3 mission continues the US Space Agency’s efforts of restoring and maintaining
American leadership in human spaceflight.
Regular, long-duration commercial crew rotation missions enable NASA to continue the significant
research and technology investigations taking place aboard the station.
Such research also benefits the people on Earth and lays the groundwork for the future
exploration of the Moon and Mars, starting with NASA’s Artemis Mission, which also includes
landing the first woman and person of color on the lunar surface.
Crew-3 Mission: Background
The mission known as Crew-3 is part of NASA’s multibillion-dollar partnership with Elon
Musk’s Space company. It was signed after NASA’s Space Shuttle Program ended in 2011.
The mission aimed at restoring the US Capacity to carry out Human Spaceflight, rather than
depend on Russia for links with the International Space Station (ISS).

India Test Squad for NZ Series 2021:

Suryakumar Yadav replaces KL Rahul,
Ajinkya Rahane to lead- Check full India test
squad
India Test Squad for New Zealand 2021 Series: Suryakumar Yadav has replaced KL Rahul
in India's Test squad for the New Zealand series, starting from November 25, 2021 in Kanpur,
Uttar Pradesh. KL Rahul has been ruled out of the two-match India vs New Zealand test series
after sustaining a muscle strain on his left thigh.
Indian skipper Virat Kohli will also not play in the first India vs New Zealand test in Kanpur.
Ajinkya Rahane will lead the team in his absence. Kohli will join the squad for the second test in
Mumbai.
The BCCI had announced the India test squad for the India vs New Zealand test series 2021 on
November 12, 2021. The India squad for the two-match New Zealand test series was selected by
the All-India Senior Selection Committee.
India’s Test squad: Ajinkya Rahane (c), Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Shubman Gill,
Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Wriddhiman Saha, KS Bharat, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin,
Axar Patel, Jayant Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Md Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, as per BCCI

India test squad for New Zealand series 2021: Key Changes
•India's Vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane will lead the team in the absence of skipper Virat Kohli in the
first Test against New Zealand in Kanpur, which will start on November 25.
•India's newly appointed T20 captain and regular opening batsman Rohit Sharma will be rested
for India vs New Zealand test series along with pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami
and wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant as a part of BCCI's workload management policy.
•There are few new faces in the India test squad such as Shreyas Iyer, Jayant Yadav and KS
Bharat.

India vs New Zealand 2021 Series
India vs New Zealand T20I matches
1st T20I- November 17
2nd T20I - November 19
3rd T20I - November 21
Rohit Sharma becomes first Indian batsman to hit 150 sixes in T20Is, second overall
India vs New Zealand Test Matches Schedule
First Test- 25th November, Kanpur
Second Test- 3rd December, Mumbai
India vs New Zealand Test Schedule 2021
Day Date Match Venue
Thursday 25th Nov 2021 1st Test Kanpur
Friday 3rd Dec 2021 2nd Test Mumbai
Source: BCCI

China passes ‘historical resolution’ boosting

President Xi’s authority; What is the
resolution?
The ruling Communist Party of China approved a rare resolution on November 11, 2021,
which uplifted the country’s President Xi Jinping’s status in its history. The latest move can
be seen as consolidating Xi’s authority and the likelihood of securing an unprecedented third
leadership term in 2022.
As per the State Media, the resolution on the Communist Party of China’s ‘achievements
and historical experiences’ since its founding 100 years ago was passed at the end of a 4-
day, closed-door meeting of more than 300 top leaders on its Central Committee.
The ‘historical resolution’ approved by China has put Xi Jinping on the same pedestal as
Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping. The two previous leaders had cemented their position as the
pre-eminent leader with the only other two such resolutions passed, in 1945 and 1981
respectively. President Xi Jinping is seen as China’s most powerful leader since Mao Zedong.
China passes historical resolution: How it uplift President Xi’s authority?
At the 4-day meeting, known as the Sixth Plenum, the Communist Party of China
elevated the role of Xi Jinping in one of its ideologies by crediting him for the first time
in an official document as the ‘main innovator’ behind “Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism
with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.”
The ruling Party of China had previously defined this ideology as the product of ‘the
experiences and collective wisdom of the party and the people’.
As per the experts, “Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a
New Era” might be shortened to simply “Xi Jinping Thought” by the Party Congress in
the latter half of 2022, when Xi Jinping is almost certain to secure a precedent-breaking
third term as the party leader.
As per the end of the meeting communique, the Communist Party of China decided that
a conclusion to draw from its century of his was that it must ‘resolutely uphold Comrade
Xi Jinping’s core position’ in the party.
100 years of the Chinese Communist Party.#AFPgraphics timeline of major events during 100
years of China's communist party. Top Communist Party leaders have passed Xi Jinping's

resolution on upholding "the correct view of party history" pic.twitter.com/x4LJLUTEWV

Xi Jinping Thought: What it defines?
• Xi Jinping’s tenure has been marked by a sprawling anti-corruption crackdown, an increasingly

assertive approach to foreign relations, and repressive policies in regions like Tibet, Hong Kong,
and Xinjiang.
• Jinping has also created a leadership cult that quashed criticism, removed rivals and dissent,
and introduced his own political theory- dubbed ‘Xi Jinping Thought’- to school students.
Similar resolutions passed previously by China
Such resolution has been passed only twice, in 1945 and 1981.
• The first such resolution (in 1945) on the party’s history passed under Mao had helped him
cement his authority over the Communist Party for four years before it seized power.
• The second, adopted under Deng Xiaoping (in 1981), saw the regime adopt the economic
reforms and recognize the mistakes of Mao’s ways.
How the new resolution is different from the previous ones?
• Unlike the 1981 resolution (adopted under Deng Xiaoping), the communique on November 11,
2021, completely glosses over the widespread turmoil of the Cultural Revolution, a devastating
period of political upheaval in the 1960s and 1970s. Instead, it refers to the period as one of the
‘socialist revolution and construction’.
• Chairman Mao has been mentioned in the document only 7 times, while Deng only 5 times. In
comparison, Jinping has been mentioned 17 times.
What will be the impact of the latest resolution passed by China?
Experts say that the resolution will help Xi Jinping in tightening his grip on power by
setting in stone his vision for China and the diminishing role of the country’s previous
leaders.
The text reads that the ‘thought’ of Xi is the epitome of Chinese culture and soul. It states that Xi’s

presence at the heart of the ruling party is of decisive importance…to promote the historic
process of the great renewal of the Chinese nation.
Background
Xi Jinping has been serving as the General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party and the
Chairman of the Central Military Commission since 2012. He has been the President of the
People’s Republic of China since 2013. Xi Jinping is the paramount leader of China and the most
prominent leader of the country since 2012.

Lunar Eclipse November 2021: Know Date,

Time, Where to watch in India; Longest
Chandra Grahan of 21st century
Lunar Eclipse 2021: The second and last lunar eclipse in 2021 will take place on November
19, 2021 which will be visible from extreme northeastern states such as Assam and Arunachal
Pradesh. The lunar eclipse on November 19 will be a partial yet the longest lunar eclipse of
the 21st century. The first and total lunar eclipse of 2021 dubbed as the Super Blood Moon took
place on May 26.
The longest partial lunar eclipse on November 19 is taking place after 580 years. Last, such a
long lunar eclipse happened on February 18, 1440. Next, such a lunar eclipse is expected to
occur on February 8, 2669.
Also read: Lunar Eclipse 2021: What is Blood Moon, when it will occur; All you need to know!
Lunar Eclipse 2021 in India: Date and Time
The partial lunar eclipse in India will occur on November 19, 202. The partial phase of the lunar
eclipse will last for a total of 6 hours and 1 minute. It will start at around 11.30 am IST and end at
5.33 pm IST. As per the Hindu calendar, November 19 will also mark Kartik Purnima.
Lunar Eclipse 2021: Where to watch in India
The ending of the partial lunar eclipse will be visible from extreme northeastern states in India
such as Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. The total lunar eclipse also known as Beaver Moon will
be visible from the US, Northern Europe, Australia, East Asia, and the Pacific Ocean region from
1.02 am EST to 6.03 am EST.
People can watch the live stream of the eclipse event on NASA's live stream.
When is the lunar eclipse 2022 in India?
The next lunar eclipse in India will occur on November 8, 2022. It will be a total lunar eclipse.
What is partial lunar eclipse?

A partial lunar eclipse occurs when only a part of the Moon comes under Earth's umbral shadow.
In other words, a partial lunar eclipse is when the Earth moves between the Sun and the Moon
but the three celestial bodies do not align in a straight line. During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth
comes in between the Sun and the Moon in an alignment on a full moon day.
In the 21st century, the Earth will be witnessing a total of 228 lunar eclipses. As per the US space
agency NASA, only a maximum of three lunar eclipses can occur in a year.
List of Eclipse in 2021 in India
In 2021, India will witness four eclipses (two lunar and two solar eclipses).
Lunar Eclipse in 2021 India
May 26, 2021: Total Lunar Eclipse
November 19, 2021: Partial Lunar Eclipse
Solar Eclipse in 2021 India
June 10, 2021: Annual Solar Eclipse
December 4, 2021: Total Solar Eclipse

Habibganj railway station revamped as Rani

Kamalapati station: Know 10 Key Facts here
Habibganj station new name: Habibganj railway station has been redeveloped and renamed as
Rani Kamalapati station. Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the newly revamped Rani
Kamalapati railway station, India's first world class railway station to the nation on November 15,
2021.
Rani Kamalapati station has been renamed after the brave and fearless Queen Kamalapati of the
Gond kingdom. The station has been redeveloped in Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode with
modern amenities that takes into account ease of mobility for persons with disabilities.
Habibganj railway station new name: Rani Kamalapati station
Redeveloped Rani Kamalapati Railway Station
Air Concourse and Subways:

Separate entrance and exit routes.#NayeBharatKaNayaStation pic.twitter.com/bJQDbfRWNd
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) November 15, 2021

India's first world-class railway station
Rani Kamalapati Station boasts of world class interiors and modern amenities and facilities,
similar to those at international airports, to provide unmatched convenience to passengers.
Rani Kamalapati Station: Know 10 Key Facts here
1. The Rani Kamalapati Railway Station has been redeveloped as a green building with solar led-
LED lighting under Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode. It has been built by a private company
named Bansal Group under a public-private partnership.
2. Rani Kamalapati Station boasts of all facilities that are available at the international airports. Its
modern amenities take into account ease of mobility for persons with disabilities.
3. Rani Kamalapati Station has been redeveloped as a hub for integrated multi-modal transport. It
will offer direct connectivity to Bhopal Metro through a skywalk. It also has separate entry and exit

gates to control the crowd.
4. The revamped railway station has all modern facilities like food court, cafeterias, food plaza,
retail zone, restaurants, kid zone, VIP lounge and air-conditioned waiting rooms.
5. It also has escalators and lifts to enable passengers to reach the platform easily. It has a
seating arrangement of around 700-1,100 passengers in the open concourse.
6. It will also have a tourist information lounge and a large LED screen will be put up in the
waiting hall to provide information about tourism and the state's culture.
7. It also has display boards installed throughout the station to provide information about the
movement of trains. The boards will convey the information in multiple languages.
8. Around 160 CCTV cameras have also been installed at the station to enable round-the-clock
surveillance. There will be 24-hour monitoring of the station from the command and control
centre."
9. The Rani Kamalapati Station has been redeveloped at a cost of around Rs 100 crore with
private participation.
10. It is the first such large-scale PPP model in station redevelopment in India. It had been in the
works for the past few years.
Significance
The Habibganj railway station has been designed to improve passenger amenities and offer an
enhanced experience to those traveling by the Indian railways. It would have an open
concourse to go to different platforms.
Who was Rani Kamlapati?
Rani Kamlapati was the widow of Nizam Shah, Gond ruler and chief of Ginnorgarh in the 18th
century. She is said to be one of the seven wives of Nizam Shah. The Gong Queen was known
for her beauty and abilities.
Background
The revamping of the Habibganj railway station was initiated in July 2016 and the work began in
2017 with a deadline of three years. The name change of Habibganj railway station was proposed

by the state government

Rezang La War Memorial: Defence Minister

Rajnath Singh inaugurates revamped
memorial in Ladakh
The revamped Rezang La War memorial in Ladakh has been inaugurated by Defence
Minister Rajnath Singh on November 18, 2021. The Defence Minister visited Rezang La to pay
tributes to the Indian soldiers who fought a battle there in 1962 and dedicated to them a
revamped War Memorial.
India will get a revamped Rezang La War memorial in Ladakh on the 59th anniversary of
the battle of Rezang La in which the troops of 13 Kumaon led Major Shaitan Singh
defeated many waves of Chinese troops during the Indo-China 1962 war. The
anniversary of the famous Rezang La battle is celebrated on November 18.
Paid tributes to India’s bravehearts at Rezang La today. The nation will never forget their courage,
valour and supreme sacrifice. pic.twitter.com/0k0M2glQhJ
The Indian Army officials said, “The Rezang La war memorial in Eastern Ladakh sector was a
small one and it has now been expanded. It will now be much bigger than before and will be out
on the tourist map of the Ladakh Union Territory.”
Indian Army revamps Rezang La war memorial in Ladakh, Rajnath to inaugurate
Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/jYbaAL1QPp#RezangLa #WarMemorial #IndianArmy

pic.twitter.com/BIVeKp6Mlf
— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) November 11, 2021

Significance
The inauguration of revamped Rezang La War memorial in Rezang La is seen as India’s show of
strength in the area which is very close to the territory of China. It is also visible from the other
side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
After the inauguration, the common public including the tourists will also be allowed to go
to the memorial and the border areas which will further popularize the legendary battle
between India and China.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurates Rezang La War memorial on November 18:
Key points
• The Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will be inaugurating the war memorial on November 18.
The Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat will also be present.
• The Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will be visiting Leh on November 18.
• From there, the minister will visit Jhansi where PM Modi will take part in the closing ceremony of
the Rashtriya Raksha Samarpan Parva on the 193rd anniversary of Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi.
• The major three-day event in Jhansi will involve the defence forces as well as the defence
equipment display which will be held from November 17-19.
Rezang La battle between India and China: Check details
Rezang La was the site of a major battle between India-China war in 1962, where a
company of India’s 13 Kumaon battalion fought to the last man in an effort to block the
Chinese PLA (People’s Liberation Army) troops from crossing the ridge into the Chushul
valley.
During the Indo-China faceoff in 2020-2021, Rezang La was again the site of a major
face-off between the Indian and Chinese armies, which is also believed to have given
India strategic leverage and had forced China to disengage.
Rezang La is a mountain pass on the Line of Actual Control between the Indian-
administered Ladakh and the Chinese administered Spanggur Lake basin that is also
claimed by India.

South Africa’s last apartheid president FW de

Klerk dies at 85
South Africa’s last apartheid president FW de Klerk passed away at the age of 85 on
November 11, 2021 after suffering from mesothelioma cancer, confirmed the FW de Klerk
Foundation. FW de Klerk was South Africa’s last apartheid president who oversaw the end of the
country’s white minority rule. FW de Klerk and Nelson Mandela were awarded the Nobel Peace
Prize in 1993 for their efforts in moving South Africa towards democracy away from
institutionalized racism.
Who was FW de Klerk?
Frederik Willem de Klerk was a South African politician who was President of South Africa from
1989 to 1994 and Deputy President from 1994 to 1996. FW de Klerk was the last President
from the era of white-minority rule. Klerk’s government dismantled the apartheid system
and introduced democracy in South Africa. The apartheid system in South Africa was referred to
as the brutal system of racial discrimination in the country.
Klerk led the National Party from 1989 to 1997. Prior to being elected to the Parliament as a
member of the National Party that institutionalized the apartheid system, FW de Klerk was
studying law. In 1978, Klerk was appointed for a series of ministerial posts including Internal
Affairs. He was born in Johannesburg in 1936.
What did FW de Klerk do?
FW de Klerk’s speech in February 1990 marked the beginning of the transition of South Africa
towards democracy away from the apartheid system. Klerk’s government dismantled the
apartheid system.
After being elected President for five months, it was FW de Klerk who during a speech in
South Africa’s Parliament on February 2, 1990, announced that Nelson Mandela will be
released from prison after 27 years. Mandela was among several anti-apartheid activists who
were released following Klerk’s speech. In his same speech, Klerk also announced the lifting of
the ban on the African National Congress and other anti-apartheid political groups.
FW de Klerk was succeeded by Nelson Mandela as South Africa’s first Black President in

1993
Nelson Mandela (left), FW de Klerk (right) win Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, Source: AP
FW de Klerk was succeeded by Nelson Mandela as the President of South Africa. Four years
after his release from prison in 1990, Nelson Mandela became South Africa’s first Black President
in 1993 as the country’s citizens voted for the first time.
Why did FW de Klerk and Nelson Mandela win the Nobel Peace Prize?
FW de Klerk and Nelson Mandela had been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for their
efforts in moving South Africa towards democracy away from institutionalized racism.
Also read: Nelson Mandela Day 2021: Theme, History, Significance-All you need to know!

NCB: SN Pradhan appointed as the next chief

of Narcotics Control Bureau till August 2024
The Senior Indian Police Service (IPS) Officer Satya Narayan Pradhan has been appointed
as the Director-General of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on a deputation basis. SN
Pradhan has been given the position till the date of his superannuation on August 31, 2024, or
until further orders.
SN Pradhan was currently holding additional charge of NCB Chief despite holding the
responsibility of Director-General of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Pradhan was
given the additional charge of NCB Director-General after Rakesh Asthana was appointed as the
Delhi Police Commissioner.
SN Pradhan has been appointed as the Director-General of the Narcotics Control Bureau
(NCB) on a full-time basis, after IPS Officer Atul Karwal was appointed as the NDRF
Director-General on November 9, 2021. Pradhan’s appointment for the position came in a
late order on November 10 by the Appointment’s Committee of Cabinet (ACC).
The Ministry of Home Affairs requested to relieve SN Pradhan from his charges as the Director-
General of NDRF immediately in order to enable him to take up the new assignment.
Senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Satya Narayan Pradhan has been appointed as Director
General of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on deputation basis till the date of his superannuation
on August 31, 2024, or until further orders
(file photo) pic.twitter.com/EuAUtnPQfm

Who is SN Pradhan?
• Satya Narayan Pradhan is an IPS Officer of the 1988 batch from Jharkhand Cadre.
• SN Pradhan, new Director-General of NCB, is a native of Odisha, he was born in Patna, Bihar.
Pradhan had also served as the Senior IPS officer from the Odisha State.
• Pradhan is the former Joint Secretary, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region.

• An IPS officer of the 1988 batch earlier worked as the Assistant Director and the Deputy
Director at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, Hyderabad. He has trained 6
batches of IPS Officers.
• Before joining SVPNPA, Pradhan worked as a Superintendent of Police and Additional Director
General of Police in various districts of Bihar.
National Narcotics Bureau (NCB)
NCB is the Indian central law enforcement and intelligence agency. It comes under the Ministry of
Home Affairs, Government of India. The central agency has been tasked with combating drug
trafficking and the use of illegal substances under the provisions of the Narcotics Drugs and
Psychotropic Substances Act.

Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia

launches eGCA – Know Significance, Key
Features, Benefits
Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on November 11, 2021, launched an online platform
called eGCA (e-Governance for Civil Aviation). It is an online platform through which the
Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will offer its 298 services including pilot licensing.
During the launch of eGCA, Scindia also unveiled a case study ‘DGCA take off on a digital flight’
which showcases the journey and challenges of DGCA for the implementation of eGCA.
Also read: 100-day plan to boost India’s civil aviation sector: 10 things you need to know
What is eGCA?
eGCA (e-Governance for Civil Aviation) is an e-governance platform that has been
implemented by the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for rendering 298 services
including pilot licensing and medical examination.
eGCA is a portal for the dissemination of information and providing online, speedy service
delivery in a secure environment. It offers an end-to-end solution including several software
applications, connectivity with all the regional offices. It aims at enhancing the efficiency of the
various services of DGCA and increasing accountability and transparency across all DGCA
functions.
The online platform eGCA has been developed by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) as
Service Provider and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) as Project Management Consultant.
eGCA to enable automation of the processes and functions of DGCA: Significance
Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has described eGCA as a single-window platform
that will induce a monumental change through the automation of the process and functions of
DGCA. The online platform eGCA will offer a strong base of IT infrastructure and service delivery
framework.
The DGCA will be able to provide 298 services online through eGCA platform. DGCA has
been working on moving its services online for the past four years.
Now with eGCA, 99 services covering about 70 per cent of the DGCA work will be

transferred online in the initial phases and the remaining 198 services will be moved online
in other phases.
On DGCA’s part, the online platform eGCA is a step towards ‘ease of doing business’. It would
add significant value to the safety regulatory framework of DGCA.
eGCA (e-Governance for Civil Aviation): Key Features
The eGCA online platform will offer services provided through DGCA stakeholders such as Pilots,
Air Traffic Controllers, Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, Flying Training Organizations, Airport
Operators, Air Operators, Maintenance and Design Organizations, etc.
Applicants can now apply for various services and upload their documents online. DGCA officials
will process their applications. Licenses and Approvals will be issued on the online platform.
Pilots and Aircraft Maintenance Engineers will be able to view their profiles and update their data
on the go. Medical clearances will now be done in 2 to 3 days, which would take at least a month.
eGCA (e-Governance for Civil Aviation): Key Benefits
•Eliminating operational inefficiencies
•Minimizing personal interaction
•Improving regulatory reporting
•Enhancing transparency
•Increasing productivity
Also read: Ministry of Civil Aviation releases draft Drone Rules 2021 – All you need to know

Germany, in a first, records more than 50,000

new COVID-19 cases in 24 hours
COVID-19 cases: Germany recorded more than 50,000 coronavirus cases in one day on
November 11, 2021, for the first time since the pandemic began. As per the Robert Koch
Institute of Health Surveillance, there were 50,196 additional Covid cases in the last 24 hours,
with 235 deaths.
The outgoing Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel described the rise in COVID-19 infections in-
country as ‘dramatic’. Her spokesperson said, “The pandemic is returning in a new spectacular
fashion”. The government has called on the regional authorities to take further steps to quell the
outbreak.
Germany is counted among a number of European countries that have been facing a new surge
in positive Coronavirus cases. The country has recorded record numbers of infections over the
recent days.
#BREAKING Germany hits record 50,000 new Covid cases in 24 hours: authorities
pic.twitter.com/yiTaVGTMKe

Pressure on hospitals increased
Due to the record number of COVID-19 cases, the pressure on hospital wards in Germany has
also been increasing.
Several hospitals have also reported that in the past few days they have been working again at
their limits and have ICUs so full of positive COVID-19 patients that they cannot admit the new
patients.
The Head of Virology at Berlin’s Charite Hospital, Christian Drosten said that Germany has a real
emergency situation right now.
Low COVID-19 vaccination reason for COVID outbreak in Germany
The recent outbreak of Germany recording over 50,000 COVID-19 cases has also been attributed

in part to the relatively low vaccination rate of the population in Germany. The COVID-19
vaccination rate in Germany is just over 67 percent.
Measures taken by Germany to control surge in COVID cases
• Several particularly affected states in Germany, such as Bavaria, Saxony, and most recently
Berlin, have decided to introduce the new restrictions that are aimed at unvaccinated people.
• Berlin has decided to ban unvaccinated people from restaurants without terraces, gyms, bars,
and hairdressers.
• A negative test will be longer be acceptable to allow access to these public places if the users
are not vaccinated or are not able to prove that they have recovered from the disease.
Background
In total, almost 4.9 million people have been infected in Germany since the outbreak of the
Coronavirus pandemic in March 2020.

ICC Rankings T20: Virat Kohli drops to 8th

rank- Check full Men's T20 Batsman Ranking,
Bowler Ranking, Allrounder ranking
ICC T20I Rankings: Indian batsman KL Rahul moved up three places to be ranked 5th, while
skipper Virat Kohli dropped four places to the eighth rank in the latest ICC men's T20I Batting
Rankings released on November 10, 2021.
Virat Kohli's performance in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 affected his T20 Batting rankings, as he
didn't get many opportunities to bat. KL Rahul scored three fifties in the T20 World Cup that
positively impacted his position in the ICC T20 Rankings list.
No other Indian cricketer is featured in the latest ICC T20 Batting, Bowling and All-rounder
rankings list. Team India's overall rank is third in the Men's T20 Team Rankings after England and
Pakistan.
ICC T20 Batsmen Ranking
Pakistan's Babar Azam is ranked at the top of ICC Men's T20 Batsmen rankings, followed by
England's Dawid Malan at the second place. South Africa's Aiden Markram made significant gains
with his sensational performances during the T20 World Cup 2021, which saw him jump to the 3rd
rank in the T20 Batting Rankings.
Rank Player Team Rating
1 Babar Azam Pakistan 839

2 Dawid Malan ENG 800
3 Aiden Markram SA 796
4 Aaron Finch AUS 732
5 Lokesh Rahul IND 727
6 Mohammad Rizwan PAK 718
7 Devon Conway NZ 700
8 Virat Kohli IND 698
9 Jos Buttler ENG 674

10 Rassie van der Dussen SA 669

ICC T20 Bowler Ranking
Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga tops the Men's T20 Bowler rankings, followed by South Africa's
Tabraiz Shamsi at second rank and England's Adil Rashid at the third rank.
1 Wanindu Hasaranga SL 797
2 Tabraiz Shamsi SA 784
3 Adil Rashid ENG 727
4 Rashid Khan AFG 710
5 Adam Zampa AUS 709
6 Mujeeb Ur Rahman AFG 679
7 Anrich Nortje SA 655
8 Josh Hazlewood AUS 630
9 Tim Southee NZ 626
10 Chris Jordan ENG 625
ICC T20 Allrounder Ranking
Afghanistan Skipper Mohammad Nabi is ranked at the top in the T20 All-rounder rankings,
followed by Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan at the second position and Sri Lanka's Wanindu
Hasaranga is ranked at the third place.
1 Mohammad Nabi AFG 265
2 Shakib Al Hasan BAN 260
3 Wanindu Hasaranga SL 173
4 Glenn Maxwell AUS 165
5 Zeeshan Maqsood OMA 160
6 J.J. Smit NAM 158

7 Aiden Markram SA 156

8 Khawar Ali OMA 147
9 Mitchell Marsh AUS 146
10 Liam Livingstone ENG 142
ICC Men's T20 Team Rankings

Rank Team Matches/ Points Rating
1 England 33/9,145 277
2 Pakistan 39/10,342 265
3 India 33/8,703 264
4 New Zealand 33/8,538 259
5 South Africa 35/8,858 253
6 Australia 38/9,272 244
7 Afghanistan 17/3,951 232
8 Bangladesh 34/7,888 232
9 Sri Lanka 30/6,951 232
10 West Indies 34/7,680 226

National Internet Exchange of India launches

‘Digital Payment Gateway’: Check Current
Affairs for exam
The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) has gone digital by launching a ‘digital
payment gateway’.
NIXI is a non-profit firm under the aegis of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
(MeitY). It has launched the digital payment gateway across its three business units by integrating
the payment gateways on all its customer-facing websites for ease of use.
The CEO of NIXI, Anil Kumar Jain, who had presided as the Chief Guest on the occasion said
that NIXI has been contributing to the Digital India Mission by helping the internet infrastructure to
be self-reliant, robust, and secure. The National Internet Exchange of India has partnered
with NSDL and PayU.
Significance
NIXI’s initiative of launching a digital payment gateway will lead to increased ease of use
for NIXI’s customers by offering real-time payments, providing uninterrupted services,
and ensuring a seamless experience to all stakeholders.
National Internet Exchange of India: What are the key activities of NIXI?
NIXI is a non-profit organization working since 2003 for spreading internet technology to the
citizens of India through the following activities:
• Internet Exchanges through which the internet data is exchanged amongst ISPs and CDNs.
• Selling, managing, and operations of .IN country-code domain.
• Selling, managing, and operating Internet protocol as authorized by APNIC, Australia.
About NIXI’s Payment Gateway Partners
The National Internet Exchange of India has partnered with NSDL and PayU to offer
payment gateway services.

• PayU: It is India’s leading payment gateway which provides for payment gateway solutions to
online businesses and also serves more than 4,50,000+ merchants with over 100+ payment
methods.
• NSDL: The National Securities Depository Limited is one of the world’s largest depositories. It
has also established a state-of-art infrastructure that handles most of the securities held and
settled in dematerialized form in the Indian Capital market. NSDL also provides secure and easy
payment gateway services to businesses.

Centre declares November 15 as Janjatiya

Gaurav Divas – Know Significance, Role of
tribal freedom fighters
The Union Cabinet chaired by PM Narendra Modi on November 10, 2021, approved declaration
of November 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas to commemorate the brave tribal freedom fighters
as part of the year-long celebrations of 75 years of India’s Independence. The date November 15
also marks the birth anniversary date of Birsa Munda who is revered as God by tribal
communities across India. Munda fought for India’s Independence against the exploitative system
of British colonial system and spearheaded movement.
Centre declares November 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas
The Union Cabinet has approved November 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas to commemorate the
brave tribal freedom fighters as part of the year-long celebrations of 75 years of India’s
Independence. The Janjatiya Gaurav Divas will make the coming generations aware of the
sacrifices of the tribal freedom fights during India’s freedom struggle.
November 15 also marks birth anniversary of Birsa Munda
The date November 15 also marks the birth anniversary date of Birsa Munda who spearheaded
an Indian tribal movement during the fight for India’s Independence. Birsa Munda is revered as
God by tribal communities across India.
Munda fought for India’s Independence from the exploitative system of the British colonial system
and spearheaded the movement. Birsa Munda was born on November 15, 1875. He belonged to
the Munda tribe. He spearheaded an Indian tribal religious Millenarian movement during the
British rule in the late 19th century across the tribal belt of modern-day Jharkhand and Bihar.
November 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas: Significance
The declaration of November 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas acknowledges the cultural heritage
and glorious history of tribal communities. The Janjatiya Gaurav Divas will be celebrated every
year to recognize the efforts of the tribals in the preservation of cultural heritage and promotion of
Indian values of national pride, valour, and hospitality.

Janjatiya Gaurav Divas: Key Activities
While observing the Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, the Indian government will launch a week-long
celebration from November 15 to November 22, 2021, for celebrating and commemorating 75
years of the glorious history of tribal people and their achievements and cultural heritage.
The Central and State government jointly will organize several activities during the week-long
celebrations. The theme of each activity is to showcase the achievements of tribals in the Indian
Freedom Struggle, and the several welfare initiatives undertaken by the Indian government in
health, education, livelihood, skill development, and infrastructure.
The events will showcase the unique tribal cultural heritage, their contributions during India’s
freedom struggle, their rights, practices, cuisines, traditions, and aspects of education, health, and
livelihood of tribal communities.
Role of tribal freedom fighters in India’s Freedom Struggle
The people at large are not aware that the tribal communities in India contributed and
strengthened India’s freedom struggle through several movements. These tribal communities
include Tamars, Santhals, Khasis, Bhils, Mizos, and Kols to name a few.
The tribal communities across India organized revolutionary movements that showcased their
supreme sacrifice and immense courage. They held several tribal movements across different
regions of India against the British colonial rule.
Tribal Freedom Fighter Museums in India
During the Independence Speech in 2016, PM Narendra Modi had sanctioned setting up tribal
freedom fighter museums across India. PM Modi will be inaugurating a tribal freedom fighter
museum in Ranchi where Birsa Munda took his last breath.
Also read: All 9 tribal freedom fighters museums to be ready by end of 2022

PM Narendra Modi to launch two RBI

initiatives on November 12
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch two Reserve Bank of India initiatives on November
12, 2021 through video conferencing. The two innovative customer-centric initiatives include the
RBI Retail Direct Scheme and the Reserve Bank - Integrated Ombudsman Scheme.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch two innovative customer-centric initiatives of the
Reserve Bank of India on 12 November via video conferencing. These initiatives are the RBI
Retail Direct Scheme and the Reserve Bank - Integrated Ombudsman Scheme: PMO
(file photo) pic.twitter.com/1iBaCsEzsT

RBI Retail Direct Scheme
•The RBI Retail Direct facility was announced in February 2021 to improve access to government
securities for retail investors. The scheme offers the investors a new avenue to directly invest in
government securities.
•The retail investors will also have the facility to open and maintain the ‘Retail Direct Gilt Account’
with the RBI, free of cost.
•The initiative was first flagged by RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, calling it a major structural
reform in the February policy review.
•The RBI Retail Direct Scheme is a one-stop solution to facilitate investment in Government
Securities by individual investors. The investors will have access to bidding in primary auctions
along with the central bank’s trading platform for government securities called Negotiated Dealing
System-Order Matching Segment.
How to open the Retail Direct Gilt Account?
The Retail Direct Gilt Account can be opened by filling up the online form. An OTP will be sent on
the registered mobile number and e-mail id to authenticate and submit the form.

The payment can be made through the net-banking/UPI facility from the linked bank account. The
refund, if any, will be credited to the investor’s bank account under a timeline specified by the
aggregator.
What are government securities?
Government securities are debt issuances issued by the government. It is basically a bond or
other type of debt obligation that is issued by a government with a promise of repayment at the
time of maturity. The issuances can be used to fund daily operations, military projects and
special infrastructure.
Government securities are a type of financial investment instrument that offers safe and
guaranteed returns to investors. It is ensured that the investors receive the promised returns at
the time of the security's maturity.
Reserve Bank - Integrated Ombudsman Scheme
•The Reserve Bank - Integrated Ombudsman Scheme aims to improve the grievance redress
mechanism for resolving customer complaints against entities that are regulated by RBI.
•The main theme of the scheme is ‘One Nation-One Ombudsman’ with one portal, one address
and one email for the customers to lodge their complaints.
•Under the scheme, there will be a single point of reference for customers to submit documents,
file their complaints, track status of their complaints and provide feedback.
•There will be a multi-lingual toll-free number that will provide all the relevant information for
grievance redressal and assistance for filing complaints.

COVID vaccine certificate India: List of

countries that recognize India’s Vaccination
Certificate
The Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya informed on November 9, 2021, that 96
countries have agreed to the mutual recognition of COVID-19 Vaccination certificates with
India.
In an official statement, the Union Health Minister said the government continues to be in
communication with the rest of the world so that the beneficiaries of the world’s largest COVID-19
vaccination programme are accepted as well as recognized, thereby easing the travel for
business, education and tourism purposes.
The Health Minister stated that at present, 96 countries have agreed to mutual recognition of
the vaccination certificates and also those who recognize the Indian Vaccination
certificates of travellers fully vaccinated with Covishield/WHO approved/nationally
approved COVID vaccines.
As a part of the deal, people travelling from these countries to India are also provided certain
relaxations as enunciated in the guidelines released by the Health Ministry of India on the
international arrivals issued on October 20, 2021.
The Health Ministry also informed that for those who wish to travel abroad, the international travel
vaccination certificate can also be downloaded easily from the CoWIN portal.
List of countries to recognize COVID Vaccination certificate of India
Countries that have recognized India’s Vaccination

S.No
Certificate

1. Canada
2 The United States
3. The United Kingdom
4. France
5. Germany
6. Belgium
7. Ireland
8. Netherlands
9. Spain
10. Bangladesh
11. Mali
12. Ghana
13. Sierra Leone
14. Angola
15. Nigeria
16. Benin
17. Chad

18. Hungary
19. Serbia
20. Poland
21. Slovak Republic
22. Slovenia
23. Croatia
24. Bulgaria
25. Turkey
26. Greece
27. Finland
28. Estonia
29. Romania
30. Moldova
31. Albania
32. Czech Republic
33. Switzerland

34. Liechtenstein
35. Sweden
36. Austria
37. Montenegro
38. Iceland
39. Eswatini
40. Rwanda
41. Zimbabwe
42. Uganda
43. Malawi
44. Botswana
45. Namibia
46. Kyrgyz Republic
47. Belarus
48. Armenia
49. Ukraine

50. Azerbaijan
51. Kazakhstan
52. Russia
53. Georgia
54. Andorra
55. Kuwait
56. Oman
57. The UAE
58. Bahrain
59. Qatar
60. Maldives
61. Comoros
62. Sri Lanka
63. Mauritius
64. Peru
65. Jamaica

66. The Bahamas
67. Brazil
68. Antigua & Barbuda
69. Mexico
70. Panama
71. Costa Rica
72. Nicaragua
73. Argentina
74. Uruguay
75. Paraguay
76. Columbia
77. Trinidad & Tobago
78. Commonwealth of Dominica
79. Guatemala
80. El Salvador
81. Honduras

82. Dominican Republic
83. Haiti
84. Nepal
85. Iran
86. Lebanon
87. State of Palestine
88. Syria
89. South Sudan
90. Tunisia
91. Sudan
92. Egypt
93. Australia
94. Philippines
95. Mongolia
96. Guyana
India crosses milestone of 100 crore COVID-19 doses

The Union Health Minister while talking about the mutual recognition of vaccine certificates also
said that the government’s commitment to accelerate the pace and expanding the scope of
COVID-19 vaccination across the country also resulted in crossing the 100 crore milestone in
the administration of COVID Vaccine doses on October 21, 2021.
The cumulative COVID Vaccine doses that are administered in the country so far under the
world’s largest vaccination drive has exceeded 109.08 crores.

India launches e-AMRIT Portal on electric

vehicles at COP26 – Know Key Details Here
India on November 10, 2021, launched an electric vehicle awareness web portal called e-Amrit at
the ongoing COP26 Summit in Glasgow, UK. NITI Aayog Adviser Sudhendu Jyoti Sinha and the
UK High-Level Climate Action Champion Nigel Topping attended the launch of e-Amrit. The 26th
Conference of Parties (COP26) Summit began on October 31, 2021 and will go on till November
12, 2021, in Glasgow, UK.
Also read: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari launches ‘Go Electric Campaign’ to boost electric mobility
across country
What is e-AMRIT Portal?
NITI Aayog on November 10, 2021, launched the e-AMRIT (Accelerated e-Mobility Revolution
for India’s Transportation) web portal at COP26 Summit in Glasgow. e-AMRIT web portal has
been developed in collaboration between NITI Aayog and UK government as part of the India-
UK Joint Roadmap 2030.
The e-AMRIT portal aims at creating awareness about electric mobility in India. It has been
developed as a ‘one-stop site’ for all the information related to the adoption of electric vehicles
(EVs) in India. The web portal will be accessible through different devices such as PCs, mobile
phones, tablets, screen readers. NITI Aayog is working on adding more features and innovative
tools to make the e-AMRIT portal more interactive and user-friendly.
e-AMRIT portal Features
The e-AMRIT portal by offering access to information about electric vehicles aims to assist
electric vehicle users or electric vehicle adopters to:
Feasibility research on switching to EV: Switch to electric vehicles by offering insights about
electric vehicle technologies, types of electric vehicles, insurance options, and financing options.
Knowledge repository on EV: Set up the electric vehicle or associated enterprise by providing
insights on the key initiatives of central and state governments.
Tools to calculate EV experience: Assess the benefits of electric vehicles with uniquely
designed tools to determine the users' savings with electric vehicles compared to petrol/diesel

vehicles.
Information about EV businesses: Get all the information on the Indian electric vehicle market
and industry and the key developments driving the e-mobility ecosystem forward.
#NITIAayog launches #ElectricVehicle Awareness Web Portal called 'e-AMRIT' at #COP26. The
web portal on “Accelerating e-Mobility Revolution for India’s Transportation” is developed in
collaboration with @ukinindia #COP26Glasgow
Access here: https://t.co/CKj0C65UJ6 pic.twitter.com/ClYKYpaJk6

e-AMRIT Portal Significance
The e-AMRIT portal aims to accelerate the initiatives of the government on raising awareness of
electric vehicles and sensitizing consumers on the benefits of adopting electric vehicles.
The e-AMRIT portal aims to be an accelerator of change and influence millions of users and
stakeholders to adopt electric vehicles. The portal has been built to address the needs and
priorities of future electric vehicle users, early electric vehicle adopters, academia, government,
industry, research community, businesses.
India has been implementing various initiatives for accelerating the decarbonization of transport
and increasing the adoption of electric mobility in the country. PLI and FAME are some of the
schemes that are significant in the creation of an ecosystem for the early adoption of electric
vehicles.
Also read: Gujarat Electric Vehicle Policy 2021: Rs 1.50 lakh subsidy on electric vehicles –
Explained
Also read: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal launches Delhi Electric Vehicle Policy

US becomes 101st member country of

International Solar Alliance
ISA member countries: The United States has become the 101st member country of the
International Solar Alliance. US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry formally
signed the ISA framework agreement on November 10, 2021 during the COP26 climate summit in
Glasgow.
The United States of America becomes the 101st member country of the International Solar
Alliance at #COP26 @ClimateEnvoy @byadavbjp @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/od5x5KFFdn
— International Solar Alliance (@isolaralliance) November 10, 2021
John Kerry described the move as a major step towards the rapid deployment of solar power. He
said, "It has long been coming, and we are happy to join the International Solar Alliance,
which Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the lead in making.”
He tweeted, "Accelerating solar energy deployment globally is critical to keeping a limit of

1.5 degrees Celsius of warming within reach. The U.S. is pleased to join the
@isolaralliance at #COP26. Thank you, Prime Minister @narendramodi and @byadavbjp
for championing this important endeavor."
Prime Minister Modi welcomed the move with a tweet, "Wonderful news @ClimateEnvoy! I
thank @POTUS and wholeheartedly welcome the USA to the @isolaralliance. This will
further strengthen the Alliance in our shared quest of harnessing solar energy for a
sustainable planet."
Wonderful news @ClimateEnvoy! I thank @POTUS and wholeheartedly welcome the USA to the
@isolaralliance. This will further strengthen the Alliance in our shared quest of harnessing solar
energy for a sustainable planet. https://t.co/vWlzCmws3q
Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav, who was present at
the signing of the framework agreement, welcomed the US as the 101st member of the ISA. He
said, "Happy that now USA is formally a part of International Solar Alliance, a visionary
initiative launched by PM Shri @narendramodi Ji in 2015 at Paris COP. The number of
countries who are now part of @isolaralliance is now 101."

The Minister also held discussions with the US Special Climate Envoy on Climate Finance, Article
6 of Paris Agreement and adaptation and also emphasised on the urgency of action to provide
financial and technological support from the developed countries to the developing ones to ensure
Climate Justice.
Also held discussions on Climate Finance, Article 6 of Paris Agreement, adaptation etc and
emphasised on the urgency of actions required especially w.r.t providing financial & technological
support from the developed countries to the developing ones to ensure Climate Justice.
pic.twitter.com/gMORqs5DpO
— Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) November 10, 2021

Green Grids Initiative – One Sun One World One Grid
•India along with the United Kingdom had launched the Green Grids Initiative – One Sun One
World One Grid on November 2, 2021 during the World Leaders Summit of the COP26 climate
conference in Glasgow.
•The steering committee of the initiative comprised five members- India, Australia, France, the
US and the United Kingdom.
•Under the initiative, 80 countries endorsing the One Sun Declaration resolved to combine their
efforts to create more inter-connected grids to deliver the vision of One Sun One World One
Grid.
•US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said that the US is excited to be back in climate
conversation and citing the One Sun Declaration, she said that all the energy used by humans
in a year is equal to the energy that reaches the earth from the sun in a single hour.
Background
The International Solar Alliance (ISA) was launched in 2015 by India’s Prime Minister Narendra
Modi and former French President Francois Hollande during the 21st session of the United
Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP-21) in Paris, France.
The then UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon had attended the conference along with the heads
of state of about 120 nations who had affirmed their participation in the International Solar
Alliance.
The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is an alliance of 124 countries, most of whom lie either
completely or partly between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.
The main objective of the alliance is to work towards efficient consumption of solar energy to

reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The initiative was proposed by PM Modi in a speech in
November 2015 in the United Kingdom.

National Education Day 2021: History,

Significance and why the day is celebrated
on November 11?
National Education Day 2021: National Education Day is celebrated every year on
November 11 to commemorate the birth anniversary of the first Education Minister of India
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. Education Day is celebrated honour his passion and contribution to
the field of education. He was an eminent educationist and the first Education Minister of
Independent India from August 15, 1947, to February 2, 1958. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was a
towering figure of Indian politics and of India’s freedom movement against Britishers. He is also
known as a scholar in the realms of Urdu Literature.
When the first National Education Day was celebrated?
India celebrated the first National Education Day on November 11, 2008. The Human Resource
Development Ministry of India launched the National Education Day in the year 2008 to
commemorate the birth anniversary of India’s great son- Maulana Abul Kalam Azad-by recalling
his contribution to the cause of education in India.
Significance of Education Day in India
On Education Day in India, schools and other educational institutions in the country celebrate and
acknowledge the contribution of Abul Kalam Azad by organizing seminars, elocution, and essay
writing competitions on National Education Day.
National Education Day is celebrated to remember the exemplary contributions of Maulana Azad
in nation-building, institution building, and in the field of education.
Prime Minister Modi, via Twitter, also highlighted the significance of Education Day and paid
tribute to Abul Kalam Azad on his birth anniversary. PM Modi said, "Tributes to Maulana Abul
Kalam Azad on his Jayanti. A pathbreaking thinker and intellectual, his role in the freedom
struggle is inspiring. He was passionate about the Education Sector and worked to further
brotherhood in society."
Tributes to Maulana Abul Kalam Azad on his Jayanti. A pathbreaking thinker and intellectual, his

role in the freedom struggle is inspiring. He was passionate about the education sector and
worked to further brotherhood in society.

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad: His contributions, work for India's education sector
• Maulana Abul Kalam was born on November 11, 1888, and is known as the key architect of
education in Independent India.
• Abul Kalam laid the base for higher education and technological and scientific research and
education and also has a key role to play in the recent emergency of knowledge-based
institutions.
• The first Education Minister of India promoted research in Eastern learning and literature. Abul
Kalam also set up the three academies for developing the fine arts and for creating socio-religious
and cultural inter-linkages- Sangeet Natak Academy, Lalit Kala Academy, and Sahitya Academy.
• Abul Kalam Azad also played a key role in advocating education for women and free and
compulsory primary education for children up to the age of 14 years.
• Several renowned institutes including the University Grants Commission (UGC), IIT Kharagpur,
Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) are
some of his significant establishments.
• Maulana Abul Kalam Azad passed away on February 22, 1958, at the age of 69.

National Achievement Survey (NAS) 2021 is

being held today on November 12, Know key
details
The National Achievement Survey (NAS) is being held today on November 12, 2021 across
India that will assess about 38 lakh students from 1.23 lakh schools in 733 districts in 36
States and Union Territories. The Indian Government has been implementing a nationwide
sample-based National Achievement Survey (NAS) that aims at assessing learning outcomes of
students and schools across grades 3, 5, 8, and 10 over a cycle period of three years. The last
National Achievement Survey (NAS) was conducted on November 13, 2017 for assessing the
competencies developed by students in classes 3, 5, and 8.
What is National Achievement Survey 2021? Why NAS 2021 will be conducted?
The National Achievement Survey (NAS) 2021 is being held today on November 12, 2021. The
NAS 2021 will help in assessing the learning interruptions and new learnings during the
COVID pandemic which will in turn help to take remedial measures. The findings of NAS2021 will
help in diagnosing a systematic understanding of the consequences that prolonged closure of
schools has had on the learning of students in terms of their socio-emotional and cognitive
development.
National Achievement Survey (NAS) 2021: Key Points
The NAS 2021 will assess about 38 lakh students from 1.23 lakh schools in 733 districts in
36 States and Union Territories. The NAS 2021 will cover the whole spectrum of schools
including Government schools (both State and Central government), Government-aided
schools, and Private schools across India.
The NAS 2021 will be conducted in 22 mediums of instruction that will cover English,
Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Hindi, Malayalam, Marathi, Manipuri, Mizo, Punjabi,
Odiya, Telugu, Tamil, Bodo, Urdu, Garo, Konkani, Khasi, Bhutia, Nepali, and Lepcha.
The NAS 201 will be conducted in different subjects for different grades. The subject and
grades wise break up is below:

- Grade 3 and 5: Language, EVS, and Mathematics

- Grade 8: Language, Science, Mathematics, and Social Science
- Grade 10: Language, Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and English
Efforts by all states & UTs for conducting National Achievement Survey 2021
Under the overall guidance of the Ministry of Education, the NAS 2021 portal has been developed
by National Informatics Centre (NIC) as a dynamic platform with consultations from NCERT,
CBSE, NITI Aayog, UNICEF, DDG.
The NCERT has carried out the instrument development, testing, finalization of test items,
sampling of schools, etc. All respective States/Union Territories in collaboration with CBSE will
conduct the actual administration of the test in the sampled schools.
36 State Nodal Officers in each State/UT, 733 District Level Coordinators and District Nodal
Officers separately, 1500 Board Representatives, 1,23,729 Observers, and 1,82,488 Field
Investigators have been appointed across all the districts for the overall functioning and fair
conduct of NAS 2021. All personnel has trained extensively regarding their responsibilities.
A National Steering Committee has been constituted for conducting NAS 2021. A portal
(https://nas.education.gov.in) has also been launched for smooth coordination with various key
functionaries during NAS 2021.
The District and State Report Cards for both elementary and secondary levels for NAS 2021 will
be released in the public domain.
Commendable efforts being made by all the states & UTs for conducting #NAS2021. Here are
some glimpses of training programs and material distribution centers from across the country.
#SamagraShiksha #AmritMahotsav [1/2] pic.twitter.com/vrjRTa7kEL
— Ministry of Education (@EduMinOfIndia) November 11, 2021

What is National Achievement Survey (NAS)? Why is the National Achievement survey
conducted?
The National Achievement Survey (NAS) is a nationwide survey to assess the learning outcomes
and health of the education system. The NAS is undertaken by the Ministry of Education,
Government of India. The NAS provides a system-level reflection on the effectiveness of school
education.

The findings from the National Achievement Survey (NAS) aids in resolving the learning gaps of
students and devising education policies, learning, and teaching practices.

NASA pushes back human moon landing

until 2025, blames seven months lost in Blue
Origin litigation
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced that it has pushed
back its schedule for landing the astronauts on the Moon by a year to 2025, due in part to a
protest over the single-source contract that was awarded to Elon Musk’s Space X to build
a lunar lender. The news was shared by NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.
NASA had earlier aimed to return crewed spacecraft to the lunar surface by 2028, after putting a
gateway Gateway Space station into orbit around the moon in 2024. The initiative was named
‘Artemis’.
However, the Trump administration in 2019, in a surprise pronouncement from the then Vice-
President Mike Pence, set a deadline for putting the American’s back on the moon within 5 years
(by 2024) ‘by any means necessary.
Why NASA is delaying human moon landing?
1. Nelson from NASA said, “We’ve lost nearly 7 months in litigation and that likely has
pushed the first human landing likely to no earlier than 2025.” He was referring to a
court decision last week rejecting a protest by SpaceX rival Blue Origin over the loss of
the lunar lander contract.
2. One of the other reasons for the delay is that the original 2024 deadline set up by the
Donald Trump administration, former President of the United States, was not grounded
in the technical feasibility.
3. Bill Nelson also cited Congress's failure to provide adequate funding to develop a
lunar lander in the previous budgets.
4. Bill Nelson has also mentioned the delays caused by the COVID pandemic also played
a key role.
Blue Origin litigation and case against NASA: Check details
A federal judge rejected a lawsuit by Jeff Bezos’s space company Blue Origin against the
US Government challenging NASA’s decision of awarding a $2.9 billion lunar lander

contract to rival billionaire Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
The ruling has now allowed NASA to resume its collaboration with SpaceX on the lander contract.
Reportedly, an uncrewed lunar landing is also scheduled to take place before the 2025 human
mission aiming to put two astronauts on the lunar South Pole.
Impact-
NASA administrator Bill Nelson had cited delays from the legal wrangling over the SpaceX
contract to build the Artemis lunar landing vehicle as a major reason for extending the target date.
Nelson informed that NASA lost nearly 7 months in litigation, and that likely has pushed
the first human landing likely to no earlier than 2025. He added that the agency has now
been estimating no earlier than 2025 for Artemis 3, which will be the human lander on the
first demonstration landing.
Artemis 3
Artemis 3 is the first crewed moon landing mission of the Artemis Program and the third planned
flight of NASA’s Orion Spacecraft of the Space Launch System. Artemis 3, which is now
scheduled to launch in 2025, is planned to be the second crewed Artemis mission and the first
crewed lunar landing since Apollo 17 in 1972.
US against China in Space
Even though the updated schedule does not affect the later US lunar missions, Bill Nelson
warned that the United States finds itself in a race with China to return humans on the Moon for
the first time since the final US Apollo landing in December 1972.
He said that the Chinese Space Program has been increasingly capable of landing the Chinese
astronauts much earlier than originally expected.
The very first Apollo landing on the moon in July 1969 had ended an earlier space race that
pitted the US against the former Soviet Union.
US’s human missions to moon: Background
The US Apollo program sent six human missions to the moon from 1969 to 1972, the only crewed

spaceflights yet to reach the lunar surface.
The Artemis Program is aimed at eventually establishing a long-term human colony on the moon
as a precursor to sending astronauts to Mars.

Nykaa founder Falguni Nayar becomes

India’s wealthiest self-made woman
billionaire
Nykaa founder and CEO Falguni Nayar became India’s 7th woman billionaire and the
wealthiest self-made billionaire on November 10, 2021. As per the Bloomberg Billionaires
Index, the net worth of Falguni Nayar reached $6.5 billion when Nykaa’s parent entity FSN E-
Commerce Ventures got listed at Rs 2,018 on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Rs 2,001
on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) during an ongoing Initial Public Offering (IPO). The market
cap of Nykaa hit 1 trillion rupees ($13.5 billion) in the five minutes of Nykaa IPO listing.
Also read: Forbes India Rich List 2021: Mukesh Ambani tops list, Gautam Adani second- Check
full list of India's richest people
Who is Falguni Nayar?
58-year-old Falguni Nayar founded Nykaa in 2012 when she was 50-years-old. She owns more
than half of Nykaa through two family trusts and other promoter entities. Nayar’s stake in Nykaa is
valued at $7 billion.
After Nykaa’s Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the stock exchange, Nayar became India’s 7th
woman billionaire and richest self-made woman billionaire. With a net worth of $6.5 billion, Nayar
has joined the league of six other women billionaires in India. With this, Nykaa has also become
the first woman-led unicorn startup that got listed on the stock market in India.
Prior to launching Nykaa, Nayar was an investment banker. She was working at Kotak Mahindra
Group till 2012. She has worked as a consultant in the management consulting company A F
Ferguson & Co.
Nykaa has grown into India’s leading beauty, makeup, and fashion e-commerce company that
offers makeup and fashion products from over 300 domestic and international brands including
luxury brands. Nykaa's name has derived from Sanskrit which means ‘heroine’. In addition to
being India’s top beauty e-commerce retailer, Nykaa also has around 80 stores as well across 40
Indian cities.

Also read: Mukesh Ambani joins $100 Billion Club among Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, Warren Buffet
Nykaa IPO Listing
Nykaa’s IPO is one of the many e-commerce companies that made its debut on the National
Stock Exchange (NSE). FSN E-Commerce Ventures Ltd is the parent entity of Nykaa. Nykaa IPO
listing opened for subscription from October 28 to November 1, 2021. The Initial Public Offering
(IPO) of shares of Nykaa’s parent company FSN E-Commerce Ventures Ltd raised Rs 53.5 billion
($722 million) from the IPO.
The shares of FSN E-Commerce opened for trading at Rs 2,018 on NSE which was 79 per cent
up from its issue price of Rs 1,125 per share. On the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), Nykaa
opened for trading at Rs 2,001 which was 78 per cent up from its issue price.
Also read: Elon Musk becomes world's richest person, total worth to touch $300 billion

Delhi govt to launch Anti-Open Burning

Campaign from November 11 – Know Key
Details
The Delhi government on November 9, 2021, announced that it will be launching the Anti-Open
Burning Campaign from November 11 to December 11, 2021 in Delhi to curb instances of
open burning and air pollution in Delhi. The announcement also comes after the Air Quality Index
(AQI) of Delhi turned ‘hazardous’ when it touched 503 on the AQI index after Diwali. Meanwhile,
92 construction sites in Delhi were banned on November 6 for violating dust norms.
While announcing the Anti-Open Burning Campaign, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai
mentioned he has written to the Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav to call an
emergency meeting to deliberate on the issue of stubble burning. Rai also cited incidents of
stubble burning between November 1 and 6 in neighboring states.
Also read: Government launches air quality warning system in Delhi to combat air pollution
What is Anti-Open Burning Campaign?
The Anti-Open Burning Campaign is a month-long campaign that will be held from
November 11 to December 11, 2021 to curb instances of open burning and air pollution in
Delhi. The campaign has been launched by the Delhi government after a high-level meeting on
the issue of air pollution in Delhi.
The high-level meeting was attended by Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai and the
representatives of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), and all three Municipal Corporations of
Delhi (MCDs). The meeting concluded with 5 crucial action plans to curb air pollution in Delhi.
The Anti-Open Burning campaign is a joint initiative under which 10 different departments
namely DPCC, Revenue Department, DDA, Development Department, DSIIDC, I&FC
Department, and Cantonment Board, North, East, South DMC will assemble their teams for the
implementation of the campaign.
Anti-Open Burning Campaign: 5 Key Action Plan

Around 550 teams from 10 departments have been given the responsibility to identify and
eliminate any instances of open burning under the Anti-Open Burning Campaign. Of these 550
teams, 304 teams will work during the day and 246 teams will patrol during the night. The
government has also directed all departments to formulate their own anti-dust cells.
The Green Delhi App will be available to the people of Delhi to report any unaddressed instances
of open burning so that the corresponding team can take immediate action.
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) will aid in identifying the sources of pollution. All
public transport will be promoted in line with GRAP and open fires will be banned in Delhi.
Water sprinkling drive will be expanded with the support of three Municipal Corporations of
Delhi, the Cantonment Board, and the DSIIDC. This will increase the number of tankers deployed
more than 400. Currently, PWD handles the water sprinkling drive.
Spraying of the bio-decomposer over 4,000 acres will also be concluded by November 20,
2021 under the campaign.
Anti-Open Burning Campaign: Significance
The Anti-Open Burning Campaign will tackle the increasing air pollution in Delhi which is due
to four reasons namely stubble burning, vehicular pollution, open burning of waste and landfills,
and dust pollution.
While launching the Anti-Open Burning Campaign, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai also
highlighted the instances of stubble burning between November 1 and 6 in neighboring
states such as Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
Stubble
Burning
Delhi AQI
Date instances in
on that date
neighbouring
states
Novem
2,077 281
ber 1
Novem
3,291 303
ber 2
Novem
2,775 314
ber 3

Novem
3,383 382
ber 4
Novem
5,728 437
ber 5
Also read: What is a 10-point action plan against air pollution announced by Delhi Government?
Also read: Delhi CM Kejriwal launches Anti-Air Pollution Campaign, announces setting up of war
room, green app

India's T20I squad for New Zealand tour:

Rohit Sharma named captain of India's T20I
side, KL Rahul named vice-captain
India's T20I squad for New Zealand tour: Rohit Sharma has been named as the new captain of
the Indian T20I side, while KL Rahul has been named as Vice-Captain for India's T20 series
against New Zealand. Rohit Sharma succeeds Virat Kohli, who stepped down as the skipper in
the shortest format of the game after India bowed out of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021.
India is scheduled to play three T20Is against New Zealand at home starting from November 17,
2021. The All-India Senior Selection Committee has picked a 16-member Indian squad for the
upcoming T20I series. The India vs New Zealand T20I series will be followed by two Test
matches.
.@ImRo45 all set to lead #TeamIndia's T20I squad against New Zealand.
How excited are you for the home series? #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/wGCe0gBbL2

India's T20I squad against New Zealand
India’s T20I squad for New Zealand tour: Rohit Sharma (Captain), KL Rahul (Vice-Captain),
Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Ishan Kishan
(wicket-keeper), Venkatesh Iyer, Yuzvendra Chahal, R Ashwin, Axar Patel, Avesh Khan,
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Deepak Chahar, Harshal Patel, Mohd. Siraj
New Entrants- Axar Patel, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Venkatesh Iyer, Harshal Patel, Avesh Khan.
India vs New Zealand T20 series
1st T20- First India vs New Zealand T20 match will be played on November 17 in Jaipur
2nd T20 - Second India vs New Zealand T20 match will be played on November 19 in Ranchi.
3rd T20- Third India vs New Zealand T20 match will be played on November 21 in Kolkata.

India vs New Zealand Test Series
1st Test - November 25-29, Kanpur
2nd Test - December 3-7, Mumbai
Check India Test Squad for NZ Series

India ‘A’ squad for South Africa tour
The All-India Senior Selection Committee also picked India ‘A’ squad for the South
Africa tour:
India ‘A’ squad: Priyank Panchal (Captain), Prithvi Shaw, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Devdutt
Padikkal, Sarfaraz Khan, Baba Aparajith, Upendra Yadav (wicket-keeper), K Gowtham, Rahul
Chahar, Saurabh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, Umran Malik, Ishan Porel, Arzan Nagwaswalla
Virat Kohli steps down as T20 captain, to remain captain for ODI/ Test formats
Virat Kohli had announced in September 2021 that he will step down as the T20 captain after the
ICC Men's T20 World Cup in Dubai in October 2021. He will remain as captain of India's Test and
ODI formats.
He had shared the news through a heartfelt note on Twitter which read, "I have been fortunate
enough to not only represent India but also lead Indian cricket team to my utmost
capability. I thank everyone who has supported me in my journey as the Captain of the
Indian cricket team. I couldn't have done it without them- the boys, support staff, the
selection committee, my coaches and each and every Indian who prayed for us to win."
He said that he needs to give himself space to be fully ready to lead the Indian team in Test and
ODI Cricket considering his immense workload over the last 8-9 years playing all 3 formats and
captaining regularly for the last 5-6 years. "I have given everything to the Team during my
time as T20 captain and I will continue to do so for the T20 team as a batsman moving
forward," Kohli added.
Read more here
Rahul Dravid to coach Team India
Team India will also have a new coach- Rahul Dravid- for its series against New Zealand. The

veteran cricketer was appointed as the head coach of Team India (Senior) on November 3, 2021
after he was unanimously chosen for the position by the Cricket Advisory Committee. He
succeeds Ravi Shastri, who stepped down from the post as the head coach of the team after the
end of the T20 World Cup 2021.
Read more here

DRDO signs agreement with Israel for

development of dual-use technologies
The Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Directorate of
Defence Research and Development (DDR&D), Defence Ministry, Israel entered into a Bilateral
Innovation Agreement (BIA) on November 9, 2021.
As per the press release by the Ministry of Defence, the agreement was signed between the
Chairman of DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy and Head of DDR&D, Israel BG(Retd) Dr Daniel Gold
in New Delhi.
DRDO & Directorate of Defence R&D, Israel have entered into a #BilateralInnovationAgreement
for development of dual use technologies. Startups & Industry of both countries will work together
on emerging dual use technologies. https://t.co/6N6Xv2Hf1i pic.twitter.com/kEVTESrp5d
— DRDO (@DRDO_India) November 9, 2021

Objective
The Bilateral Innovation Agreement (BIA) between India and Israel aims at promoting innovation
and accelerated Research and Development in startups and Micro, Small and Medium
Enterprises MSMEs of both nations for the development of dual-use technologies.
Bilateral Innovation Agreement between India and Israel: Key Highlights:
• The development efforts of the dual-use technology will be jointly funded by the DRDO (Defence
Research and Development Organisation) and DDR&D, Israel.
• The technologies that will be developed under the Bilateral Innovation Agreement (BIA) will be
available to both nations for their domestic applications.
What will happen under the agreement?
Under the Bilateral Innovation Agreement signed between India and Israel-
• Startups and industries of both countries will work together to bring out the next-generation
technologies and products in the areas such as Robotics, Drones, Quantum Technology, Artificial
Intelligence, Photonics, Brain-Machine Interface, Biosensing, Energy Storage, Natural Language

Processing, Wearable Devices etc.
• As per the press release by the Defence Ministry, the products and technologies will be
customized to meet the unique requirements of both India and Israel.

What is Leonid Meteor Shower? – All you

need to know
Leonid Meteor Shower 2021: Every year, debris from a comet called 55P/Tempel-Tuttle found in
the constellation Leo passes through Earth’s atmosphere in November causing a Leonid Meteor
Shower. In 2021, the Leonid Meteor Shower will be active between November 6 and 30. The
peak time of the Leonid Meteor Shower will be on November 17, 2021 when viewers from
Earth will be able to witness cosmic debris like fireworks in the sky.
Also read: Mega Comet UN271, with size of Dwarf Planet enters Planetary System, May cross
Saturn by 2031 – Know Details Here
Leonid Meteor Shower 2021: When, where, and how many Leonid meteors you will see?
The Leonid Meteor Shower has begun and will be active between November 6 and 30. The
Leonid Meteor Shower will be at its peak on November 17, 2021. Since the Leonid meteors
originate from the constellation Leo hence one should look in the direction of the
constellation Leo during midnight. In about 30 minutes, the meteors will be visible to the naked
eye. In 2021, scientists have predicted up to 15 Leonid meteors per hour.
What is Leonid Meteor Shower?
Every year, the debris from the comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle which is found in the constellation Leo
causes a meteor shower. The Leonid Meteor Shower takes place around November when the
comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle passes through Earth as the comet takes 33 years to orbit the Sun.
That is why a Leonid Meteor Shower occurs every 33 years. Usually, NASA has noted upto 15
meteors per hour during Leonid Meteor Shower.
Difference between Leonid Meteor Shower and Leonid Meteor Storm
When a Leonid Meteor Shower becomes a Leonid Meteor Storm, hundreds to thousands of
Leonid meteors per hour travel through Earth’s Atmosphere at speed upto 44 miles (71 kms) per
second. A Leonid Meteor Storm is defined as comprising at least 1,000 meteors per hour. Leonid
Storms have been witnessed in 1833, 1966, and 2002. A Leonid Meteor Storm is not expected
in 2021.

What is Leonid meteor?
Leonid meteors are known as the fastest meteors. The Leonids are also referred to as fireballs or
shooting stars as they burn due to friction caused when they enter Earth’s atmosphere. The
Leonids meteors were first discovered in 1866 after the sky got lit up during the historic meteor
storm in 1833.
Background
In 1866, two astronomers named Ernst Tempel and Horace Tuttle discovered a comet whose
orbit around the Sun was calculated to be 33 years. The comet discovered was named as
Tempel-Tuttle comet. In 1899, the debris from the Tempel-Tuttle comet was established as
Leonid meteors.
Also read: Giant stadium-sized asteroid hurtling towards the Earth: All you need to know
Also read: Scientists discover 19 interstellar asteroids hiding in plain sight

Malala Yousafzai, Nobel Peace Prize laureate,

ties knot at home in UK- Check all details
Malala Yousafzai Marriage: The Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai confirmed on
November 10, 2021, that she had tied the knot in a small nikkah ceremony at Birmingham home
in Britain. Malala Yousafzai, the campaigner for the girl’s education and Nobel Peace Prize
winner, had survived being shot at the young age of 15 by a Taliban gunman in her native
Pakistan in 2012.
Malala Yousafzai tweeted, “Today marks a precious day in my life. Asser and I tied the knot
to be partners for life. We celebrated a small nikkah ceremony at home in Birmingham with
our families. Please send us your prayers. We are excited to walk together for the journey
ahead.” In a picture attached with the message, Malala Yousafzai can be seen with her husband
Asser Malik.
Today marks a precious day in my life.

Asser and I tied the knot to be partners for life. We celebrated a small nikkah ceremony at home
in Birmingham with our families. Please send us your prayers. We are excited to walk together for
the journey ahead.
: @malinfezehai pic.twitter.com/SNRgm3ufWP
— Malala (@Malala) November 9, 2021
The Nobel Peace Prize laureate’s father Ziauddin Yousafzai also shared the news on Twitter. He
tweeted, “It is beyond words. Toor Pekai and I are overwhelmed with joy and gratitude.
Alhamdulillah.”
There is no other additional information available about Malala Yousafzai's husband Asser, apart
from his first name.
It is beyond words. Toor Pekai and I are overwhelmed with joy and gratitude.
Alhamdulillah. https://t.co/9OwHyUOG6W
— Ziauddin Yousafzai (@ZiauddinY) November 9, 2021

Malala Yousafzai: Pakistani activist for female education, human rights activist, Nobel
Peace Prize laureate
Malala Yousafzai Malala Yousafzai, an advocate for girls’

education, had survived a Pakistani Taliban

assassination attempt when she was just 15
years old.
Malala was shot for actively supporting girls’

right to education in Mingora, Swat Valley in
Northern Pakistan. After the incident, Malala
left the country and shifted to Birmingham,
UK.
Since then, the Oxford graduate has become

a global figure for promoting education for
girls all over the world.
Malala was born on July 12, 1997, in the Swat

District of Pakistan’s Northwestern Province,
Malala Yousafzai age
into a lower-middle-class family. Malala is 24-
years old.
Malala is the world’s youngest Nobel Prize

laureate. On November 10, 2014, Yousafzai
Nobel Peace Prize winner was announced as the co-recipient of the
2014 Nobel Peace Prize. She shared the
honour with Kailash Satyarthi.
Malala announced on November 10, 2021,

that she tied the knot with Asser at home
surrounded by her family members. Malala's
Malala Yousafzai husband
marriage gained the attention of the
international media with people congratulating
her on the new journey.
Also Read: Nobel Prize 2021: Full List of Winners- Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature
& Peace prize winners
When is Malala Day celebrated?
In 2013, Malala Yousafzai on her 16th birthday on July 12 spoke at the United Nations to call for
worldwide access to education. The UN decided to dub the event 'Malala Day'. Malala's address
was also her first public speech since the attack, with an audience of over 500 young education
advocates from all around the world.

IPS Atul Karwal appointed as new NDRF

Director General
New NDRF Director General: IPS Atul Karwal has been appointed the new Director General
(DG) of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). He is currently working as the Director of
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad.
The Secretariat of the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet had confirmed Karwal's
appointment by temporarily upgrading the post to the level of DG for a period of two years. This
came after the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved a proposal from the Home
Ministry.
Sheel Vardhan was also as the new Director-General of the Central Industrial Security Force
(CISF) in another major appointment.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy Director Atul Karwal has been appointed as
the new director general of NDRF
(File photo) pic.twitter.com/ltCunMPCQP
NDRF DG Term: Two years from the date of joining the post or till further orders,
whichever is earlier.
Who is Atul Karwal
•Atul Karwal is a 1988 batch IPS officer from Gujarat cadre. He has served as the Superintendent
of Police in many districts including Junagadh, Porbandar, Rajkot Rural, Valsad and Mehsana.
•He has served as the deputy commissioner of police in surat, Ahmadabad and Vadodara.
•He has also previously served as the commandant of the State Reserve Police Force, Group 13
in Rajkot.
•He has also worked as the Assistant Director in outdoor training in Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
National Police Academy, Hyderabad from 1998-2002, where he trained 4 batches of IPS

officers.
•He has also served as the Deputy Inspector General of Police and took up the role of DIG
Planning and Modernization in the DGP Office, Gandhinagar.
•Prior to joining the Police Academy, he had served as Inspector-General (Trg), CRPF, IG (Pers)
CRPF, and ADG (Pers), CRPF.
•He has also served as the Inspector-General of Police, Anti-Terrorist Squad in Gujarat.
•As IG, CRPF in Srinagar, he supervised around 23 Battalions in Srinagar for Counter Terrorist
operations and Law and Order.
Awards
He was honoured with the following medals for distinguished service:
-Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 2010
-President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service in 2016
-Police Medal for Gallantry on Republic Day 2020
-Kathin Seva Padak
-Ati Utkrisht Seva Padak and Commendation Discs
What is National Disaster Response Force?
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is an specialized Indian force that is constituted
for special response in a disaster situation. The force comes under the National Disaster
Management Authority and it was set up under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
The National Disaster Response Force is headed by a designated Director-General. The NDRF
Director Generals are IPS officers on deputation from Indian police organizations. The NDRF
Director-General has several Inspector Generals (IG) and Deputy IGs who are flag officers.
The National Disaster Management Authority is chaired by the Prime Minister of the
Nation.
Current NDRF Director General- SN Pradhan, IPS( He has been serving since January 22,

2019)

Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar takes charge as

new Chief of Naval Staff
Chief of Naval Staff 2021: Vice Admiral Hari Kumar on November 30, 2021, took charge as
the new Chief of Naval Staff. He also received a Guard of Honour at the South Block lawns in
Delhi. The new Chief of the Indian Navy took charge after the incumbent, Admiral Karambir
Singh retired on November 30.
The Ministry of Defence has announced on November 9, 2021, that Vice Admiral R Hari
Kumar will take charge as the next Chief of the Indian Navy. Vice Admiral Kumar has been
serving as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command.
#WATCH Admiral R Hari Kumar takes blessings from his mother on taking charge as the new
Chief of Naval Staff today pic.twitter.com/v6hsuhAhIG
The Defence Ministry in an official statement said, “The Government has appointed Vice
Admiral R. Hari Kumar, presently Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval
Command, as the next Chief of the Naval Staff with effect from the afternoon of November
30."
The Defence Ministry officials also informed that Vice Admiral Anil Kumar Chawla, the Flag
Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Command, is senior-most officer after Admiral Singh,
and he also retired on November 30.
Delhi | It is a matter of great honour for me to take charge as the Chief of Naval Staff. Indian
Navy's focus is on our national maritime interests and challenges: Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R
Hari Kumar pic.twitter.com/IxMhFguNLW

Who is Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar?
• Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar was commissioned on January 1, 1983, into the executive
branch of the Indian Navy.
• The Vice-Admiral R Hari Kumar, during his long and distinguished service which spanned nearly

39 years, has served in a variety of command, staff and instructional appointments.
• Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar’s sea command includes INS Nishank, Missile Corvette, INS Kora
and Guided Missile Destroyer INS Ranvir.
• Vice Admiral Kumar has also commanded Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier INS Viraat. He also
served as the Fleet Operation Officer of the Western Fleet.
• Vice Admiral Kumar, before serving as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western
Naval Command, was the Chief of Integrated Staff Committee of headquarters, Integrated
Defence Staff.
Medals and honours
Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar has been decorated with-
1. Param Vishist Seva Medal (PVSM)
2. Ati Vishist Seva Medal (AVSM)
3. Vishist Seva Medal (VSM)
Personal Life
Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar was born on April 12, 1962. Kumar has undergone courses at the
Naval War College, the US, Amry War College, Mhow and the Royal College of Defence Studies,
the United Kingdom.
Chief of Naval Staff
The Chief of the Naval Staff is the head of the military staff of the Indian Navy. The Naval Staff
Chief is the highest-ranking naval officer on the active service of the Indian Armed Forces unless
the Chief of Defence is a Navy Officer.
Role-
The Chief of Naval Staff is the primary adviser to the Government of India on naval affairs. The
Chief is also responsible for governing and directing the naval staff, the supreme decision-making
body which consists of the highest-ranking naval officers of the Indian Navy. They are the Navy’s

Chief Executive and the Chief Naval Adviser of the Chief of Defence Staff.

Centre launches first-ever DBT-Star College

Mentorship Programme
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science and Technology Jitendra Singh on
November 8, 2021, launched the first-ever mentorship programme called the ‘DBT-Star
College Mentorship Programme’ for young innovators to mark the 75th year of India’s
Independence. The Ministry of Science and Technology said that the central government is taking
numerous steps for promoting scientific temper among the masses particularly youngsters by
strengthening scientific research and innovation efforts in India.
What is DBT-Star College Mentorship Programme?
The DBT-Star College Mentorship Programme has been launched by the Ministry of Science
and Technology that will help in embracing the concept of networking, hand-holding, and
outreach.
Objective
The pan-India scheme has been developed with a vision of setting up a ‘Star College’ in every
district of India. The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the Science and Technology
Ministry will support every Star College.
Activities
Under the DBT-Star College Mentorship Programme, several workshops, meetings per month,
handholding events at colleges particularly in the rural areas or lesser equipped areas, and
outreach activities across government schools will be organized.
DBT-Star College Mentorship Programme: Significance
The DBT-Star College Mentorship Programme will enable newer colleges to rise up as per the
Star College scheme mandate.
The Star Status Colleges will aid in implementing the vision of the Department of Biotechnology
(DBT) towards strengthening Under Graduate (UG) Science courses across India by offering
mentorship to the newer colleges in the forms of hand-holding and peer-learning. This will also

help in bringing these newer colleges under the umbrella of the Star College Scheme.
More than 1.5 lakh students have been supported in the past 5 years under the Star College
Scheme. Currently, 278 Under Graduate (UG) colleges across India are being supported under
the DBT Star College scheme.
The categorization of the scheme into rural and urban categories during 2018-19 has led to a
level-playing field for applicants. As of now, 55 colleges from rural areas and 15 colleges in
aspirational districts are being supported by the DBT Star College scheme.
What is Star College Scheme?
The Star College scheme was launched by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the
Ministry of Science and Technology in 2008 for supporting colleges and universities offering
Under Graduate (UG) science courses across India. Through the Star College scheme, the DBT
recognizes colleges with potential for excellence and offers them support to develop infrastructure
for academics and laboratory activities.
Under the Star College scheme, the support is not limited to infrastructure development but the
scheme also supports the training of laboratory staff and faculty, visits to research institutes and
industry, lectures by eminent scientists, etc.

Tele-Law on Wheels campaign launched:

Know all about it!
The Union Ministry of Law and Justice launched the “Tele-Law on Wheels” campaign on
November 8, 2021. The campaign has been launched as a part of the weeklong Azadi Ka Amrit
Mahotsav celebrations, which will continue till November 14th.
Under the “Tele-Law on Wheels” campaign, a series of activities will be undertaken to empower
people through pre-litigation advice to rightfully claim their entitlements and for timely redressal of
their difficulties.
Tele-Law on Wheels campaign
Duration- November 8 to November 14, 2021.
Key Features
•The campaign week will be dedicated for ensuring Justice for All by digital legal empowerment”
of the needy people.
•Under the campaign, a special Login week will be organised across India to encourage those in
need to seek legal consultation and advice.
•The legal advice will be sought using tele and video conferencing facilities.
•Those seeking the consultation are also being urged to visit their nearest Common Service
Centres (CSCs) that are offering Tele-Law services.
•The CSCs have been branded as Kanooni Salah Sahahyak Kendra for this purpose.
•The Tele-Law on Wheels Campaign is being conducted with aid of Common Service Centre e-
Governance, which has a huge network of over 4 lakh digitally-enabled CSCs across the country.
Special Mobile vans
The Special Mobile vans displaying the campaign's message have been rolled out. The first one
was flagged off by the Secretary, Department of Justice from the Department of Justice

premises.
The special mobile vans will travel a distance of 30-40km daily and distribute Information Leaflets
on Tele-Law and broadcast films and Radio jingle about the Tele-Law Services.
Besides this, a text message would be sent simultaneously in Hindi and English to sensitize
villagers to register their cases under Tele-Law for legal consultation and information.
Citizens’ Tele-Law Mobile App
A Citizens’ Tele-Law Mobile App will be launched on November 13, 2021 by the Law Minister.
The mobile app will be available for download after launch on Google Play store.
The app will connect the beneficiaries directly with a panel of lawyers offering legal advice and
consultation.
Source: PIB

Meghalaya Tribe women in mixed marriages

to lose inheritance rights?
A bill that aims at stripping Khasi women of their inheritance rights if they adopt their non-
tribal husbands’ customs and traditions was tabled in a tribal council in matrilineal Meghalaya
on November 8, 2021.
As per the bill brought in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), the
children of such mixed marriages will also lose their inheritance rights if they follow their
father’s customs.
On the first day of the new session of the KHADC, the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Khasi
Inheritance of Property) Bill, 2021, was tabled by Chief Executive Member Titosstar Well
Chyne. The bill detailed the rights of a Khasi woman and her children if she married outside the
tribe.
The bill, if passed by the Khasi Hill Autonomous District Council and then approved by the
governor, will become a law applicable in the West Khasi Hills, East Khasi Hills, and Ri Bhoi.
These are the districts that come under the jurisdiction of KHADC.
Objective
The proposed bill aims at streamlining the process of distribution of ancestral and self-acquired
properties.
As per the bill, as far as practicable, the property should be equitably distributed among all the
children of the family both male and female provided that the house of the deceased parent shall
be inherited by a Ka Khun Khadduh (youngest daughter) if she is not disqualified (under the
conditions of the bill).
In the Khasi matrilineal society, parental property traditionally goes to the youngest
daughter of the family.
How Khasi women can lose inheritance rights in Meghalaya?
The new bill tabled in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council stated that in case a Khasi
woman, who has married a non-Khasi and has adopted the customs of her husband will lose

the right of inheritance.
The bill also stated that it is practical to make law on the custom pertaining to the Khasi
inheritance of property, and it is therefore considered important to enact this bill for proper
regulation and administration on the inheritance of property among Khasi women in Khasi hills.
In case of second wife
The new bill that aims at altering the inheritance rights of women in Meghalaya states that the
second wife will have no right to claim over the property of her husband. Her children will also
have no right over the self-acquired property of their father while he lived in the house of the
first wife.
Polygamy is accepted in Khasi culture in Meghalaya with certain conditions. The newly
tabled bill, however, said that the second wife or her children can have a share of her
husband’s property if there is a will in local language.
In case of no children
With regards to the non-availability of heirs in the absence of children (known as lapduh family),
the new bill stated that such property will be inherited by way of a will executed by the executor
during his/her lifetime or a family settlement or a family declaration executed during a lifetime of
the owner of the property.
Bill stripping Khasi woman of her tribal status
In 2018, the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC)- one of the three self-governing
bodies in Meghalaya- had passed a bill that aimed at stripping a Khasi woman of her tribal status
once she married an outsider.
Khasis in Meghalaya
As per the 2011 Census, around 1.4 million Khasis live in Meghalaya. The North-Eastern state
has been divided into the three autonomous councils for Jaintia, Khasi, and Garo Tribes.

Delhi govt launches Shramik Mitra scheme –

All you need to know
The Delhi government on November 9, 2021, launched the Shramik Mitra scheme to ensure all
construction workers in Delhi are informed and able to avail benefits of government
schemes. The Shramik Mitra scheme was launched in the presence of Delhi Deputy Chief
Minister Manish Sisodia who said that the scheme will help in spreading awareness of the
benefits of several government schemes among workers through Shramik Mitras.
What is Shramik Mitra scheme?
The Shramik Mitra scheme is an initiative by the Delhi Government to ensure that the benefits
of all government schemes reach construction workers in Delhi. Under the scheme, around
800 Shramik Mitras will go door-to-door of all construction workers in the national capital
to make them aware of several government schemes in the interest of the workers.
Under the Shramik Mitra scheme, approximately 800 Shramik Mitras will be appointed by the
government who will be given training under the programme. These Shramik Mitras will work
as District, Ward, and Vidhan Sabha level coordinators.
The Shramik Mitra scheme will appoint at least 3 to 4 Shramik Mitras across all wards who
will reach out to workers registered by the Construction Board at the ward level. The Shramik
Mitras will also help workers in applying and availing process of the benefits of these
government schemes.
There are about 6 lakh construction workers in Delhi who have registered themselves with
the Construction Board through various registration campuses that were launched by the CM
Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government.
Also read: Delhi Government announces free ration for 2 months, Rs. 5,000 each to
autorickshaw drivers
Shramik Mitra Yojana: Significance
At the launch of the Shramik Mitra scheme, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said that
several government schemes are launched for the benefit of workers but the workers are not
aware of it. The objective of the Shramik Mitra scheme is to spread awareness about the
government schemes among workers in Delhi and help them avail the benefits of these schemes
in a timely manner. The Shramik Mitras across all wards will ensure no worker in Delhi is deprived
of the benefits of the relevant government scheme.

Also read: Rojgar Bazaar 2.0: Delhi govt set to launch app to offer jobs – All you need to know
Also read: Delhi's cloud-based health project: All you need to know

NASA: US Space agency announces new

mission to study storms, impacts on climate
change
NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) has selected a new Earth Science
mission which will study the behaviour of tropical storms and thunderstorms, including
their effect on the weather and climate change.
The US Space Agency informed in a statement that the mission will be a collection of three
SmallSats, flying in tight coordination. It will be called Investigation of Convective Updrafts
(INCUS) and is expected to be launched in 2027 as part of NASA’s Earth Venture Programme.
NEWS: We’ve selected a new @NASAEarth mission that will study why, how, and exactly when
and where tropical storms and thunderstorms form. The Investigation of Convective Updrafts, or
INCUS, may further improve our weather and climate models: https://t.co/ceen6dDjtG
pic.twitter.com/pGP6966L31
The Associate Administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington, Thomas
Zurbuchen said that every one of NASA’s Earth Science Missions is chosen carefully to add to a
robust portfolio of research about the planet we live on.
How NASA selected INCUS?
NASA selected the Investigation of Convective Updrafts (INCUS) through the agency’s Earth
Venture Mission-3 (EVM-3) solicitation that sought the complete, space-based investigations to
address the significant science questions and produce data of the societal relevance within the
Earth science field.
The US Space Agency received 12 proposals for EVM-3 missions in March 2021. After a detailed
review by the panels of engineers and scientists, NASA selected INCUS to continue into
development.
Objective of NASA’s new Earth Science Mission
• INCUS will fill an important niche to help understand the extreme weather as well as its

impact on the climate models-all of which serves in providing the crucial information
that is needed to mitigate the weather and climate effects on communities.
• The Investigation of Convective Updrafts (INCUS) also aims to directly address why
convective storms, clouds and heavy precipitation occur exactly when and where they
form. Climate Change has been increasing the heat in the oceans and is making it more
likely that the storms will intensify more often and more quickly.
Mystery behind vertical transport of water and air vapour
Storm starts with rapidly rising water vapour and air that create towering clouds primed to produce
rain, hail and lighting. The greater the mass of water vapour and the air that is transported upward
in the atmosphere, the higher the risk of extreme weather.
This vertical transport of air and water vapour, also known as the convective mass flux (CMF),
has remained one of the greatest unknowns in weather and climate.
The systematic CMF measurements over the full range of conditions will improve the
representation of the storm intensity and constrain the high cloud feedbacks- which can
add uncertainty- in weather and climate models.
NASA’s Earth Venture Programme
The Earth Venture Programme of NASA consists of science-driven, competitively selected, low-
cost investigations/missions. This programme also provides opportunities for the investment in
innovative science to enhance the capability to understand the present state of the Earth system
and also further improve the predictions of future change.

National Logistics Index - LEADS 2021:

Gujarat retains top spot, UP jumps 7
positions
LEADS 2021 Index Rankings: Gujarat ranked 1st among 21 states on the national logistics
index 2021 chart for its ‘well-developed infrastructure and services driven by a responsive
government’. The logistics index chart released on November 8, 2021, in the Logistics Ease
Across Different States (LEADS) 2021 report by commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal
assessed the logistics efficiency of states in 2021. Gujarat was ranked number one in the LEADS
2019 index as well.
There was no ranking in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On the top ten states in LEADS
2021 report, Gujarat is followed by Haryana, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh,
Odisha, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. Uttar Pradesh jumped seven places to
rank 6th in LEADS 2021 compared to its 13th position in LEADS 2018 report. In the North-
Eastern States and Himalayan Union Territories, Jammu and Kashmir ranked at the top. Among
other Union Territories, Delhi ranked at the top position.
Gujarat retains no. 1 rank in LEADS 2021 Index for third consecutive year
Gujarat again ranked 1st in the LEADS 2021 Index among 21 states for its
‘proactive policies, well-developed infrastructure and services driven by a
responsive government’. Gujarat retained its top position in the 3rd edition of the
national logistics index similar to the previous two rankings in 2018 and 2019.
Gujarat retains its top position for its logistics efficiency due to its integrated logistics
policy and a logistics park policy, creation of institutional framework up till the city level,
and creation of suitable port-related infrastructure.
Gujarat has ranked on top over 20 other states in indicators such as quality and
availability of infrastructure, ease of obtaining all approvals, the extent of facilitation,
implementation of LEADS 2019 recommendations such as introducing faceless services
in license renewals, widening of roads, expansion of warehousing, etc.
Haryana, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra among Top 5 in LEADS 2021 Index

Haryana ranked 2nd in the LEADS 2021 Index due to its timeliness of cargo delivery during
transportation, quality of warehousing, the efficiency of regulatory services, operating and
regulatory environment. Haryana has gained four places to reach the No. 2 rank compared to its
No.6 rank in the LEADS 2021 report.
Punjab ranked 3rd in the LEADS 2021 Index for its proactive policies including fiscal incentives
under the Industrial and Business Development Policy, single-window clearance mechanism for
regulatory approvals, development of warehousing zones, and grievance redressal mechanism.
These policies have had a significant effect on the logistic ecosystem however the participating
government agencies in the certification process do not have their testing facilities near Ludhiana
results in sending samples to Delhi for testing and certification, clearance of imports and exports
thereby increasing transaction time. Punjab moved one place down compared to its rank no 2 in
the LEADS 2019 report.
Tamil Nadu ranked 4th in the LEADS 2021 Index for its proactive policies such as developing a
State Integrated Logistics Plan and granting priority status to logistics. However, Tamil Nadu
scored low for poor road infrastructure, road freight rates, and prices of terminal services.
Maharashtra ranked 5th in the LEADS 2021 Index as the state scored low due to poor road
infrastructure, poor connectivity, congestion at ports, increased cost of transportation, road freight
rates, and prices of terminal services.
India could bring down logistics cost down by 5 per cent
While launching the LEADS 2021 report, the Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said
the LEADS 2021 recommendations can aid India in bringing logistics costs down by 5 per cent in
the next 5 years. Currently, the logistics cost are around 13 to 14 per cent of the GDP. Logistics
are key to bringing ease and empowerment to businesses.
The LEADS 2021 report suggests that ‘rather than just absolute improvement in one state,
improvement in logistics across all states will be a force multiplier for the entire logistics
ecosystem,’ Goyal added.
India alone can expect a 40 per cent plus growth in exports and around 25 per cent growth in
imports. The Commerce and Industry Ministry is working on resolving the empty containers
problems with support from customs and railways.
What is LEADS Index?

The Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) Index was launched in 2018 by
the Commerce and Industry Ministry and Deloitte. The LEADS Index ranks states on the
score of their logistics services and efficiency that are indicative of economic growth.
The LEADS 2018 looked into import-export trade and assessed the efficiency of the
logistics ecosystem in each state and UT. The LEADS 2019 looked into domestic and
international trade. The LEADS 2021 assessed the domestic and EXIM logistics
ecosystem of each state.
The LEADS 2021 survey was conducted between May to August 2021 that included 21
indicators, 17 perception indicators, and 4 objective indicators. The ranking parameters
of each state on the LEADS 2021 Index were based on the availability of logistics
infrastructure, timeliness, the competitiveness of pricing, and services. The LEADS
Index aims to push states into adopting policies that improve their logistics infrastructure.
Also read: India to become world’s 3rd largest importer by 2050: UK Report
Also read: Government of India launches National Logistics Excellence Awards

4660 Nereus: Know all about Eiffel Tower-

sized asteroid heading towards Earth in
December- is there a need to panic?
4660 Nereus: An asteroid the size of Eiffel Tower is heading towards Earth in December,
according to NASA. The space agency confirmed that there is no need to panic as its asteroid
tracker says that the “potentially hazardous” rock will fly by the Earth on December 11.
According to NASA, the asteroid called 4660 Nereus will be 2.4m miles away from the Earth on
December 11, which is a close pass but distant enough to not hit the planet.
Can the 4660 Nereus pose a threat to the Earth in the future?
T4660 Nereus has been classified as a 'Potentially Hazardous Asteroid' (PHA). It is scheduled to
carry out 12 close passes to the Earth in the coming decades. As per researchers, we will have to
get used to its presence and that it is extremely unlikely for the asteroid to ever pose a threat to
the Earth.
About T4660 Nereus asteroid
•The egg-shaped, Eiffel tower-sized asteroid will be 330 meters wide, almost triple the size of a
football pitch.
•It is larger than 90 percent of all known asteroids but smaller in comparison to the big ones.
•The asteroid will fly by the Earth at a distance of 3.9 million kilometres, which is a distance 10
times greater than that between the Earth and the Moon. The distance between the Earth and the
Moon is less than half a million kilometers.
•The asteroid orbits the sun every 664 days. Its orbit put its closer to the Earth-like other Apollo-
class asteroids. It is expected to come close to the Earth again in March 2031.
•Its closest approach is predicted to be on February 14, 2060, when it will be just under 745,645
miles away.
T4660 Nereus: History

Nereus asteroid was spotted for the first time in 1982 by US astronomer Eleanor F. Helin. The
asteroid was then classified as a member of the Apollo group of asteroids that are known for
crossing the Earth's path as it orbits the Sun.
The asteroid orbits almost twice for every orbit of Earth and its close orbit makes it potentially
accessible by spacecraft. NASA researchers had previously proposed missions to the asteroid.
NASA had planned to send the Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous – Shoemaker (NEAR
Shoemaker) probe to the asteroid.
Japan was also planning to send the robotic spacecraft Hayabusa to Nereus. However, none of
the plans materialised due to different reasons. The United Arab Emirates has now announced its
plans to launch missions to explore asteroids in 2028. It would become the first Arab nation to do
so.
Potentially Hazardous asteroid
NASA classifies asteroids as “potentially hazardous” when they are larger than 500ft in
diameter and come within 4.65m miles of the Earth.
Background
Nereus is not the first asteroid that will fly by the Earth so closely, as back in September 2021, an
asteroid of the size of the Big Ben clock tower was set to crash through the Earth's orbit. It came
within 1,804,450 miles of Earth but did not hit the planet.

COVID-19 Vaccine: Government places order

for one crore doses of Zydus Cadila’s needle-
free covid vaccine
ZyCoV-D, the three-dose COVID vaccine of Zydus Cadila, is set to be included in the national
anti-Coronavirus inoculation programme in November 2021 with the Central Government placing
a purchase order with the Ahmedabad-based firm for once crore doses.
Reportedly, the Union Health Ministry has given the go-ahead to initiate the preparatory work for
the introduction of the indigenously developed world’s first DNA based COVID-19 vaccine. In all
probability, the vaccine will be given to the adults initially under India’s vaccination programme.
The company officials have conveyed to the Health Ministry that Zydus Cadila is in a position to
provide one crore doses of ZyCoV-D per month.
ZyCoV-D: Zydus Cadila’s vaccine in India
• The three-dose COVID vaccine of Zydus Cadila, ZyCoV-D, is the first vaccine that has been
cleared by the drug regulator of India for the vaccination of those aged 12 years or above. It
received the emergency use authorization on August 20, 2021.
• A comprehensive programme for paediatric immunization which includes developing a priority

list of comorbidities is being worked out by the NTGAI (National Technical Advisory Group on
Immunisation) for the launch of COVAXIN and ZyCoV-D.
What will be the price?
The Government of India has placed the order for the supply of one crore of doses of Zydus
Cadila’s vaccine, each costing Rs. 358 excluding taxes at the earliest. The price also includes
the cost of a disposable painless jet applicator which has to be used for administering each
dose.
Administering Zydus Cadila’s Vaccine
• Zydus Cadila’s vaccine will be initially given to adults because of the limited production capacity.
• For administering the adults, the vaccinators and frontline workers will be provided with brief
training for using the needle-free pharma jet application in actual field settings.

• The three doses of Zydus Cadila’s vaccine are to be administered 28 days apart, with each dose
comprising a shot in both arms.
Bharat Biotech’s COVAXIN for 2-18 years age group
As per the official sources, the emergency use approval for Bharat Biotech’s COVAXIN in the 2 to
18 years age group is under expert opinion and evaluation.
The Subject Expert Committee on October 12, 2021, had recommended granting the emergency
use authorization to COVAXIN for children as well as the adolescents in the 2 to 18 years age
group.

Kamal Haasan to launch digital avatar in

game-based metaverse
The actor, politician, producer, and director Kamal Haasan has announced his plans to
become the first Indian celebrity to have his own digital avatar in a game-based metaverse.
Haasan who recently celebrated his 67th birthday on November 7, 2021, announced he will enter
into digital space with the Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) collection and later launch his personal
museum as well in an upcoming game-based metaverse from Fantico.
“I am excited to explore the emerging intersection of the digital and physical world, which is now
becoming popularly known as metaverse,” said Haasan who is known for experimenting with
visual styles, technology, and genres in his films.
Kamal Haasan’s game-based metaverse, NFT collection, personal museum – Key
Points
Kamal Haasan has partnered with Fantico to launch his own NFT collection.
Fantico is an Indian licensed digital collectibles platform that will launch a game-based
metaverse on Haasan which will comprise his digital avatars and NFTs collection.
Fantico will first launch the collection of NFTs of Haasan which will include avatars,
posters, videos, and movies of Haasan.
This will offer opportunities to his fans all over the world to interact with him and buy
NFTs offered by the actor. Fans and buyers would be able to purchase souvenirs,
memorabilia, both physical or digital collectibles, and participate in meet-and-
greet sessions with the actor through his digital avatar in the game.
In the next few months, Haasan in collaboration with Fantico plans to launch a
personal museum in the game-based metaverse. The founder of Fantico
Abhayanand Singh said that launching a game-based Metaverse will be the first of its
kind in India.
To date, rapper Snoop Dogg has joined NFT metaverse with the launch of his virtual
mansion on The Sandbox in September 2021.
Bollywood, cricket stars launching their NFT collections
Bollywood stars such as Amitabh Bachchan and Salman Khan as well as cricketers and leagues
including the Indian Super League (ISL) have also launched their NFT collections. On November
7, 2021, the exclusive NFT collection by Amitabh Bachchan was auctioned for Rs 7.18 crores

($9,66,000). The NFT collection Madhushala comprising poems in the voice of Amitabh
Bachchan’s voice Harivanshrai Bachchan received bids worth more than Rs 5.5 crores.
In October 2021, Salman Khan also partnered with BollyCoin which is a Bollywood NFT
marketplace for his NFT collections. Reportedly, around 1 million tokens were sold in the first
three hours of the launch.
What is Metaverse?
Metaverse is a network of virtual spaces that offers users to create and explore with people who
are not sharing the same 3D or physical space. In a metaverse world, people can interact through
their digital avatars, exchange digital tokens or collectibles in form of NFTs. Metaverse use
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies.
Also read: What is Facebook’s Metaverse? - Explained
What is NFT collection?
NFTs meaning Non-Fungible Tokens are unique crypto assets. Unlike Bitcoin, NFTs are non-
interchangeable and irreplaceable with any other asset. An NFT collection can be intellectual
properties and digital assets such as audio, videos, photos, art piece, tweets, etc.
Also read: What are Non-Fungible Tokens? All you need to know

Covaxin to be added to UK's approved list of

vaccines from November 22
The United Kingdom has added India's Covaxin to its approved Covid vaccines list. The move will
enable passengers fully vaccinated with Covaxin to travel to the United Kingdom from November
22, 2021.
UK gave its go-ahead to India's indigenous Covid-19 vaccine following World Health
Organisation's (WHO) Emergency Use Listing for Covaxin. Besides Covaxin, the United Kingdom
will also add China's Sinovac and Sinopharm to the country's approved list of vaccines for
inbound travellers.
UK's recognition of COVAXIN comes a day after Switzerland added Covaxin to its list of approved
Covid vaccines. Earlier, the United States also allowed travellers vaccinated with Covaxin to
travel to the nation.
Significance
The British government said that it will start recognising vaccines on WHO's Emergency use
Listing from 4 am on November 22. It added, as a result, Sinovac, Sinopharm Beijing and
Covaxin will be added to their list of approved vaccines for inbound travel. The move will benefit
more fully vaccinated people from countries including India, United Arab Emirates and Malaysia.
Impact
•Those vaccinated with Covaxin would now not need to self-isolate anymore upon arrival in the
United Kingdom. Alex Ellis, British High Commissioner to India said, "From 22 November
travellers fully vaccinated with a COVID19 vaccine recognised by WHO for Emergency Use
Listing, including Covaxin, will not have to self-isolate; so joining those fully vaccinated
with Covishield."
More good news for travellers to

From 22 November travellers fully vaccinated with a #COVID19 vaccine recognised by @WHO
for Emergency Use Listing, including Covaxin, will not have to self-isolate; so joining those fully
vaccinated with Covishield.https://t.co/UyJsryBd0O https://t.co/mZhaqRgB35
— Alex Ellis (@AlexWEllis) November 8, 2021

•Now, those who have been fully vaccinated with the approved vaccines and have received their
vaccinecertificate would no longer need to take apre-departure test, day 8 test or self-isolate upon
arrival in the United Kingdom. The passengers will just need to pay for a lateral flow test that they
will have to take before the end of their second day after arrival.
•With this, the United Kingdom will recognise thefollowing vaccines-Pfizer BioNTech, Moderna,
Oxford AstraZeneca (including Covishield), Janssen (J&J) and WHO EUL including Covaxin,
Sinovac and Sinopharm Beijing from November 22.
•UK has simplified its travel rules further by allowing all those under the age of 18 years to be
treated as fully vaccinated at the border thus, allowing them to enter the nation without self-
isolating upon arrival.
Background
The United Kingdom had revised its travel advisory in September 2021 to approve Covishield, a
vaccine jointly developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University. It was manufactured by the
Serum Institute of India (SII). It was approved for travellers visiting the UK from October 4
onwards.
India had expressed its protest against the UK's non-recognition of the Covishield vaccine while it
had approved AstraZeneca and had warned of “reciprocal measures” if the ‘discriminatory policy’
was not amended.

Astronaut Wang Yaping becomes first

Chinese woman to walk in space
Astronaut Wang Yaping became the first Chinese woman to walk in space on November 7,
2021, during her first extravehicular operation on the Shenzhou-13 mission. 41-years-old Wang
as a crewmember of China’s Shenzhou-13 mission moved out of the space station core
module called Tianhe and carried out extravehicular activities for over 6.5 hours along with
her colleague Zhai Zhigang. Wang marked the first spacewalk of a woman astronaut in China’s
space history.
Astronaut Wang along with her colleague astronaut Zhai Zhigang went out of China’s Shenzhou-
13 space station module Tianhe to install equipment and conduct tests. They successfully
transferred connectors, installed a suspension device, and returned to the module.
Also read: China launches Shenzhou-13 spacecraft with three astronauts on a historic 6-month
mission
Who is Wang Yaping?
Wang Yaping is a Chinese military pilot and astronaut. On November 7, 2021, Wang
became the first Chinese woman to walk into space. She is the second female astronaut
who entered space and the second female astronaut who got selected to the People’s
Liberation Army Astronaut Corps. Wang belongs to Shandong province and is a mother of a
5-years-old girl.
Wang had joined the People’s Liberation Army Force in August 1997 where she served as a
Deputy Squadron Commander. As a pilot of the Wuhan Air Force crew, Wang undertook
tasks such as combat readiness, the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, the Wenchuan
Earthquake Relief. Wang has accumulated 1600 hours of safe flights and got named Air
Force Class II pilot.
In 2010, Wang joined the second group of astronauts at the PLA Astronaut Division. In
2012, Wang has entered space as the second Chinese female astronaut as a part of the
backup crew of Shenzhou-9 as Liu Yang was selected as the astronaut member of the core
team. In 2013, Wang became the second Chinese female astronaut member of the
Shenzhou-10 core team.
In 2019, Wang was selected as one of the three crew members for the Shenzhou-13
mission that was launched in October 2021 to the Tiangong space station.

Also read: China successfully launches Tianhe space station core module into orbit
About Shenzhou-13 Mission
The Shenzhou-13 mission was launched on a Long March 2F launch vehicle from Jiuquan
Satellite Launch Center on October 16, 2021, for a six-month duration to the Tiangong Space
Station core module called Tianhe. The Shenzhou-13 crew includes three crew members namely
Zhai Zhigang, commander of Shenzhou-13 mission and China’s first spacewalker (2008); Wang
Yaping, the first Chinese female astronaut to walk in space; and Ye Guangfu, a first-time space
flyer.
Significance
The Shenzhou-13 mission in the China space industry is a step towards building space
infrastructure and capacities for larger space stations. China aims to develop space logistics and
become a leader in the space industry, space technology demonstration, and deep space
exploration.
The mission aims to accomplish the longest human space mission in China’s space history.
China’s civil-military fusion space program is also a key aspect of the mission involving three
astronauts from the PLA Army.
Also read: China launches first solar observation satellite – Know all details
Also read: China becomes first to land spacecraft on 'dark' side of moon

National Legal Services Day 2021: History

and why the day is significant for India’s legal
aid system?
The National Legal Services Day is observed on November 9 annually in India. The Legal
Services Day is celebrated to commemorate the enactment of the Legal Services
Authorities Act 1987. The National Legal Services Day is significant to create awareness among
people regarding various provisions under the Legal Services Authorities Act as well as the rights
of the litigants.
The National Legal Service Day, apart from keeping the citizens informed, also works towards
encouraging free of charge, proficient legal services to those belonging to the weaker section of
the society. The National Legal Services Day provides a perfect opportunity to raise the issues
and problems with the justice system of India and how it can be rectified.
"National Legal Services Day"

This day highlights the need for spreading awareness for ensuring reasonable fair and justice
procedure for all citizens. It was first started by Supreme Court of India in 1995 to provide help
and support to poor and weaker sections of the society. pic.twitter.com/h0bfV1UdN9
— ALL INDIA RADIO (@AkashvaniAIR) November 9, 2021

National Legal Services Day History
The Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 was enacted on October 11, 1987, and the act
came into effect on November 9, 1995. The National Legal Services Day was commenced by
the Supreme Court of India in 1995 to assist and provide help and support to the weaker sections
of the society and commemorate the enactment of the Legal Services Authorities Act.
The National Legal Services Day was established with a mandate to offer support and help to a
weaker and poor group which include women, Scheduled Tribes, disabled persons, Scheduled
Castes, natural calamities victims as well as human trafficking victims.
What is Legal Services Authorities Act 1987?
It is an act of the Parliament of India to enforce the provisions of Article 39 A of the

Constitution. The Legal Services Authorities Act 1987 guarantees the fundamental rights

to all the citizens of the country.
Article 39 A of the Constitution is related to the promotion of justice on the basis of

equal opportunity by providing free legal aid to the unaffordable sections of the society
like the poor and economically weaker sections.
Role of National Legal Services Authority (NALSA)
The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) was constituted in 1995 under the authority of the
Legal Services Authorities Act 1987. The authority undertook the activities including the free legal
aid and advice to the needy as well as the disposal of cases through mediation and amicable
settlement.
NALSA was a unique effort to minimize the backlogs of the courts in India as well as to afford
access to justice for needy litigants.
Celebration of National Legal Services Day
The National Legal Service Day is observed to make the citizens of the country aware of the
various provisions under the Legal Services Authorities Act and the rights of the litigants. On this
day, each jurisdiction organizes legal aid camps, Lok adalats, and legal aid programmes.

UNESCO Creative Cities Network 2021:

Srinagar joins the list as ‘City of Craft and
Folk Art’- Check details
Srinagar, in a major recognition of the arts and crafts of Jammu & Kashmir, on November
8, 2021, joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network 2021, under the Crafts and Folk Arts
category.
The result was announced on the official website of UNESCO wherein 49 cities have joined this
elite list. The exercise for the UNESCO nomination was started by Jammu & Kashmir in 2018,
however, the nomination was not accepted then.
Prime Minister Modi congratulated the people of Jammu & Kashmir on this achievement. In a
tweet, he said that he is delighted that beautiful Srinagar has joined the UNESCO Creative Cities
Network 2021 with a special mention for its craft and folk art. He added that it is the fitting
recognition for the vibrant cultural ethos of Srinagar.
Delighted that beautiful Srinagar joins the @UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) with a
special mention for its craft and folk art. It is a fitting recognition for the vibrant cultural ethos of
Srinagar. Congratulations to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Significance
The inclusion of Srinagar in the creative city network for the arts and crafts of UNESCO has
paved a way for it to represent its handicrafts on the global stage through the international body.
The nomination by UNESCO is also the global recognition of the rich craft legacy of
Srinagar. It will further help in attracting Craft Connoisseurs to Jammu & Kashmir and
particularly Srinagar.
UNESCO Creative Cities Network 2021: Nominations and Selections from India
• In 2021, the exercise of the Dossier preparation had started in the month of May. The Ministry of
Culture of the Indian Government had received four nominations which included two from Madhya

Pradesh (Gwalior and Indore), one from West Bengal (Calcutta), and one from Jammu & Kashmir
(Srinagar).
• The application of Calcutta and Indore were rejected by the Government and only two
nominations, which included Srinagar and Gwalior, were forwarded.
• The Government of India recommended the nomination of Srinagar for the Creative City of Craft
and Folk Arts and Gwalior for the Creative City of Music to UNESCO on June 29, 2021.
• The nomination of Gwalior for the UNESCO category was rejected and that of Srinagar for ‘City
of Craft and Folk Art’ was accepted.
What is UNESCO Creative City Network?
The UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) the
Creative City of Network involve seven creative fields- media, arts and folk art, film,
literature, gastronomy, design, and Media Arts.
Which other Indian cities have been recognized under UNESCO Creative Cities Network?
• Before 2019, only three cities in India have been recognized as the members of the UNESCO
Creative Cities Network for the Creative Cities namely, Jaipur (Crafts and Folk Arts) in 2015,
Varanasi (Creative City of Music) in 2015, and Chennai (Creative City of Music) in 2017.
• For 2020, UNESCO had not called for the applications for the Creative City Network.
How Srinagar was nominated under UNESCO Creative Cities Network 2021?
The Chief Executive Officer of Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JTFRP), JKERA, Dr. Abid
Rashid Shah informed that the process of the nomination of Srinagar under the UNESCO
Creative City Network was undertaken and funded under the World Bank-funded Jhelum Tawi
Flood Recovery Project. This is the recognition of the historical arts and crafts of Srinagar.
Iftikhaar Hakeem, Director, Technical, Planning and Coordination, JTFRP, said that the credit for
successful nomination must go to the Department of Industries, JTFRP as well as the line
departments for taking up the task positively. He added that the consultants were also hired and
the work was taken up in this regard to fulfilling all the requirements.
Background

The process for nomination for Srinagar as UNESCO Creative City was first filed by Srinagar in
2019, however, only 2 cities, Mumbai for Film and Hyderabad for Gastronomy were chosen for
the nomination that year.

India vs Namibia live streaming: When and

where to watch India vs Namibia live cricket
match in T20 World Cup?
India vs Namibia live streaming: India and Namibia will face off in their final group stage match
in the ongoing T20 World Cup at 7.30 pm at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on
November 8, 2021. India has lost its semifinal spot after it lost two of its opening matches against
Pakistan and New Zealand.
Virat Kohli-led squad, however, would be looking to finish off the T20 World Cup 2021 tournament
on a high, especially since this would be Kohli's last stint as captain of India's T20 side. India will
be going into the match on the back of two back-to-back victories.
On the other hand, Namibia has won just one group stage match against Scotland by 4 wickets.
Hence the team, which is playing its first T20 World Cup, would also be looking to pull up an
upset against India.
It’s the final outing for #India and #Namibia in Group 2.
Who walks away with the win?#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/Ax6qSiLugZ
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) November 8, 2021

India vs Namibia live streaming details
Time: 7.30am
Venue: Dubai
Date: November 8th
When will India vs Namibia live cricket match be played?
The India vs Namibia T20 World Cup 2021 match will start at 7.30 pm today, November 8, 2021.
Where will India vs Namibia live cricket match be played?
India vs Namibia live cricket match will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

How and where to watch India vs Namibia live streaming online?
India vs Namibia live streaming will be available online on Disney+Hotstar.
Where to watch India vs Namibia live T20 World Cup match?
India vs Namibia live T20 World Cup match will be aired live on Star Sports Network.
India vs Namibia playing XI today
India predicted playing XI - Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Virat Kohli (c),
Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Varun Chakravarthy,
Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami
Namibia predicted playing XI: Stephen Baard, Michael van Lingen, Craig Williams, Gerhard
Erasmus (c), David Wiese, JJ Smit, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Ruben Trumpelmann, Zane Green
(wk), Jan Frylinck/Karl Birkenstock, Bernard Scholtz
India vs Namibia squad
India Squad: KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli(c), Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant(w),
Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Varun Chakravarthy, Mohammed Shami,
Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Shardul Thakur, Ishan Kishan, Rahul Chahar
Namibia Squad: Stephan Baard, Michael van Lingen, Gerhard Erasmus(c), Zane Green(w),
David Wiese, JJ Smit, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Craig Williams, Ruben Trumpelmann, Karl
Birkenstock, Bernard Scholtz, Pikky Ya France, Jan Frylinck, Michau du Preez, Ben Shikongo

Kerala govt to create database of people

aged 30 above for early detection, treatment
of lifestyle diseases
Kerala Health Minister Veena George on November 6, 2021, announced that the Kerala
government is in working on creating a databank of those who are above 30 years of age
for early detection and treatment of lifestyle diseases. The project will be carried out at the
Panchayat Level with the help of all local bodies, MLAs, and MPs.
Earlier, during an Assembly discussion in August 2021 for grants for Medical, Public Health and
Family Welfare in the revised Budget for the FY2021, Veena George highlighted that 60 per cent
of the annual morbidity in Kerala was directly or indirectly linked to lifestyle diseases and it
was important that this challenge is addressed.
Kerala Health Minister Veena George inaugurated Hridayathil Hibi Eden Project
George announced the making of the database while inaugurating a ‘Hridayathil Hibi Eden’
Project that was initiated by the Lok Sabha MP Hibi Eden under which around 100 patients in
need will be offered angioplasty treatment free of cost.
George also inaugurated the renovated Gastroenterology department of Indira Gandhi

Cooperative Hospital at Kochi.
Kerala govt to conduct study the kind of cancer prevalent in state
Kerala Health Minister Veena George also announced that the Kerala government is also
deliberating on conducting a study that will assess what kind of cancer is prevalent in Kerala
so that the state government can take measures accordingly to curb this disease.
Transform Ernakulam into health tourism centre: Kerala Health Minister Veena George
Kerala Health Minister Veena George also announced that Kerala Government aims at
transforming Ernakulam into a health tourism centre. For this purpose, the Kerala
government is holding talks with the Ministry of Tourism and AYUSH. The state government will
utilize Indian medical and modern medical facilities to make Ernakulam a health tourism centre

and offer the best medical treatment compared to other parts of India.
Kerala: Mathru Kavacham campaign, Seroprevalence study against COVID-19
Among other medical schemes, the Kerala government in July 2021 had also announced the
launch of the Mathru Kavacham campaign for vaccinating pregnant women against COVID-19.
In August 2021, the Kerala government granted permission for conducting a COVID-19
seroprevalence study in Kerala for assessing the immunity of people against coronavirus.
Also read: COVID-19: Kerala to launch Mathru Kavacham campaign to vaccinate pregnant
women

Oxford Word of the Year 2021 is Vax
Oxford Word of the Year 2021: Vax is the 2021 Word of the Year of Oxford English dictionary.
The word Vax was chosen as it is a particularly striking term to sum up the year 2021.
Lexicographers had dug into the English language corpus data to come up with vax as the Oxford
word of the year 2021. Oxford said in a statement that although the word Vax dates back to the
1990s, it was a relatively rare word in the corpus data until this year when it shot up in frequency.
The Oxford Word of The Year 2021 is… ‘vax’.
Learn more about why this word was chosen: https://t.co/hFIOOhJ6G6#WOTY2021

pic.twitter.com/QBXJsT6vgv
— Oxford Languages (@OxLanguages) November 1, 2021
Vax word was used over 72 times more frequently in September 2021 than at the same time last
year. The word has also generated numerous derivatives that are now seen in a wide range of
informal contexts such as vax sites, vax cards, getting vaxxed and being fully vaxxed.
Word of the Year 2021: Although "vax" was first used in the 1990s, it was a relatively rare word in
our corpus until this year, when it shot up in frequency.
By September, it was over 72 times more frequent than at the same time last year:
https://t.co/qNe7rV7duu pic.twitter.com/D3gscDH0js
— Oxford Languages (@OxLanguages) November 4, 2021

Why has Vax been chosen as Oxford Word of the Year 2021?
Oxford stated that no word captures the atmosphere of the past year than vax. A report from
Oxford stated,"Whether you are vaxxed, double-vaxxed, or unvaxxed, the language relating to
vaccines and vaccination permeated all of our lives in 2021," exploring the word and its striking
rise in use.
Oxford Languages noted that the words-shot used in the US and jab used in the UK are
synonyms of vax but both have other meanings as well and they are used as common
colloquialisms only in certain regions taking them out of the running.
Words generated from Vax word

Vaxxie- A selfie taken while getting the Covid-19 shot
Vaxinista- A person who flaunts their vaccinated status by traveling more (vaxications).
Oxford Word of the Year 2021
The Oxford Word of the Year is a word that has attracted a lot of interest over the last 12
months. Every year, a word is chosen that reflects the ethos, mood, or preoccupations of that
particular year.
Oxford Word of the Year- Word of Five Previous Years
Oxford Word of the Year 2020- No one single word
Oxford Word of the Year 2019- Climate Emergency
Oxford Word of the Year 2018- Toxic
Oxford Word of the Year 2017- Youthquake
Oxford Word of the Year 2016- Post-Truth
Oxford Word of the Year 2015- Laughing emoji (first-ever emoji word of the year)

Shri Ramayana Yatra Express: IRCTC

withdraws saffron uniform of Ramayan
Express Staff after protests
Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation on November 22, 2021, changed the
saffron uniform of the serving staff aboard Indian Railway's Ramayan Express Train. The
decision came after the objections from the Hindu seers against their outfits. They had called the
saffron uniform of the Ramayan Express Train Staff an insult to the Hindu Religion.
IRCTC’s Shri Ramayana Yatra Train on the Ramayana circuit started from Safdarjung
Railway Station, Delhi on November 7, 2021.
The Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, while informing about the same, said on Twitter,
“Indian Railways will run Ramayana Circuit train from today to visit all the important religious
places related to Lord Shri Ram. Jai Shree Ram!”
! pic.twitter.com/VWVE5Bms14
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) November 7, 2021
As per the statement, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has been
getting an overwhelming response for this initiative and that the first tour is completely booked.
Why the change in Ramayan Express Staff's uniform was called?
Reportedly, donning a saffron attire with a sadhu-like headgear as well as wearing rudraksha
mallas was an insult to the Hindu religion and its seers. If the dress code of waiters had not
changed, Hindu seers would have stopped the train at Safdarjung Railway Station in Delhi.
What will be the new uniform of Ramayan Express Staff?
IRCTC, in an official statement, informed that the dress of the service staff has been entirely
changed to shirts and trousers and traditional headgear. The waiters, however, will continue to
wear saffron-colored masks and gloves.
Significance

As per the statement issued by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC)
earlier, the first tour, that started from Delhi’s Safdarjung Railway Station on November 7
will cover the visit of all the significant places related to the life of Lord Rama.
Shri Ramayana Yatra Train: Check the routes and stops
• The first stop will be Ayodhya. There, the tourists will visit Shri Ram Janmbhumi temple and
Hanuman Temple, and additionally Bharat Mandir at Nandigram.
• The next halt will be Sitamarhi in Bihar. Devotees will be able to visit Sita Ji’s birthplace and
Ram-Janki Temple in Janakpur, covered by road.
• After this, the train will move to Varanasi and the tourists will be able to visit the various
temples at Varanasi, Shringverpur, Prayag, and Chitrakoot by road. Night stay will also be
provided at Prayag, Varanasi, and Chitrakoot.
• One of the halts of the trains will also be Nasik, wherein the visit of Panchvati and
Trayambakeshwar temple will be covered.
• After Nasik, the next landing place will be Hampi. It is also the ancient Krishkindha City.
• Rameshwaram will be the last stop on this train tour. After completing the schedule, the
train will return back to Delhi on the 17th day of its journey. Guests, via this train, will be
traveling roughly 7500 kms in this entire tour.
Prices of Shri Ramayana Yatra Train
The price of the special train launched by IRCTC is Rs. 82,950 per person for 2nd AC and Rs.
1,02, 095 per person for 1st AC.
When will be the second tour of the Shri Ramayana Yatra Train?
In view of the continuous and high demand, it has been decided that IRCTC will run this tour
again on December 12, 2021, with a similar price and duration. The tour will be completed in a
total of 17 days.
Background
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) had launched this special train in
line with the Indian Government initiative ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ in order to promote domestic
tourism.

Meghalaya govt approves creation of Eastern

West Khasi Hills district, Know Significance
The Meghalaya government on November 5, 2021, approved a proposal to upgrade the Mairang
Civil Sub-division to a full-fledged district called Eastern West Khasi Hills district. Mairang is now
a sub-division under the West Khasi Hills district. The new district Eastern West Khasi Hills
will be inaugurated on November 10, 2021, announced Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad
Sangma.
The government has given directions to the concerned department to handle the expenditure and
work out all details for the new district. These expenditures will reflect in the state budget in 2022,
informed Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong.
Proposal to upgrade the Mairang Civil Sub-Division to a full-fledged district has been approved by
the Cabinet today. Happy to announce that the new district will be named Eastern West Khasi
Hills and will be inaugurated on 10th Nov 2021. pic.twitter.com/Dy2KjAZYTv
— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) November 5, 2021

Meghalaya govt approves creation of Eastern West Khasi Hills district: Significance
The Meghalaya government approving the creation of Eastern West Khasi Hills district will help in
ensuring that administration will remain closer to the people and the implementation of several
schemes will also be more effective, said Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Tynsong.
West Khasi Hills in Meghalaya – Key facts, tribes, places of interest
When was West Khasi Hills district formed?
West Khasi Hills in Meghalaya was created out of the Khasi Hills district on October 28, 1976.
Initially, it was bifurcated into two Civil Sub-divisions and South West Khasi Hills. On November
10, 2021, one of the two Civil Sub-divisions namely the Mairang will be upgraded to a full-fledged
district called Eastern West Khasi Hills district.
What is the headquarter of West Khasi Hills?
Nongstoin is the headquarter of the West Khasi Hills district. The West Khasi Hills cover an area

of 3,911.22 sq. km. As per provisional figures provided by the 2011 Census, the population of the
West Khasi Hills is 2,87,781.
Which tribe is found in West Khasi Hills?
The West Khasi Hills is predominantly inhabited by the Khasi tribe. Scholars have tried to trace
the emergence of Khasi races and their settlement history but the findings have not been
satisfactory so far.
The Khasi Hills – Background
Located in the Shillong Plateau in Meghalaya, the Khasi Hills is a low mountain formation that is a
part of the Garo-Khasi-Jaintia range. The Khasi Hills connects with the Purvanchal Range and
more extensive Patkai Range. The Khasi Hills district was divided into West Khasi Hills and East
Khasi Hills on October 28, 1976.
Some of the key places of interest in the Khasi Hills district are as follows:
•Langshiang Falls, 3rd highest waterfalls in India
•Lum Shyllong, highest peak in the whole Khasi Hills region
•Mawthadraishan Peak, 2nd highest peak in Meghalaya
•Umyiap Paddy Field, the longest paddy field in Northeast India
•Sohra, the wettest places in the world
Also read: India, World Bank sign $40 million Meghalaya Health Systems Strengthening Project
Also read: Georissa Mawsmaiensis: New Snail species discovered in Meghalaya cave

Tipraland: BJP ally IPFT to join mass

agitation in Delhi on November 14 demanding
separate state
Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT) has decided to participate in a joint mass agitation
with the opposition TIPRA Motha on November 14, 2021, in New Delhi, demanding the separate
state ‘Tipraland’. IPFT is an ally of the BJP in the Tripura Government.
The General Secretary of the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT), Mangal Debbarma,
while addressing the press conference informed that his party had decided to hold the agitation
with other like-minded parties, TIPRA Motha in specific, individuals and the NGOs who conform to
their demand of a separate state under Article 3 of the Indian Constitution.
He further added that since 2009, we have formed our party IPFT, have demanded Tipraland, and
also made a sitting demonstration in Jantar Mantar, however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it
could not happen in 2019 and 2020. But it will continue in 2021.
Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT) (an ally of ruling BJP in Tripura) along with Tipra
Motha (in Opposition) & some other like-minded parties will stage a demonstration in Delhi on
November 14, demanding a separate state -- Tipraland: Mangal Debbarma, IPFT (07.11)
pic.twitter.com/UX5u3J9llj

Movement to demand separate state ‘Tipraland’
Debbarma said that the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT) Party has decided to join the
movement to be held at Jantar Mantar. The gathering will also act as a mass deputation to PM
Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, Tribal Welfare Minister and Minister of Development of North
East Region.
Debbarma added that we want a full-fledged separate state, Tipraland.
Will there be fresh realignment between TIPRA and IPFT?
On being asked whether there are chances of fresh realignment between TIPRA and IPFT, the

two regional parties who pitted their candidates against each other in the recently concluded
TTAADC (Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council) elections as arch-rivals, the General
Secretary of IPFT said, “This movement is being organized on the basis of the ideology, not an
alliance.”
“Both the parties have similar demands, we want Tipraland, they want Greater Tipraland.
We have the same issue, so it is better for our people if we come together.”
Demand of separate state ‘Tipraland’: What do we know?
Tipraland is the name of a proposed state in India for the indigenous Tripuri people in
the tribal areas of Tripura. They have been demanding the Tripura Tribal Areas
Autonomous District Council and some surrounding areas to be made into a separate
state from Tripura.
The proposed state ‘Tipraland’ covers 68% of the total geographical area of Tripura and
is also home to over one-third of the total population of Tripura.
There has also been a demand for a Greater Tipraland by adding the Tripuris dominant
areas outside the Tripura- Mami district of Mizoram, Cachar, and Hailakandi districts in
Assam, and Bandarban, Chittagong, and Khagrachari of Bangladesh.

Chennai Rains: Schools, offices shut, Orange

alert in Chennai; Heaviest rain since 2015
Chennai recorded the heaviest rainfall on record since 2015 after it received more than 200 mm
(20 cm) of rainfall beginning November 6, 2021. Nungambakkam received (215 mm) 21.5 cm of
rainfall, the highest recorded in 24 hours since the 2015 Chennai rains. The Indian
Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Chennai while predicting that
very heavy to heavy rains mains may continue till November 9 morning.
Chennai Rains: Orange alert, Waterlogging, schools shut, 2,000 cusecs water released
from reservoirs – Key Updates
•The IMD has predicted the formation of a cyclonic circulation over the Southeast Bay of
Bengal and a low-pressure area around November 9, 2021.
•The IMD has also predicted squally winds gusting upto 60 kmph over Southeast Bay of
Bengal during November 9-10 and off Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh coast during November 10-
11, 2021.
•A very heavy to heavy rainfall warning for November 10 has also been issued as a
thunderstorm is likely to occur over Chennai, Puducherry, and Tamil Nadu.
•Fishermen are advised not to venture into the southeast Bay of Bengal and off Tamil Nadu coast
during November 10-11, 2021.
•Chennai rains have led to the inundation of most areas and leading to waterlogging and
shutting of schools and colleges in some areas.
•Following such heavy record rains, surplus water from reservoirs around Chennai including
Chembarambakkam, Phuzal, and Poondi was released in a phased manner of upto 2,000 cusecs.
Alert to the people in the low-lying areas was issued.
•PM Modi spoke to CM Stalin to discuss Chennai rains and offer relief assistance. Four NDRF
(National Disaster Response Force) teams have been deployed in Madurai, Chengalpattu, and
Thiruvallur.

Spoke to Tamil Nadu CM, Thiru @mkstalin and discussed the situation in the wake of heavy
rainfall in parts of the state. Assured all possible support from the Centre in rescue and relief
work. I pray for everyone’s well-being and safety.

Tamil Nadu | 4 NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) teams have been deployed in
Thiruvallur, Chengalpattu and Madurai as IMD issues alert of cyclonic circulation & heavy rains for
next two days

Chennai Rains: Highest rainfall recorded in Chennai since 2015
Chennai has been receiving very heavy to heavy rains since November 7, 2021, and is likely to
continue experiencing heavy downpours aided by cyclonic circulation. Nungambakkam received
215 mm (21.5 cm) of rain, the highest volume of rainfall recorded in 24 hours since the 2015
Chennai rains. Heavy rains in Chennai have led to flooding in several areas. In 2015, Chennai
had recorded 250 mm (25 cm) rainfall. In 1985, Chennai recorded between 250 mm to 330 mm
(25 to 33 cm) rainfall across two different dates. The 1976 Chennai rains recorded the all-time
high rainfall at 450 mm (45 cm) in 24 hours.
What caused heavy rains in Chennai, Tamil Nadu?
Chennai rains are mostly witnessed during the Northeast Monsoon between October to
December. However, since the onset of the Northeast monsoon in October 2021, Puducherry and
Tamil Nadu have received 43 per cent excess rainfall. Districts including Tirunelveli, Coimbatore,
Villupuram, Tiruvarur, Karur, Erode, Pudukottai, Cuddalore, and Perambalur have received more
than 60 per cent of normal rainfall during this monsoon season, said CM Stalin.
In 2021, the Northeast monsoon has been largely impacted by continued La Nina which is a
complex weather pattern caused due to differences in ocean temperatures in the equatorial band
of the Pacific Ocean. The 2015 Chennai rains were caused due to the El Nino impact on the
Northeast monsoon. El Nino is a weather pattern that causes drastic atmospheric changes,
leading to excess rainfall or cyclones.

Prime Minister Modi lays foundation stone for

4-laning of two major highways in
Maharashtra
Prime Minister Modi on November 8, 2021, lays the foundation stone for four-laning of the
five sections of Shri Sant Dnyaneshawar Maharaj Palkhi Marg (NH-965) and the three
sections of Shri Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi Marg (NH- 965G) at 3.30 PM via video
conferencing.
The dedicated walkways for ‘Palkhi’ will be constructed on either side of these highways and
provide hassle-free and safe passage to the devotees. The Union Road Transport and Highways
Minister Nitin Gadkari and the Chief Minister of Maharashtra Uddhav Thackeray will also be
present on the occasion.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lays foundation stone of four laning of key sections of Sant
Dnyaneshawar Maharaj Palkhi Marg and Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi Marg.
pic.twitter.com/xWFzZin8dw

4-laning of major highways in Maharashtra
With Prime Minister Modi laying the foundation stone for the two major highways in Maharashtra-
• about 221 km of Sant Dnyanheshawar Maharaj Palkhi Marg from Diveghat to Mohol and,
• 130 km of Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi Marg from Patas to Tondale-Bondale will be four-laned
with the dedicated walkways for ‘Palkhi’ on either side.
• The four laning will be done at an estimated cost of more than Rs. 6,690 crores and about Rs.
4,400 crore respectively.
Union Road Transport & Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari and Chief Minister of Maharashtra
Uddhav Thackeray will be present on the occasion, PMO added.

PM Modi dedicates completed and upgraded road projects to the nation

• Prime Minister Modi, during the event, will also dedicate to the nation more than 223 km of
upgraded and completed road projects. They are constructed at an estimated cost of over Rs.
1,180 crore at the different National Highways for boosting connectivity to Pandharpur.
• The upgraded and completed projects include Kurduwadi-Pandharpur (NH-965C), Mhaswad-

Piliv-Pandharpur (NH 548E), Pandharpur-Sangola (NH 965-C), Tembhurni-Pandharpur Section of
NH 561A, and Pandharpur-Mangalwedha-Umadi section of NH 561A.
Why connectivity to Pandharpur is significant?
The devotees have been walking to Pandharpur for many centuries in Maharashtra, however,
with the increased vehicular traffic on the routes of Pandharpur Wari, the facilities of safe
pilgrimage and up-gradation had become the need of an hour.
With the up-gradation of the infrastructure in and around the Pandharpur, lakhs of devotees will
be benefitted and the annual pilgrimage will be completely safe not only for warkaris, but also for
the other devotees traveling to Pandharpur.

Chhath Puja 2021: Devotees offer Arghya to

rising Sun, know all important dates and
shubh timing
Chhath puja 2021 date: Devotees broke their 36-hours long fast by offering Arghya to the rising
sun today, the last day of Chhath Puja 2021. Chhath is a four-day festival dedicated to the Sun
God that is celebrated every year after Diwali.
People gathered to offer prayers to the Surya Dev in different places in the country to mark the
culmination of the four day festival. Chhath Puja was celebrated this year from November 8 till
November 11, 2021. The festival is observed mainly by the people from Bihar, Jharkhand and
eastern Uttar Pradesh. The devotees observe a nirjala vrat and offer Arghya to Chhathi Maiya
and Surya Devta, standing knee deep in flowing water.
West Bengal | Devotees break their 36-hours long fast by offering Arghya to the rising sun at
Takta Ghat in Kolkata on the last day of 4-day #Chhathpuja pic.twitter.com/stK8JCP2la

Bihar: People offer 'arag' to the Sun God at Patna College Ghat in the city on the last day of
Chhath puja festival pic.twitter.com/by8itaQIXU
Chhath Puja 2021: Know all dates, sunrise and

sunset time
Day 1 - Nahay Khay (November 8)
Sunrise- 6.38am
Sunset- 5.31pm
Day 2 - Karna (November 9)
Sunrise- 6.39am
Sunset- 5.31pm

Day 3 of Chhath Puja 2021- Know all about Sandhya Arghya rituals
The third day of Chhath Puja marks festivities of Sandhya Arghya, during which devotees offer
prayers to Lord Surya for the long life and happiness.
-The day is marked with a full day fast without water. The fasting continues throughout the night
and parana is done on the next day after the sunrise.
-A ritual known as Kartik Shashthi is also performed on the day.
-The main ritual is offering arghya to the setting sun. It is the only time of the year when Arghya is
offered to the setting sun.
-During Sandhya Arghya, a lit lamp in a bamboo basket with fruits and other prasad is offered to
the setting sun.
-The devotees also pray and sing songs of Chhathi Maiya at night.
Chhath Puja Sandhya Arghya time:
Sunrise time- 6.40am
Sunset time- 5.30pm
Day 4 of Chhath Puja 2021 - Usha Arghya (November 11)
The main ritual on Day 4 of Chhath Puja 2021 is to offer Arghya to the rising sun while standing in knee deep
water. The devotees reached the dedicated ghats early in the morning to offer their prayers to the Sun God
and break their long and arduous fast.
Sunrise- 6.41am
Sunset- 5.29pm
Chhath Puja public holiday- November 10
The Delhi government had declared November 10 as a public holiday on the account of Chhath
Puja. Last year, the festival was not celebrated grandly due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Chhath Puja 2021 - Know all about it!

Chhath Puja Significance
Chhath Puja is an ancient Hindu Vedic festival that is native to the Indian states of Bihar, eastern
Uttar Pradesh and Nepal.
Chhath Puja History
The Chhath Puja is celebrated by worshiping the Sun God and his Vedic consorts Pratyusha
(Goddess of Dusk) and Usha (Vedic Goddess of Dawn) to thank the gods for bestowing life on
earth and to request granting of certain wishes.
"Chhathi Maiya" is worshipped as the "Goddess of the festival. She is the personified mother
goddess who provides support and strength to the poor.
How is Chhath Puja celebrated?
Chhath Puja is observed over four days. The devotees fast all day and offer Arghya, which is a
special type of offering, in the evening of the first day and morning of the second day.
The devotees also stand in the water for long periods of time and abstain from drinking water to
observe the holy festival. Devotees also perform a prostration march as they head for the river
banks.
Chhath Puja most eco-friendly religious festival?
According to environmentalists, Chhath Puja is one of the most eco-friendly religious

festivals that should be used to spread "the message of nature conservation".
The festival also transcends the rigid caste system, as all devotees without any caste distinction
prepare almost similar prasad and other items and arrive at the banks of rivers or ponds to offer
prayers to the Sun god. Chhath is now celebrated in other parts of the nation as well.

Dr. Kamal Ranadive: Google Doodle

celebrates 104th birth anniversary of Indian
Cell Biologist
Google on November 8, 2021, dedicated a doodle to Dr. Kamal Ranadive, an Indian Cell
Biologist, to honour her 104th birth anniversary. Dr. Kamal Ranadive is best known for her
groundbreaking cancer research as well as her devotion to creating a more equitable society
through science and education. Google Doodle on Dr. Kamal Ranadive has been illustrated by
India-based guest artist Ibrahim Rayintakath. The creative doodle shows Dr. Ranadive looking at
a microscope.
For those who chose Kamal Ranadive, here's a slice of cake for you, on the occasion of her 104th
birthday
With today's #GoogleDoodle, we celebrate her achievements & the impact they have had on
Indian women in STEM.
Learn more about her here: https://t.co/Pl9fDpY1MT. pic.twitter.com/Dpqxzqo2Wv
— Google India (@GoogleIndia) November 8, 2021

Who was Dr. Kamal Ranadive?
Dr. Kamal Ranadive, who was also known as Kamal Samarath, was born in Pune in 1917.
Kamal’s father encourages her to pursue a medical education, however, Ranadive found her
calling in Biology instead.
In 1949, Dr. Kamal Ranadive received a doctorate in cytology, the study of cells, while also
working as a researcher in the Indian Cancer Research Center (IRCRC).
After completing a fellowship at John Hopkins University in Baltimore, United States, Kamal
Ranadive returned to Mumbai and the Indian Cancer Research Center (IRCRC), where she
successfully established India’s first tissue culture laboratory.
Dr. Kamal Ranadive and her groundbreaking research in cancer

Dr. Kamal Ranadive, as the Director of the Indian Cancer Research Center (IRCRC) and a
pioneer in animal modeling of cancer development, was among the first researchers in India to
propose a link between breast cancer and heredity and to identify the links among the
cancers and certain viruses.
She also studied Mycobacterium leprae, the bacterium that causes leprosy, and aided in the
development of the vaccine.
Dr. Ranadive and 11 colleagues, in 1973, founded the Indian Women Scientist’s Association
(IWSA) to support women in the scientific field.
Dr. Kamal Ranadive’s work after retirement
As per Google, Ranadive also encouraged the students and the Indian scholars who are abroad
to return to India and put their knowledge to work for their communities.
Dr. Kamal Ranadive, after retiring in 1989, worked in the rural communities in Maharashtra where
she trained women as healthcare workers and provided health and nutrition education.
The Indian Women Scientist’s Association has (IWSA) now has 11 chapters in India. It also
provides childcare options and scholarships for women in science.

World Radiography Day 2021: Theme,

History, Significance of International Day of
Radiology
International Radiology Day: Every year World Radiography Day is observed on November
8 to build greater awareness of the value that radiology contributes to safe patient care and also
work towards improving the public understanding of the vital role that the radiologists and
radiographers play in the healthcare sector. Radiology Day also sees radiographers from across
the globe and promotes radiography as a career, as well as a significant contributor to modern
healthcare. World Radiography Day 2021 will also talk about the challenges that the healthcare
sector faced amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
World Radiology Day 2021 Theme
The theme of Radiology Day 2021 is ‘Interventional Radiology- Active Care for Patient’. The
motto of the 2021 World Radiology Day highlights the essential role that interventional radiology
plays in the treatment of patients.
Don't forget it's World Radiography Day tomorrow 8 November! Share your celebrations with us,
photos and all, and name&fame the colleagues who support and inspire you using
#myradcolleague so we can tell the world! #WRD2021 pic.twitter.com/J0WeWWuuBq
— SCoR Members (@SCoRMembers) November 7, 2021

International Day of Radiology History
The International Day of Radiology is observed annually on November 8 to commemorate the

discovery of X-rays or X-radiation, on November 8, 1895, by the German Scientist Wilhelm
Conrad Rontgen. In 1901, he also became the inaugural winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics for
this achievement.
The first World Radiography Day was observed in 2012, with the Radiology Society of North
America (RSNA), European Society of Radiology (ESR), and American College for Radiology
(ACR) coming together.
Radiology Day is celebrated by various organisations. In India, the Radiographers Association of

Madhya Pradesh has been observing Radiography Day since 1996.
Significance of World Radiography 2021
The International Day of Radiology, in 2021, will be dedicated to Interventional Radiology and its
essential role in treating patients. As per the European Society of Radiology, as the world
continues to face the challenges of COVID-19, it is extremely significant to acknowledge the key
role that medical imaging has in medicine, not only during unforeseen circumstances such as the
COVID-19 pandemic but also on a daily basis in all the areas of patient care.

Iraqi PM Mustafa al-Kadhimi survives

assassination attempt, calls for calm and
restraint
Iraq PM assassination attempt: Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi survived an

'assassination attempt early on November 7, 2021 after a rocket attack at his house.
According to Iraq's military, Kadhimi was targeted in a "failed assassination attempt" after an
explosive-laden drone attacked his residence in Baghdad. Kadhimi was unharmed in the
attack. He is in good health, confirmed the military and added that they are taking all necessary
measures in connection with the failed attempt.
The Iraqi PM also took to Twitter to assure the public that he was fine and urged for calm and
restraint from everyone for the sake of Iraq. He said, "the rockets of treachery will not
discourage the believers, and a hair will not be shaken in the steadfastness and insistence
of our heroic security forces to preserve the security of the people, achieve the right and
set the law in place."
.
.
— Mustafa Al-Kadhimi (@MAKadhimi) November 7, 2021

pic.twitter.com/pC0sCToGsQ
— Mustafa Al-Kadhimi (@MAKadhimi) November 7, 2021
No terrorist group has so far claimed responsibility for the drone attack.
Iraq PM assassination attempt: Latest updates
Al Arabiya has reported injuries after the drone attack on Iraqi PM Mustafa al-Kadhimi's residence
in Baghdad. The government said that an explosives-laden drone tried to hit al-Kadhimi's home.
As per Reuters, a drone laden with explosives targeted the residence of Iraqi PM Mustafa al-
Kadhimi in Baghdad early on Sunday. The Iraqi military has called it an attempted assassination,
but confirmed Kadhimi escaped unhurt.

As per media reports, Baghdad residents heard the sound of an explosion, which was followed by
heavy gunfire from the direction of the Green Zone that houses government offices and foreign
embassies.
A drone laden with explosives targeted the residence of Iraqi PM Mustafa al-Kadhimi in Baghdad
early on Sunday in what the Iraqi military called an attempted assassination, but said Kadhimi
escaped unhurt: Reuters

Impact
The alleged drone attack comes amid a stand-off between Iraqi security forces and pro-Iran
Shiite militias, whose supporters have been camped outside the Green Zone for almost a
month following their refusal to accept the results of Iraq's parliamentary elections in which they
lost almost two-thirds of their seats.
US strongly condemns the attack.
US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said that the US strongly condemns this apparent
act of terrorism, which was directed at the heart of the Iraqi state. Price also said that the US is in
close contact with the Iraqi security forces and has offered their assistance as they investigate the
attack.
Background
The United States along with several other nations and the UN Security Council had praised the
October 10 Iraq Parliamentary elections, which was mostly violence-free and without major
technical glitches.
However, the supporters of pro-Iran Shiite militias pitched tents near the Green Zone after the
vote, rejecting the election results. They also threatened violence unless their demand for
recounting the votes was met. The standoff between the Iraq security forces and the pro-Iran
Shiite militia supporters increased tensions among rival Shiite factions, threatening Iraq's
newfound relative stability.
The Iraq Parliamentary elections were held in October 2021, months ahead of schedule in
following mass protests in late 2019, which saw thousands of people rally against endemic
corruption, unemployment and poor services in Baghdad.

Two Indian Army officers receive Tenzing

Norgay National Adventure Award 2020,
Check list of winners
Two Indian Army officers Lieutenant Colonel Servesh Dhadwal and Colonel Amit Bisht
have been awarded the prestigious Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award 2020 by the
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award is the
highest adventure sports honour in India that is awarded annually by the Ministry of Youth
Affairs and Sports.
Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award 2020 – List of Winners
# Name Category
Lt. Colonel
Air
1 Servesh
Adventure
Dhadwal
Land
2 Col. Amit Bisht
Adventure
Priyanka Land
3
Mangesh Mohite Adventure
Jay Prakash Land
4
Kumar Adventure
Land
5 Sheetal Raj
Adventure
Srikaanth Water
6
Viswanathan Adventure
Life Time
7 Jai Kishan Achieveme
nt
Indian Army’s Colonel Amit Bisht receives Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award
Indian Army officer Colonel Amit Bisht, Sena Medal has been awarded the Tenzing Norgay
National Adventure Award 2020 for his land activities. Bisht has scaled more than 20 unscaled

and unnamed technical difficult peaks in India and abroad. Recently, Bisht also scaled Mount
Everest. He is posted as Principal in Nehru Institute of Mountaineering in Uttarakhand.
Indian Army’s Lt Colonel Servesh Dhadwal receives Tenzing Norgay National Adventure
Award
Indian Army officer Lieutenant Colonel Servesh Dhadwal has been awarded the Tenzing Norgay
National Adventure Award 2020 for his achievements in skydiving. Dhadwal is the Chief Instructor
of the Indian Army Skydiving team. Dhadwal has imparted skydiving training to Special Forces of
the Indian Army and National Security Guards. Dhadwal has gained several certifications and
licenses from the United States Parachuting Association.
Dhadwal has conducted more than 35 Basic and Refresher Skydiving Courses training for more
than 850 personnel wherein he carried out more than 7,000 skydives since 2008 and more than
5,000 skydives in the past 5 years. The ace skydiving instructor Dhadwal has been a member of
the top-secret intelligence unit Technical Support Division which was constituted after the 26/11
attacks on Mumbai.
What is Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award?
The Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award is the highest adventure sports honour in India
that is awarded annually by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The Tenzing Norgay
National Award has been named after Tenzing Norgay who was one of the first two
individuals who scaled the summit of Mount Everest along with Edmund Hillary in 1953.
The Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award was instituted in 1993-94 by the then Union
Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports as a separate National Adventure Awards but
considered at apar with Arjuna Awards. The Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award is
awarded for outstanding achievement in the field of adventure on land, sea, and air. The
award includes a bronze statue of Tenzing Norgay and a cash prize of Rs 5 lakhs.
Also read: Wing Commander Gajanand Yadava wins Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award
2019

Bhai Dooj 2021: Date, Time, Muhurat, Facts,

Significance
Bhai Dooj 2021: Bhai Dooj also known as Bhaubeej, Bhai Tika is an Indian festival that is
celebrated during the Diwali festival. The Bhai Dooj festival celebrates the bond between brothers
and sisters. The Bhai Dooj festival is celebrated two after Diwali which is the second lunar day
(Dwitiya Tithi) of Shukla Paksha as per the Hindu calendar. This year, Bhai Dooj 2021 is being
celebrated on November 6, 2021.
Bhai Dooj 2021: Date
This year, Bhai Dooj 2021 will be celebrated on November 6, 2021.
Bhai Dooj 2021: Muhurat Time
Bhai Dooj 2021 Muhurat: 1.09 PM to 3.20 PM
Dwitiya Tithi Begins: 11:14 PM on Nov 05, 2021
Dwitiya Tithi Ends: 07:44 PM on Nov 06, 2021
Bhai Dooj: Significance, Facts
On the occasion of Bhai Dooj, sisters apply red tilak on their brother’s forehead and perform an
aarti ceremony for their brothers while vowing to protect their brothers from all evils and praying
for their long-life and well-being. The tilak and arti ceremony is performed on Bhai Dooj shubh
muhurat. The brothers in return offer them gifts or cash.
Hindu mythology and legends tell stories about the beginning of Bhai Dooj as a festival in two
prominent stories, one about Lord and his sister Subhadra, and another about Lord Yamraj and
his sister Yamuna. The Bhai Dooj festival holds a special significance for the brother-sister bond.
Legends tell that after slaying the demon Narakasura, Lord Krishna visited his sister Subhadra
who greeted him with a tilak ceremony and offered him sweets and flowers. In another story,
legends tell that when Lord Yamraj had gone to visit his twin sister Yamuna, she greeted him with
a tilak ceremony and fed him sweets. Hence, Bhai Dooj came into being with tilak and aarti

ceremony have a significant part.
Difference between Bhai Dooj and Rakshabandhan
As per Hindu mythology, Bhai Dooj is a celebration of the siblings bond between the brother-sister
duo. Whereas Rakshabandhan can be celebrated among friends, mother-sons, and family
relatives. Also, Bhai Dooj is celebrated during the Diwali festival and Rakshabandhan is
celebrated during the Savan month of the Hindu calendar.
Another difference is that on Bhai Dooj, sisters perform aarti and tilak ceremony and vow to
protect their brothers while on Rakshabandhan, sisters tie a rakhi which symbolizes the vow of
the brother to protect her sisters.
Also read: Dhanteras 2021: Date Tithi, Timing, Muhurat, Puja, Importance, History
Also read: Choti Diwali 2021: Narak Chaturdashi Date, Time, Tithi, Abhyang Snan Time,
Significance, History

Third Regional Security Dialogue on

Afghanistan: Delhi Declaration adopted-
Know all important details here
Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan: India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval
chaired the 'Third Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan' in Delhi on November 10, 2021.
The National Security Advisers and Secretaries of National Security Councils of India, Iran,
Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan participated in
the meeting.
The participants discussed the evolving situation in Afghanistan, especially the security situation
and emphasised that Afghanistan’s territory should not be used for sheltering, training, planning
or financing any terrorist acts.
They adopted the Delhi Declaration on Afghanistan in which they reiterated their strong support
for a peaceful, secure and stable Afghanistan while emphasising the respect for unity, sovereignty
and territorial integrity and non-interference in its internal affairs.
The Third Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan held in Delhi emphasised that Afghanistan’s
territory should not be used for sheltering, training, planning or financing any terrorist acts: Delhi
Declaration on Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/GNNKt5khRM
The NSAs of 5 Central Asian countries and Russia and Iran also called upon Indian Prime
Minister Narendra Modi and held discussions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets NSAs of seven countries including 5 Central Asian countries
and Russia and Iran
National Security Adviser Ajit Doval today chaired the Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan
in Delhi pic.twitter.com/jh41gSQdAM

Delhi Declaration on Afghanistan: Key Highlights

•The National Security Advisers paid special attention to the political situation in Afghanistan and
the threats arising from radicalisation, terrorism and drug trafficking and the need for providing
humanitarian assistance.
•All the participants reiterated strong support for a peaceful and secure Afghanistan and
expressed deep concern over the suffering of Afghans and condemned terrorist attacks in Kabul,
Kandahar and Kunduz.
•They emphasised that Afghanistan's territory should be used for training, sheltering, planning or
financing any terrorist act.
•They also condemned all terrorist activities and reaffirmed their firm commitment to combat
terrorism in all its forms including terror financing and dismantling of terrorist infrastructure to
ensure that Afghanistan would never become a safe haven for global terrorism.
"... to ensure that Afghanistan would never become a safe haven for global terrorism: Delhi
Declaration on Afghanistan
•They also called for collective cooperation against the menace of radicalisation, separatism,
extremism and drug trafficking in the region.
•They also stressed on the need to form an open and inclusive government that represents the
will of all people of Afghanistan and includes representation from all sections of the society,
including major ethnopolitical forces in the country.
•The participants further noted that the United Nations has a central role to play in Afghanistan
and its continued presence in the country must be preserved.
•They also emphasised the importance of ensuring that the fundamental rights of women, children
and minority communities are not violated.
The participants emphasized the importance of ensuring that the fundamental rights of women,
children and minority communities are not violated. Also underlined the need to provide urgent
humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan: Delhi Declaration on Afghanistan
•They also underlined the need to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to the people of
Afghanistan.

•They also reiterated their commitment to assist Afghanistan to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The participants of the Third Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan reiterated their
commitment to provide assistance to Afghanistan to prevent the spread of COVID-19: Delhi
Declaration on Afghanistan
•They also reiterated the importance of their dialogue and agreed to remain engaged with each
other in the future and thanked India for hosting the third regional security dialogue on
Afghanistan and agreed to hold the next round in 2022.
Significance
The Delhi Security Dialogue on Afghanistan was different from the dialogues led by foreign
affairs ministries, as it focused mainly on security and there was an attempt to find solutions to
forge a common approach to tackle the threats emanating from Afghanistan.
It is also the first-of-its-kind dialogue to be hosted by India on Afghanistan and the first time that
all central Asian countries participated in this format and not just Afghanistan’s immediate land
neighbours.
Further, none of the participating eight countries including India recognize the Taliban
government in Afghanistan. India had also said earlier that it does not recognize it, which is
why it did not invited the Taliban for the dialogue.
Background
Iran had hosted meetings in a similar format in September 2018 and December 2019. The third
meeting, which was scheduled to be held in India, could not be held earlier due to the COVID-19
pandemic. While China did participate in the earlier meetings, Pakistan didn't attend any of the
meetings.
India had invited Pakistan and China as well to participate in the meeting but Pakistan indicated
through media that it will not attend. China also informed that it would be unable to attend due to a
scheduling issue but it is open for dialogue with India on Afghanistan multilaterally and bilaterally.
Pakistan has not attended any of the previous meetings of this format.
Delhi Security Dialogue on Afghanistan is different from dialogues led by foreign affairs ministries.
This dialogue focuses on security. There'll be an attempt to find solutions &how to forge a
common approach to meet challenges on the threats emanating from Afghanistan: Sources

India vs Scotland live streaming: How and

where to watch India vs Scotland live T20
World Cup match?
India vs Scotland live streaming: India vs Scotland live cricket match will take place at the
7.30pm today at the Dubai International Stadium in UAE. This would be India's fourth Group stage
match in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021.
This is another do or die match for India, which it has to win to keep its chances in the ICC T20
World Cup alive. India won its previous match against Afghanistan, keeping its T20 semifinal
hopes afloat. However, India's semifinal berth will depend on the result of other teams as well.
India are the clear favourites in tonight's clash and Scotland are still waiting for a win in their
Super 12 group 2 stage. The match would be a huge opportunity for Scotland, as it will be one of
its biggest matches, especially with India desperate for a win. India and Scotland have never
played a T20 match against each other.
When to watch India vs Scotland Live streaming?
India vs Scotland live streaming will start at 7.30 pm today.
How to watch India vs Scotland live streaming?
India vs Scotland live streaming will be available on Disney + Hotstar.
Where to watch India vs Scotland live cricket match?
India vs Scotland live cricket match can be viewed on the Star Sports network.
India vs Scotland live streaming details
Time: 7.30pm
Date: November 5th
Venue: Dubai
India vs Scotland Predicted Playing XI

India Predicted Playing XI: Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli (c), Suryakumar Yadav,
Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar
Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah
Scotland Predicted Playing XI: George Munsey, Kyle Coetzer (c), Matthew Cross (wk), Richie
Berrington, Calum MacLeod, Michael Leask, Chris Greaves, Mark Watt, Safyaan Sharif, Alasdair
Evans, Bradley Wheal
India vs Scotland Squad - T20 World Cup 2021
India Squad: Virat Kohli (captain), Rohit Sharma (vc), KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan
Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Shardul Thakur,
Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rahul Chahar, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravichandran Ashwin
Scotland Squad: Kyle Coetzer (c), Richie Berrington, Dylan Budge, Matthew Cross, Josh Davey,
Alasdair Evans, Chris Greaves, Michael Leask, Calum MacLeod, George Munsey, Safyaan
Sharif, Hamza Tahir, Craig Wallace, Mark Watt, Bradley Wheal.

India, Gambia sign two agreements for

deepening bilateral relations
The Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan visited the Republic of Gambia.
The minister held meetings with its President Adam Barrow and other officials and also discussed
bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
As per the press statement by the Ministry of External Affairs, the Minister of State was on a visit
to the West African country from November 1 to November 3, 2021.
During the visit, two agreements were also signed between the friendly nations for deepening the
bilateral relations. As per the External Affairs Ministry, the visit has set the tone for further
diversifying and deepening India’s relations with Gambia.
Had the honour of calling on H. E. Mr. Adama Barrow, President of The Gambia.
Conveyed greetings of Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji.
Impressed to hear his admiration for Mahatma Gandhi ji and his ideals. The anthology “What
Gandhi Means to me” he wrote, reflects that. pic.twitter.com/aAj9qyYDBA
— V. Muraleedharan (@MOS_MEA) November 2, 2021

Two agreements signed between India and Gambia
Two agreements signed between India and Gambia during the visit of the Minister of State (MoS)
are-
• Agreement on Exemption from Visa Requirement for Holders of Diplomatic and Official
Passports.
• A General Framework Agreement for Cooperation between India and The Gambia.
Glad to have signed two agreements during my visit to The Gambia.
1 Agreement for exemption of visa for official and diplomatic passport holders.

2 General Framework Agreement for setting up of Joint Commision.
A step in fostering the relationship, further. pic.twitter.com/mQsVPeYMPf
— V. Muraleedharan (@MOS_MEA) November 1, 2021

Other initiatives between India and Gambia
• Based on the request by the Gambia, a repurposing of USD 5,00,000 grant for procuring the
dialysis machine was announced during Muraleedharan’s visit.
• The Minister of State and Dr. Mamadou Tangara also jointly released the design of a
commemorative stamp, marking 75 years of India’s Independence.
MoS Muraleedharan’s visit to Gambia
• The Minister of State visited the National Assembly Building Complex of The Gambia in Banjul.
It is one of the landmark projects in West Africa built under the Line of Credit.
• The Minister also visited two ongoing Indian LOC projects, an Electrification Expansion Project
and a Water Project of Replacement of asbestos water pipes with UPVC in the Greater Banjul
area.
• During the visit to Gambia, the Minister of State Muraleedharan also visited the Katchikally
Museum and the University of The Gambia construction site. It is a Gambian Government Project
which is being constructed by an Indian Company.
Indian community in Gambia
The Gambia has a small but vibrant Indian community of about 1,600 people, mostly
businessmen and traders. The Minister of State interacted with the members of the Indian
community during the visit.

Iran nuclear deal talks to resume on

November 29 in Vienna
Iran and the European Union (EU) have agreed to resume the 2015 Iran nuclear deal on
November 29 in Vienna. The EU’s European External Action Service in a statement dated
November 3, 2021, said that the Joint Commission of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action
(JCPOA) will convene the meeting in a physical format which will be chaired by Enrique Mora on
behalf of EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell. Representatives of the UK, China, Russia,
France, Iran, and Germany will attend the meeting.
After a phone call with European Union mediator Enrique Mora, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister
Ali Bagheri Kani tweeted, “We agreed to start the negotiations aiming at the removal of unlawful
and inhuman sanctions on November 29 in Vienna.” Bagheri is also Tehran’s lead negotiator.
Bagheri tweeted.
Iran, EU to resume Iran nuclear deal – Agenda
The EU’s European External Action Service informed that the participants would resume
discussions on the prospect of a possible return of the US to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of
Action (JCPOA). They will also deliberate on how to ensure the full and effective implementation
of the agreement by all sides.
The Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council suggested that the revival talks of the
nuclear deal would be a failure unless the US guarantees it would not withdraw from the deal
again.
Also read: Trump announces US withdrawal from Iran nuclear deal
Iran nuclear deal on hold since US withdrawal
The Iran nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan for Action (JCPOA) signed in 2015
by Iran during former US President Barack Obama went into shambles when his successor and
former-US President Donald Trump withdrew from the nuclear pact in May 2018 and reimposed
sanctions on Iran. This led to Tehran breaching limits on uranium enrichment set as per the
nuclear deal.

In April 2021, Tehran and six other world powers began the discussion to restore the nuclear
pact. The last round of talks was in June 2021, then the negotiations have been on hold as the
election of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi was to be held. The Raisi administration however is
expected to take a tough approach at the nuclear deal talks.
Also read: Ebrahim Raisi inaugurated as Iran’s new President

What is Iran Nuclear Deal?
The Iran Nuclear Deal also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is a
landmark nuclear agreement that was signed by Iran and several world powers including the
US in July 2015. The participants of the Iran Nuclear Deal are Iran, France, China, Germany,
China, the US, the UK, and the European Union.
Under the nuclear deal, the JCPOA places several restrictions on Iran’s nuclear enrichment
program in exchange for billions of dollars worth of sanctions relief.
However, former-US President Donald Trump withdrew in 2018 and reimposed sanctions on
Iran. In retaliation, Iran breached the nuclear pact and resume some of its nuclear activities. In
2021, US-President Joe Biden suggested that the US would return to the nuclear deal if Iran
complied with the pact however Iran leaders insist on uplifting of sanctions first. The Raisi
administration under Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi has expressed to take a tough stance on
nuclear negotiations.
Also read: Iran and P5+1 gave nod for nuclear agreement Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action
(JCPOA)

WHO Chief Tedros Ghebreyesus honoured

with Nizami Ganjavi Award- Who was Nizami
Ganjavi?
World Health Organisation (WHO) Director General Tedros Ghebreyesus and UN Geneva Office
Director General Tatiana Valovaya were honoured with the Nizami Ganjavi International
Award on November 4, 2021.
The Nizami Ganjavi International Awards were presented during the 8th Global Baku Forum titled
“The World After #COVID19”. The awards were organised by the Nizami Ganjavi International
Center under the chairmanship of Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev.
LIVE: Presentation of the Nizami Ganjavi Award to @DrTedros https://t.co/sQgwGSOu1y

8th Global Baku Forum
The 8th Global Baku Forum brought together high-level delegates including former heads of state
and government and international officials of non-governmental organizations from more than 40
countries to discuss issues of global importance.
The forum will include panel discussions on topics including "New world economy", "Health care
and vaccination", "New world order after COVID-19", "Promoting food security", "In a new era:
peace, security and human rights" and "Combatting climate change and meeting global energy
demand" and "Eastern Partnership and its opportunities" including the situation in the Balkans,
South Caucasus and the EU.
What is Nizami Ganjavi International Award?
The Nizami Ganjavi International Award was established in 2012. The award celebrates the
great Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjvai and is presented to distinguished personalities and
institutions who embody the values that Nizami Ganjavi promoted through his poetry.
Who was Nizami Ganjavi?
•Nizami Ganjavi is the greatest representative of the Eastern Renaissance. He was born in the
12th century in Ganja, Azerbaijan.

•He epitomized the global citizen of his day and represented the quintessence of world literature
in his immortal work “Khamsa” (Five).
•Nizami Ganjavi’s poetry has been centred around humanity and his mission has been to apply
his creativity to the service of his people.
•The main theme of his work include people and nations, gender equality, peaceful coexistence,
cross-cultural understanding, ideal leadership and respect among classes.
•Ganjavi was also a social reformer and his works reflect a genuine, deep concern for the human
condition, for all people and the status of women. He is not just celebrated in his native Azerbaijan
but in the whole world.
Nizami Ganjavi International Award winners
The Nizami Ganjavi International Award 2019 was conferred to Afghanistan President Ashraf
Ghani for his contribution to international security and peace. In 2018, the award was bestowed
upon Mehriban Aliyeva, the first Vice-President of Azerbaijan for her role in fostering global
projects for the development of science, education and culture and M.V.Vardinoyannis,
UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for her humanitarian and cultural endeavors.

Molnupiravir: UK becomes first country to

approve oral Covid pill; All you need to know
about Covid drug
The United Kingdom on November 4, 2021, became the first country in the world to
approve a potentially game-changing COVID-19 anti-viral pill. It has been jointly developed by
the U.S.-based Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, in a boost to the fight against pandemic.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) of Britain recommended the
drug, Molnupiravir, be used as soon as possible following a positive COVID-19 test and within five
days of the onset of the symptoms, citing the clinical data.
Treatments to tackle the widespread COVID-19 pandemic, which has killed more than 5.2 million
people worldwide, have so far focused mainly on vaccines. Other options, which include generic
steroid dexamethasone and Gilead’s infused antiviral remdesivir, are generally only given after a
patient has been hospitalized.
BREAKING NEWS:
The UK has become the first country in the world to approve a COVID-19 antiviral -
@MSDintheUK's #molnupiravir.
Great news from the @MHRAgovuk which will benefit the country's most vulnerable - we're now
working at pace to deploy it to patients. pic.twitter.com/FCMRkMiUP9
— Sajid Javid (@sajidjavid) November 4, 2021

Molnupiravir: COVID-19 antiviral pill
• This is the first oral antiviral treatment for Coronavirus that has received approval, with
the green light coming ahead of the potential US regulatory clearance. The US advisers will be
meeting in November 2021 to vote on whether the pill should be authorized.
• The Molnupiravir pill of Merck has been closely watched since data in October 2021 showed
that the pill could halves the chances of dying or being hospitalized for those most at risk of
developing severe COVID-19 when given early in the illness.
How does COVID pill work?

The COVID-19 antiviral pill has been designed to introduce the errors into the genetic code of
the virus that causes COVID-19. The pill is taken twice a day for five days.
How much effective is Merck’s COVID pill?
The viral sequencing done so far has shown that Molnupiravir is effective against all the
variants of the COVID-19, including the more infectious Delta variant which is responsible for
the worldwide surge in hospitalizations and deaths recently.
The Molnupiravir pill is also being studied in a late-stage trial for preventing infections.
COVID-19 antiviral pill in Britain
• The oral antiviral treatment for COVID-19 will be branded as ‘Lagevrio’ in Britain.
• The British Government and the National Health Service (NHS) of the country will confirm how
the treatment will be deployed to patients in the due course.
• Health Secretary of Britain said that the department has been working at pace across the
government and with NHS to set out the plans to deploy Molnupiravir to patients through national
study as soon as possible.
• In October 2021, Britain agreed on a deal with Merck to secure 4,80,000 courses of
Molnupiravir.
• Pressure has also been growing on the British government to implement its Plan B. It aims at
protecting NHS from unsustainable demands, involving vaccine passes, mask mandates, and
Work From Home orders.
• The speedy approval of the COVID pill in Britain comes as the government struggles to tame
the soaring infections.
Merck’s plans for its COVID-19 pill
Merck, in a separate statement, said that it was expecting to produce 10 million courses of the
treatment by the end of 2021, with at least 20 million sets to be manufactured in 2022.
While it is still not clear when Merck will deliver the doses to Britain, the firm has said that it is
committed to providing timely access to its drug globally. The company is also in talks with
generic drug makers about expanding the manufacturing licenses to build a supply of the

treatment.
Other firms racing to develop COVID anti-viral pill
• Roche and Pfizer have also been racing to develop easy-to-administer antiviral pills for COVID-
19. In October 2021, Pfizer began a large study of its oral antiviral drug for the prevention of
COVID-19 in people exposed to Coronavirus.
• Antibody cocktails like those from Eli Lilly and Regeneron have also been approved for non-
hospitalized COVID patients, but have to be given intravenously.

Dwayne Bravo retirement: West Indies star

all-rounder retires from international cricket-
Get his batting, bowling stats here
Dwayne Bravo retirement: West Indies star all-rounder and former captain Dwayne Bravo
announced his retirement from international cricket on November 6, 2021, after West Indies
ended its T20 World Cup 2021 campaign following its defeat against Australia in the final Super
12 stage match.
The legendary bowler announced that he will be retiring from the sport in his post-match
statement. He said, “Being around the international circuit to represent my country for, let’s
say, 18 years – 18 years, I’m very grateful to represent the West Indies for so long. There
are some strong friendships with great people and some great players, and I’m very lucky
to be playing this game.”
A dream come true and a career of passion. #T20WorldCup #MissionMaroon

pic.twitter.com/rxBbQCm6Fi
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) November 6, 2021
Australia beat the defending champions by 8 wickets in their final Super 12 match of Group 1 of
the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021. In his last game, Bravo bowled four overs and gave
away 36 runs and made 10 runs.
Following the match, both the teams gave a guard of honour to Bravo, who brought curtains down
on his nearly two-decade-old cricket career, as he had made his debut against England in
Guyana in April, 2004.
18 years of service to our region. From all of us at CWI and the Maroon Fans.. Thank You
@DJBravo47.#LastDance #MissionMaroon #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/da3LFNBdD0
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) November 6, 2021
Cricket West Indies (CWI) also praised Dwayne Bravo for his outstanding international career,
during which he helped West Indies win three ICC World titles including the 2004 ICC Champions
Trophy in England, 2012 T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka and 2016 T20 World Cup in India.

Dwayne Bravo retirement
The International Cricket Council had informed on November 5, 2021 that West Indies all-rounder
Dwayne Bravo has confirmed that he will retire at the end of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.
Dwayne Bravo said, "I think the time has come. I've had a very good career. To represent
the West Indies for 18 years, had some ups and downs, but as I look back at it I'm very
grateful to represent the region and the Caribbean people for so long."
West Indies vs Australia group stage match on November 6, 2021 will be the allrounder's last
match with the national cricket team.
Dwayne Bravo initial retirement and return
Dwayne Bravo had announced his retirement from Test cricket in January 2015. He had then
announced his retirement from all formats of international cricket except franchise T20 cricket
in October 2018. Since 2011, Bravo has been a part of the Chennai Super Kings IPL team.
He had later come out of international retirement in December 2019 ahead of the 2020 T20
World Cup. He was then named in the West Indies squad for the 2021 ICC Men's T20 World
Cup.
About Dwayne Bravo
•Dwayne John Bravo is a former Trinidadian cricketer and former captain of the West Indies
cricket team.
•The all-rounder is a right-handed batsman and right-arm medium-fast bowler. He is regarded as

one of the best death bowlers in T20 Cricket.
•Since his debut in 2004, Bravo has played 40 Tests, 164 ODIs and 66 Twenty20 Internationals
for the West Indies.
•He had been an integral part of the West Indies team that had won the 2012 ICC T20 World Cup
and 2016 ICC T20 World Cup.
•Bravo is a leading wicket-taker for West Indies in T20 Internationals with 78 wickets in 91
matches and his best figures are 4-19, which came in the West Indies vs South Africa match held
earlier this year at the Grenada National Stadium.

•The seam-bowling all-rounder has also scored more than 1000 runs in T20 cricket.
•In IPL, he was initially a part of the Mumbai Indians team for the first three seasons. He was
picked up by CSK during the 2011 IPL auctions.
Dwayne Bravo stats- Batting/ Bowling stats
Dwayne Bravo Batting stats
Matches Matches Played Runs 100s/50s Top score
Test 40 2,200 3/13 113
ODI 164 2,968 2/10 112*
T20 89 1,255 0/4 66*
Dwayne Bravo Bowling stats
Matches Matches Played Wickets 5/ 10 wickets
Test 40 86 2/0
ODI 164 199 1/0
T20 91 78 0/0

Indian boxer Akash Kumar wins bronze,

becomes 7th male boxer to win medal at
World Boxing Championships
Indian boxer Akash Kumar became the 7th Indian male boxer who won a medal at the
World Boxing Championships. Akash a bronze medal in the 54-kg category at the 2021 AIBA
Men’s World Boxing Championships in Belgrade, Serbia on November 4, 2021. Akash will receive
$25,000 as prize money and a belt for his accomplishment. He suffered a 0-5 loss against
Kazakhstan’s Makhmud Sabyrkhan in the 54-kg category.
21-year-old Akash was playing his debut World Championship at an elite level. With the
bronze medal win, Akash joined the elite league of boxers who have won medals at the men’s
World Championships.
The 2021 AIBA men’s World Boxing Championships saw the participation of 650 top boxers from
more than 100 countries. The gold medalists of each category will be presented with $1,00,000
while silver and bronze medalists will be awarded $50,000 and $25,000 respectively. The total
prize money at AIBA 2021 World Boxing Championship was $2.6 million. All winners at AIBA
2021 will be awarded medals made of solid gold and silver, and belts for their accomplishment.s
Who is Akash Kumar?
Akash Kumar is an Indian boxer from Bhiwani, Haryana who was introduced to Boxing in 2008 by
his wrestler father. 21-year-old boxer Akash Kumar is 5’3” tall. He became the 7th Indian male
boxer who won a medal at the World Boxing Championships after securing a bronze medal in the
54-kg category at the 2021 AIBA men’s World Boxing Championships in Belgrade. Akash is an
alumnus of the Army Sports Institute in Pune. He has trained under Sanjay Sheoran.
With the bronze medal win, Akash secured the 7th medal for India at the World Boxing
Championships and joined the elite league of boxers who have won medals at the men’s World
Championships.
List of medal winners at Men’s World Boxing Championships

Name Medal Year

Amit Phangal Silver 2019

Manish Kaushik Bronze 2019
Gaurav Bidhuri Bronze 2017
Shiva Thapa Bronze 2015
Vikas Krishnan Bronze 2011
Vijender Singh Bronze 2009
Also read: Ajay Singh re-elected as President of Boxing Federation of India
Also read: Lovlina Borgohain wins India's third medal, becomes third Indian boxer to win Olympic
bronze

Booker Prize 2021: South African Novelist

Damon Galgut wins Booker for his novel ‘The
Promise’
Damon Galgut, a South African novelist, on November 3, 2021, won the 2021 Booker Prize
for his novel ‘The Promise’. It was one of the six shortlisted novels for the Booker Prize and
stood out for its artistry and scope.
The novelist who was shortlisted for two of his previous books received one of the most
prestigious literary awards for his cutting depiction of a white family in a post-apartheid South
Africa. Damon Galgut was also shortlisted twice before, in 2003 and 2010.
The Booker Prize 2021 judges announced Galgut the winner and praised his novel for its
“unusual narrative style that balances the Faulknerian exuberance with Nabokovian
precision, pushed boundaries, and is a testament to the flourishing of the novel in the 21st
century.”
We are delighted to announce that the winner of the #2021BookerPrize is 'The Promise' by
Damon Galgut! Watch Damon’s winner’s interview live on the BBC now:
https://t.co/AV21wqAtaD@ChattoBooks @vintagebooks @penguinrandom
pic.twitter.com/TeC0WvN9k9
— The Booker Prizes (@TheBookerPrizes) November 3, 2021

Damon Galgut’s ‘The Promise’ wins Booker Prize 2021
‘The Promise’, which is also Galgut’s ninth book, had already won acclaim among critics
for its menacing and bleakly funny portrait of the Swart family. They are the
descendants of Dutch settlers who are desperately trying to hold onto their farm and
status in post-apartheid South Africa.
Who is Damon Galgut?
• Damon Galgut is a South African playwright and novelist who has been awarded the 2021
Booker Prize for his novel ‘The Promise’.
• Galgut wrote his first novel ‘A Sinless Season’ at the age of 17 in 1982.

• After his work ‘The Good Doctor’ was published in 2003, Galgut became better known outside
South Africa. It was the story of two contrasting characters in a remote, rural hospital in post-
apartheid South Africa. Good Doctor was received enthusiastically by critics and was shortlisted
for Booker Prize in 2003.
• In 2010 Booker Prize, his novel ‘In a Strange Room’ was shortlisted for fiction.
• By winning the 2021 Booker Prize for his novel ‘The Promise’, Galgut has become the third
writer from South Africa to win the prize, following Nadine Gordimer and JM Coetzee, who has
won twice.
2021 Booker Prize: American authors dominate the shortlist
• American authors have once again dominated the shortlist of Booker Prize in 2021, accounting
for three of the finalists. They were Richard Powers for ‘Bewilderment’, Patricia Lockwood for ‘No
One is Talking About This’, and Maggie Shipstead for ‘Great Circle’.
• The other authors shortlisted for Booker Prize 2021 were Anuk Arudpragasam for “A Passage
North”. It is about a lingering trauma from his country’s Civil War. The another one was the
British and Somali Novelist Nadifa Mohamed for ‘The Fortunate Men’, about a Somali man who
has been falsely accused of murder in Wales.
Booker Prize
• The Booker Prize is awarded manually to the best novel written in English and published in
Ireland or Britain. The prize was selected in 2021 from 158 submitted novels.
• In 2020, the Booker Prize went to Douglas Stuart for ‘Shuggie Bain’. It was his autobiographical
debut novel which was about growing up in Scotland with an alcoholic mother.
• Breaking the tradition in 2019, the literary prize was awarded jointly to Margaret Atwood and
Bernardine Evaristo.
• Booker Prize, since 2014, has been open to any novel written in English and published in
Britain. Previously, it was limited to the writers from Ireland, Britain, Zimbabwe, and the
Commonwealth.

World Tsunami Awareness Day 2021: All you

Need to Know about UN Designated Day
Every year on November 5, World Tsunami Awareness Day is observed to raise tsunami
awareness and share innovative approaches to risk reduction. In the past 100 years, tsunamis
have killed more than 2,60,000 people. The Indian Ocean tsunami in December 2004 claimed the
highest number of lives which is estimated to be 2,27,000 across 14 countries. World Tsunami
Awareness Day was the brainchild of Japan due to its repeated exposure to it.
On World Tsunami Awareness Day 2021, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, “Rising
sea level caused by the climate emergency” will further increase the risk associated with
tsunamis, Guterres added while stressing to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees.”
What is theme of World Tsunami Awareness Day 2021?
The theme of World Tsunami Awareness Day 2021 is ‘Enhancing international cooperation for
developing countries to raise tsunami awareness’. The World Tsunami Awareness Day 2021
will be promoting the ‘Sendai Seven Campaign’ target (f). The campaign aims to ‘substantially
enhance international cooperation to developing countries through adequate and sustainable
support to complement their national actions for the implementation of the present Sendai
Framework by 2030’.
On this day, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on all countries, international
bodies, civil society for increasing understanding of tsunamis and share innovative
approaches to reduce risks.
World Tsunami Awareness Day: Significance
In the past 100 years, more than 2,60,000 people lost their lives in 58 tsunamis. This accounts for
an average of 4,600 deaths per tsunami, surpassing the death toll for any other natural hazard.
However, tsunamis are rare events but can be extremely devastating. The Indian Ocean tsunami
in December 2004 along had claimed the lives of 2,27,000 across 14 countries of which India, Sri
Lanka, and Thailand were the hardest hit.
The significance of increasing understanding of tsunamis and innovative approaches to

reduce risks is increasing as growing tourism and rapid urbanization in tsunami-prone areas are

putting more people at risk. By 2030, an estimated 50 per cent of the world’s population is
expected to live in coastal areas which will expose them to tsunamis, floods, and storms.
Therefore, enhancing international cooperation with developing countries will ensure that 100 per
cent of these communities in tsunami-prone areas will be prepared and resilient to tsunamis by
2030.
World Tsunami Awareness Day: History
In December 2015, the UN General Assembly declared November 5 as World Tsunami

Awareness Day. The UN Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDDR) in collaboration with the UN system
facilitates the observance of World Tsunami Awareness Day.
World Tsunami Awareness Day, however, was the brainchild of Japan due to its repeated
exposure to the extremely devastating natural hazard. Just three weeks after the Indian Ocean
tsunami in December 2004, Governments across the world adopted the 10-year Hyogo
Framework for Action which is a global agreement on disaster risk reduction. They also devised
the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System that monitors seismographic and sea-
level events to alert the national tsunami information centres.
After the expiration of the Hyogo Framework for Action in 2014, the governments adopted the
Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 that outlined seven clear targets and
four priorities to prevent and reduce disaster risks.
What are tsunamis?
Tsunami word means ‘tsu (harbour) and ‘nami’ (wave). A tsunami is a series of enormous waves
created due to underwater disturbance usually earthquakes below or near the ocean. Apart from
earthquakes, falling of coastal rocks, volcanic eruptions, submarine landslides can also cause
displacement of water mass.
Tsunami waves can reach upto heights of 98 feet (30 meters). The landslide-generated tsunami
in Lituya Bay, Alaska in 1958 reached up 1,722 feet (525 meters).

Delhi air quality: Delhi air quality improves to

very poor with AQI of 432
delhiDelhi AQI today: Delhi's air quality improved to 'very poor' from 'severe' category on
November 9, 2021 with an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 372, informed System of Air Quality &
Weather Forecasting & Research (SAFAR).
However, the smoke and haze continue to cover the sky of the national capital. The Central
Pollution Control Board has suggested emergency measures to tackle the air pollution in Delhi
including as sprinkling of water on roads, increasing the frequency of mechanised cleaning of
roads.
Delhi's air quality improves to 'very poor' from 'severe' category with Air Quality Index (AQI)
standing at 372: System of Air Quality & Weather Forecasting & Research (SAFAR)
Visual from Laxmi Nagar pic.twitter.com/FKAWhXdiue
The pollution control board also suggested ensuring maximise generation of power from existing
natural gas based plants and that all brick kilns remain closed. Earlier on November 8, the Delhi
Environment Minister Gopal Rai had inspected sites using anti-smog guns to curb air pollution.
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai inspects sites using anti-smog guns to curb air pollution
"I saw a lot of statements by BJP MPs. LG has issued guidelines by which Chhath Puja cannot
happen. They are playing politics. Let BJP try... Delhi will celebrate Chhath," he says
pic.twitter.com/Os7C2E8KsP
Till yesterday, the Delhi air quality was in the 'severe category' with an overall AQI of 432.
Delhi's air quality has been in the severe category every day since after Diwali when rampant
cracker bursting was reported in the capital despite a blanket ban on the sale and storage of
firecrackers by the Delhi government.
According to SAFAR, Delhi AQI is high because of the large influx of stubble-related pollutants
that appear to be due to the much higher effective fire count than what was assumed in the

SAFAR model for forecasting. The environmental experts have stressed that the Centre and state
should take collective efforts to mitigate air pollution in the capital.
What is the source of Delhi's air pollution?
The major source of Delhi's air pollution is cracker bursting and stubble burning and other sources
include industries, power plants, transportation, construction sites, fugitive dust and biomass
emissions.
The environmentalists have suggested halting of all construction and demolition activities for a
week and controlling vehicular movement and also sprinkling of water at construction sites to
bring down the air pollution level.
How is Delhi air pollution becoming a public health emergency?
As per environmentalists, the situation is becoming a public health emergency, as, despite
emergency measures, the Delhi AQI is still in the severe category. The high level of pollutants in
the air and the smoky haze is causing citizens of the city to have breathing issues and irritation in
the eyes and throat.
People have been advised to avoid all outdoor physical activities and move to indoor activities
and those suffering from asthma, have been advised to keep relief medicine handy, as per the
SAFAR advisory.
Delhi Environment Minister, Gopal Rai said, "As an emergency measure, we've started
spraying water on roads with the help of anti-smog water tanks to reduce the air pollution.
We've also banned 92 construction sites for violating norms."
Delhi AQI Today (6am/November 8th)
Pusa road- 4377
Narela- 512
Wazirpur- 455
ITI Jahangirpuri- 498
Anand Vihar- 567

Patparganj-385
JLN- 333
Mundka- 348
Punjabi Bagh-319
Aurobindo Marg- 376
RK Puram- 256
ITI Shahdara- 523
Karni Shooting Range-400
Air Quality level in neighbouring cities
Gurugram, Gwal Pahari- 424
Knowledge Park V, Greater Noida- 532
Noida, Sector 62- 712
Faridabad- 424
Ghaziabad, Indirapuram- 608

Air Quality Index - What air quality level is considered good?
0-50 aqi- Good
50-100 aqi- Moderate
100-150 aqi- Unhealthy for sensitive groups
150-200 aqi- Unhealthy
200-300 aqi- Very unhealthy
300-500 aqi- Hazardous

What is PM10 and PM2.5?
PM10 is particulate matter that is 10 micrometers or less in diameter, while PM2.5 is particulate
matter that is 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter. PM2.5 is also described as fine particles.
These small particles can pass from the lungs into the bloodstream and affect the
cardiovascular system and cause lung diseases and breathing issues among people.
Background
Delhi air quality level had turned hazardous on November 5, 2021 following Diwali, despite a
complete ban on crackers. A thick layer of smog blanketed the region, reducing visibility across
the capital. The cracker bursting was reported till late at night in Delhi-NCR.
The Haryana government had also imposed a ban on the sale or use of all kinds of firecrackers in
14 districts, while the Uttar Pradesh government had allowed the use of green crackers on Diwali
for two hours.
Bursting of crackers along with unfavourable meteorological conditions including low temperature,
low mixing height and calm winds resulted in the air quality level dipping to severe.
Several citizens woke up with watery eyes and an itchy throat due to the smoggy haze. The Delhi
pollution level is only expected to get worse with a likely increase in fumes from farm fires.
As per Delhi government's Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), the Delhi air quality is
considered to be in the emergency category if PM2.5 and PM10 levels rise above 300
micrograms per cubic metre and 500 micrograms per cubic metre respectively for over 48 hours.

PM Modi in Kedarnath: PM offers prayers at

Kedarnath Temple, inaugurates projects
worth Rs. 130 crores
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Kedarnath, Uttarakhand on the morning of November 5,

2021, and offered prayers at the Kedarnath Temple. During his visit, Prime Minister Modi also
inaugurated the Samadhi and unveiled the statue of Shri Adi Shankaracharya.
The samadhi of Adi Shankaracharya has been reconstructed after its destruction in the
Uttarakhand floods in 2013.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveils the statue of Shri Adi Shankaracharya at Kedarnath in
Uttarakhand pic.twitter.com/7yX0Ft7fOO
Before the inauguration, Prime Minister offered prayers and performed arti at the ancient temple.
He also paid obeisance to Lord Shiva and undertook the circumambulation of the Kedarnath
Shrine after offering prayers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays obeisance to Lord Shiva at Kedarnath temple in Uttarakhand
pic.twitter.com/V9gIdrrgTo
The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami said that under PM Modi’s
leadership development projects worth crores of rupees have been inaugurated in the last
5 years in the state. Work is underway on railway projects between Rishikesh-
Karanprayag. Work is also in progress on Char Dham all-weather road under the Bharat
Mala Project of the Government.
Under PM's leadership, development projects worth crores of rupees have been inaugurated in
the state in last 5 years. Work is underway on railway project b/w Rishikesh-Karanprayag. Work is
in progress on Char Dham all-weather road under govt's Bharat Mala project: Uttarakhand CM
pic.twitter.com/U719GEIAkT

PM Modi inaugurates re-development projects at Kedarnath

Prime Minister Modi, during his visit to Kedarnath, inaugurated the re-development projects worth
Rs. 130 crores at Kedarnath.
These projects include the Mandakini Retaining Wall Aasthapath, Saraswati Retaining Wall
Aasthapath, and Ghats, Garud Chatti Bridge on river Mandakini, and Tirth Purohit Houses.
Uttarakhand | Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates re-development projects worth Rs 130cr
at Kedarnath
These projects include Saraswati Retaining Wall Aasthapath and Ghats, Mandakini Retaining
Wall Aasthapath, Tirth Purohit Houses and Garud Chatti bridge on river Mandakini
pic.twitter.com/BxYcfPcyw4

Kedarnath Temple
Located on the bank of Mandakini River, Kedarnath Temple is one of the four ancient
pilgrimage sites referred to as 'Char Dham Yatra' which also includes Gangotri,
Yamunotri, and Badrinath. Built-in the 8th century AD by Jagad Guru Adi
Shankaracharya, Kedarnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Prime Minister Modi unveils Adi Shankaracharya statue and unveils Samadhi
• Prime Minister Modi, during the inauguration of Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi, said that you are
all witness to the inauguration of Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi here today. His devotees are
present here in spirit. All maths and jyotirlingas are connected with us here today.
You all are witness to the inauguration of Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi here today. His devotees
are present here in spirit. All maths and 'jyotirlingas' in the country are connected with us today:
PM Modi at Kedarnath, Uttarakhand pic.twitter.com/0lXVUvn56b
• Prime Minister Modi at Kedarnath said that there was a time when religion and spirituality were
believed to be associated only with stereotypes. But, Indian Philosophy talks about human
welfare and sees life in a holistic manner. Adi Shankaracharya worked to make society aware
about this truth.
There was a time when spirituality and religion were believed to be associated only with
stereotypes. But, Indian philosophy talks about human welfare, sees life in a holistic manner. Adi
Shankaracharya worked to make the society aware about this truth: PM Modi at Kedarnath

pic.twitter.com/qhozsmNnn9

Infrastructure planned for Uttarakhand
Prime Minister Modi in Kedarnath said that a number of infrastructure works have been planned
for Uttarakhand including the road connectivity to Char Dhams & ropeway near Hemkund Sahib
to facilitate the devotees. This decade belongs to Uttarakhand and in the next 10 years, the state
will receive more tourists than it did in the last 100 years. '
A no.of infrastructure works are planned for Uttarakhand incl road connectivity to Char Dhams &
ropeway near Hemkund Sahib to facilitate devotees. This decade belongs to Uttarakhand. In next
10 years, the state will receive more tourists than it did in the last 100 years: PM Modi
pic.twitter.com/4kS2WjvWTS

Background
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Uttarakhand has come ahead of the 2022 Assembly polls in the
state. He also addressed the public rally during his visit to the shrine.

Prime Minister Modi visits Kedarnath Temple in Uttarakhand
Prime Minister Modi on November 5, 2021, visited Kedarnath Temple in Uttarakhand’s

Rudraprayag district to offer prayers. After offering prayer at the temple, PM Modi is scheduled to
inaugurate the reconstructed samadhi of Adi Shankaracharya and will also unveil a statue of the
seer at temple premises. He will also review the ongoing construction works.
Delhi-NCR air quality worsens
The air quality of the National Capital Region has deteriorated as it entered the ‘severe’ category
on the morning of November 5, 2021, post-Diwali. According to the Minister of Earth Sciences’
SAFAR-India application, the Air Quality Index of Noida has slipped to the severe category. The
air quality of Noida recorded the concentration of PM 10 stood at AQI of 448.
West Indies Dwayne Bravo announces retirement from International Cricket
The all-rounder from the West Indies Cricket team Dwayne Bravo has announced that he will
retire from International cricket after the conclusion of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021. He had
made his debut against England in 2006.
Subrata Mukherjee, West Bengal Minister & TMC leader passes away
The Minister of West Bengal and senior TMC leader, Subrata Mukherjee passed away at the age
of 75 in Kolkata. The news of his demise was confirmed by the Chief Minister of West Bengal
Mamata Banerjee. She also informed that his mortal remains will be kept at Rabindra Sadan for
people to pay their last respects.
India requests Pakistan to let use its airspace for the Srinagar-Sharjah flight
India has requested Pakistan to grant an overflight clearance to the GoFirst Airline’s Srinagar-
Sharjah flight. The request has been made keeping in mind the larger interest of the people who
have booked tickets for the route. The flight on the route was recently inaugurated by the Home
Minister Amit Shah in Srinagar.
Diwali-themed animation at One World Trade Center, US

For the first time ever, Diwali-themed animation has adorned One World Trade Center in the
United States. At the festival, the fireworks were also displayed that were viewed by the
audiences from both sides of the Hudson River.
UK becomes first country to approve the anti-COVID pill
The United Kingdom has become the first country in the world to approve a game-changing
COVID-19 antiviral pill. It has been jointly developed by the US-based- Merck and Ridgeback
Biotherapeutics, in a fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVAXIN granted much-awaited WHO

approval
The World Health Organisation (WHO) granted its much-awaited Emergency Use Listing (EUL) to
India's first indigenously developed COVID-19 vaccine, Covaxin on November 3, 2021. The
vaccine has now been added to the growing portfolio of vaccines that have received a go-ahead
from WHO for emergency use against COVID-19.
Following the WHO's EUL Listing approval, Bharat Biotech MD Dr Krishna Ella said in a video,
"Today, Covaxin got EUL from WHO. It's a momentous occasion for Indian innovation,
entrepreneurship, startup & Indian science. We're grateful to the PM & many respected
people who took Covaxin to instill confidence in Indian science."
#WATCH | Today, Covaxin got EUL from WHO. It's a momentous occasion for Indian innovation,
entrepreneurship, startup & Indian science. We're grateful to the PM & many respected people
who took Covaxin to instill confidence in Indian science: Bharat Biotech MD Dr Krishna Ella
pic.twitter.com/Wxdn5qk6dW
ICMR DG Dr Balram Bhargava said, "With this, the whole world opens up for us, for sending
this vaccine. Now that we have administered a large number of vaccine doses, we will be
able to send this absolutely indigenous vaccine to the rest of the world."
With this, the whole world opens up for us, for sending this vaccine. Now that we have
administered a large number of vaccine doses, we will be able to send this absolutely indigenous
vaccine to the rest of the world: ICMR DG Dr Balram Bhargava on WHO's EUL to #Covaxin
pic.twitter.com/ABgEAmEfPu
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya thanked WHO for Emergency Use Listing (EUL) to the
Made-in-India Covaxin. He said, "This is a sign of a capable leadership. This is the story of Modi
Ji's resolve."
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya thanks WHO for Emergency Use Listing (EUL) to
Made-in-India Covaxin

"This is a sign of a capable leadership. This is the story of Modi Ji's resolve," he tweets.
pic.twitter.com/fGSNcYufuQ
WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, "Glad to see one more vaccine,
#Covaxin, being granted WHO emergency use listing. The more products we have to fight
#COVID19, the better."
Glad to see one more vaccine, #Covaxin, being granted WHO emergency use listing. The more
products we have to fight #COVID19, the better: WHO DG Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
pic.twitter.com/t6czetH2OT

Significance
The WHO EUL Listing will now enable Covaxin to get emergency use approval in other countries
as well that haven't yet given it a go-ahead.The countries will now be able to expedite their
regulatory approval processes to import and administer Covaxin.
This also means that UNICEF, GAVI COVAX facility, Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO),
will be able to procure Covaxin for distribution to countries worldwide.
With validation from WHO, countries can now expedite their regulatory approval processes to
import & administer Covaxin. UNICEF, Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO), GAVI COVAX
facility, will be able to procure Covaxin for distribution to countries worldwide: Bharat Biotech
https://t.co/c9PTViNR5F
The approval will also enable travellers fully vaccinated with Covaxin to travel to the United States
from November 8. The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) acknowledged WHO's EUL listing
of India's indigenous vaccine Covaxin on November 3, 2021.
The US CDC's travel guidance allows all people vaccinated with FDA approved and WHO
Emergency Use Listing vaccines to enter the United States. The guidance includes any new
vaccine that may be added to either of those lists over time.
Key Highlights
Covaxin has shown 77.8 percent efficacy against symptomatic COVID-19 and 65.2 percent

efficacy against the new Delta variant.
Bharat Biotech has concluded the final analysis of the protection offered by Covaxin against the
COVID-19 virus from its Phase 3 trials.
The Covaxin data was reviewed by WHO's Technical Advisory Group and Strategic Advisory
Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE). The strategic advisory group recommended the use
of the vaccine in two doses, with a dose interval of four weeks, in all age groups 18 and above.
Covaxin vaccine was also reviewed by WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on
Immunization (SAGE), and recommended use of this vaccine in two doses, with a dose interval of
four weeks, in all age groups 18 and above: WHO

Background
The WHO panel had earlier south additional clarifications from Bharat Biotech, manufacturer of
Covaxin to conduct a final assessment for the global use of the vaccine.
The WHO approval finally came through upon the recommendation of the Technical Advisory
Group (TAG) for Emergency Use Listing (TAG-EUL). The group determined that the Covaxin
vaccine meets WHO standards for protection against COVID and that benefit of the vaccine far
outweighs risks and the vaccine can be used across the world.
The Technical Advisory Group is an independent advisory panel that was convened by WHO to
provide recommendations on whether the COVID vaccine should be listed for emergency use
under the EUL procedure. The advisory group is made up of regulatory experts from around the
world.
However, WHO stated that the available data on vaccination of pregnant women with the Covaxin
are insufficient to assess vaccine safety or efficacy in pregnancy and added that studies in
pregnant women are planned, including a pregnancy sub-study and a pregnancy registry.
The World Health Organisation has so far granted EUL listing to COVID-19 vaccines of Pfizer-
BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson Janssen, AstraZeneca- SK Bio/SII and Sinopharm.

PM Modi launches Green Grids Initiative –

One Sun One World One Grid at COP26
Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 2, 2021, launched the Green Grids Initiative – One
Sun One World One Grid (GGI-OSOWOG) initiative jointly with his UK counterpart Boris
Johnson at the event ‘Accelerating Clean Technology Innovation and Deployment’ at COP26
Climate Summit at Glasgow. In May 2021, India and the UK had agreed to combine the Green
Grids Initiative and the One Sun One World One Grid and jointly launch GGI-OSOWOG at the
COP26 Climate Summit in Glasgow in November 2021.
Also read: COP26: India will achieve net-zero carbon emissions target by 2070, PM Modi at
climate summit in Glasgow
What is Green Grids Initiative – One Sun One World One Grid (GGI-OSOWOG) Initiative?
With sustainable development and climate change mitigation at the heart of the Green Grids
Initiative – One Sun One World One Grid (GGI-OSOWOG) initiative, the (GGI-OSOWOG)
initiative can aid in developing a common and strong global grid. The GGI-OSOWOG initiative is
being developed by India, UK jointly in collaboration with the World Bank and India’s International
Solar Alliance (ISA).
The GGI-OSOWOG initiative was unveiled by the International Solar Alliance (ISA), India
Presidency of the ISA, and the UK COP Presidency at COP26 Climate Summit in Glasgow on
November 2, 2021.
The launch was followed by the One Sun declaration which has been endorsed by 83 ISA
member countries. India is a member of the CGI-OSOWOG Steering Committee along with
four countries namely the UK, the US, France, and Australia.
PM Modi at COP26: One Sun One World One Grid will reduce carbon footprints, energy
cost – Know significance of OSOWOG
The use of fossil fuels made some countries prosperous but it made the Earth and environment
poor. Fossil fuels have fueled the industrial revolution but the race for fossil fuels has also

simultaneously created geopolitical tensions, said PM Modi at COP26 Leaders event

'Accelerating Clean Technology Innovation & Development'.
Mentioning the Surya Upanishad, PM Modi underlined that the Sun is the source of all energy.
Solar energy is totally clean and sustainable. Though the only challenge is that this enormous
energy is only available during the daytime and is dependent on the weather. The ‘One Sun One
World One Grid' is the solution to this challenge.
'One Sun One World One Grid' will aid in developing a worldwide grid through which clean
energy can be transmitted anywhere, anytime.
'One Sun One World One Grid' will help in reducing storage needs and also enhancing the
viability of solar projects. The OSOWOG initiative will aid in reducing carbon footprints and energy
costs. It will launch new avenues for cooperation between different countries and regions.
Also read: India, UK restates commitment to climate action ahead of COP26 Summit
ISRO is developing a solar calculator application to strengthen OSOWOG: PM Modi at

COP26
Indian space agency ISRO is developing a solar calculator application for the world. The solar
calculator application will aid in measuring the solar power potential of any place in the world
based on satellite data. The solar calculator application will be helpful in deciding the location of
solar projects and in turn strengthen the 'One Sun, One World & One Grid' initiative.
Also read: 4th International Solar Alliance General Assembly: India’s OSOWOG as key agenda -
Know details
What is One Sun One World One Grid initiative?
The idea of the One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG) initiative was proposed by PM
Narendra Modi at the First Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in October 2018.
The OSOWOG initiative aims at interconnecting global grids to harness solar energy. The vision
of OSOWOG is ‘The Sun Never Sets’. In simple terms, OSOWOG will establish a single global
grid to share solar energy across different countries, power the world with clean & renewable
energy, and reduce dependence or usage of non-renewable energy such as coal.
Also read: CoP26: What is the UN Climate Conference and Why is it significant?- Know in detail


Taliban announces complete ban on use of

foreign currency in Afghanistan
The Taliban on November 2, 2021, announced a complete ban on the use of foreign currency
in Afghanistan. The move will make sure to cause further disruption to an economy that has
been pushed to the brink of collapse by the abrupt withdrawal of international support.
The surprise move by the militant group came hours after at least 25 people were killed and more
than 50 wounded when gunmen attacked Afghanistan’s biggest military hospital after two heavy
explosions at the site in Central Kabul.
Taliban ban use of foreign currency in Afghanistan -spokesman https://t.co/ukZ9f1kMNu

pic.twitter.com/ComaDavs4G

Afghans to use Afghan currency
Taliban in a statement, shared with the journalists by one of their spokesperson, said that the
economic situation and national interests in the country required that all the Afghans use Afghan
currency in their every trade.
The use of US dollars has been widespread in the markets of Afghanistan, while the border areas
use the currency of the neighbouring countries such as Pakistan for trade.
Taliban pressing for release of millions of dollars
The Taliban government has been pressing for the release of billions of dollars of the Central
Bank reserves as the drought-stricken country faces a cash crunch, new migration crisis, and
cash crunch.
Afghanistan has parked billions of dollars in assets overseas with various central banks in Europe
and the US Federal Reserve. However, that has money has been frozen since the Islamist
Taliban ousted the Western-backed government in Afghanistan in August 2021.
Why Afghanistan is facing severe cash crunch?
The departure of the United Stated led forces and many international donors have left

Afghanistan without grants that financed three-quarters of the public spending.
As per the Finance Ministry, it had a daily tax take of roughly 400 million Afghanis ($4.4
million).
Even though the Western Powers have been wanting to avert a humanitarian disaster in
Afghanistan, they have still refused to officially recognize the Taliban Government in
Afghanistan.

MP to introduce new Prevention of Loss of

Public and Private Property and Recovery of
Damages Act
Madhya Pradesh government is planning to introduce new 'Prevention of Loss of Public and
Private Property and Recovery of Damages Act'. This was announced by Madhya Pradesh
Home Minister Narottam Mishra on November 3, 2021.
The Minister informed that under the act, a claim tribunal will be formed for recovery of damages
from those who pelt stones and damage government and private properties. The tribunal will be
formed as per the location of the incident.
MP Govt is bringing 'Prevention of Loss of Public and Private Property and Recovery of Damages
Act'. Claim Tribunal will be formed for recovery of damages from those who pelt stones&damage
govt/pvt properties. It'll be formed as per location of the incident: MP HM Narottam Mishra
pic.twitter.com/VvbZkj38gy

Claim Tribunal Composition
The claim tribunal will comprise:
Retired DG-level officer
Retired IG-level officer
Retired secretary.
Claim tribunal powers
•The Claim Tribunal will have the same powers as that of a Civil Court. The tribunal will have the
powers same as mentioned under Land Revenue Code.
It will have the powers same as mentioned under Land Revenue Code. The cases will be
resolved within a month. Further appeal of any matter can be done only at the High Court.
Rioters, stone pelters & those who damage properties will not be spared: MP Home Minister

Narottam Mishra pic.twitter.com/vKoDqfXZeM

Key Highlights
•The Claim Tribunal will get all information on damages to government properties from the
collector.
•The owners themselves can also give information on damages done to private properties.
•All cases will be resolved within a month.
•Further, the appeal of any matter on the cases can be done only at the High Court.
The Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra informed that all rioters, stone pelters and
those who damage properties will not be spared.
Background
Incidents of rioting, vandalism, and arson are common during protests across the country, despite
there being a law against the destruction of property. The Supreme Court of India had recently
expressed its displeasure over rioting and the destruction of public property.

Choti Diwali 2021: Narak Chaturdashi Date,

Time, Tithi, Abhyang Snan Time,
Significance, History
Choti Diwali 2021: Choti Diwali or Narak Chaturdashi is being celebrated across India on
November 3, 2021. Choti Diwali is observed a day before Badi Diwali which will be celebrated on
November 4, 2021. Choti Diwali or Narak Chaturdashi falls on the 14th day of Krishna Paksha in
the month of Ashwin of the Hindu calendar. Choti Diwali or Narak Chaturdashi is also known as
Roop Chaturdashi, Roop Chaudas, Narak Chaudas, Kali Chaudas, Bhoot Chaturdashi across
different parts of India.
Narak Chaturdashi 2021 Date, Tithi, Puja Time, Abhyanga Snan Muhurat
The puja muhurat will start from afternoon 1:33 PM to 2:17 PM
Narak Chaturdashi Tithi begins: November 3, 2021, at 9.02 am
Narak Chaturdashi Tithi ends: November 4, 2021, at 6.03 pm
Abhyanga Snan Muhurat: Thursday, November 4, 2021 from 05:40 AM to 06:03 AM
Choti Diwali 2021: Significance
Choti Diwali or Narak Chaturdashi falls on the second day of the five-day-long festivals of lights
Diwali in India. On the occasion of Choti Diwali, devotees all over India offer oil, flowers,
sandalwood, coconuts to deities. People take bath before sunrise known as Abhyanga Snan on
Narak Chaturdashi. The Abhyanga Snan holds significant importance on Narak Chaturdashi. The
Abhyanga Snan is believed to be a cleansing ritual that purifies the soul using ubtan or sesame
oil.
The Hindu mythology narrates the story of the demolition of the demon (asura) named
Narakasura on this day by Lord Krishna, Satyabhama, and Goddess Kali across different parts of
India.
Therefore, Choti Diwali or Narak Chaturdashi is observed as the day of victory of good over evil

and illumination of path towards spirituality.
Choti Diwali 2021: History
The Hindu mythology narrates that on this day, Lord Krishna and Satyabhama had slain the
demon Narakasura who had kept 16,000 girls hostages. In Eastern India specifically West
Bengal, this day is referred to as Kali Chaudas as legends also say that the Narakasura demon
was killed by Goddess Kali.

Climate finance should at least be $1 trillion:

India at COP26 Climate Summit in Glasgow
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav on November 2,
2021, stressed upon India’s position that climate finance should be increased to at least $1 trillion
to meet the goals of addressing climate change as it cannot continue at the levels decided in
2009. There should be a system for monitoring climate finance just as we have for monitoring
mitigation. Yadav called all the Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDC) to work closely on
protecting the interests of developing countries.
While speaking at the Ministerial meeting of the Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDC) on
the sidelines of COP26 in Glasgow, Yadav said that the unit and strength of LMDC is
fundamental in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
negotiations for preserving the interest of the Global South in the fight against climate change.
India, Cuba, China, Venezuela, and Nicaragua were the participating countries in the meeting.
Also read: COP26: India will achieve net-zero carbon emissions target by 2070, PM Modi at the
Climate Summit in Glasgow
Also read: Climate Change: State of the Climate in Asia 2020 Report – Know Key Highlights
India calls for hike in climate finance to $1 trillion: Union Environment, Climate Change
Minister Bhupender Yadav at LMDC Ministerial meet at COP26 Glasgow
Stressing upon India’s position that climate finance should be increased to at least $1
trillion to meet the goals of addressing climate change as it cannot continue at the levels
decided in 2009. There should be a system for monitoring climate finance just as we have for
monitoring mitigation, said Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender
Yadav at the Ministerial meeting of the Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDC) on the
sidelines of COP26 in Glasgow.
India under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi is developing ambitious climate actions in line
with sustainable development priorities.
Yadav called all the Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDC) to collaborate with India for
supporting global initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance (ISA), the Leadership Group

for Industry Transition (LeadIT), and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
Yadav also mentioned that the current challenges of developing countries require intensified
multilateral cooperation in place of intensified geopolitical competition and global economic and
trade wars.
Yadav requested all the LMDC countries to work closely for protecting the interests of developing
countries including the need to ensure a balanced outcome with equal treatment to all agenda
items such as adaptation, finance, response measures, market mechanisms as well as decisions
on the delivery of transfer of environment-friendly technologies.
The Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDC) collectively also stated that their voices be heard
loud and clear. The outcomes of COP26 must respect the fundamental principles of the
Convention including equity and Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective
Capabilities (CBDR-RC).
The LMDC collectively also dwelled on the inability and empty promises of the developed
countries to deliver the USD 100 billion per year by 2020. They also deliberated on speedy
finalization of the Paris Rulebook. The LMDC has stated that the developed countries must offer
means of implementation to developing countries in terms of climate finance, capacity building,
and technology transfer.
Meanwhile, Yadav expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Third World Network (TWN) for
supporting LMDC. He stated the need to ensure resources to TWN.
Also read: Climate Change: UNEP Emissions Gap Report 2021 – Top 10 Key Highlights

Dengue outbreak: Government sends teams

of experts to 9 states and UTs with high
caseload of dengue
The Union Health Ministry of India has sent teams of experts to nine states and UTs, which
have been reporting a high number of dengue cases. The teams will support the states and
the UTs in public health measures for the management and control of the disease.
According to the statement by the Health Ministry, this is in accordance with the directions that
have been issued by the Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya during a review meeting on
the dengue situation in Delhi on November 1, 2021.
The Health Minister had also directed the Health Ministry to extend help to the Union Territories
and States that have a high incidence of dengue cases.
Dengue outbreak in 9 States and UTs
1. Haryana
2. Kerala
3. Rajasthan
4. Punjab
5. Uttar Pradesh
6. Tamil Nadu
7. Delhi
8. Uttarakhand
9. Jammu and Kashmir

Dengue Fever

It is a mosquito-borne viral disease that occurs in tropical and subtropical areas. Those
who are infected with the virus a second time are at a significantly greater risk of
developing severe diseases.
Symptoms-
Symptoms include headaches, high fever, rash and muscle and joint pain. In severe
cases, there is serious bleeding and shock, which can also be life-threatening.
Dengue outbreak in India: Key Highlights
• As per the Health Ministry, 1,16,991 dengue cases have been reported by the States and the
Union Territories across the country
• A significantly high number of Dengue cases have been reported in some states in October
2021 as compared to the number of cases during the same period in the previous year.
• 15 States and the Union Territories in the country have been reporting their maximum cases in
2021. According to the Health Ministry, these states have contributed 86% of the country’s total
Dengue Cases till October 31 compared to September.
What will be the task of experts?
The team includes the experts from the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme and
the National Centre for Disease Control.
The team of experts has been tasked to assist and support these States and the Union Territories
to mount an effective public health response.
The team has been asked to report on the status of vector control, early detection, availability of
kits and medicines, the status of anti-larval and anti-adult vector control measures, availability and
use of insecticides, among others.
The team of experts to monitor the dengue outbreak will also brief the state health authorities
about their observations regarding the outbreak of Dengue.
Background
The Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya had chaired a review meeting on the dengue
situation in Delhi on November 1, 2021. He had said that on the occasion, on-ground initiatives

such as fogging, hotspot identification, and timely treatment will be carried out.
During the meeting, the Health Minister had also stressed active coordination between the Centre
and the States during the meeting.

India vs Afghanistan live streaming: How and

where to watch India vs Afghanistan live T20
World Cup match?
India vs Afghanistan live streaming online: India vs Afghanistan live cricket match will be
played today at 7.30 pm at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, UAE. This is India's third group
stage match in T20 World Cup 2021 and Afghanistan's fourth match.
India is currently placed fifth in Group 2 of the T20 Super 12 stage with two back-to-back losses,
while Afghanistan is placed second with two wins in three matches. This match would hence be a
must-win for India to keep its chances of making into the T20 World Cup semifinal alive. If India
loses today, they will be out of the T20 tournament but if they win, they may still have a bleak
chance.
“Cricket is about hope. Sport is about hope.”
It’s the romance of cricket that’s willing India to rally against a red-hot Afghanistan side at the
#T20WorldCup.https://t.co/thSEGbjw7h
— ICC (@ICC) November 3, 2021
Afghanistan Cricket Board CEO Naseeb Khan said, "Tonight's game is important for both teams
as they both need 2 more points to stay in the race to knockouts. For India, it's very crucial as it's
a must-win for them, for us a win will take us closer to the top 2 of the group."
Tonight's game is important for both teams as they both need 2 more points to stay in race to
knockouts. For India, it's very crucial as it's a must-win for them, for us a win will take us closer to
top 2 of the group: Naseeb Khan, Afghanistan Cricket Board CEO, to ANI#INDvsAFG
pic.twitter.com/NypEi0m2wP

India vs Afghanistan live streaming details
Where to watch India vs Afghanistan live streaming online?
India vs Afghanistan live streaming online will be available on the Disney+ Hotstar app.

When to watch India vs Afghanistan live cricket match?
India vs Afghanistan live cricket match will start at 7.30 pm today.
How to watch India vs Afghanistan live match coverage?
India vs Afghanistan live match can be viewed on Star Sports network - Star Sports 1, Star
Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 3 and Star Sports 3 HD and DD Sports.
India vs Afghanistan live streaming details
Time: 7.30pm
Date: November 3rd
Venue: Abu Dhabi
India vs Afghanistan Predicted Playing 11- Super 12 stage of T20 World Cup 2021
India Predicted Playing 11: Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli (c), Suryakumar Yadav,
Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit
Bumrah, Ravichandran Ashwin
Afghanistan Predicted Playing 11: Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Rahmanullah
Gurbaz, Usman Ghani, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi (c), Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan,
Karim Janat/Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Hamid Hassan, Naveen Ul Haq
India vs Afghanistan Squad T20 World Cup 2021
India squad for T20 World Cup 2021: Virat Kohli (captain), Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul,
Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja,
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Shardul Thakur,
Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper) and Rahul Chahar.
Afghanistan squad for T20 World Cup 2021: Mohammed Nabi (captain), Hazratullah Zazai,
Ahmed Shahzad, Gulbadin Naib, Naveen ul Haq, Rashid Kham, Hamid Hasan, Rahamnaullah
Gurbaz, Najibullah Zadran, Karim Janat, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Fareed
Ahmed, Usman Ghani.
Background
Afghanistan cricket team has been in tremendous form in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021 with

two wins against Scotland and Namibia and a close contest against Pakistan. India, on the other
hand, has been struggling in both batting and bowling departments with two consecutive losses
against Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Home Minister Amit Shah launches

‘Ayushman Bharat CAPF’ healthcare scheme-
Check details
The Union Home Minister Amit Shah on November 2, 2021, rolled out the ‘Ayushman Bharat
CAPF’ healthcare scheme on a pan-India basis. The scheme has been launched for the
personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in all states in a phased manner.
The Home Minister handed over the ‘Ayushman Card’ to a jawan of CAPF and also handed over
the ‘Ayushman CAPF’ Scheme health cards to the Director-General, NSG for the distribution to
the NSG Personnel.
Home Minister Amit Shah, while handing out the ‘Ayushman Card’ said, “you protect the country
without any worry, the Modi government will take care of your family.”
CAPF @narendramodi
Ayushman CAPF , 23 pic.twitter.com/F7nLsHBRfX

Objective
‘Ayushman CAPF healthcare’ scheme is a joint initiative by the Ministry of Home Affairs
and the National Health Authority (NHA). It aims to provide cashless and paperless medical
treatment at the empanelled hospitals and will also ensure access to health services across the
country to CAPF personnel.
Ayushman Bharat for CAPFs
The Ayushman Bharat CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) is a first-of-its-kind initiative that
leverages the strength of the existing robust IT framework, access to the network of various
private hospitals, and the portability of services across India.
NSG Ayushman CAPF
2021 35 CAPF pic.twitter.com/LwmBKuZCpi


Ayushman CAPF Healthcare Scheme: Key Details
• The Ayushman CAPF Healthcare Scheme was rolled out by the Home Minister on a pilot basis
to the personnel of all CAPF’s in Guwahati, Assam on January 23, 2021.
• The scheme also provides paperless and cashless facilities at Out Patients Departments
besides the follow-ups.
• The CAPF personnel and their dependents will get an e-card which can be used by them to
avail the scheme.
• The health facilities under the Ayushman CAPF healthcare scheme will be available in all
CGHS and Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) empanelled
private hospitals in a phased manner.
• A dedicated website has also been prepared to facilitate the jawans of Central Armed Police
Forces (CAPF) and their families.
Distribution of health cards
The Home Minister Amit Shah informed that the process of distribution of health cards across
CAPF’s, which began on November 2, 2021, is scheduled to be completed by December 2021
and about 35 lakh cards will be distributed. He also said that the Modi government has always
given priority to the CAPFs.

EU Drug Regulator approves Pfizer COVID-19

vaccine for children ages 5 to 11
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) on November 25, 2021, authorized the Pfizer-
BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine Comirnaty for use in children aged 5 to 11 years old. For the
first time, the EMA cleared a COVID-19 vaccine for young children in this age group. The vaccine
is authorized for use in people aged 12 and above across 27-nation European Union. The EU’s
drug regulator EMA is also evaluating the use of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for children
ages 6 to 11 years old. The decision is expected to come within two months. Earlier this week, the
Health Minister of Germany Jens Spahn said the shipping of COVID-19 vaccines for young
children in the European Union would begin on December 20, 2021.
The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on November 2, 2021, officially

approved Pfizer’s vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 years old in the US. The CDC
encouraged health providers to begin vaccination of approximately 28 million children in age
group 5 to 11 years. On October 30, 2021, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had
authorized the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 years old. Pfizer
COVID-19 vaccine for children, developed along with BioNTech, is the first COVID-19
vaccine for young children under 12 years of age in the US.
Also read: COVID-19 vaccine works in children ages 5 to 11 years old: Pfizer
CDC approves COVID-19 vaccine for kids under 12 years – Significance
"During a 6-week period in late June to mid-August, COVID-19 hospitalizations among

children and adolescents increased fivefold," the CDC's statement reads. Though children are
less susceptible to developing severe coronavirus infection, but a small portion of them do.
Approximately 2,316 children in age group 5 to 11 years old have been reported to be suffering
from the multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children or MIS-C which is a rare but serious
COVID-related complication, as per CDC.
Additionally, the age group between 5 to 11 years has reported about 1.9 million COVID-19,
at least 8,300 hospitalizations, and 94 deaths. Therefore, vaccination of 1 million children of
this age group will help in preventing 58,000 COVID infections, 77 Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

stays, 241 hospitalizations, and 1 death, as projected in a model by FDA.
When will Pfizer COVID vaccine for kids under 12 years be available?
From November 8, 2021 onwards, the 5 to 11 years age group kids vaccination program
will be fully up and running, informed the White House coronavirus response team. Parents will
be able to schedule appointments at convenient sites to get their kids vaccinated.
The White House further informed that 15 million doses of Pfizer COVID vaccine for kids will be
moved to distribution centers. Pediatricians and pharmacists will receive the prescribed one-third
of the full dose along with smaller needles to vaccinate kids.
Also Read: EU approves Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster dose, know details
Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for kids aged 5-11 years – Trials Highlights, Side Effects
Similar to the adult vaccine trials, Pfizer's COVID vaccination trial in kids was nearly 91 percent
effective in preventing COVID-19 among children aged 5-11 years.
The clinical trials found that the Pfizer vaccine developed along with BioNTech was well
tolerated in children aged 5 to 11 years old. Children are experiencing fewer side effects
overall. While monitoring for two rare heart inflammation conditions namely pericarditis and
myocarditis, regulators found no cases of these during the trials of the Pfizer vaccine for kids.
The most common side effects were mild and comparable to those seen in the Pfizer
vaccine trial of teenagers and adults aged 16 to 25. Common side effects include injection site
pain (sore arm), muscle and/or joint pain, nausea and decreased appetite, fatigue, redness and
swelling, swollen lymph nodes, headache, chills, fever.
Also read: US government approves Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for children in 12-15 age group
Also read: ZyCoV-D: Zydus Cadila to begin vaccine trials for children aged 3-12 years
Also read: COVID-19 vaccine for children: Johnson & Johnson seeks approval for vaccine trials
for 12-17 group in India

Facebook shuts down facial recognition

system; What is it and why it has been shut
down?
Facebook Inc. announced on November 2, 2021, that will be shutting down its Facial
Recognition System which automatically identifies the users in the videos and the photos.
The system has led to growing societal concerns about the use of such technology.
The Vice President of Artificial Intelligence at Facebook, Jerome Pesenti, wrote in a blog post,
“Regulators are still in the process of providing a clear set of rules governing its use.” It further
added that amid this ongoing uncertainty, we believe that limiting the use of facial recognition to a
narrow set of use cases is appropriate.
The social media platform, which last week renamed itself ‘Meta’ Platforms Inc., has been
facing a reckoning over the past few years over the ethics of using facial recognition
technology.
What is Facial Recognition System?
It is a technology that is capable of matching a human face from a digital image or a video frame
against a database of faces. The facial recognition system is typically employed to authenticate
users through ID Verification Services and its works by pinpointing and measuring the facial
features from a given image.
We’re shutting down the Face Recognition system on Facebook. People who’ve opted in will no
longer be automatically recognized in photos and videos and we will delete more than a billion
people’s individual facial recognition templates: Meta pic.twitter.com/PspAM1mMOP

Facebook’s Facial Recognition System: What is the problem with it?
As per the critics, the facial recognition technology of Facebook, which is popular among
hospitals, retailers, and other businesses for security purposes- can compromise privacy, target
marginalized groups and normalize intrusive surveillance.
IBM has permanently ended the facial recognition product sales, and Amazon and Microsoft
have suspended the sales to police indefinitely.

The news of shutting down the Facial Recognition System has come at a time when Facebook
has been under intense scrutiny from lawmakers and regulators over user safety and a wide
range of abuses on the platform.
Who will be impacted?
Facebook has said that with the shutting down of its Facial Recognition System, more than one-
third of Facebook’s daily active users who have opted into the face recognition setting on the
social media site, the change will now delete the ‘face recognition templates’ of more than 1
billion people.
The removal of the face recognition system will roll out globally and is expected to be completed
by December 2021.
Impact on visually impaired people
Facebook informed that its automatic text tool, which creates the image descriptions for the
visually impaired people, will no longer include the names of the people recognized in the photos
after the face recognition technology is removed, however, it will otherwise function normally.
Digital rights activists welcome shutting down of facial recognition system
The privacy advocacy and digital rights groups have welcomed the move of Facebook. The
Executive Director of the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC), Alan Butler said that for
far too long, internet users have suffered personal data abuses at the whims of abuses of
Facebook and other platforms. EPIC had first called for an end to this program in 2011.
The Senior Staff Attorney at the Electronic Frontier Foundation said that even though Facebook’s
action comes after moves from other tech companies, it can still mark a notable moment in the
national turning away from face recognition.
Not the complete removal of facial recognition system
Facebook has not ruled out the use of facial recognition systems in other products. As
per the company, it sees the technology as a powerful tool for identity verification for
example.
Facebook fined for privacy complaints
The facial recognition software of Facebook has long been the subject of scrutiny. The U.S.

Federal Trade Commission had included it among the concerns and had fined Facebook $5
billion to settle the privacy complaints in 2019.
A judge, in 2021, had also approved Facebook’s $650 million settlement of a class action in
Illinois over the allegations that it collected and stored the biometric data of the users without
proper consent.

ICC T20 World Cup Bangladesh Squad 2021:

Check Bangladesh Team Playing 11, Venue,
Date, Time, Matches, Past Wins
ICC T20 World Cup 2021: Bangladesh will face off Australia today November 4, 2021, at
3.30 pm IST at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai for their last Group 1 Super 12
match in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2021. . Bangladesh team is a part of Group 1 in ICC
T20 World Cup 2021. Bangladesh has played four matches with Group 1 during the Super 12
round and is currently in the 6th position on the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 Points Table with
four losses.
The ICC T20 World Cup began on October 17, 2021, and will go on till November 10, 2021.
Bangladesh has played four matches with Group 1 during the Super 12 round. If they reached the
top two spots in their Group, they would have qualified for the semi-finals. However, with four
losses, the Bangladesh team will not make it to the T20 Tournament. The Super 12 Group
1 includes England, West Indies, Australia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and South Africa.
Bangladesh vs Australia Playing 11 Squad (Probables)
Bangladesh Playing XI: Mahmudullah (C), Liton Das (WK), Mohammad Naim, Soumya Sarkar,
Mushfiqur Rahim, , Afif Hossain, Shamim Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur
Rahman, Shoriful Islam
Australia Playing XI: Aaron Finch (C), Matthew Wade (WK), David Warner, Mitchell Marsh,
Steven Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh
Hazlewood
ICC T20 World Cup Bangladesh vs Australia – Venue, Date, Time
Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
Date: November 4, 2021
Time: 3.30 pm IST

Where can you watch LIVE Bangladesh vs Australia T20 World Cup 2021?
One can watch the T20 World Cup England vs Bangladesh on Star Sports 1 HD/SD and Star
Sports Hindi. AUS vs BAN T20 WC match Live streaming will be available on the
Disney+Hotstar app.
ICC T20 World Cup Bangladesh Squad 2021 - Matches Schedule

Venu Roun
Match Date Time
e d
Octobe 3.30
Bangladesh vs Sri Sharja
r 24, pm 12
Lanka h
2021 IST
3.30
Octobe Abu
Bangladesh vs pm
r 27, Dhabi 12
England IST
2021
3.30
Octobe
Bangladesh vs West pm Sharja
r 29, 12
Indies IST h
2021
3.30
Novem Abu
Bangladesh vs South pm
ber 2, Dhabi 12
Africa IST
2021
Novem 3.30
Bangladesh vs
ber 4, pm Dubai 12
Australia
2021 IST
ICC T20 World Cup Bangladesh Squad 2021 - Super 12 (Group 1)
Full Bangladesh Squad: Mahmud Ullah (C), Mushfiqur Rahim (WK), Mohammad Naim
Sheikh, Soumya Sarkar, Liton Das, Shakib Al Hasan, Afif Hossain, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Shak
Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Shaif
Uddin, Shamim Hossain
Reserves: Rubel Hossain, Animul Islam Biplob
Bangladesh Squad for T20 World Cup: Full List of Players

Banglades Bangladesh Bangladesh Bangladesh All-
h Batsmen Bowlers Batsmen/WK Rounders

Liton Das Nasum Ahmed Nurul Hasan Mahmudullah (c)

Mohammad
Taskin Ahmed Mushfiqur Rahim Mahedi Hasan
Naim
Shoriful Islam Shakib Al Hasan
Mustafizur
Afif Hossain
Rahman
Rubel Hossain Shamim Hossain
Mohammad Saifuddin
Soumya Sarkar
Animul Islam Bislop
T20 World Cup: Bangladesh – Past Wins
Bangladesh cricket team has been able to make it past the first group stage and into the Super 8s
but through 2009, 2010, and 2012 editions, but they failed to register a single win.
Pakistan Squad for T20 World Cup
New Zealand Squad for T20 World Cup
T20 World Cup India Squad 2021

Elon Musk’s SpaceX establishes subsidiary

in India, plans to apply for license
SpaceX, owned by the world’s richest person Elon Musk, on November 1, 2021, established its
wholly-owned subsidiary in India in order to start local broadband operations.
The satellite broadband arm of SpaceX, Starlink aims to start the broadband services in India
from December 2022, with 2 lakh active terminals subject to permission from the Government of
India.
Startlink country director India at SpaceX, Sanjay Bhargava said in a social media post, “Please
to share that SpaceX now has a 100% owned subsidiary in India. The name is SSCPL-
Starlink Satellite Communications Private Limited and the incorporation date is November
1, 2021. Happy Birthday, SSCPL. We can now start applying for licenses, open bank
accounts, etc.”
SpaceX’s Starlink in India: Key Highlights
• Starlink has claimed that it has received over 5,000 pre-order from India.
• SpaceX’s subsidiary will be charging a deposit of USD 99 or Rs. 7,350 per customer. It also
claims to deliver data speeds in the range of 50 to 150 megabits per second in the beta stage.
• The services of Starlink will compete with that of Reliance Jio, Vodafone Idea, Bharti Airtel in
broadband and it will also be a direct competitor to Bharti Group-backed OneWeb.
• Elon Musk’s SpaceX is keen to work in the rural areas of India for providing broadband services.
How SpaceX plans on expanding Starlink broadband service in India?
• The cost of Starlink’s satellite broadband service, in India, will be around Rs. 1 lakh annually
(about $100 dollars a month) while the kit, which will include the modem, dish, and cable, will
cost about Rs. 40,000. In order to get a connection, customers will have to pre-book.
• The company has also been looking to partner with entrepreneurs to make the services more
affordable in India. For example, an entrepreneur can set up village centres where satellite
broadband services can be used to provide services such as digital libraries, ATMs, cyber café,
among others.

• There is also a huge potential for Starlink services in India as nearly 70% of schools do not
have broadband connectivity. The courts are also another area, where its services can be
expanded.
• The company will soon start applying for licenses to offer its satellite broadband services.
About Starlink
It is a satellite internet constellation that is operated by SpaceX. Starlink provides satellite internet
access to most of the Earth. In mid-2021, the constellation consists of over 1600 satellites and it
will eventually consist of many thousands of mass-produced small satellites in Low Earth Orbit,
which will communicate with designated ground receivers.

Punjab Lok Congress: Captain Amarinder

Singh announces new party, resigns from
Congress
Former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh resigned from the Indian National
Congress Party on November 2, 2021 in a letter to Congress President Sonia Gandhi. The
veteran political leader announced the name of his new party after resigning, Punjab Lok
Congress.
Amarinder Singh reportedly wrote in the letter to the Congress President, "Sidhu's only claim to
fame was that he would abuse me & my govt...he was patronised by Rahul&Priyanka, while
you chose to turn a blind eye to shenanigans of this gentleman who was aided & abetted
by Harish Rawat, perhaps most dubious individual."
"Sidhu's only claim to fame was that he would abuse me & my govt...he was patronised by
Rahul&Priyanka, while you chose to turn a blind eye to shenanigans of this gentleman who was
aided & abetted by Harish Rawat, perhaps most dubious individual," Capt in his letter to Cong
Pres
The former Punjab CM's seven-page resignation letter comes days after he said that the time for
rapprochement was over and his decision to leave the Indian National Congress was final.
Amarinder Singh new party name: Punjab Lok Congress
Significance
Amarinder Singh has announced his new party -Punjab Lok Congress- just nine ahead of the
Punjab Assembly Elections. The Punjab assembly elections are scheduled to be held in February
or March 2022.
Key Highlights
There were speculations of Captain Amarinder Singh forming a new party right after he resigned
from the post of Punjab Chief Minister. He had denied having any talks with any other party. He

had resigned due to widening rifts between him and Punjab Congress Chief Navjot Sidhu.
Captain Amarinder Singh had hit out at the Congress top-level leadership for the way the talks
transpired before his resignation. Before his resignation, the former Punjab CM had reportedly
written to the Congress President expressing anguish at political events of the last about 5
months.
Capt Amarinder Singh had dubbed Punjab Congress chief Navjot Sidhu as "incompetent and
threat to national security", as Pakistan PM Imran Khan is his friend and Sidhu also has a relation
with Pakistan Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa.

India likely to be first buyer of Russia’s S-500

anti-aircraft missile system
Russia is likely to export its cutting-edge S-500 anti-aircraft missile systems to India and
China in the future, said Dmitry Shugaev, Director, the Russian Federal Service for Military-
Technical Cooperation (FSMTC). Russian Military will soon receive the first batch of S-500
missiles system, said Russian President Vladimir Putin on November 1.
Russia likely to export cutting-edge S-500 anti-aircraft missile systems to India
The Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC). Director Dmitry
Shugaev said that Russia is planning to export the S-500 anti-aircraft missile systems once the
armed forces of Russia have enough of these. The testing of the S-500 missile system has been
completed.
India is a long-standing strategic partner of Russia, said Shugaev. India, China, and all other
countries with whom it has a long-standing partnership and mutual relations could be the first
buyers of the S-500 next-generation anti-aircraft missile systems. Earlier, Russia has concluded
a contract for the S-400 with India. The first battalion set of S-400 will be delivered to India by
the end of 2021.
About Russia’s cutting-edge S-500 anti-aircraft missile systems to India
Russia’s cutting-edge S-500 Prometey anti-aircraft missile system is a next-generation surface-to-

air missile system with a range of approximately 600 kms (370 miles).
The S-500 Promotey has been designed and built to intercept and destroy intercontinental
ballistic missiles as well as hypersonic cruise missiles and aircraft.
The S-500 anti-aircraft missile system is capable of detecting and simultaneously engaging upto
10 ballistic hypersonic targets.
Indian Navy launched 7th P1135.6 class frigate INS Tushil in Russia on October 28
Meanwhile, on October 28, 2021, the 7th Indian Navy Frigate of P1135.6 class INS Tushil was
launched at Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad, Russia. INS Tushil is the first of the two ships of Project

1135.6 (also known as Krivak or Talwar class stealth frigates) that are being built in Russia at
Yantar Shipyard for the Indian Navy under the IGA agreement.
Also read: Indian Navy launches 7th P1135.6 class frigate INS Tushil in Russia – Know Key
Details

Ayurveda Day 2021: Why is it celebrated on

Dhanwantri Jayanti? Know Theme, History,
Significance
Every year since 2016, the National Ayurveda Day is observed on the occasion of
Dhanwantri Jayanti, the birth anniversary of the Lord Dhanwantri which occurs on Dhanteras.
Lord Dhanwantri is believed to be the God of Ayurveda who bestowed the knowledge of Ayurveda
to mankind. This year, the National Ayurveda Day 2021 is being celebrated on November 2,
2021, to promote the Ayurvedic principles of wellness and healing.
On the occasion of 6th Ayurveda Day which is being celebrated on November 2, 2021, a report
titled AYUSH Sector in India: Prospects and Challenges’ was released during the event Ayur-
Udyam. The report highlighted that the AYUSH market size has crossed $18 billion and it is
expected to reach $23.3 billion in 2022.
Ayurveda Day 2021: Theme
‘Ayurveda for Poshan’ is the theme of the 6th Ayurveda Day being celebrated on Dhanwantri
Jayanti on November 2, 2021.
Ayurveda Day 2021: History
The first Ayurveda Day in India was celebrated on October 28, 2016, on the occasion of
Dhanwantri Jayanti. The Ministry of AYUSH decided to observe Dhanwantri Jayanti every year as
the National Ayurveda Day as this day marks the birth anniversary of Lord Dhanwantri, the God of
Ayurveda.
On the 2nd National Ayurveda Day in 2017, PM Modi had dedicated the first All India Institute
of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi to the nation. The AIIA was launched as an apex institute under
the AYUSH Ministry.
Ayurveda Day 2021: Significance

The AYUSH Ministry found the occasion of Dhanwantri Jayanti as a significant day to
promote and globalize Ayurveda as one of the most ancient and holistic approaches to
medicine across the world. Ayurveda comprises traditional and non-conventional systems of
healthcare including diet, yoga, yogic breathing, herbal treatment, etc.
As per legends, the Dhanwantri Jayanti is associated with Lord Dhanwantri who is considered the
God of Ayurveda. As per Hindu mythology, Lord Dhanwantri emerged out of the Sagar Manthan
on the occasion of Dhanteras also known as Dhantrayodashi with the nectar of immortality.

Defence Acquisition Council approves

proposals worth Rs. 7,695 crores for armed
forces under ‘Make in India’
The Defence Acquisition Council on November 2, 2021, approved the proposals worth Rs.
7,695 crores for the Armed Forces Modernisation under ‘Make in India’. The Council was
headed by the Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
As per the press release by the Defence Ministry, the defence acquisition council (DAC), in its
meeting of November 2, 2021, held under the Chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh,
accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisition proposals for modernization and
operational needs of the Armed Forces amounting to Rs. 7,695 crores.
The release added that all of these proposals (100%) are under ‘Make in India’ with a focus
on design, manufacturing and development in India.
Defence Acquisition Council today approved proposals worth Rs 7,965 crore for Armed Forces
modernization under ‘Make in India’, with focus on design, development and manufacturing in
India: Ministry of Defence

Key proposals of armed forces approved: Check the list
• Buying 12 Light Utility Helicopters from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
• Lynx U2 Fire Control System from Bharat Electronics Limited (Bel). It will enhance the
detection tracking and engagement possibilities of Naval warships.
• Midlife up-gradation of the Dornier Aircraft from HAL to increase the naval capacity of the
maritime reconnaissance and coastal surveillance.
• Global procurement case of Naval guns foreclosed; Gun’s quantity added to upgraded Short
Range Gun Mountbeing manufactured by BHEL
The major projects cleared today include 12 Light Utility Helicopters, short range hun mount, Lynx
fire control system and mid life upgrade of Dornier aircraft: Ministry of Defence

Naval guns added to upgraded SRGM
As per the official statement, as a further boost to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat, a global procurement
case of Naval guns has been foreclosed with these guns quantity added to the upgraded Super
Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM) being manufactured by the Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL).
These Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGMs) provide niche capabilities of engaging the fast
manoeuvring targets using guided munitions and range extensions. They are also to be fitted on
the warships of the Indian Navy.
Armed Forces proposals under Make in India
All the armed forces proposals that have been approved by the Defence Acquisition Council
(DAC) are under ‘Make in India’ with a focus on development, design and manufacturing in the
country.
The military equipment is being procured by the Indian Army at a time when the Indian Armed
Forces are locked in a bitter border row with China in Eastern Ladakh.

Yuvraj Singh comeback: Yuvraj Singh hints

at comeback in February 2022, Check his
post here
Yuvraj Singh comeback: In a welcoming surprise, India's star allrounder Yuvraj Singh has hinted
at a comeback to cricket in February 2022. The left-handed batsman, regarded as one of the
world's top batsmen, had shocked the world by announcing his international retirement from
cricket in June 2019.
Singh has hinted at his comeback with a video post on his Instagram account that reads, "God
decides your destiny !! On public demand i will be back on the pitch hopefully in February!
Ain’t nothing like this feeling! Thank you for your love and wishes mean a lot to me! Keep
supporting it’s our team and a true fan will show his or her support in tough times."
Yuvraj Singh had announced his retirement at a time when many believed he still had it in him to
make comeback into the Indian team. Singh is known as one of the biggest match-winners that
India has ever seen.
Yuvraj Singh: Five Facts you need to know!
1. Yuvraj Singh had become the first cricketer in the world to hit six consecutive sixes in T20
cricket during the inaugural T20 World Cup 2021. His famous six sixes helped him make the
fastest 50 ever in any form of international cricket, off just 12 balls.
2. He had made his cricketing debut in 2000 under the captaincy of Saurav Ganguly in India's ODI
match against Kenya. He had scored a match-winning 84 runs in his debut match.
3. Yuvraj Singh had his dream run during the 2011 ICC ODI World Cup, which India had won, by
scoring 362 runs and picking up 15 wickets including a five-wicket haul. He thus played an
instrumental role in India lifting the ODI World Cup trophy after 28 years on April 2, 2011.
4. He was the first all-rounder to score 300-plus runs and take 15 wickets in a single World Cup.
He was awarded the player of the tournament award.
5. He was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor stage-1 in his left lung after the World Cup and

underwent chemotherapy treatment. He staged a successful recovery against the illness and was
back in the Indian team in 2012 post his discharge.
Yuvraj Singh's low form period
Yuvraj Singh could not replicate his earlier form when he returned to cricket in 2012. Though he
did show spurts of outstanding performances, his low form kept him out of major tournaments and
series.
He was, unfortunately, one of the five senior players who were dropped from the Indian squad for
the 2015 Cricket World Cup. He was also not considered for the 2019 World Cup and was
dropped from the Indian squad before India toured Sri Lanka in August 2017.
Yuvraj Singh’s Last International Matches
Yuvraj Singh’s Last Test: India vs England in December 2012
Yuvraj Singh’s Last ODI: India vs West Indies in June 2017
Yuvraj Singh’s Last T20: India vs England in February 2017
Yuvraj Singh's retirement announcement
Yuvraj Singh had announced his retirement from international cricket in a press conference
on June 10, 2019. He had stated then, "After 25 years in and around the 22 yards and almost 17
years of international cricket on and off, I have decided to move on. This game taught me how to
fight, how to fall, to dust off, to get up again and move forward.”
Read more: Yuvraj Singh announces retirement from international cricket

Indian Army conducts airborne exercise in

Eastern Ladakh amid standoff with China
The Shatrujeet Brigade of the Indian Army will be conducting an airborne exercise along
the Northern Borders in Eastern Ladakh to validate its rapid response capabilities.
The militaries of India and China have been engaged in a border standoff in Eastern Ladakh since
May 2020 when the violent clash in the Pangong Lake area led to both sides gradually rushing in
thousands of soldiers as well as weaponry.
#WATCH | Shatrujeet Brigade of Indian Army is conducting an airborne insertion along the
Northern Borders in Eastern Ladakh to validate its Rapid Response Capabilities, as part of an
airborne exercise and combat manoeuvres.
(Source: Indian Army) pic.twitter.com/RW4JRQTZwv
After a series of military and diplomatic talks, China and India completed the disengagement
process in the Gogra area in August 2021 and in the north and south banks of the Pangong Lake
in February 2021.
Each of the countries still has, currently, around 50,000 to 60,000 troops along the LAC (Line of
Actual Control) in the sensitive sector.
Airborne Exercise in Eastern Ladakh: Key Details
• The airborne troops of the Indian Army’s Shatrujeet Brigade, on November 1, were inserted into
a drop zone at an altitude of more than 14,000 feet as part of the exercise.
• These pre-acclimatized troops along with specialist vehicles and missile detachments were
transported through C-130 and AN-32 aircraft from 5 different mounting bases. It was done to
validate the inter-theatre move, rapid grouping, precision stand-off, and capture of designated
objectives with speed and surprise.
• The drop was challenging because of the low temperatures of up to minus 20 degrees Celsius
and the rarefied atmosphere in the super high-altitude terrain.

• The airborne exercise in Eastern Ladakh also involved the combat-free fall jumps and the
integrated battle drills by airborne forces, attack helicopters, and mechanized columns, to validate
the seamless integration and rapid response capabilities.
On 1st Nov, airborne troops were inserted to a Drop Zone at an altitude of over 14,000 feet. Pre-
acclimatised troops along with specialist vehicles and missile detachments were transported via
C-130 and AN 32 aircrafts from five different mounting bases: Indian Army

Why the airborne exercise in Eastern Ladakh is significant?
As per the experts, the timing of the airborne exercise in Eastern Ladakh by the Indian Army is
significant as it was being staged three weeks after the 13th round of military talks between India
and China to cool tensions in Ladakh.
The talks between the two nations had reached a dead end on October 10, 2021, with the
People’s Liberation Army (PLA) not agreeing to suggestions made by the Indian Army.

Huzurabad, Ellenabad, Badvel, Hangal,

Tarapur bye election result 2021: Full List of
Bypoll Winners
Bye election results 2021: BJP's Eatala Rajender registered a historic victory against TRS's
Gellu Srinivas by a margin of 23855 votes in Huzurabad bypolls on November 2, 2021. Indian
National Lok Dal's Abhay Singh Chautala won from Ellenabad assembly constituency in Haryana
by a margin of 6739 votes against BJP's Gobind Kanda.
The BJP and Congress won one seat each in Karnataka by-polls with Congress winning Hangal
by a margin of 7373 votes and BJP winning Sindgi with a margin of 31,185 votes. The
Congress has also won all three assembly constituencies in Himachal Pradesh and Vallabhnagar
and Dhariawad Assembly constituency in Rajasthan, while the BJP won three seats in Assam,
two seats in Madhya Pradesh.
The Mizo National Front won the lone Assembly seat in Mizoram and the TMC won all four
assembly constituencies in West Bengal-Dinhata, Khardaha, Gosaba (SC), and Santipur.
Bye election results 2021: Huzurabad, Ellenabad, Badvel, Bhabanipur, Thowra, Hangal,
Dhariawad, West Bengal by election results
Bye election results 2021
Constituency/ State Winning Candidate Winning Party
Badvel/ Andhra Pradesh DASARI SUDHA YSR Party
Ellenabad Abhay Singh Chautala Indian National Lok Dal
Huzurabad EATALA RAJENDER BJP

Bhabanipur/ Assam Phanidhar Talukdar BJP
Gossaigaon/ Assam Jiron Basumatary United People’s Party, Liberal
Thowra/ Assam Sushanta Borgohain BJP
Mariana/ Assam Rupjyoti Kurmi BJP
TAMULPUR/ Assam Jolen Daimary United People’s Party, Liberal
Kusheshwar Asthan/ Bihar Aman Bhushan Hajari Janata Dal (United)
Tarapur/Bihar RAJEEV KUMAR SINGH Janata Dal (United)
Arki / Himachal Pradesh Sanjay INC
Fatehpur/ Himachal Pradesh Bhawani Singh Pathania INC

JUBBAL-KOTKHAI/ Himachal
ROHIT THAKUR INC
Pradesh
Hangal/ Karnataka MANE SHRINIVAS INC
BHUSANUR RAMESH
Sindgi/ Karnataka BJP
BALAPPA
JOBAT/ MP SULOCHANA RAWAT BJP
DOCTOR SHISHUPAL
RITHVIPUR/ MP BJP
YADAV
RAIGAON/ MP KALPANA VERMA INC
Deglur (SC)/ Maharashtra Antapurkar Jitesh Raosaheb INC
MAWRYNGKNENG/
PYNIAID SING SYIEM National People's Party
Meghalaya
MAWPHLANG/ Meghalaya EUGENESON LYNGDOH United Democratic Party
RAJABALA/ Meghalaya MD. ABDUS SALEH National People's Party
TUIRIAL/ Mizoram K.LALDAWNGLIANA Mizo National Front

SHAMATOR CHESSORE/ Nationalist Democratic
S. KEOSHU YIMCHUNGER
Nagaland Progressive Party
Dhariawad/ Rajasthan Nagraj INC
Vallabhnagar/ Rajasthan Preeti Gajendra Singh INC

Shaktawat
Dinhata/ West Bengal UDAYAN GUHA TMC
Santipur/ West Bengal BRAJA KISHOR GOSWAMI TMC
SOBHANDEB
Khardaha/ West Bengal TMC
CHATTOPADHYAY
Gosaba/ West Bengal SUBRATA MONDAL TMC
Background
The bye-elections were held on October 30, 2021 for 30 assembly constituencies across 14
states, including 5 in Assam, 4 in West Bengal, 3 each in Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and
Madhya Pradesh, 2 each in Karnataka, Rajasthan and Bihar and one each in Andhra Pradesh,
Haryana, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Nagaland and Telangana.

Clean Ganga Mission registered in Guinness

Book of World Records on Day 1 of river
festival
The National Mission of Clean Ganga (NMCG) has been registered in the Guinness Book of
World Records on the first day of Ganga Utsav- the River Festival 2021 for the highest
number of photos of handwritten notes that were uploaded on Facebook in an hour.
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Jal Shakti Minister had posted his message on the Ganga on
Facebook, after which the Guinness activity was opened for the public at large.
‘’ “ ” #NamamiGange#CelebratingRivers pic.twitter.com/rfOFSdx3va
— Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (@gssjodhpur) November 1, 2021

Why Clean Ganga Mission is in the Guinness Book of Records?
As per the senior official, lakhs of entries were recorded during the one-hour duration of the
activity. The participation of people from all walks of life was particularly inspiring. Several
people had posted their self-created literary pieces on the event’s Facebook page.
The record was established on the very first day of Ganga Utsav 2021 for the highest
number of photos of handwritten notes that were uploaded on the social media platform
in an hour.
As per an official, the event was organized to raise awareness on Ganga rejuvenation and to
give a boost to the reach of the Ganga Utsav- the River Festival 2021.
, #NamamiGange#CelebratingRivers pic.twitter.com/ss7ZEH53B7
— Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (@gssjodhpur) November 1, 2021

About Ganga Utsav 2021
The Union Minister for Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on November 1, 2021,
inaugurated the fifth edition of Ganga Utsav. The three-day festival is being organized from
November 1 to 3.
The Ganga Utsav 2021- The River Festival will not only celebrate the glory of the River Ganga but
all the rivers of India. Taking inspiration from PM Modi’s call for ‘Nadi Utsav’, the aim of the

festival is to take Ganga Utsav to all the river basins in India.
The Jal Shakti Minister also launched the Continuous Learning and Activity Portal (CLAP) on the
inaugural day of Ganga Utsav- the River Festival 2021.
The National Mission for Clean Ganga celebrated Ganga Utsav annually to mark the anniversary
of the announcement of River Ganga as the National River.
What is Clean Ganga Mission?
It is an Integrated Conservation Mission that was approved as a ‘Flagship Programme’ by the

Government of India in 2014. The programme aims at accomplishing the twin objectives of
effective abatement of pollution and the conservation and rejuvenation of the National Ganga
River.
Namami Gange Programme operates under the Department of Water Resources, River
Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Jal Shakti Ministry.

Dhanteras 2021: Date Tithi, Timing, Muhurat,

Puja, Importance, History
Dhanteras 2021: Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, is a Hindu festival that marks the
beginning of the 5-day long festival of lights Diwali. This year, Dhanteras 2021 will be
celebrated on November 2, 2021. On this auspicious day of Dhanteras, devotees will worship
Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber, the God of Wealth. Dhanteras is also observed as Dhanvantri
Jayanti, the birth anniversary of the God of Ayurveda.
The word Dhanteras comprises two parts, ‘Dhan’ meaning wealth and ‘Teras’ meaning thirteen.
Dhanteras is celebrated on the 13th lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu calendar month of
Kartik. It marks the first day of the festival of lights Diwali in India.
Dhanteras 2021: Date (Tithi)
This year, Dhanteras 2021 will be celebrated on November 2, 2021. The festival of Diwali 2021 in
India will begin from November 2 on Dhanteras and end on November 6 with Bhai Dooj
celebrations.
Dhanteras 2021: Significance
Dhanteras is considered highly auspicious to buy gold and silver, utensils for home, invest in
businesses, automobiles. People offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kuber, and Lord Kuber
to be blessed with wealth, health, and good luck.
Things to avoid buying on Dhanteras: Don't buy iron, glass things, black things, or empty
utensils on the day of Dhanteras.
A lamp is also lit outside the main doors known as Yamdeep on the same day (Trayodashi Tithi)
for the Yam Dev (God of Death) to protect the members of the family from any untimely death.
Dhanteras 2021: Muhurat (Puja Timings)
Dhanteras Puja Muhurat (Puja Timing) - 06:16 PM to 08:11 PM, November 2, 2021
Dhanteras 2021: History

As per legends, Goddess Lakshmi had emerged during the Sagar Manthan (churning of the
ocean) on the day of Dhantrayodashi. Therefore, on Dhanteras, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord
Kuber are worshipped.
Legends also stated that Lord Dhanvantari had emerged at the end of Sagar Manthan (churning
of the ocean) on Kartik Krishna Trayodashi with the nectar of immortality in his hands. It is
believed that Lord Dhanvantari gave the knowledge of Ayurveda to mankind. As it is known, good
health is the greatest wealth. Therefore, the occasion of Dhanteras gives significant importance to
offering prayers to Lord Dhanvantari.

Lok Sabha bypoll results 2021: INC's Pratibha

Singh wins Mandi Lok Sabha by election, BJP
wins in Khandwa bypoll
Lok Sabha bypoll results 2021: The counting of votes for three Lok Sabha Parliamentary
constituencies had taken place on November 2, 2021. The results of 30 assembly constituencies
in 14 states were also announced on the same day.
The three Lok Sabha constituencies are situated in Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and
Dadra & Nagar Haveli And Daman & Diu. Indian National Congress' candidate Pratibha Singh
won Mandi Lok Sabha by election by a margin of 7490 votes against BJP's Khushal Singh
Thakur, who is a Kargil War hero.
Lok Sabha bye-election result 2021
The Lok Sabha bye-elections were held for three parliamentary constituencies-
1. Mandi in Himachal Pradesh
2. Dadra and Nagar Haveli
3. Khandwa in Madhya Pradesh.
The by-election was necessitated due to the death of sitting members in all the three Lok
Sabha constituencies. The results of the three Lok Sabha bye elections will be announced today
itself.
Mandi, Khandwa & Dadra and Nagar Haveli Lok Sabha by election result:
Constituency/
Winning Candidate/ Party Losing Candidate/ Party Margin
State

Mandi/ Himachal
Pratibha Singh/ INC Khushal Singh Thakur/ BJP 7490
Pradesh
Khandwa/
Gyaneshwar Patil/ BJP Rajnarayan Singh Purni/ INC 82140
Madhya Pradesh
Dadra And Delkar Kalaben Mohanbhai/ 51269

Gavit Maheshbhai/ BJP
Nagar Haveli Shiv Sena
Mandi Lok Sabha by-election 2021
The Mandi Lok Sabha constituency fell vacant after the death of sitting BJP MP Ramswaroop
Sharma in March. In Mandi Lok Sabha by-election 2021, INC's Pratibha Singh was pitted against
BJP's Khushal Singh Thakur, a Kargil war hero.
Madhya Pradesh by-election 2021
The Madhya Pradesh by-election was held in Khandwa parliamentary constituency following
the death of sitting BJP MP Nand Kumar Singh Chauhan. BJP's Gyaneshwar Patil was pitted
against INC's Rajnarayan Singh Purni in the Khandwa Lok Sabha constituency.
Dadra and Nagar Haveli by-election 2021
Dadra and Nagar Haveli by-election was necessitated due to the demise of Independent Lok
Sabha member Mohan Delkar. Shiv Sena's Delkar Kalaben Mohanbhai is pitted against BJP's
Gavit Maheshbhai from the Lok Sabha constituency.

Special Investigation Agency constituted in

J&K for probing terrorism related crimes- All
you need to know
The Jammu and Kashmir administration on November 1, 2021, ordered the setting up of a
specialized agency to be called Special Investigation Agency (SIA) for the investigation and
prosecution of offences of terrorism, including UAPA and those under the Explosive Substances
Act and other crimes related to it in the Union Territory.
The order to this effect was issued by a Special Secretary to the Home Department, Khalid
Majeed. As per the order, “Sanction is hereby accorded to the constitution of a specialized
Agency to be called the Special Investigation Agency (SIA) for the investigation and
prosecution of offences specified in an annexure to this order.”
Special Investigation Agency (SIA) in Jammu & Kashmir will take such other measures as may be
necessary for the speedy and effective investigation and prosecution of terrorism-related cases.
Home Dept, Govt of Jammu & Kashmir sanctions the constitution of a specialised agency to be
called the Special Investigation Agency (SIA) for investigation and prosecution of offences,
including UAPA and those under Explosive Substances Act.

What kind of cases can be taken up by SIA?
The Special Investigation Agency (SIA) in Jammu & Kashmir can take up the cases
related to Atomic Energy Act, Explosive Substances Act, Unlawful Activities
(Prevention) Act, Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against Safety of Civil Aviation Act,
Anti-Hijacking Act, SAARC Convention (suppression of terrorism) Act, terrorist
financing and terrorism -linked NDPS cases among others.
Special Investigation Agency in Jammu & Kashmir:
• As per the order, the Special Investigation Agency (SIA) shall be the nodal agency for
coordinating with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and other central agencies.
• The Special Investigation Agency (SIA) in Jammu & Kashmir will consist of a director and a
number of officers and employees as deputed by the government from time to time.

• The police stations of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Jammu & Kashmir will also
be the police stations for the purposes of investigation and registering of cases of SIA.
• The head of the CID wing will be the ex-officio director of SIA and the director SIA shall, to the
extent it pertains to the functioning of SIA, exercise such powers as may be specified by the
government from time to time.
• Those appointed in Special Investigation Agency will be paid a special incentive of 25% of the
basic pay.
It will be the Nodal Agency for coordinating with the NIA and other Central agencies.

What will be the role of the Special Investigation Agency in J&K?
• As per the order, all officers in charge of the police stations will mandatorily intimate the Special
Investigation Agency (SIA) immediately upon the registration of terrorism-related cases.
• Those cases will also be reported to SIA where any terrorism linkages surface during the
investigation.
• Wherever the investigation is not taken by the DGP, the NIA, J&K will, having regard to the
gravity of offences, the progress of the investigation, and other relevant factors, determine in
consultation with Special Investigation Agency whether the case is fit to be investigated by SIA,
and transfer the investigation of the case at any point of time during its investigation.
• Where the agency will be of an opinion that an offence specified has been committed, which is
fit to be investigated by it, the Special Investigation Agency will register an FIR, suo motto, while
keeping DGP, J&K informed.
• The Special Investigation Agency (SIA) will also be the agency for investigation and trials of
offences in cases that are transferred to the State Government in terms of Section 7 of the
National Investigation Act.

PM Modi to dedicate India's first world-class railway station in Bhopal on November 15
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate India's first world-class railway station at Habibganj in
Bhopal on November 15, 2021. The railway station is the first world-class model station in the
country and has all the facilities that are available at international airports. The station has been
built under a public-private partnership and by a private company named Bansal Group at a total
cost of Rs 450 crore. The station has escalators and lifts and separate entry and exit gates to
control the crowd.
Read more here
PM Modi to launch two RBI initiatives today
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually launch two initiatives of the Reserve Bank of India
today, November 12, 2021. The two customer-centric initiatives include RBI Retail Direct Scheme
and the Reserve Bank - Integrated Ombudsman Scheme.
Read more here
Rajasthan cabinet reshuffle: One leader, one post formula to be adopted
The Rajasthan government is expected to witness a major cabinet reshuffle, as Congress is

expected to implement "one leader-one post" policy. Three senior members of the cabinet of
Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot are likely to be replaced.
Indian teenager recognised for her idea of Solar Ironing Cart
Vinisha Umashankar, a 15-year-old teenage girl from Tamil Nadu, India was recognised as the
Earth Day Network Rising Star 2021 (USA) for her idea of 'Solar Ironing Cart' during the recently
concluded COP 26 climate talks. The mobile ironing cart uses solar panels to power a steam iron
box, which is an inspiration for the world.
Indian Army revamps Ladakh's Rezang La war memorial
Indian Army has revamped Rezang La war memorial in Eastern Ladakh sector. It was initially a
small one but it has now been expanded and is much bigger than before and would soon be on

Ladakh's tourist map. The memorial will be inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on
November 18.
Read more here
SpaceX mission led by Indian-origin astronaut docks with ISS
SpaceX Crew-3 mission, led by Indian-origin astronaut Raja Chari docked successfuly with the
International Space Station (ISS) on November 11, 2021.The new SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule
was carrying four astronauts including Raja Chari. The other astranauts include ESA astronaut
Matthias Maurer and NASA astronauts Chari, Tom Marshburn, Kayla Barron.
Babar Azam becomes fastest player to score 2500 runs in T20Is, surpasses Virat Kohli
Pakistan skipper Babar Azam surpassed Indian captain Virat Kohli on November 11, 2021 to
become the fastest player to score 2500 runs in men's T20Is. He achieved the feat during
Pakistan's semifinal clash against Australia. Azam has taken 62 innings to reach 2500 in T20Is,
while Virat Kohli took 68 innings. They are followed by Australia's Aaron Finch who took 78
innings and New Zealand's Martin Guptill who took 83 innings to cross the landmark.
Brazil beats Colombia to become first South American team to qualify for 2022 World Cup
Brazil has become the first South American team to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar
after it beat Colombia 1-0 in the world cup qualifiers in Sao Paulo on November 11, 2021. Brazil's
sole goal was scored by Lucas Paqueta in the 72nd minute to register 1-0 win over Colombia.

India, World Bank sign $40 million Meghalaya

Health Systems Strengthening Project
The Central Government, Meghalaya Government, and the World Bank on October 28, 2021,
signed a $40 million Meghalaya Health Systems Strengthening Project (MHSSP) for improving
the quality of health services and strengthening the capacity to handle future handle emergencies
including the COVID-19 pandemic in Meghalaya.
Also read: Government signs $32 million loan with World Bank to improve healthcare services in
Mizoram
What is Meghalaya Health Systems Strengthening Project?
The Ministry of Finance stated that the Meghalaya Health Systems Strengthening Project,
signed on October 28, 2021, will aid in boosting the management and governance capabilities
of Meghalaya and its health facilities.
The Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance stated that “Strengthening and
expanding health care systems is a priority for the Government of India.”
The MHSSP was signed by Rajat Kumar Mishra, Additional Secretary, Department of
Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance (on behalf of Central government), Ramkumar S, Joint
Secretary, Department of Health and Family Welfare (on behalf of Meghalaya government),
and Junaid Ahmad, Country Director India (on behalf of the World Bank).
Focus areas of Meghalaya Health Systems Strengthening Project (MHSSP):
•Assist in expanding the design and coverage of Meghalaya’s health insurance program,
•Improving the quality of health services through certification and better human resource systems,
•Enabling efficient access to medicines and diagnostics to the poor and vulnerable in the state,
•Merge with PMJAY to cover 100 per cent of the households in Meghalaya,
•Invest in infection prevention and management of bio-medical waste (both solid and liquid
waste).
Meghalaya Health Systems Strengthening Project - Significance

The Meghalaya Health Systems Project will help in strengthening the effectiveness of
Meghalaya’s health insurance program known as the Megha Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS).
The MHIS currently covers 56 per cent of the households in Meghalaya.
With the merger of MHIS with the national Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojna (PMJAY), the
scheme now aims to give a more comprehensive package and cover 100 per cent of the
households in Meghalaya. The merger will also help in reducing roadblocks that poor families
face while accessing hospital services and preventing damaging out-of-pocket costs.
As a key strategy, the MHSSP will also help in moving the health sector towards a
performance-based financing system where Internal Performance Agreements (IPAs) between
the Department of Health and Family Welfare (DoHFW) and its subsidiaries will develop more
accountability at all levels. This in turn is expected to further enhance the management of the
system to deliver quality health services.
The MHSSP will also aid in promoting synergy between various schemes and expand the
capacity of the state insurance agency.
Meghalaya Health Systems Strengthening - Benefits
The Meghalaya Health Systems Strengthening Project will benefit 11 districts in Meghalaya. It
will enhance the health sector at the primary and secondary levels by building their clinical skills
and strengthening their planning and management capabilities. The MHSSP will help women and
those located in remote areas towards better utilization of healthcare services at the community
level.
The Project will also invest in infection prevention and control for a more resilient response
to health emergencies, pandemics, and future outbreaks. Noting that improved healthcare
services may lead exponential increase in bio-medical waste and improper disposal management
of bio-medical waste or other hazardous wastes leads to environmental risks.
Therefore, the Meghalaya Health Systems Strengthening Project will also invest in enhancing
the overall ecosystem for the disposal management of bio-medical waste (both solid and
liquid waste). This will include collection, segregation and disinfection while improving the quality
of health services, patient safety, and safeguarding the environment.
Also read: India Plastics Pact - Aim, targets, significance, Know why India needs plastics pact

Also read: Draft EPR Notification: Centre announces targets to manage plastic packaging waste
– All you need to know

Can India still qualify for T20 World Cup 2021

semifinal?- Know all scenarios here
Team India lost against New Zealand by 8 wickets in their second Group 2 match in the Super 12
stage at the Dubai International Stadium on October 31, 2021. India had lost its opening match in
the Super 12 stage match as well against Pakistan by 10 wickets.
India now has lost both its matches in the T20 World Cup 2021, while Pakistan has already won
three matches against India, New Zealand and Afghanistan. Afghanistan has also won two
matches against Scotland and Namibia while New Zealand lost its opening game against
Pakistan but won against India.
The two losses have put Team India in a spot, as it has dimmed its chances of qualifying for the
T20 World Cup 2021 semifinals, as only two teams will qualify for the semifinals from each group
in the Super 12 stage.
Can India still qualify for T20 World Cup 2021 semifinal?
With the two massive defeats, Team India is currently placed at fifth place, second to the bottom
in the Super 12 Group 2 points table of T20 World Cup 2021. India has zero points and a negative
NRR of 1.609 so far. Pakistan currently tops the Group with 6 points, followed by Afghanistan at
second place with 4 points. However, India is not yet completely knocked out of a top-four finish in
the T20 World Cup 2021.
T20 World Cup 2021 Points Table- Group 2

Rank Team Matches Played Won/ Lost Points
1 Pakistan 3 3/0 6
2 Afghanistan 3 2/1 4
3 New Zealand 2 1/1 2
4 Namibia 2 1/1 2
5 India 2 0/2 0
6 Scotland 2 0/2 0
How can India qualify for the T20 semifinals?

To qualify for the T20 World Cup 2021 semifinal, India has to win all of its three remaining
matches in Group 2 against Afghanistan, Scotland and Namibia with a huge margin. India's
qualification will also depend on the result of other teams' matches.
Scenarios that will help India qualify for T20 World Cup 2021 semifinals:
•India needs to beat Afghanistan with a net run-rate (NRR) of (+3.097).
•India needs to beat Scotland and Namibia by big margins to improve its own NRR.
•India needs New Zealand to beat Afghanistan by a small margin.
•India needs either Namibia and Scotland to pull off a win against New Zealand.
If all these results go in Team India's favour, then India and New Zealand will finish with six
points each and it would come down to the NRR to decide the second semifinalist.
India's remaining Group 2 matches
India v Afghanistan: November 3rd
India v Scotland: November 5th
India v Namibia: November 8th

COP26: India will achieve net-zero carbon

emissions target by 2070, PM Modi at climate
summit in Glasgow
COP26 Glasgow: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 1, 2021, addressed the COP26
World Leaders’ Summit in Glasgow, Scotland, where he highlighted that adaptation has not
gained much importance in the global climate debate as much as mitigation of climate crisis.
During India’s national statement at COP26, he elaborated on India’s vision and efforts. He said
India will achieve its net-zero carbon emissions target by 2070. He also met UK Prime Minister
Boris Johnson on the sidelines of the COP26 Summit.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Glasgow on October 31, 2021, to participate in the 26th
Conference of Parties (COP26) on Climate Change from November 1, 2021, to November 2,
2021. PM Modi had arrived in Glasgow after concluding the 16th G20 Summit 2021 during his
three-day visit to Rome.
Meanwhile, the COP26 to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC) began on October 31, 2021, in Glasgow, Scotland. Under the Presidency of the UK
partnering with Italy in Glasgow, COP26 is being held from October 31 to November 12, 2021.
PM Modi at COP26: Addressing the Climate Summit in Glasgow
Addressing the @COP26 Summit in Glasgow. https://t.co/Gca9quYv9b
PM Modi addressed the World Leaders’ Summit (WLS) at the 26th Conference of Parties
(COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) at the
Scottish Event Campus (SEC) in Glasgow. He addressed the leader-level COP26 event ‘Action
and Solidarity: The Critical Decade’.
In his address, PM Modi highlighted that adaptation has not gained much importance in the
global climate debate as much as mitigation of climate crisis. He stressed the need to
include climate change adaptation policies in all development policies and projects.

Lack of climate adaptation policies is an injustice to developing countries that are more
susceptible to climate change. In most developing countries including India, the climate is a big
challenge for farmers. Untimely rains and floods, changing cropping patterns, frequent storms
destroying crops are a few of many challenges.
“From sources of drinking water to affordable housing, all need to be made resilient against
climate change,” stressed PM Modi at COP26.
PM Modi presented 3 perspectives in this regard. First, he urged world leaders to make
adaptation a core part of our development policies and projects. Various projects in India
such as ‘Nal se Jal’, Clean Ujjawala, and Clean India Mission have not offered adaptation benefits
to our citizens in need but have also enhanced their quality of life.
Second, he emphasized that traditional practices should be given significant importance in

our adaptation policies as the traditional communities are bestowed with wisdom to live in
harmony with nature. He added that the topic of Climate change should be taught in schools.
There is a need to include climate change adaptation policies in the school syllabus to make next-
generation aware of issues, he added.
Third, he shared a vision of global support for local methods of adaptation. He said that the
climate adaptation methods and traditional practices may be local but developing countries and
backward countries should receive global support for them. He requested all the countries to join
one of India’s initiatives known as the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
The World Leaders’ Summit (WLS), a high-level segment of COP26 will be held on
November 1 to 2, 2021, in Glasgow which will be attended by Heads of State and Governments
of more than 120 countries. Watch PM Modi's full address at COP26 Summit in Glasgow.
PM Modi at COP26: Delivering National Statement at Climate Summit in Glasgow
Delivering the National Statement at the @COP26 Summit in Glasgow. https://t.co/SdKi5LBQNM
PM Modi delivered India’s national statement on climate action at the COP26 Summit in Glasgow.
Speaking at the COP26 Summit, PM Narendra Modi elaborated on India’s vision and efforts to
overcome climate change.

PM Modi presented 5 goals of India at the COP26 Climate Summit to deal with the climate
crisis.
•India will achieve its net-zero carbon emissions target by 2070.
•India will bring its non-fossil energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030.
•India will achieve 50 per cent of its energy requirements from renewable energy by 2030.
•India will reduce the total projected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes from now to 2030.
•India will reduce the carbon intensity of its economy to less than 45 per cent by 2030.
PM Modi proposed a One-Word Movement in the context of climate called LIFE (Lifestyle for
Environment). He urged for collective participation to take LIFE forward as a campaign.
Bilateral Meeting between PM Modi-UK PM Boris Johnson in Glasgow
Marching ahead on Roadmap 2030.
PM @narendramodi met UK PM @BorisJohnson in Glasgow today. Congratulated him for

successfully organising @COP26.
Discussed cooperation in areas like green hydrogen, renewables & clean tech. Also exchanged
views on economy, defence, P2P ties. pic.twitter.com/zro6LSmxWs
— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) November 1, 2021
PM Narendra Modi met UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on the sidelines of the COP26 World
Leaders’ Summit in Glasgow on November 1, 2021.
The official statement by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India stated that PM Modi
congratulated UK PM Johnson for successfully organizing the COP26 and for his leadership in
championing the global action for climate change mitigation and adaption.
PM Modi further reiterated India’s commitment to closely working with the UK on climate
finance, innovation, and adaptation to green hydrogen, technology, renewables, and clean
technologies, including joint initiatives under CDRI and ISA.
Both world leaders, PM Modi-UK PM Johnson, reviewed the implementation of the Roadmap

2030 priorities particularly in the economy and trade, health, people-to-people, defence, and
security areas. Both leaders were satisfied with the progress achieved in delivering the Enhanced
Trade Partnership including the launch of FTA negotiations.
PM Modi and UK PM Johnson also deliberated on regional and global challenges including
Counter-Terrorism, Afghanistan, Indo-Pacific, post-COVID global economic recovery, and supply
chain resilience.
PM Modi meets community leaders and Indologists based in Scotland
'Strengthening people-to-people bonds': PM Modi with Indian community in Glasgow.
Strengthening our people-to-people bonds.
Indian community members and Indologists gather in Glasgow to meet Prime Minister
@narendramodi. pic.twitter.com/dj3no1rhtJ
— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) November 1, 2021

India’s focus at COP26 summit – Key Points
India’s ‘ambitious’ Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) goals for the post-2020
period under the Paris Agreement will be India's focus at the COP26 Summit.
These NDC Goals include a reduction in the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33 to 35 per cent
by 2030 from the 2005 level and achieving 40 per cent cumulative electric power installed
capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030.
Predictable and consistent financing of green technology for developing countries will be
another key area of focus for India.
"India is among the top countries in the world in terms of installed renewable energy, wind, and
solar energy capacity. At the WLS, I will share India's excellent track record on climate action and
our achievements," PM Modi said in a statement ahead of the summit.
He will also address the need to comprehensively address climate change issues including
mobilization of finance, support for mitigation and adaptation and resilience-building measures,
technology transfer, equitable distribution of carbon space, and the importance of sustainable
lifestyles for green and inclusive growth, he added.

PM Modi in UK: 26th Conference of Parties (COP26) on Climate Change – PM Modi’s

schedule
Day 1 – November 1, 2021
Meeting with community leaders and Indologists based in Scotland.
Address the Plenary Session of the World Leaders’ Summit (WLS) at the 26th Conference of
Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) at
the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) in Glasgow.
Hold a bilateral meeting with UK PM Boris Johnson.
Deliver India’s national statement on the climate action at the leader-level COP26 event ‘Action
and Solidarity: The Critical Decade’.
Attend a special VVIP reception at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. The reception will also
include the UK’s royal family Prince Charles and wife Camilla and Prince William and wife Kate
Middleton.
Day 2 – November 2, 2021
Hold a series of bilateral meetings with leaders of Argentina, Japan, Ukraine, Malawi, Nepal
Israel, Finland, and Switzerland, as well as a meeting with Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.
Launch the Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS), a new programme for the small island
states is part of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), an Indian initiative
announced by Modi at the UN General Assembly in 2019.
Also read: 16th G20 Summit 2021 Highlights: Leaders adopt Rome Declaration; PM Modi calls
G20 Summit 'fruitful'
PM Modi-UK PM Boris Johnson Bilateral Meeting in Glasgow
The talks are expected to focus on the India-UK climate partnership as well as take cognizance of
the 2030 Roadmap for a stronger India-UK Strategic Partnership that was signed by both world
leaders in a virtual summit in May 2021.

"Both governments remain committed to the implementation of the Roadmap, within prescribed
timelines. Accordingly, we are looking to launch negotiations in November 2021 for an Interim
Agreement to be signed in March 2022 and eventually a comprehensive agreement, if all goes
according to schedule, by November 2022," said India's High Commissioner to the UK, Gaitri
Issar Kumar.
Also read: Climate Change: UNEP Emissions Gap Report 2021 – Top 10 Key Highlights
Also read: IPCC Climate Change 2021 Report: Human activities are making extreme weather
events more frequent, severe
Also read: Climate Change: State of the Climate in Asia 2020 Report – Know Key Highlights

Japan PM Fumio Kishida's coalition retains

majority with fewer seats
Japan's ruling coalition led by Liberal Democratic Party won an absolute majority in the
recent Parliamentary elections held on October 31, 2021. The coalition won a majority with
fewer seats from its pre-election share.
The Liberal Democratic Party led by Fumio Kishida, who is also the current Japanese Prime
Minister, won 261 seats, well above the majority number of 233 in the 465-member lower house
of Japan's Parliament. The party along with its junior coalition partner has 293 seats, which is
lesser than the 305 seats held by them previously.
Following the result, Kishida said, "The lower house election is about choosing a leadership. I
believe we received a mandate from the voters.”
pic.twitter.com/nYqdaDb8lN
— (@kishida230) October 31, 2021

Japan Parliamentary Elections 2021
•The 64-year-old Fumio Kishida had dissolved the lower house of the Japanese Parliament just
10 days after taking the office.
•Kishida had earlier won the leadership race of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party after the party
leaders voted for him to the successor of Yoshihide Suga, who stepped down from the party's
leadership position in September 2021.
•Besides the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, other parties also lost seats in comparison to their
earlier numbers including the largest opposition, Constitutional Democratic Party, which lost 13
seats to win just 96 seats.
•The biggest winner in the election was Japan Innovation Party, which almost quadrupled its
seats to 41, becoming the third-biggest party.
Significance

The immediate task at hand for Fumio Kishida would be to rally support for a party weakened
by his predecessor Suga’s perceived high-handed approach to COVID-19 pandemic measures
and his insistence on conducting the 2020 Tokyo Olympics despite widespread opposition amid
a spike in COVID-19 cases.
Kishida's election campaign was largely centered around COVID-19 response measures and
revitalizing the economy. He also promised to spur growth and distribute its fruit to the people
as income.
Background
Fumio Kushida was elected as Japan's next Prime Minister on October 4, 2021. He succeeded
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who had decided not to run for the leadership position of the
ruling Liberal Democratic Party earlier after serving for just one year. Suga had taken over charge
after Shinzo Abe's resignation in September 2020 citing ill health. Shinzo Abe was Japan's
longest-serving prime minister.

Asgar Afghan, former Afghanistan skipper,

announces retirement from International
Cricket
The former Captain of Afghanistan Cricket Team Asgar Afghan has announced retirement
from all forms of cricket. He will play his last match for Afghanistan on October 31, 2021,
against Namibia in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021.
Afghanistan Cricket Board in a tweet said, “Afghanistan’s ex-captain Asgar Afghan who holds the
highest winning streak as a Captain in T20 Internationals surpassing Indian Legend MS Dhoni by
one extra win, decides to bid farewell with all formats of Cricket in Afghanistan’s third match
against Namibia at T20WC.”
Afghanistan’s ex captain Asghar Afghan who holds the highest winning streak as a captain in T20
internationals surpassing Indian legend Ms Dhoni by one extra win, decides to bid farewell with all
formats of cricket in Afghanistan’s third match against Namibia at @T20WorldCup.
1/1 pic.twitter.com/4nxfeoctjj
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) October 30, 2021
The tweet further added that ACB officials welcome and respect his decision, express gratitude
for his services to the country. It will take a lot of hard work for young Afghan Cricketers to fill his
shoes.
Former skipper and national player @MAsgharAfghan played his last match today against
Namibia, made important 31 runs and bade farewell to all formats of cricket with heavy heart. He
received the guard of honor from his teammates.
: @GettyImages pic.twitter.com/jZK5amNQT7
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) October 31, 2021

Asgar Afghan: Former Captain, Batsman, Bowler, and first Test Captain of Afghanistan
• Asgar Afghan is a right-handed batsman and a medium-fast bowler. In May 2018, he was
named as the Captain of the Afghanistan team, for their inaugural Test Match against India.
• He also made his Test debut for Afghanistan against India in 2018.

• Asgar Afghan has played 6 Tests, 114 ODIs, and 74 T20Is for Afghanistan. He had made his
debut in 2009 against Scotland.
• In the One Day Internationals (ODIs), the 33 years old has captained in 59 ODIs, winning 34 and
losing 21.
• Afghan also bows out of T20Is as being the Captain in the most successful games (46) and
most wins as Captain (41), a record which was earlier owned by the former Skipper of India MS
Dhoni.
• Asgar Afghan made his ODI debut in 2009 and T20 debut in 2010.
Asgar Afghan: Career Statistics

Competition Test ODI T20Is
Matches 5 114 72
Runs Scored 276 2,424 1,341
Batting Average 30.66 24.73 21.98
100s/50s 1/3 1/12 0/4
Top Score 164 101 62
Balls Bowled 12 139 4
Wickets 0 3 1
Bowling Average - 30.33 4.00
5 Wickets in Innings - 0 0
10 Wickets in Match - 0 0
Best Bowling - 1/1 1/4
Catches/Stumpings 2/- 24/- 20/-

Elon Musk to spend $6 billion to solve world

hunger if UN shares a spending plan
SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk on October 31, 2021, said that he is willing to sell some Tesla
stocks if the World Food Programme (WFP) shares a plan on how 2 per cent of total wealth which
is $6 billion could solve world hunger. The development came days after in response to a remark
by United Nations (UN) World Food Programme’s Director David Beasley who said that a small
group of ultra-rich individuals could help solve global hunger with a just a fraction of their net
worth.
As of November 1, 2021, World’s richest man Elon Musk’s current net worth jumped to
$311 billion, as per the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
Also read: Elon Musk becomes world's richest person, total worth to touch $300 billion
WFP Director calls on billionaires Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos to step up to end world hunger
Billionaires need to "step up now, on a one-time basis, said Beasley. “$6 billion to help 42 million
people that are literally going to die if we don't reach them. It's not complicated," Beasley added in
an interview on CNN.
In response, SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk tweeted that if WFP can describe on this Twitter
thread exactly how $6 billion will solve world hunger, I will sell Tesla stock right now and do it.
Musk also added, “Please publish your current & proposed spending in detail so people can see
exactly where the money goes.”
But it must be open source accounting, so the public sees precisely how the money is spent.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 31, 2021

How will 2 per cent of Elon Musk's total wealth help to solve world hunger, explains WFP
Director David Beasley
David Beasley further pointed out that the 2 per cent which is $6 billion of Musk’s total wealth will
“prevent geopolitical instability, mass migration and save 42 million people on the brink of
starvation”. He explained that $6 billion will aid in mitigating the “unprecedented crisis and a
perfect storm” due to COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts, as well as global climate crises.”

In a response to Musk’s tweet to publish spending plans in public, Beasley tweeted, “I can assure
you that we have the systems in place for transparency and open source accounting. Your team
can review and work with us to be totally confident of such.”
Also read: Global Food Security Index (GFSI) 2021: India ranks 71st out of 113 countries – Know
Key Highlights
Global Hunger: About 22.8 million people in Afghanistan suffering acute hunger crisis,
says WFP
The World Food Programme on October 25, 2021, in the latest Integrated Food Security Phase
Classification (IPC) report co-led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN and the UN
World Food Programme, stated that more than half the population of Afghanistan (a record
22.8 million people) will face acute food insecurity from November 2021.
Also read: Afghanistan: 12.2 million people acutely food insecure, says UN
The 2021 Global Hunger Index (GHI) report launched on October 14, 2021, it is estimated that the

47 countries in the world will be unable to achieve even low hunger by 2030.
Also read: 2021 Global Hunger Index: India ranks 101 out 116 countries – All you need to know

Health Minister's meeting on dengue: Centre

to send expert team to states with rising
Dengue cases, speed testing to be done
Health Minister's meeting on dengue: Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya chaired a
review meeting on the dengue situation in Delhi on November 1, 2021. The Minister said on
the occasion that on-ground initiatives like hotspot identification, fogging and timely treatment will
be carried out.
The central government will also be sending a team of experts to the states with rising Dengue
cases. He also assured the centre's full support to the states.
The Minister stressed on active coordination between the Centre and states during the meeting.
He also pointed out that many poor people are not diagnosed properly and their death goes
unreported and stressed on the need to ramp up testing.
Union Health Min Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya during the review of the Dengue situation in Delhi
stressed on active coordination between the Centre and states.
Many poor people are not diagnosed properly and their death goes unreported, said Dr.
Mandaviya on the need to ramp up testing

Key Highlights
•The Centre will send a team of experts to all states that have been witnessing a rise in dengue
cases.
•The expert team will do detailed planning with the Delhi government to monitor the dengue cases
in the capital.
•An awareness campaign will also be run in the schools and necessary speed-testing will be
conducted.
•The meeting saw participation from the officials of the National Centre for Disease Control

(NCDC) and the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP).
Delhi directs hospitals to use 1/3rd of COVID beds for dengue/ malaria & Chikungunya
patients
Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain on October 31, 2021 directed hospitals to use a third of
their beds reserved for Covid-19 patients for patients suffering from dengue, malaria and
Chikungunya.
The decision was taken in view of declining COVID-19 cases in the capital and the rise in
dengue, malaria and chikungunya cases.
The state had recently reduced the number of beds reserved for Covid-19 patients in private
hospitals from 30 percent to 10 percent besides from some big hospitals of its own.
Background
The onset of the monsoon every year sees the outbreak of dengue in the National Capital. The
outbreak generally ends by the time the winter season arrives. However, this time the city has
been witnessing a major spike in dengue cases, which is still continuing.
Delhi has reported over 1,000 cases of dengue this year, with over 280 cases reported in the last
week itself.

ADB approves $250 million loan for India’s

National Industrial Corridor Development
Program
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on October 29, 2021, approved a $250 million (about Rs
1,875 crores) loan to offer support to India’s National Industrial Corridor Development Program
(NICDP). This is the first subprogram loan of the programmatic $500 million loan for the
development of 11 industrial corridors across 17 states.
Also read: ADB to provide $484 million loan for Chennai-Kanyakumari Industrial Corridor
ADB $250 million loan for India’s National Industrial Corridor Development Program
(NICDP)
ADB is committed to contributing to the ambitious reform agenda of the Government of India to
strengthen industrial infrastructure. The assistance will also aid India in boosting the
competitiveness of its manufacturing sector, generating a high level of formal employment, and
increasing the share of manufacturing in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The first subprogram loan of $250 for India’s National Industrial Corridor Development Program
(NICDP) will aid Indian government initiatives in strengthening institutional framework and
capacity building for industrial corridor planning, facilitating ease of doing business, improving
project readiness, and creating opportunities for domestic and international investors.
Also read: ADB approves $150 million loan for urban housing project in Tamil Nadu
India’s National Industrial Corridor Development Program (NICDP)
India’s National Industrial Corridor Development Program (NICDP) aims at developing world-class
industrial nodes. Under NICDP, key supporting features of these industrial nodes would be
efficient urban agglomeration, climate-resilient, sustainable infrastructure, and multimodal
connectivity including airports, ports, etc.
The NICDP will also be seeking strong institutional and regulatory frameworks. As a part of
NICDP, India is also developing initiatives for green corridor frameworks, climate-resilient

infrastructure, and skill enhancement for enabling the participation of female labor.
As per the official data on the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation
Limited (NICDC), 11 Industrial Corridors Projects are being taken up for development with 30
Projects to be developed in 04 phases up to 2024-25:
1. Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC)
2. Chennai Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC)
3. Amritsar Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC)
4. East Coast Industrial Corridor (ECIC) with Vizag Chennai Industrial Corridor (VCIC) as Phase 1
5. Bengaluru Mumbai Industrial Corridor (BMIC)
6. Extension of CBIC to Kochi via Coimbatore
7. Hyderabad Nagpur Industrial Corridor (HNIC)
8. Hyderabad Warangal Industrial Corridor (HWIC)
9. Hyderabad Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (HBIC)
10. Odisha Economic Corridor (OEC)
11. Delhi Nagpur Industrial Corridor (DNIC)

India’s National Industrial Corridor Development Program Map, Source: NICDC

Significance
The proposed Industrial Corridor Development Program by ADB will aid in expanding and
enhancing the competitiveness of manufacturing in India by supporting the development of
industrial corridors.
The program will accelerate inclusive economic transformation, boost economic competitiveness
and create jobs, expand multi-modal transport networks along economic corridors, address skills
gaps to support industrialization, and enhance institutions for corridor management.
India recently upgraded its Industrial Park Rating System (IPRS) for boosting industrial
infrastructure competitiveness and supporting policies to enable industrialization across the
country.
India has also taken up significant reforms for increasing the productivity and competitiveness of
the manufacturing sector. These reforms include reducing corporate taxes, streamlining business

processes to facilitate private investment, increasing public investment in infrastructure,

consolidating labor codes, and approving the creation of a new development institution.
The Indian government has also launched the ‘Digital India’ and ‘Skill India’ programs for
attracting youth and creating high-value jobs in the manufacturing industry.
Also read: India, ADB sign $231 mn loan to set up 120 MW hydroelectric power plant in Assam
About Asian Development Bank
Established in 1966, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is committed to achieving a prosperous,
inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific while sustaining its efforts to eradicate
extreme poverty. In a bid to assist its members and partners, ADB provides loans, technical
assistance, equity investments, and grants for promoting social and economic development.
Also read: India, ADB sign agreement to support preparation of road upgradation project in
Sikkim

Mission Clean: Punjab Chief Minister

announces initiative to curb illegal sand
mining, liquor trade
The Chief Minister of Punjab, Charanjit Singh Channi, announced ‘Mission Clean’ in a
meeting on October 31, 2021, held with all the Deputy Commissioners and the Senior
Superintendents of Police (SSPs) of the state.
The Chief Minister of Punjab, during the meeting, directed the officials to adopt a ‘zero-tolerance
policy’ against corruption. He also ordered strict action against the drug, sand, and the liquor
mafia.
As per the tweet by the Chief Minister’s Office, “Chief Minister Charanjit Channi directs the Civil
and Police Administration of the state to launch ‘Mission Clean’ by taking strict action against
Drug, Sand and Liquor Mafia besides ensuring the zero tolerance for corruption.”
Taking a serious note of the matter, CM Channi asks the mining, irrigation and civil & police
administration to ensure that no farmer should be harrassed for lifting of soil from his land for farm
leveling purpose. pic.twitter.com/QmDtiK0FX4
— CMO Punjab (@CMOPb) November 1, 2021

Mission Clean in Punjab: Key Details
• The Chief Minister of Punjab has directed the Mining Department to ensure that the sand and
gravel should be available in the market at the Government rates while directing the DCs and
SSPs to keep a check on it.
• Chief Minister Channi has also asked the mining department to ensure that no charges are
levied on the sand being used by the Panchayats for development works.
• Ahead of Diwali, the Chief Minister has also asked the officials to ensure that the shopkeepers
are facilitated and not harassed.
• Taking a serious note of the matter, Chief Minister has asked the mining, irrigation, and Civil &
Police administration to ensure that no farmer must be harassed for the lifting of soil from his land

for farm leveling purposes.
Chief Minister @CharanjitChanni directs Civil and Police administration of the state to launch
'Mission Clean' by taking strict action against Drug, Sand and Liquor Mafia besides ensuring zero
tolerance for corruption. pic.twitter.com/vYiwQsqs7L
— CMO Punjab (@CMOPb) October 31, 2021

Strong action against Corruption
The Chief Minister of Punjab Charanjit Singh Channi also held a meeting of the Vigilance
department officials and gave directions for taking strong actions against those indulging in
corruption.
The Director of Vigilance Bureau, Sidharth Chattopadhtaya was also present at the meeting. The
Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, who holds the Home Portfolio, directed the
Senior Superintendents of Police and DCs to be extra vigilant in the wake of festival season.

Vishakhapatnam: Indian Navy receives first

P15B Guided-Missile Destroyer
The Indian Navy has received its first P15B stealth guided missile destroyer from the Mazgaon
Shipbuilders on October 28, 2021.
As per the official statement, the construction and the delivery of the ship- named
Vishakhapatnam- is another testament of the impetus given by the Government of India and the
Navy to the indigenous warship construction Programme.
The Indian Navy said on Twitter, “Vishakhapatnam- first of the indigenous P15B stealth
guided-missile destroyers being built at Mazagaon Dock, Mumbai delivered to Indian Navy
on October 28, 2021,”
Yet another testament of impetus given by Govt of India & the Navy towards #indigenous warship
constn programmes.#Visakhapatnam - #first of the indigenous P15B stealth Guided Missile
destroyers being built at #MazagonDock, #Mumbai delivered to #IndianNavy on 28 Oct 21.
(1/2). pic.twitter.com/sECvXvhl4R
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) October 30, 2021

Significance:
• Vishakhapatnam, a stealth-guided missile destroyer, has the capability of launching guided anti-
aircraft missiles from its deck.
• As per the Indian Navy, the induction of the destroyer not only enhances the combat readiness
of the Indian Navy but will also be a major leap forward towards India’s quest for Aatmanirbhar
Bharat (self-reliant India).
Induction of the destroyer will not only enhance #combat readiness of #IndianNavy but will also
be a major leap forward towards our quest for #AatmanirbharBharat
(2/2).@makeinindia@CMD_MazagonDock @DefenceMinIndia @SpokespersonMoD
@DefProdnIndia @drajaykumar_ias pic.twitter.com/HRJfywUmp8
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) October 30, 2021

Key Highlights:

• The contract for the four ships of Project 15B, as the Vishakhapatnam class ships are known,
was signed in January 2011. The latest project is a follow-on of the Kolkata Class (Project 15A)
destroyers commissioned in the last decade.
• The four ships, designed by the Directorate of Naval Design and built by Mazagaon Dock
Shipbuilders Ltd., Mumbai, are christened after the major cities from all four corners of India, such
as Mormugao, Vishakhapatnam, Surat, and Imphal.
Vishakhapatnam: Key details
• The design of Vishakhapatnam has largely maintained the hull form, propulsion machinery,
many platform equipment, and the major weapons and sensors as the Kolkata class.
• The 163-metres long ship has a full-load displacement of 7,400 tonnes and a maximum speed of
30 knots. The overall indigenous content of the project is approx. 75%.
• Apart from the indigenous equipment in the Float and Move Categories, the destroyer has also
been installed with the major indigenous weapons.

Health Minister to chair review meeting on dengue situation in Delhi today
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya is scheduled to chair a meeting with the Delhi
government today to review the dengue situation in the national capital. He will discuss ways on
how the Centre can assist the state government in curbing the surge in cases. This comes amid a
surge in dengue cases in the national capital.
Delhi schools reopen for all classes with 50 percent capacity from today
All Delhi schools will reopen today for all classes with 50 percent capacity, as per Deputy Delhi
Chief Minister Manish Sisodia's announcement on October 28, 2021. The schools will have to
ensure that the classes take place in hybrid mode.
The Delhi Deputy CM informed that no parent will be forced to send their children to school.
Online classes will continue for children who will attend the classes from home.
PM Modi to take part in COP26, meet UK PM today
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to participate in the 26th session of the Conference of
Parties (COP-26) on climate change in Glasgow today, November 1, 2021.
The Prime Minister is currently on a two-day visit to the United Kingdom to participate in COP-26.
He is also scheduled to meet the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on the sidelines of the climate
conference and discuss bilateral ties.
The high-level segment of COP-26, titled the World Leaders' Summit (WLS), will be held on
November 1-2, 2021 under UK's Presidency in partnership with Italy and will see participation
from Heads of State/Government of more than 120 countries.
Delhi's air quality slips to 'very poor' category
Delhi overall air quality slipped to the 'very poor' category on November 1, 2021. The Centre-run
System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) recorded the Air Quality
Index (AQI) of 302.
The air quality is however predicted to "improve to the upper end of poor" due to the expected

change in wind direction to westerly/south-westerly reducing transport of emissions from stubble

burning.
Shipping Minister visits IAC Vikrant during its sea trials
Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal visited the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC)
‘Vikrant’ during its ongoing sea trials in Kochi, Kerala.
The ship sailed for its second Sea Trials on October 24, 2021. Vikrant is an example of India's
'Atmanirbhar Bharat' vision, said the Minister while praising the great work done by Indian Navy.
G20 Rome Leaders' Declaration: G20 leaders adopt Rome Declaration at G20 Summit
The leaders of all G20 nations adopted the'Rome Declaration' at the G20 Summit, informed
India’s Sherpa to G20 Summit & Union Minister Piyush Goyal.
He said that the declaration gives a very strong message under health section where the leaders
agreed that COVID immunization is a global public good. All leaders agreed that they should all
move quickly towards mutual recognition of COVID-19 vaccines, especially those that have
received the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by WHO.
The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing digital financial inclusion of the
vulnerable sections of the society including MSMEs and reiterated their commitment to
strengthening long-term financial resilience & supporting inclusive growth and developing local
currency capital markets.
The leaders also held discussions on agriculture and livelihoods of small & marginal farmers and
agreed that improving their livelihoods is an important global effort that they will have to put
in. The discussions also included energy and climate change issues at their centre stage with
India and many other developing countries pushing for safeguarding the interest of the developing
world.
New Zealand beat India by 8 wickets
New Zealand beat India by 8 wickets in their T20 World Cup 2021 Super 12 stage match on
October 31, 2021 at the Dubai International Cricket stadium. India, while batting first, had put a
score of 110/7 in 20 overs with Ravindra Jadeja remaining unbeaten at 26. New Zealand had won
the toss and opt to bowl first against India.

Uttarakhand CM announces ex-gratia worth Rs 50,000 for kin of Chakrata accident victims
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 50,000 each for the
next of kin of those who lost their lives in the tragic accident in Chakrata on October 31, 2021.
The Chief Minister also announced an amount worth Rs 25,000 each for those who were injured
during the accident. At least 13 people died and two were rescued after a vehicle weant down a
gorge at Bulhad-Baila road in Chakrata, Dehradun district yesterday.

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MONTHLY CURRENT AFFAIRS EBOOK

YOUR GUIDE TO MOST

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Formal Military Certification to Indian Bio-Jet

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