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Current Affairs [PDF] - November 1-15, 2019
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Contents
......................... ... .... ......... ...... .... ....................................................
News Headlines: November 1-15, 2019 ..................................................................................................................................................... 3
Current Affairs – News Headlines: November 1, 2019 ................................................................................................................. 3
Current Affairs – News Headlines: November 2, 2019 ................................................................................................................ 4
Current Affairs – News Headlines: November 3, 2019 ................................................................................................................ 5
Current Affairs – News Headlines: November 4, 2019 ................................................................................................................ 6
Current Affairs – News Headlines: November 5, 2019 ................................................................................................................ 7
Current Affairs – News Headlines: November 6, 2019 ................................................................................................................ 7
Current Affairs – News Headlines: November 7, 2019 ................................................................................................................ 8
Current Affairs – News Headlines: November 8, 2019 ................................................................................................................ 9
Current Affairs – News Headlines: November 9, 2019 ............................................................................................................... 11
Current Affairs – News Headlines: November 10, 2019 ............................................................................................................. 11
Current Affairs – News Headlines: November 11, 2019 .............................................................................................................. 12
Current Affairs – News Headlines: November 12, 2019 ............................................................................................................. 13
Current Affairs – News Headlines: November 13, 2019 ............................................................................................................. 14
Current Affairs – News Headlines: November 14, 2019 ............................................................................................................ 14
Current Affairs – News Headlines: November 15, 2019 ............................................................................................................. 15
November 1, 2019 ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 16
Ekta Diwas: PM Modi inaugurated Technology Demonstration site ....................................................................................... 16
Sharjah International Book Fair 2019 .............................................................................................................................................. 16
Defence Minister: attends SCO meeting; signs Bilateral Engagement with Uzbekistan ....................................................... 17
Fact Box: Sardar Patel National Unity Award ................................................................................................................................ 17
PM Modi to visit Thailand for ASEAN, East Asia and RCEP summits ..................................................................................... 18
Girish Chandra Murmu sworn in as first Lieutenant Governor of J&K ................................................................................... 18
IIIT Hyderabad create first ever Indian Brain Atlas ...................................................................................................................... 19
Bamboo Tech Parks in J&K and Ladakh ........................................................................................................................................ 20
IIT Delhi launches Global Alumni Endowment Fund .................................................................................................................. 20
Union Territory of Ladakh gets Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development ..................................................... 21
ASI: Gottiporlu-a historic trade centre ............................................................................................................................................. 21
COP25 cancelled .................................................................................................................................................................................. 22
PM Modi and Angela Merkel to co-chair 5th Biennial Inter-Governmental Consultations ................................................ 22
Radha Krishna Mathur sworn in as first Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh UT ....................................................................... 23
November 2, 2019 ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 24
Dustlik 2019: India Uzbekistan joint Military Exercise ................................................................................................................ 24
Mumbai and Hyderabad included in UNESCO Creative Cities Network ............................................................................... 24
ICCR to organize 3-day ‘Takhat Darshan Yatra’ for Sikh youths from 10 nations .............................................................. 24
Chandrayaan 2: Argon 40 found in Lunar Exosphere ................................................................................................................ 25
Eritrea, Saint Kittis sign ISA Framework Agreement .................................................................................................................. 25
Coal India to produce 1 billion tons of coal by 2024 .................................................................................................................. 26
5 lakh government vehicles to be converted into e-vehicles ...................................................................................................... 26
Union Home Minister’s Special Operation Medal for 2019 ....................................................................................................... 27
State Formation Day celebrated by Several States ....................................................................................................................... 27
Kanpur is world’s most polluted city: Guinness World Records 2020 .................................................................................... 27
Mother Teresa Memorial Awards for Social Justice 2019 ......................................................................................................... 28
Employees can now generate Universal Provident Fund account number online ................................................................. 29
Global Microscope for Financial Inclusion report 2019: EIU ..................................................................................................... 29
India Germany sign Agreements ...................................................................................................................................................... 30
November 3, 2019 ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 30
India-US Economic and Financial Partnership Meeting held ..................................................................................................... 30
PM Modi releases commemorative coin .......................................................................................................................................... 31
India to host 20th SCO’s CHG meeting in 2020 ......................................................................................................................... 31
First Government Hospital Robotic Surgery facility in Safdarjung Hospital ........................................................................... 31
What is New Colombo Plan Mobility Program? ........................................................................................................................... 32
SCOJtEx-2019: Shanghai Cooperation Organization Joint Exercise ......................................................................................... 32
8th Indo German Energy Forum ...................................................................................................................................................... 32
Govt to set up anti-human trafficking units in all districts with Nirbhaya Fund .................................................................. 33
IIT Delhi, ISRO to set up Space Technology Cell ........................................................................................................................ 33
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OECD: Economic Outlook for South East Asia ............................................................................................................................ 34
Madrid to host COP 25 ...................................................................................................................................................................... 34
Pooja Gehlot wins silver in UWW Under-23 World Championships ....................................................................................... 34
India-ASEAN Summit, 2019 .............................................................................................................................................................. 35
November 4, 2019 ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 35
PM Modi meets Indonesian President and Thailand PM ............................................................................................................ 35
Container Cargo Movement first time in River Brahmaputra ................................................................................................... 36
Vigyanika-International Science Literature Festival held at Kolkata ......................................................................................... 36
Govt releases new political maps of J&K and Ladakh .................................................................................................................. 36
National Research Institute of Unani Medicine inaugurated ...................................................................................................... 37
‘Red Atlas Action Plan Map’ unveiled for flood mitigation in Chennai ................................................................................... 38
JCB Prize for Literature for 2019: Madhuri Vijay ......................................................................................................................... 38
eCAPA 2019: First-ever Arts Exposition for talents with Intellectual Challenges ................................................................. 39
Odisha tagged with Maharashtra under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat ..................................................................................... 39
Sri Lanka hosts biennial Commonwealth Law Ministers’ Conference ..................................................................................... 39
India, Uzbekistan sign MoUs in fields of Military Medicine and Military Education ............................................................ 40
November 5, 2019 ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 40
November 5: World Tsunami Awareness Day ............................................................................................................................. 40
Govt. launches ICEDASH for faster customs clearance .............................................................................................................. 41
Aditya Mishra appointed chairman of Land Ports Authority of India ...................................................................................... 41
Govt. launches ATITHI app for improved customs clearance .................................................................................................. 42
6th Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit of G20 countries ............................................................................................................. 42
CARAT- 2019: US-Bangladesh Navy exercise ............................................................................................................................. 42
MSDE, IBM jointly launches Skills Build platform ....................................................................................................................... 43
ADB to give $451Mn for Chennai-Kanyakumari Industrial Corridor power links ............................................................. 43
November 6, 2019 ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 44
5th India International Science Festival held in Kolkata .............................................................................................................. 44
DRDO’s Igniter Complex inaugurated ............................................................................................................................................ 44
Rajnath Singh to co-chair 19th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission .................................................................... 45
Rising Himachal Global Investors’ Meet 2019 .............................................................................................................................. 45
ICAR report on Stubble Burning ...................................................................................................................................................... 45
Kolkata students create Guinness World Records for largest astrophysics assemble ......................................................... 46
India withdraws from RCEP .............................................................................................................................................................. 46
International Conference on Soil and Water Resources Management held in New Delhi ................................................. 47
First BIMSTEC Ports Conclave at Visakhapatnam ...................................................................................................................... 47
11,000 scientists in 153 countries declare climate emergency ................................................................................................... 48
November 7, 2019 ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 48
World Customs Organization recognised HS Code for India’s Signature Fabrics-A Boost for Khadi Exports ............. 48
GRSE delivers Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) ICGS Annie Besant to Indian Coast Guard ........................................................... 48
Freedom on Net 2019 report-China the worst abuser of internet freedom .......................................................................... 49
IIT-Madras launches country’s first standing wheelchair: Arise ............................................................................................... 49
Voyager 2: NASA’s Solar System Explorer reaches interstellar space ..................................................................................... 50
NMCG organized ‘Ganga Utsav’ in New Delhi ............................................................................................................................ 50
FSSAI released draft regulations of Safe Food and Healthy Diet for school children .......................................................... 50
Rajasthan Patrika group chairman Gulab Kothari wins Raja Ram Mohan Roy Award by PCI ......................................... 51
NASSCOM Foundation’s Social Innovation Forum (NSIF) award ........................................................................................... 51
ReSAREX-2019: ICG conducts Regional level Search and Rescue Workshop and Exercise-2019 ................................... 52
Finance Minister: Rs 25,000 crore Fund for stuck Housing Projects ...................................................................................... 52
NASSCOM Report: India-third largest startups hub in the world ............................................................................................ 52
November 8, 2019 ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 53
Guinness World Record of most students assembling radio kits simultaneously created .................................................... 53
10th Asian Conference of Emergency Medicine held in New Delhi ........................................................................................ 53
Samudra Shakti: India- Indonesian Joint Naval exercise ............................................................................................................. 54
Tiger TRIUMP: First Tri-services amphibious exercise between India and US ..................................................................... 54
RBS Earth Heroes Awards 2019 ....................................................................................................................................................... 55
Infosys Prizes 2019 .............................................................................................................................................................................. 55
Books on teachings of Guru Nanak Dev launched ...................................................................................................................... 56
19th IORA ministerial meet held at Abu Dhabi, UAE ................................................................................................................. 56
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PM Modi to attend BRICS ................................................................................................................................................................. 57
GoI releases Steel Scrap Recycling Policy ....................................................................................................................................... 57
November 9, 2019 ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 57
MSDE distributes Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) certificates to candidates ............................................................... 57
IAF launches multiplayer version of ‘Indian Air Force – A Cut Above’ game ...................................................................... 58
Indian Railways launches online applications to strengthen IT enablement ........................................................................... 58
Ayodhya Verdict ................................................................................................................................................................................... 59
IndAIR: CSIR-NEERI’s web facility launched ................................................................................................................................. 59
Shaala Darpan portal for Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti launched ................................................................................................ 59
FICCI study on Onion Price Rise: India should follow Israel, Brazil ........................................................................................ 60
11th edition of Bal Sangam festival begins ...................................................................................................................................... 61
PM Modi inaugurates Integrated Check Post at Kartarpur Corridor ....................................................................................... 61
NCRB Report: Accidental and Suicidal Deaths in India – Farm suicides decline .................................................................. 62
November 10-11, 2019 ................................................................................................................................................................................ 62
India attends the ADIPEC-Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference .............................................. 62
Former Chief Election Commissioner TN Seshan passed away ............................................................................................... 63
Def Connect: Ministry of Defence showcases the innovations of iDEX initiative ................................................................. 63
10 November: World Science Day for Peace and Development .............................................................................................. 64
Wildlife biologist K. Ullas Karanth awarded George Schaller Lifetime Award ...................................................................... 64
Indian Oil to set up new 2G Ethanol Plant in Panipat ................................................................................................................. 64
Marengo Sachintendulkar: Newly discovered spider species named after cricketer ............................................................ 65
Facts Box: Ayodya Verdict ................................................................................................................................................................. 65
First case of sexually transmitted Dengue confirmed in Spain .................................................................................................. 66
Sanskrit Bharati Vishwa Sammelan organized in New Delhi .................................................................................................... 66
November 11: National Education Day ........................................................................................................................................... 67
NASA unveils its first electric plane ................................................................................................................................................. 67
World’s first CNG port terminal to be built in Gujarat .............................................................................................................. 68
Dal Lake, J&K to be declared Eco-Sensitive Zone ........................................................................................................................ 68
November 12, 2019 ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 69
November 12: World Pneumonia Day ............................................................................................................................................ 69
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2019 .................................................................................................................................................................. 69
NCAER Survey: Business Confidence fell by 15% ........................................................................................................................ 70
Brown to Green Report, 2019: Performance of G20 countries on Climate Change .......................................................... 70
Iran discovers new oil field with 53 Bn barrels of reserves ....................................................................................................... 70
Price Restriction on locally produced natural gas removed-To Boost Investment ................................................................ 71
Facts Box: Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative ......................................................................................................................................... 71
Who are the Kung Fu Nuns who received Asia Society’s Game Changer Award? ............................................................. 72
Justice Sanjay Karol sworn in as Chief Justice of Patna HC ....................................................................................................... 72
NASA: A Huge X Ray burst detected from outer space ............................................................................................................ 73
Swachh- Nirmal Tat Abhiyaan ......................................................................................................................................................... 73
Thousands of migratory birds dead in Sambhar Salt Water Lake, Rajasthan ........................................................................ 73
November 12: Public Service Broadcasting Day ........................................................................................................................... 74
President’s rule imposed in Maharashtra ........................................................................................................................................ 74
India to host 19th Council of Heads of Governments of SCO in 2020 ................................................................................. 74
November 13, 2019 ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 75
Sri Lanka becomes first South Asian nation to criminalise match-fixing related offences .................................................. 75
India attends International Treaty of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture .................................................. 75
9th BRICS Trade Ministers Meet held in Brazil ........................................................................................................................... 76
Facts Box: Drafts Security Code ....................................................................................................................................................... 76
2nd edition of Paris Peace Forum held in France ........................................................................................................................ 77
International Lavi fair being organised in Himachal Pradesh .................................................................................................... 78
India International Trade Fair Begins .............................................................................................................................................. 78
SC Verdict: Karnataka MLA Disqualification case ....................................................................................................................... 79
Bhavantar Bharpayee Yojna Scheme: Haryana includes more crops ....................................................................................... 79
6th World Congress on Rural and Agricultural finance ............................................................................................................. 79
What is ‘Project Zero’ introduced by Amazon in India? ............................................................................................................. 80
Justice Muhammad Raffiq sworn in as Chief Justice of Meghalaya HC .................................................................................. 81
Pravind Jugnauth sworn in as Mauritius PM .................................................................................................................................. 81
India
withdraws SPG (Special Protection Group) protection from Sonia Gandhi, Rahul and Priyanka
10th Meeting of Heads of Departments of SCO Member States, dealing with the prevention and
Elimination of Emergency Situations, held in New Delhi
Cabinet Secretary chairs NCMC meeting to review preparedness to deal with Severe Cyclone ‘Bulbul’
over West Bengal and Odisha
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis resigns; asked to continue as ‘acting chief minister’ by Governor
Bhagat Singh Koshyari
IAF launches multiplayer version of its interactive mobile game ‘Indian Air Force – A Cut Above’
3 Guinness World Records At IISF
Students created 3 Guinness World Records at India International Science Festival (IISF) held in
Kolkata from November 5 to 8
Students created Guinness WR by forming the world’s largest prototype of a human chromosome
1,598 students created a Guinness WR for the largest astrophysics lesson and assembly of
spectroscopes
268 students created Guinness WR of most students assembling radio kits simultaneously
MFI Borrowing Limits
RBI on November 8, 2019 increased the household income limits for borrowers of NBFC-MFIs from Rs
1 lakh to Rs 1.25 lakh for the rural areas.
The limit has been increased from Rs 1.6 lakh for urban or semi-urban areas to Rs 2 lakh
Moody’s Credit Rating Outlook
India’s credit ratings outlook was cut to negative by Moody’s Investors Service
The foreign currency rating was retained at Baa2, the second-lowest investment grade score
Economy & Corporate
Country’s foreign exchange reserves touch a fresh lifetime high of USD 446.098 billion in the week to
November 1
introduces Steel Scrap Recycling Policy that aims to reduce steel scrap imports
Kumar Mangalam Birla conferred ABLF (Asian Business Leadership Forum) Global Asian Award in
Dubai
World
UNGA votes 187-3 to condemn United States’ continued embargo against Cuba
Donald Trump fined $2 million by US Court for misusing charity for political ends
5 killed as earthquake of 5.8 magnitude strikes Iran’s Azerbaijan province
Sports
International Hockey Federation (FIH) selects India to host Men’s Hockey World Cup in 2023
IHF names Spain and the Netherlands named as the co-hosts of the 2022 Women’s World Cup
CBSE will be observing Fitness Week in the second and third week of November as a part of Fit India
Movement
Current Affairs – News Headlines: November 10, 2019
Ayodhya Verdict
Supreme Court settles the long pending Ayodhya land dispute case
In a unanimous decision, a five-judge Constitution bench ruled that the 2.77 acres of the disputed
land will remain with the Central government and be handed over to a Trust for the construction of a
temple
The bench also ruled that a suitable five-acre plot must be found for a mosque at a prominent place
PM Modi to visit Thailand for ASEAN, East Asia and RCEP summits
PM Modi will embark a three-day visit to Thailand to participate in the ASEAN, East Asia and RCEP summits.
In 2018, India had hosted the Indo-ASEAN summit commemorating its 25th anniversary, where all the 10
ASEAN leaders participated. Later the Delhi Declaration was adopted where the leaders agreed to further
strengthen and deepen ASEAN-India strategic partnership.
Highlights: ASEAN
The Prime Minister is to co-chair the summit on the first day
He will release a commemorative coin marking the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev
He will also release the Thai translation of classic Tirukkural
PM will also co-chair the ASEAN-India summit along with Thailand PM Prayut Chan-o-cha
Highlights: East Asia Summit
The theme of the East Asia summit was chosen by Thailand and the theme is “Advancing
Partnerships for sustainability”. In September 2019, India co-hosted the India-ASEAN workshop on
the theme “Sustainable use of marine resources”
This year, in 2019, the 14th East Asia summit is to focus on reviewing the future direction of East
Asia cooperation and exchange views on regional and international issues
Highlights: RCEP
The leaders of RCEP will discuss and review the state of negotiations that are ongoing in Bangkok.
Girish Chandra Murmu sworn in as first Lieutenant Governor of J&K
COP25 cancelled
On October 30, 2019, the Chile Government cancelled the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
summit and the COP25 conference due to the ongoing protests in the country. The country’s president in a
press meet said that the ongoing violent protests have plagued the country for weeks and it is currently not
in a situation to hold international conferences.
While the United Nations is searching alternatives to conduct the conferences, Spain has offered to host
COP25. This is the second time a country is cancelling to host COP25. In November, 2018, Brazil withdrew
from hosting the COP25 citing economic reasons
COP25
The Conference of Parties is the supreme body of the UNFCCC-United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change. The first COP was held in Berlin, Germany in 1995. The Climate change decisions and
solutions of the United Nations revolved around the COP agreements. the last COP 24 was held at Katowice,
Poland in May 2019.
APEC
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation is an inter-governmental forum for 21 Pacific rim countries. These
countries account for nearly 50% of the world’s trade and account to 57% of world GDP. It was established
in 1989. India is an observer of APEC since 2011 and has applied for its membership.
Teams of Delhi Police Special Cell and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) were awarded Union Home
Minister’s Special Operation Medal for 2019. A 25-member team of Odisha Police has also been awarded
the medal, along with the others.
Key Highlights
The Delhi Police Special Cell received the honour for thwarting a terror strike by two Jaish-e-Mohammad
(JeM) terrorists, Abdul Latif Ganai and Hilal Ahmad in January 2019. The JeM members were planning an
attack in the national capital during the 2019 Republic Day celebrations.
16-member team of border guarding force ITBP was also given the honour for successful Nanda Devi
Search and Rescue Mission. This mission involved the successful retrieval of 7 dead bodies near Nanda
Devi in Pithoragarh after a 500 hours operation.
About Home Minister’s Special Operation Medal
The prestigious Home Minister’s Special Operation Medal was instituted in June 2018. It aims to promote
high professional standards of Investigation of Crime in State and Union Territory Police and Central
Investigating Agencies (CIAs) in India.
Eligibility: Police Officers of States and Union Territories (UTs), Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs),
Central Police Organisations (CPOs) and security organisations involved in special operations are eligible
for the medal.
State Formation Day celebrated by Several States
Eight Indian States namely Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana
and Madhya Pradesh celebrated their formation day in November 1, 2019. PM Modi and President Ram Nath
Kovind and several other leaders wished the states for their prosperity.
The day is celebrated as “Rajyotsav” by the state of Karnataka every year.
There are 28 states and 9 Union Territories in India as on November 2, 2019.
Kerala
Kerala was created on November 1, 1956. Prior to its formation it was three independent provinces namely
Malabar, Travancore and Cochin. It got its name from its first ruler Keralian Thamboran.
Chattisgarh
The state of Chattisgarh was carved out of Madhya Pradesh on November 1, 2000. It is the 10th largest
state in India. The step was taken for easy administration and also to reduce naxalism in the region. There
are about 25 million people living in Chattisgarh.
Haryana
The state of Haryana was carved out of Punjab on November 1, 1966. The state was a boon to the country
as it led the Green Revolution movement in terms of crop output.
Punjab
The movement led by the Akali Dal resulted in the formation of Punjabi-majority Punjab state, Union
Territory of Chandigarh and Haryanvi-Hindi majority Haryana state. The formation of the state dates back to
the Punjabi suba movement in the 1950s
Madhya Pradesh
The State of Madhya Pradesh was formed on November 1, 1956. It is the second largest state of India in
terms of area and is the sixth largest populous state.
Tamil Nadu
For the first time since its formation Tamil Nadu is celebrating its formation day. It was formed based on
the Linguistic Reorganization of States in 1956.
Odisha was the first state to be formed on linguistic basis.
Kanpur is world’s most polluted city: Guinness World Records 2020
The city of Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh held the title for the world’s most polluted city in the latest edition of
Guinness World Records. The book, ‘Guinness World Records 2020’, lists thousands of new record titles and
holders that will educate curious readers of all age groups. It is released annually by publisher Penguin
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Random House. This year, about 80 record breaking achievements by Indians that have made it to latest
edition of book.
Kanpur: The Most Polluted City in the World
A report by World Health Organization (WHO) analyzed that the most polluted city in the world is Kanpur in
northern India, with an average PM2.5 level of 173 micrograms/m3 for the year 2016. This PM2.5 level is
more than 17 times higher than WHO recommended maximum of 10 micrograms/m3.
What is PM2.5?
It refers to atmospheric particulate matter(PM) that have a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers (i.e.
nearly 3% diameter of a human hair). The PM2.5 are very small particles like dust, soot and ash and the
prolonged exposure of it can cause cancer, lung and heart conditions.
Cause of PM2.5 pollution: Some PM2.5 particles are emitted directly from a source, like construction sites,
unpaved roads, fields, smokestacks or fires while most particles form in atmosphere as a result of complex
chemical reactions like SO2 and NO2, which are pollutants emitted from power plants, industries and
automobiles.
NOTE: Out of the world’s 20 most PM2.5-polluted cities, 14 are in India.
Mother Teresa Memorial Awards for Social Justice 2019
This year’s Mother Teresa Memorial Awards for Social Justice (MTMA) dedicated to the memory of the
Saint of Kolkata, went to a number of people from India and abroad. The awards will be presented to the
laureates on 3 November 2019 in Mumbai.
Key Highlights
The 2019 edition of award recognises the exemplary and humanitarian work done by social activists in
fields and issues related to modern forms of slavery and for victim rehabilitation. The awards are in
currently in its 15th year.
The annual award is established by the Harmony Foundation and is endorsed by Missionaries of Charities.
The theme by Harmony Foundation for 2019 is ‘Combating Contemporary Forms of Slavery’.
Harmony Foundation has taken this initiative to recognise individuals and organizations engaged in
campaign to initiate practical ways to eradicate the modern day slavery evil which includes child labour,
bonded labour, human trafficking, organ trafficking and child militants.
2019 laureates of Mother Teresa Memorial Awards:
Kailash Satyarthi, India: For fighting child labour and trafficking in India and Southeast Asia. He is the
founder of Bachpan Bachao Andolan. He also won the Nobel Peace Prize (2014) for his work.
Robert Bilheimer, United States: For using his skills as a filmmaker to raise awareness about modern forms
of slavery and inspiring fight against them.
Junior Nzita Nsuami: For leading an international campaign through United Nations (UN) against the use of
child soldiers in war. He is a former child soldier.
Ajeet Singh: For his efforts in creating the first red-light area in India free of commercial sexual exploitation
of children.
Alezandra Russell: For helping neglected and ignored young boys in red-light districts of Thailand. He is the
founder of Urban Light.
Hasina Kharbhih: For rescuing and empowering over 72,000 vulnerable victims from fate of human
trafficking. She is the founder of Impulse Empower.
Rob Williams: U. For persistently protecting and supporting children in armed conflicts in some of the
world’s most hostile regions. He is CEO of WarChild UK.
Priti Patkar: For his holistic approach in trying to abolish intergenerational prostitution. She is an activist
and social worker from India.
PRERANA: For their holistic approach in their attempts to abolish intergenerational prostitution and
protecting children vulnerable to commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking.
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Four Associations also received awards:
Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH)– USA: For raising awareness over the decades in
medical community and civil society about unethical organ harvesting (especially in China).
Free A Girl: for uniquely reintegrating former sex workers into civil society by training them to become
future advocates. It is a relief organization dedicated to free young girls from forced prostitution as well as
prosecutes offenders.
JEEVIKA (Jeeta Vimukti Karnataka): For freeing over 30,000 bonded labourers and for its commitment to
total eradication of practice in Karnataka.
Office for Rescue of Yazidis: For working in one of the world’s most hostile regions to rescue all vulnerable
Yazidi women and girls from evil clutches of Islamic State (IS) group.
Employees can now generate Universal Provident Fund account number online
Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO), the retirement fund body has launched a facility for formal
sector workers to themselves obtain the Universal Provident Fund Account Number on-line. Now the
workers in formal sector can themselves generate Universal Account Number from the EPFO’s portal
directly. Till now the workers used to apply through their employers to get Universal Account Number.
Key Highlights
The EPFO has developed an internet-based system for workers to get registered on its digital platform. The
system was launched by Union Labour Minister Santosh Gangwar during the EPFO’s 67th Foundation Day
celebrations in New Delhi.
A system DigiLocker was also launched for over 65 lakh EPFO pensioners through which they can download
their pension-related documents including the Pension Payment Order.
Global Microscope for Financial Inclusion report 2019: EIU
The 2019 edition of ‘Global Microscope: The enabling environment for Financial Inclusion’ report was
released by Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU). The report is a benchmarking index that assesses enabling
environment for financial access as well as underscores the evolving landscape of financial inclusion in
selected countries. The year 2019 was 12th edition of report.
Key Highlights of Report
The overall environment for financial inclusion has improved worldwide. India, Mexico, Colombia, Peru and
Uruguay now have the most favourable conditions for inclusive finance, with Colombia being ranked at first
position followed by Peru, Uruguay and Mexico and India ranked 5th.
India was ranked among top countries with most promising environment for financial inclusion in terms of:
effective financial consumer , allowing non-banks to issue e-money and proportionate customer due
diligence.
Only four countries namely India, Colombia, Jamaica and Uruguay scored perfectly across all four
parameters. Moreover, India, South Africa, Tanzania, Mexico and Uruguay were among top countries that
safeguard e-money via some sort of deposit insurance or protection.
About Global Microscope for Financial Inclusion report
It is produced by Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), the research and analysis division of The Economist
Group. The EIU was created in 1946 and is the world leader in global business intelligence.
The Microscope report was first published in 2007 and was originally developed for countries in Latin
American and Caribbean regions but in 2009 it was expanded into a global study. The 2019 edition of Global
Microscope report also features 11 new gender focussed indicators that measure financial inclusion for
both women as well as men.
The report is a benchmarking index that assesses enabling environment for financial access in 55 countries
across 5 categories.
Five parameters across which countries are assessed-
(a)Government and Policy Support
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(b)Products and Outlets
(c)Stability and Integrity
(d)Consumer Protection
(e)Infrastructure
India Germany sign Agreements
Around 17 agreements were signed between India and Germany in the fields of agriculture, ayurveda, yoga,
maritime technology and others. German Chancellor Angela Merkel along with her team, signed the
agreements with PM Modi and his cabinet. The German team led by the Chancellor is on a two-day visit to
India.
Highlights: Artificial Intelligence
Agreements were signed to strengthen the fields of Artificial Intelligence. The countries are to use
the AI to focus on Health, Environment, Mobility and Agriculture.
The DST (Department of Science and Technology) and the German Federal Ministry of Education will
organize a bilateral workshop in Berlin in 2020. This will help to identify areas of mutual interest.
The first stakeholder meeting in the area of AI for health was conducted in Berlin and the countries
agreed to conduct the next meeting in India.
The countries will focus AI in Agriculture in following terms
The aim is to increase efficiency and to save resources, reduce food loses and waste
Both the ministries will establish open training data sets for AI application that will also
address legal issues.
Highlights: Digital Transformation
The countries recalled the Joint Declaration in the field of Digitization-Empowerment and Economic
Impact that was signed in May 2017 in Berlin.
The countries are to set up “Digital Experts Group” to identify areas of mutual cooperation and give
recommendations to future policy.
The countries agreed to create linkages between German Platform Industries 4.0 and upcoming CII
Smart Manufacturing Platform
They also agreed to consult each other in identifying best possible approaches on cyber security
November 3, 2019
India-US Economic and Financial Partnership Meeting held
The 7th India-US Economic and Financial partnership meeting was held in New Delhi. It was Co-chaired by
Finance Minister Nirmala Seetharaman and US Secretary Steven T Minuchin. The leaders took efforts to
improve mutual cooperation on wide range of multilateral subjects. It included combating financing of
terrorism and anti-money laundering.
Highlights
India and US discussed policies related to stimulate economic growth
The countries noted significant steps taken by India to strengthen financial sector that includes
Plans to merge state-owned banks
PSB recapitalization plans
Both the sides also discussed capital flows, external economic environment and investment
promotion related issues
The US offered its support to stand by India for its Presidency of G20 summit in 2022.
The Financial Regulatory Dialogue was also held alongside where the financial regulatory
developments in both the sides were discussed
In 2017, the US helped the Indian city Pune by financing governmental needs in support of
government’s Smart City initiative.
PM ModiNAVEEN
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PM Modi is on an official visit to Thailand to attend the ASEAN, RCEP and East Asia Summits. He addressed
the Indian diaspora in the country at the “Sawasdee PM Modi” event in the Thai capital, Bangkok.
Highlights of his address
North East India to be the gateway to South East Asia as a part of India’s Act East Policy
India announced itself open-defecation free on Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary
Around 8 crore homes have received free LPG connections in 3 years.
GoI is working to achieve the goal of house for every poor by 2022, when India celebrates 75 years of
independence.
Princess Maha Chakri Srindhorn is an expert in Sanskrit language and has deep interest towards
culture. India has shown its gratitude to her by bestowing the Padma Bhushan and Sanskrit Samman
award to her.
Commemorative coin
Prior to his speech, the PM released a commemorative coin marking 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak
Dev and also released the Thai translation of Tamil classic Tirukkural.
India to host 20th SCO’s CHG meeting in 2020
The Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh addressed the Council of Heads of Government of SCO at Tashkent
in Uzbekistan. He represented as a Special Envoy of PM Modi at the conference. During the meet, it was
decided that the next meeting of Council of Heads of Government in 2020 is to be conducted in India
Highlights
The military exercise “CENTER 2019”, SCO joint military exercise that was held by Russia was
congratulated at the summit. 20,000 units of military equipment, 128,000 soldiers and 600 aircraft
participated in the event. The military chiefs from China, Kazakhstan, India, Kyrgystan, Uzbekistan,
Pakistan and Tajikistan participated in the event.
India called upon the member countries to strengthen and implement existing international laws and
mechanisms to combat terrorism.
India listed its recent initiatives to provide an enabling economic ecosystem for partner countries to
invest and do business in India. It includes allowing 100% foreign investment in coal mining, easing
sourcing norms for single brand retailers, approving 26% overseas investment in digital media, etc
India also announced that it is ready to share its experience and expertise in skill development, tele
medicine, resource mapping, launching satellites, affordable pharmaceuticals, hospitality, tourism,
finance, etc.
First Government Hospital Robotic Surgery facility in Safdarjung Hospital
The Robotic Surgery Facility was opened in the Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi. It is one of the biggest
tertiary care referral centre of India under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It caters to all poor
patients of uro-oncological cancers like bladder cancer, kidney failure, kidney cancers from different parts
of the country.
With the new Robotic surgery facility, it becomes the first Government hospital in India to begin the
minimally invasive surgery facility.
Highlights
The hospital has so far done 25 surgeries using robotic system. It includes kidney cancer, bladder
cancer and advanced reconstructive surgeries.
Around 21 operation theaters (OT) have been dedicated to the renal transplant OTs and robotic OTs
for urology cancers and kidney failures for poor patients in India.
The Robotic surgeries will go live from November, 2019.
Safdarjung Government Hospital
The LIVE 3-D Laproscopic Surgeries Web cast that shows complex uro-oncology and reconstructive
surgeries is first in its kind.
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The programme of live telecast in the hospital has been integrated with the E-Health online education
programme of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The programme connects 52 medical colleges
all over India
The hospital also has a National Robotic training center.
What is New Colombo Plan Mobility Program?
The New Colombo Plan Mobility Program is a signature initiative of Government of Australia, which will
provide Australian University students the opportunities to gain cross-cultural awareness and experiences
that are vital to today’s globally connected workforce.
Key Features
As part of the 2020 New Colombo Plan Mobility Program, the Australian government will support over
11,196 students from 40 Australian universities to participate in 685 projects in 36 locations across the
Indo-Pacific. Since 2014, more than 60,000 students have been awarded New Colombo Plan scholarships
and mobility grants.
The 2020 Mobility Program round also includes more than 1,600 Australian university students taking part
in study and projects in India by mobilising students through 64 exciting Indian projects. This includes the
development of Indian physical education programs as well as another on improving organic waste
management and drinking water quality in 2020. Besides strengthening the ties between two nations, the
move is expected to deepen the understanding of business environment and culture in India.
SCOJtEx-2019: Shanghai Cooperation Organization Joint Exercise
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Joint Exercise on
Urban Earthquake Search and Rescue- ‘SCOJtEx-2019’ in New Delhi. The four day exercise will be held from
4-7 November 2019. The joint exercise is being hosted by National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
The SCOJtEx will be followed by a meeting between SCO experts and officials of ministries responsible for
prevention as well as elimination of emergency situations.
About SCOJtEx-2019
Objective: To rehearse the disaster response mechanism, share knowledge, experience and technology for
mutual coordination.
Participant: All the eight SCO member countries will be participating- India, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan,
Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Representatives from Brazil, Mongolia, South Africa,
International Search & Rescue Advisory Group, ASEAN Coordination Centre for Humanitarian Assistance
(AHA) Centre are invited as observers. Other participants include representatives from embassies of all SCO
member nations, heads of state disaster response forces (SDRF) and representatives of other stakeholders.
Key Features:
Focus of Joint Exercise will be to test the region’s preparedness and resilience towards effective activation
of Inter-governmental interaction for immediate response. The exercise will also provide an opportunity to
enhance coordination as well as co-operation involving multi-agency operations in an earthquake scenario.
This simulation exercise will be conducted as per the methodology and guidelines of International Search
and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG), a network of disaster-prone and disaster-responding countries as
well as organizations dedicated to operational field coordination and urban search and rescue (USAR).
During exercise, discussions will be held on role and responsibilities of many organisations and teams,
including those involved in emergency medical services, as well as urban search and rescue at both national
and international levels.
Discussions will be also held on the role of humanitarian system, emergency response and assessment
team, United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC), on-site operations coordination
centre local emergency management authority and humanitarian civil-military coordination.
8th Indo German Energy Forum
The eighth Indo-German Energy Forum was conducted in Delhi to enhance cooperation in the energy sector.
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Both the countries signed eight agreements in the following sectors
Thermal Power Plants
Demand-side energy
renewable energies
low carbon growth strategies
green energy corridors
Highlights
The forum finalized future collaboration between the countries that include Flexibilisation of existing
coal fired power plants and promotion of energy efficiency
Indo-German Solar Partnership that was founded in 2015 was recognized in the forum. The forum
also signed agreement to promote the niche markets for solar energy
The Forum also signed agreements on building materials and credit lines for financing corresponding
measures
Indo-German Energy Forum
The Forum was established in 2006 to enhance and deepen the strategic political dialogue on the
ongoing energy transition in both the countries.
The high level meeting of the forum is chaired by respective ministries of environment, renewable
energy of both the countries
At the forum, the countries exchange experiences for both the governments to address challenges in
the ongoing global energy transition.
Govt to set up anti-human trafficking units in all districts with Nirbhaya Fund
Union Ministry of Women and Child Development will be setting up anti-human trafficking units in all
districts of the country with the help of Nirbhaya Fund. The announcement in this regard was made by
Minister of Women and Child Development Smriti Irani.
Key Highlights
Besides these anti-human trafficking units, women help desks will also be set up in all police stations
across the country using Nirbhaya Fund. The initiative is an example of interdepartmental cooperation
leading to effective governance in the country.
The recommendation to set up anti-human trafficking units and women help desks (WHDs) was given by the
Empowered Committee (EC) under Nirbhaya framework chaired by WCD Secretary Rabindra Panwar on 22
October 2019.
All the anti-human trafficking units and women help desks will be set up at a cost of Rs.100 crores each
which will be fully funded by the centre.
This initiative will strengthen women safety as well as will instill a greater sense of security among them.
The step will also go a long way in addressing women and children safety in the country.
About Nirbhaya Fund
The fund was announced by the Centre in 2013 to support the initiatives of government and Non-
Governmental Organisation (NGOs) working towards the safety of women.
The fund is a corpus of Rs. 10 billion and is administered by Finance Ministry’s Department of Economic
Affairs (DEA). While the Women and Child Development Ministry, along with several other concerned
ministries, will work out details of structure, scope and application of Nirbhaya fund.
IIT Delhi, ISRO to set up Space Technology Cell
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi will set up a Space Technology Cell in collaboration with the
Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), the space agency of country at the IIT campus.
With the move, IIT Delhi have joined the league of other premier institutions where the Space Technology
Cells (STCs) have been set up, such as Indian Institute of Science Bangalore (IISc) Bangalore, IIT Kharagpur,
IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, IIT Guwahati and IIT Roorkee. The Space Technology Cells (STCs) here
The concept of AYUSH was brought by the National Rural Health Mission, 2005 to revitalize local
health traditions. AYUSH includes 6 Indian systems of medicine that includes Ayurveda, Yoga,
Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy.
Under National Ayush Mission, several steps were taken to improve the field and to make the
traditional medicine available all over the country. It also aims at solving the problem of unavailability
of doctors in the country.
GoI is also planning to export the technical knowledge behind the industry to African and European
countries. Recently it signed MoUs with Germany to fuse biotechnology with Ayurvedic Practices.
The concept of mainstreaming AYUSH was an idea in the 9th five year plan. By this the AYUSH
doctors are co-located in various health facilities like Primary Health Centre, Community Health
Centre and District hospitals
National Institutes
National Institutes or Central Institutes are established by Government of India and are supported by
agencies like ICAR, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, CSIR, DST, DAE, Ministry of HRD, etc.
‘Red Atlas Action Plan Map’ unveiled for flood mitigation in Chennai
Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu unveiled the ‘Red Atlas Action Plan Map’ atlas and the ‘Coastal Flood
Warning System App (CFLOWS-Chennai)’ for flood mitigation in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Both the atlas and the
CFLOWS-Chennai are intended as decision support systems covering aspects, including preparedness and
prevention. Such initiatives to effectively tackle urban flooding are likely to be replicated in other Indian
cities including Mumbai, Maharashtra.
What is Red Atlas Action Plan Map?
It is a first of its kind ready reckoner map, prepared by Union Ministry of Earth Sciences to aid state
government of Tamil Nadu in effective flood mitigation in Chennai which witnessed the worst deluge in
2015.
The atlas is aimed at flood mitigation, preparedness, operations and management aspects. The manual
besides showcasing the probable scenarios for different rainfall periods also provides information on
corporation wards that are likely to be affected due to flooding, and the areas that may need evacuation in
Chennai by taking into account all historical datasets.
The over 200-page atlas was prepared by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), National Centre for
Coastal Research (NCCR) and National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF) in
association with TN State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and Greater Chennai Corporation. Also,
the office of the Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA) to Centre government, IIT-Bombay, IIT Madras and
Institute of Remote Sensing of Anna University participated from the academia.
What is ‘Coastal Flood Warning System App (CFLOWS-Chennai)’?
The CFLOWS-Chennai is a complete webGIS-based decision support system. It can be used both for
mitigation planning operations before flooding as well as in real time to for aspects like relief work.
CFLOWS is an integrated system that involves coupling models of regional weather forecasts, storm surges
and captures about 796 flood scenarios.
JCB Prize for Literature for 2019: Madhuri Vijay
The 27-year-old, Madhuri Vijay has won the JCB Prize for Literature 2019 for her debut novel ‘The Far Field’.
She has been selected from a shortlist featuring novels from five accomplished writers. She is also a
recipient of Henfield Prize and the Pushcart Prize.
About JCB Prize for Literature
It is an annual Indian literary award founded in 2018. It is the richest literary honour in the country. It is
Theme for 2019 CLM Conference is- ‘Equal Access to Justice and the Rule of Law’.
Law Ministers and Attorney Generals from Commonwealth countries will be participating in the four-day
conference. The conference will be chaired by Sri Lanka’s Minister of Justice and Prison Reforms, Thalatha
Atukorala.
Objective: The Conference seeks to address challenges faced by millions of people seeking to resolve legal
disputes.
Significance:
Since the access to justice is fundamental for democracy and peace to flourish, thus the Commonwealth
countries are working actively through mutual support and encouragement to address barriers that may
remain, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Such event is more significant in the current global context in which obstacles to justice are prevalent in
many forms which includes barriers like lack of legal aid, poverty, corruption and distrust of justice system.
India, Uzbekistan sign MoUs in fields of Military Medicine and Military Education
India and Uzbekistan signed Memorandum of Understandings (MoU), for enhancing bilateral cooperation in
fields of Military Medicine and Military Education between the Armed Forces of the two countries. The
MoUs were signed during the three-day visit by Defence Minister of India Rajnath Singh to Tashkent
(Uzbekistan capital) from 1-3 November 2019. This was the first visit by an Indian Defence Minister to
Uzbekistan in nearly 15 years.
Key Highlights of Meet
During the meeting, bilateral consultations were held between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh with his
Uzbekistan counterpart Major General Bakhodir Nizamovich Kurbanov.
The MoU inked after the meet were the byproduct of interactions emanating from MoU on Military Education
signed between India and Uzbekistan in October 2018.Two Institution-to-Institution MoUs on training and
capacity building between institutes of higher military learning of India and Uzbekistan were also signed.
Two defence ministers also witnessed the first-ever exchange over a video-link between College of Defence
Management in Secunderabad, Telangana and Armed Forces Academy of Uzbekistan in Tashkent.
Both defence ministers also presided over the opening of first-ever India-Uzbekistan Joint Exercise called-
Dustlik-2019, that will be held from 4-13 November 2019 at Chirchiq Training Area near Tashkent.
India- Uzbekistan Relation
Earlier in September 2018, after the visit of then Defence Minister of Uzbekistan to India, both sides (India
and Uzbekistan) expressed satisfaction at the enhanced level of defence engagements. This enhanced level
of engagement is reflected in the first-ever meeting of Joint Working Group (JWG) on Defence Cooperation
(in February 2019), visit of Defence Secretary of India to Uzbekistan (in March 2019) and the first-ever
Defence-Industry Workshop organised in Tashkent (in September 2019).
India has also offered a concessional line of credit of $40 million US for the procurement of goods and
services by Uzbekistan from India. The direct exchange in relation to training, capacity building and
education between Armed Forces on both sides has also witnessed significant growth.
India and Uzbekistan would continue to work together to further raise their level of engagement in defence
sphere in keeping with strategic partnership between two countries. This would be based on higher level of
mutual trust and respect between two countries as well as on their shared views and approaches on a range
of regional and international issues which includes promoting regional stability and security and combatting
extremism and terrorism.
November 5, 2019
November 5: World Tsunami Awareness Day
On November 5th, every year the World Tsunami Day is marked by the United Nations. UN designated the
day in 2015. The day will promote Target (d) of the Sendai Seven Campaign that focuses in reducing
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disaster damage to critical infrastructure and disruption of basic services.
Global Actions
After 3 weeks of the deadly December 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, international community came
together in Kobe, Japan and adopted the 10-year Hyogo Framework for Action. IT was the first
comprehensive global agreement on disaster risk reduction
Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System was created to monitor sea level and
disseminate alerts to national Tsunami information centres.
In Honor of a Japanese
The date was chosen in honor of a Japanese farmer. The name of the story is popularly known as “Inamura-
no-hi” meaning “burning of the rice sheaves”. During 1854, the farmer saw a tide receding. Understanding
the sign of looming Tsunami, he set fire to his entire harvest to warn the villagers. Later he also built an
embankment and planted trees as a buffer against the future waves.
Significance
The UN calls on countries, international bodies to observe the day to raise awareness and share
innovative approaches to risk reduction
By the end of 2030, around 50% of World Population living in coastal areas are to get exposed to
storms, tsunamis and flooding.
Investment towards early warning systems, resilient infrastructure and education is important to save
people and their assets.
Govt. launches ICEDASH for faster customs clearance
Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman launched a new IT initiatives called
ICEDASH for improved monitoring and pace of Customs clearance of imported goods. ICEDASH would be
key drivers for further improvement in Customs especially as it would reduce interface and increase
transparency of Customs functioning.
What id ICEDASH?
It is an Ease of Doing Business monitoring dashboard of Indian Customs. It will help the public see daily
Customs clearance times of import cargo at various ports and airports. With ICEDASH, Indian Customs will
provide an effective tool that helps businesses compare clearance times across ports and plan their
logistics accordingly, thus taking a lead globally.
This dashboard has been developed by CBIC (Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs) in collaboration
with NIC (National Informatics Centre). ICEDASH can be accessed through the CBIC website.
About National Informatics Centre (NIC)
It is the premier science and technology organisation under Ministry of Electronics and Information
Technology (MeiTY) that works in informatics services and information and communication technology
(ICT) applications.
NOTE: CBIC is India’s nodal national agency responsible for administering GST, Customs, Central Excise,
Service Tax & Narcotics in country.
Aditya Mishra appointed chairman of Land Ports Authority of India
The Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) chaired by PM Narendra Modi has approved the
appointment of Senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Aditya Mishra as the chairman of the Land Ports
Authority of India (LPAI). He was appointed on the recommendations of a search-cum-selection panel.
Aditya Mishra is a 1989 batch IPS officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre. He is presently posted as ADG, CBCID,
Uttar Pradesh Police. He has been appointed as LPAI chairman for a period of five years from the date of
assumption of the charge.
About Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI)
LPAI is a statutory body set up by Land Ports Authority of India Act, 2010 on 1 March 2012. It works under
Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
It develops, sanitises, upgrades, maintains and manages facilities for cross-border movement of
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passengers as well as goods at designated points along India’s international borders. It also manages
several Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) all across Borders of India.
Govt. launches ATITHI app for improved customs clearance
Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman launched ‘ATITHI’ app, an IT initiative
to facilitate electronic filing of customs baggage and currency declarations by arriving international
passengers.
About ATITHI app
ATITHI app is an easy to use mobile application for international travelers to file Customs declaration in
advance. Passengers can use this app to file declaration of dutiable items as well as currency with Indian
Customs even before boarding the flight to India.
The ATITHI app has been introduced by CBIC (Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs). It is available
on both, iOS and Android.
Benefits: ATITHI app will facilitate hassle free and faster clearance by Customs at the airports and will
enhance the experience of international tourists and other visitors at Indian airports. The app would also
create a tech savvy image of India Customs and would encourage tourism and business travel to India
Way Forward: CBIC must strive to develop IT-based insights for focused policy making. It should also use
technology in each sphere of its activity and while facilitating genuine business it must identify ways to
detect and stop frauds especially in GST.
6th Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit of G20 countries
An Indian parliamentary delegation led by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is taking part in the 6th
Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit of the G20 countries, being held in Tokyo, Japan from 3-5 November 2019.
The summit is being attended by Presiding Officers of Parliaments of G20 countries.
The Parliamentary summit is unofficially called P20. It was jointly hosted and organised by Inter-
Parliamentary Union (IPU), an international organisation (headquartered in Geneva) and the House of
Councillors of National Diet of Japan.
Highlights of P20 Summit
The summit will have sessions on separate themes pertaining to trade, technology and sustainable
development.
First Session was based on theme- ‘Promotion of Free, Open and Fair Trade and Investment’.
Second Session was based on theme- ‘Utilization of Innovative Technology towards a human-centred
Future Society’
Third Session was based on theme- ‘Efforts towards Resolution of Global Challenges and
Achievement Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs: Financing for Development, Need for
Transparent and Effective Government, etc.)’.
During its three sessions, the Summit reviews topics such as opening investment, supporting free trade,
solving global challenges facing SDGs as well as taking advantage of technological innovations to support
human-centered future.
At the end of the summit, a joint statement will also be adopted by the Parliamentary speakers attending the
meet. The statement thus adopted would act as Parliamentary inputs to the main G20 Heads of
Government/States Conference to be held in 2020.
CARAT- 2019: US-Bangladesh Navy exercise
The biggest US- Bangladesh Navy exercise dubbed as ‘Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT)
– 2019’ is being held in Chattogram (or Chittagong City) in Bangladesh. The CARAT is a yearly exercise
conducted between the navies of Bangladesh and United States in the Bay of Bengal. The first edition of
exercise was held in 2011.
About ‘Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training’: CARAT – 2019
The second phase of exercise is being conducted from 4 to 7 November 2019 with different subject-based
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training and exercise.
The opening ceremony of CARAT- 2019 was attended by Assistant chief of naval staff (operations)
Bangladesh Navy and the Commander logistic group, Western Pacific Command Task Force 73 (CTF-73) of
US Navy.
The CARAT- 2019 exercise provides an opportunity to gain a better understanding of operational activities
of the Navies of two countries (US- Bangladesh) and to get acquainted with advanced technology through
various theoretical and practical training.
MSDE, IBM jointly launches Skills Build platform
The Union Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has launched the Skills Build platform
in collaboration with IBM, an American multinational IT (information technology) company.
About Skills Build platform
SkillsBuild offers digital learning content from IBM and partners like CodeDoor, Skillsoft and
Coorpacademy. The programme offers a 2-year advanced diploma in IT, networking and cloud computing at
Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) & National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs). The platform co-created and
designed by IBM will also be extended to train ITI & NSTI faculty on building skills in Artificial Intelligence
(AI).
The digital platform will also provide a personal assessment of cognitive capabilities and personality via
MyInnerGenius to the enrolled students. They will then learn foundational knowledge about digital
technologies, as well as professional skills like resume-writing, communication and problem solving. The
Students will also receive recommendations on role-based education for specific jobs that include technical
as well as professional learning.
This initiative is also part of IBM’s global commitment to create a job-ready workforce and to build Next-Gen
of skills needed for new collar careers. The platform is deployed with support of leading NGOs such as
Unnati and Edunet Foundation. Thereby, IBM Volunteers along with NGOS will offer students personalised
coaching and experiential learning opportunities.
Significance
This Skills Build platform initiative will help youth to scale themselves as per changing market trends. The
platform will also help students develop technical as well as professional skills needed for competitive ‘new
collar’ jobs. It will also reinforce IBM’s commitment in enabling life-long learning in India and aligning with
Skills India initiative by Union Government.
ADB to give $451Mn for Chennai-Kanyakumari Industrial Corridor power links
The Asian Development Bank will provide a $451 million (appx. Rs.3,200 crore) loan to strengthen power
connectivity between southern and northern parts of Chennai-Kanyakumari Industrial Corridor (CKIC) in
Tamil Nadu. As per ADB, the Manila-headquartered multilateral agency the total cost of the project is
$653.5 million, of which the government will provide $202.5 million.
About Chennai-Kanyakumari Industrial Corridor (CKIC)
On January 2019 Tamil Nadu Government passed a bill to amend Tamil Nadu Industrial Township Area
Development Authority Act, 1997 (TNITADA) to turn CKIC project worth Rs.64.48 billion into reality.
The first phase of CKIC project will have Madurai-Virudhnagar-Dindigul-Theni and Thoothukudi-Tirunelveli
nodes. The focus of CKIC will be on manufacturing.
ADB has been assisting in developing CKIC, which covers Tamil Nadu’s 23 out of 32 districts, accounting for
64% of Tamil Nadu’s area and 70% of state population. The ADB project will allow more power, (which
includes renewable energy) to be transferred from new generation facilities in south CKIC to north, where
demand is high.
The project includes constructing 400- kilovolt kV network to pool power generated at renewable and
thermal power plants in Thoothukudi district to Virudhunagar district in Tamil Nadu. An extra-high voltage
765- kV transmission link for transferring 9,000 MW of extra capacity will be esablished from Virudhunagar
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in southern CKIC northwards to major industrial center of Coimbatore and state capital Chennai. The
estimated date of completion of project is by end of 2024.
CKIC will help in promoting Tamil Nadu’s economic development by delivering a more reliable and
competitive power supply for industry and services within the state, which will in turn increase jobs and
improve livelihoods.
November 6, 2019
5th India International Science Festival held in Kolkata
The 5th India International Science Festival (IISF) is being held in Kolkata, West Bengal from 5-8 November
2019. The four-day festival was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi via video conference.
About 5th India International Science Festival (IISF)
IISF Objective: To instill scientific temper among people, showcase India’s contribution in field of Science
and Technology as well as encourage translation of its benefits to people. It also aims to build a strategy
for inclusive advancement of Science and Technology.
IISF 2019 theme: RISEN- Research, Innovation and Science Empowering the Nation.
The 5th edition of annual event is jointly organized by Union Ministry of Science & Technology and Earth
Sciences and Vijnana Bharati (or VIBHA). More than 12,000 school and college students from across India
are expected to attend event.
Four world records would be attempted at IISF includes- the largest astrophysics lesson and assembly of
stereotypes by more than 1750 students, assembling Radio kits by more than 400 students, largest
electronics lesson and assembly of optical media communication units at a single location with
participation of over 950 students and largest human image of a human chromosome formed by more than
400 students.
Vigyanika– International Science Literature Festival and International Science Film Festival (ISFFI) would
also be showcased at the festival.
Background
The IISF was first started in 2015 with the vision of promoting science and technology by showing public
how STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) provides us solutions to improve our lives.
The first IISF was held at IIT Delhi in December 2015, in which India had set world record with 2000 school
students performing two experiments.
DRDO’s Igniter Complex inaugurated
A Defense Research Development Organization (DRDO) Igniter Complex was inaugurated at High Energy
Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Pune. The main purpose of the laboratory is to design, process,
evaluate ignition systems for any kind of DRDO projects.
About the Igniter Complex
The new complex is equipped with sieve shaker, granulating machine, planetary mixer, pelleting
machine, etc.
A design, modelling, simulation laboratory are a part of the complex.
The complex also has an assembly centre and a testing centre.
HEMRL
HEMRL develops rocket, pyrotechnic devices, gun propellants, high-explosive systems. Ignition is the crucial
phenomenon in all these systems. HEMRL had developed ignition system for Prithvi, Agni, Nag, Akash,
Pinaka, etc. It has also transferred the technology to Ordance factory, Pune. It also performs research on
high-power explosives and on pyrotechnics.
A Brief History
In December 2015, a high-level committee that investigated a fire accident at the igniter complex had
suggested this new complex. The committee found that there are grave risks to humans in making and
designing of ignition systems and recommended advanced and remote controlled facility.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will co-chair the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military
and Military-Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC) in Moscow, Russia. He is on a visit to Russian
Federation from 5-7 November 2019.
19th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission
At the India-Russia IGC on Military and Military-Technical Cooperation, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will
discuss Agreement on Reciprocal Logistics Support (ARLS) with his Russian counterpart Defence Minister
of Russian Federation General Sergei Shoigu. The ARLS is an arrangement that will allow access to both
India and Russia to each other’s military facilities for expanding logistics support, supplies and fuel and
operational turnaround of Indian military.
The ARLS will be especially beneficial for Indian Navy as it has a large number of Russian origin ships that
will get access to Russian ports for supplies and refueling. This will also be crucial for joint exercises.
Besides Navy, the air force too will benefit by finding it easier to deploy aircraft for same purpose. This
access will also be for ports in Russian part of Arctic, thus allowing access to energy resources there. Even
Russia, will also be able to access Indian ports and air bases.
Key Highlights of Visit
During his visit, Indian Defence Minister is scheduled to inaugurate India-Russia Defence Industry
Cooperation Conference, along with Russian Minister of Industry and Trade Denis kiManturov. At the
Conference discussion will be held on ways to promote defence industrial cooperation between India and
Russia as well as technology transfer and investment in India in defence industry under ‘Make in India’
programme.
He will also hold extensive discussions with his Russian counterpart General Sergei Shoigu on all areas of
military-to-military cooperation as well as defence industrial cooperation.
He is also scheduled to visit St Petersburg where he will place wreath at Piskarevsky Memorial Cemetery
honouring soldiers and civilians who lost their lives during World War-II.
Rising Himachal Global Investors’ Meet 2019
The State Government of Himachal Pradesh is organizing Rising Himachal Global Investors’ Meet 2019, a
flagship business event, at Dharamshala on 7 -8 November 2019. The event will be attended by diplomats,
leaders from senior policy makers, corporate sector development agencies and investors from across the
globe. The event will also be attended by Union Commerce and Industry and Railway Minister, Piyush Goyal,
who will highlight about government investment and policies for promoting investment in Himachal Pradesh
and hill states of India.
About Rising Himachal Global Investors’ Meet 2019
The Global Meet will showcase investment opportunities and policy & regulatory environment in 8 focus
sectors for boosting manufacturing and employment generation in Himalayan State. These 8 focus sectors
include- (1) agri-business and post-harvest technology, (2) housing and urban development, (3)
manufacturing and pharmaceuticals, (4) civil aviation, hydro and renewable energy, (5) wellness, tourism
and hospitality, (6) healthcare and AYUSH, (7) IT-ITeS and electronics, (8) education and skill development.
The Rising Himachal Summit is promoted by Invest India, the National Investment Promotion and
Facilitation Agency through the India Investment Grid (IIG), a Union government’s initiative to showcase
investment opportunities across states and sectors in India on a single interactive platform. Invest India
under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, helps investors looking for options and investment
opportunities in India.
During the two days Global Investors’ Meet there will also be a session on ‘Growing economic ties between
Invest India and United Arab Emirates (UAE)’.
ICAR report on Stubble Burning
On 4th November, 2019, the ICAR’s Creams Laboratory bulletin stated that there has been reduction of 12%
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in incidents of Stubble Burning as compared to the same period in 2018.
Highlights of the report
There were 31,402 burning events in the three states Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana as on
October 1, 2019
The state wise reduction in stubble burning as compared to 2018 is as follows
Uttar Pradesh-48.2%
Haryana-11.7%
Punjab-8.7%
The report says that the reduction is mainly due to the launch of Central Scheme “Promotional of
Agricultural Mechanization of In-Situ Management of Crop Residue in Punjab, UP and Haryana and
NCT of Delhi”. The main purpose of the scheme is to subsidize machinery required.
Delhi
New Delhi is worst affected due to stubble burning in the three states. This year (2019) the Air quality Index
of Delhi reached 999. This is the highest recorded AQI of Delhi in its history. According to WHO norms the
AQI should be under 100.
Also, the PM 2.5 (Particulate Matter) concentration was more than 80% as against 50% of the normal
course.
Western Disturbances
The Stubble burning smoke reaching Delhi is greatly influenced by the Western Disturbances. When these
Cyclonic circulation are strong and persistent the smoke deposited in the city decreases.
The disturbances are capable of carrying the smoke far and spread them wide when they are strong. The
weakening of these disturbances lately due to global warming is also one of the reasons for the increased
stubble smoke in Delhi.
Kolkata students create Guinness World Records for largest astrophysics assemble
The Guinness World Records for the largest astrophysics lesson (45 minutes) and assembly of
spectroscopes was successfully achieved by Kolkata students at Science City, Kolkata. The record was
attempted on the first day of 5th India International Science Festival (IISF) 2019 in which over 1,598
students participated. The session was dedicated to Meghnad Saha and Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman.
The session was organized by Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, who were conferred a
memento at the end of the programme, on behalf of the Guinness Book of World Records.
Spectroscopes are used by Astronomers to know details such as temperature, chemical composition, etc.
of celestial objects hundreds or millions of light years away from Earth. Moreover, a small personal model
of advanced spectroscopes can be easily made by anyone using a box made of cardboard that has a very
narrow window used to channel light into spectroscope. Then a piece of a Compact Disc is used to split the
light by a process called diffraction.
5th India International Science Festival (IISF) 2019: IISF is the largest science festival in world. Kolkata is
the host city of the 5th IISF-2019. The city is home to renowned scientific institutions that have been
workplace of pioneering scientists who gave shape to science in India.
India withdraws from RCEP
On November 4, 2019, India decided against joining Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)
trade deal as India did not receive any credible assurance on market access and non-tariff barriers. This
paved way for the other 15-members to go ahead and sign the deal keeping the door open for India to join at
later date.
Reasons of Withdrawal
Trade Deficit
India has trade deficit with at least 11 of 15 RCEP countries. It has doubled in the last five years from 54
billion USD in 2013-14 to 105 billion USD in 2018-19. Of this China alone accounts to 53 billion USD. Signing
In a paper published in the journal BioScience, 11,258 signatories (69 from India) declared Global Climate
Emergency. They presented climate change trends and methods to mitigate the threat. The report was titled
“World Scientists”
It is based on the scientific analysis of more than 40 years of publicly available data. It illustrates several
key climate change indicators since the scientists from 50 nations met at the First World Climate
Conference in Geneva in 1979.
Highlights
The scientists present a list of measures called “Vital Signs” that better represent climate change. It
includes measures of human activities that can change climate like air travel, meat production and
fertility rate. These activities have been termed as backward steps that are worsening climate change
further. In 20 years, the world fertility rate has reduced greatly claims the report.
They present 14 measures of impacts of climate change like number of extreme weather events,
ocean heat content, ocean acidity, etc.
Massive energy efficiency and conservation practices to cut out “Neither use nor dig out fossils under
the earth.”
The following are the six key objectives of the report
Replacing fossil fuels
Restoring and protecting ecosystems
Cutting pollutants like methane and soot
Eating less meat
Converting the economy to carbon-free
Stabilizing population growth
November 7, 2019
World Customs Organization recognised HS Code for India’s Signature Fabrics-A Boost for Khadi
Exports
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has allocated separate HS code for signature fabric of India. HS
stands for Harmonized System and was developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO). The code is
used by customs officers to clear commodities entering or crossing international border.
HS Code
It is a multi purpose International Nomenclature that describes type of goods being shipped. The code
follows Kyoto Convention of 1974. It is being used by more than 200 countries. The code aids countries in
collection of international trade statistics and forms a basis for customs tariffs. This helps in better reach
of the product and increases its global popularity.
World Customs Organization
The WCO is an inter governmental organization headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. It was founded in 1952.
It administers the technical aspects of WTO, agreements on customs valuation and rules of origin. It works
towards the development of international conventions, rules of origin, supply chain security, IPRs, customs
reforms and modernization, etc.
India’s Signature Fabric
Khadi is the term used for fabrics that are hand spun and hand woven. It is recognized as signature fabric of
India. It gained its importance since the freedom movement of boycott.
According to Indian Flag Code, Khadi is the only material allowed to be used for the flag. If flying flag is
made with any other material the offense is punishable by law with imprisonment up to 3 years and fine.
GRSE delivers Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) ICGS Annie Besant to Indian Coast Guard
Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE) delivered Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) ICGS Annie Besant
to Indian Coast Guard (ICGS) in Kolkata, West Bengal. This is second in the series of five such FPVs being
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built by GRSE for Indian Coast Guard and the 101st warship to be delivered by shipyard.
The entire design of these FPVs has been developed in-house by GRSE as per requirements specified by
ICG. At present GRSE has a strong order book position of about Rs.27,400 crore under which there are a
total of 22 warships at various stages of construction.
About ICGS Annie Besant
It is a medium-range vessel with 50 metres in length, 7.5 metres in width and displacement of nearly 308
tonnes. It is designed for a maximum speed of 34 knots with an endurance of over 1,500 nautical miles.
The ICGS Annie Besant is equipped with three main engines with advanced control systems, water jet units
as well as an Integrated Bridge System (IBS) with all communication and navigation systems. It is also
fitted with 40/60 gun as main armament.
The FPV is capable of operations in maritime zones of country. It has powerful, fuel-efficient platforms
which are designed to perform multipurpose operations such as patrolling, rescue operations, anti-
smuggling and anti-poaching.
Freedom on Net 2019 report-China the worst abuser of internet freedom
The Freedom of Net report 2019 titled “The Crisis of Social Media” was released by the The Freedom House,
an international watchdog. The report recorded an overall decline in global internet freedom status between
July 2018 and May 2019.
India obtained an overall score of 55 and was reported to be “partly free”.
Highlights
Pakistan, with a score of 26, for the ninth consecutive year was declared as “not free” in terms of
freedom status
China obtained a score of 10 and was adjudged “not free”. Also, China was termed the worst abuser
of internet freedom for the fourth consecutive year
On the whole, 65 countries were assessed. Out of these, 33 showed an overall decline in internet
freedom. Improvement was seen only in 16 countries.
Ethiopia recorded the highest improvement in terms of internet freedom
US had an overall score of 77. The online environment of the US was reported to be free from state
censorship and vibrant. However, there was a decline in overall internet freedom in the US for the
third straight year.
Countries like Malaysia, Armenia showed positive trends in the internet freedom status
Iceland ranked the highest with an overall score of 95. It was recorded as the world’s best protector
of internet freedom. The country had no civil or criminal cases registered against the users for online
expression.
IIT-Madras launches country’s first standing wheelchair: Arise
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has launched country’s first indigenously designed standing
wheelchair named as ‘Arise’ in presence of Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment
Thawarchand Gehlot at the institute.
About Wheelchair ‘Arise’
The assistive device enables a differently-abled person requiring a wheelchair to shift from sitting to
standing position, and vice versa, independently and in a controlled manner. The testing partners for Arise
included individual users, hospitals, NGOs, rehabilitation centres and clinicians who provided inputs.
The device was designed and developed by TTK Center for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development
(R2D2) at IIT Madras in collaboration with Phoenix Medical Systems.
The project was also supported from foreign countries such as United Kingdom (UK) and moreover, the
commercialisation of Standing Wheelchair technology was made possible with support from Wellcome
Trust (UK) through an ‘Affordable Healthcare in India’ Award. This award brought together research and
manufacturing partners.
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Since Arise is a novel, mass-manufacturable mechanical design (one Indian patent granted, other Indian, US
and China patents pending), and with Phoenix’s manufacturing capabilities, it will be made available at an
affordable price of around Rs.15,000.
Voyager 2: NASA’s Solar System Explorer reaches interstellar space
NASA’s Voyager 2 has exited heliosphere and has entered interstellar space. It is now at 11 billion miles
from the earth. Information from the spacecraft takes 16.5 hours to reach earth at the speed of light. (Light
from the sun takes 8 minutes to reach earth)
The spacecraft joined its twin voyager 1 on December 10, 2018. The Voyagers were launched to study the
outer solar system up close. Voyager 2 will target Saturn, Jupiter, Neptune and Uranus.
Evidence
Till November 5, 2019, the space around the spacecraft was surrounded by plasma flowing out from the
sun. This outflow is called solar wind and envelopes the planets in the solar system. However, recently,
scientists detected no electrical current of plasma to detect density, pressure, temperature. This confirms
that the spacecraft has left the heliosphere and entered inter stellar space.
The firsts
Voyager 2 is the first spacecraft to study all four planets together. It includes Jupiter, Neptune, Saturn
and Uranus
It is the first spacecraft that discovered 14th moon of Jupiter.
It is the first human-made object to fly by Neptune
Voyager 2 also discovered 5 moons of Neptune. It identified a “Great Dark Spot” at Neptune. Also the
spacecraft discovered that there are four rings around Neptune.
NMCG organized ‘Ganga Utsav’ in New Delhi
The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) organized the ‘Ganga Utsav’ in Major Dhyanchand stadium in
New Delhi to mark the 11th anniversary of Ganga being declared as national river. It was organized in
coordination with Union Jal Shakti Ministry.
About Ganga Utsav
The event was organised in a bid to create awareness and gather public participation in efforts to clean
River Ganga and its tributaries. It is celebrated every year on 4 November because Ganga was declared as
the country’s national river on this day in 2008.
Such events play an important role in drawing public attention to the cause of Ganga and play a vital role in
creating general awareness about keeping Ganga and its tributaries clean. Besides, it also showcases the
efforts being put in by NMCG and Union ministry to maintain the ‘aviralta’ and purity of river Ganga.
Several students also participated in the event, where they learned methods to save the river and had an
interactive session with Director-General of NMCG Rajiv Ranjan Mishra about conservation of river waters.
FSSAI released draft regulations of Safe Food and Healthy Diet for school children
The food regulator, FSSAI-Food Safety and Standards Authority of India released draft regulations for
school children. The draft was titled “food Safety and Standards (Safe Food and Healthy Diets for School
Children) Regulations, 2019. The regulator has sought comments from stake holders within 30 days.
Highlights of the regulations
A complete ban was imposed on the sale of soft drinks, potato wafers and other junk foods within 50
meters of school campus. Also the advertisements of these junk foods were banned.
The foods that are referred to HFSS (High in Fat, Salt and Sugar) cannot be sold in school canteens,
mess premises or hostel kitchens. They should also be not sold to school children. These foods are
also banned by the regulator within 50 meters of school campus.
The school campus should be converted to “” Eat Right School” ensuring safe and healthy food. They
should adopt comprehensive programmes to promote healthy diets and safe foods.
A license or registration should be obtained by the School Authority or Food Business Operators
It is an annual award given by the Infosys Science Foundation. It is conferred to scientists, researchers,
engineers and social scientists of Indian Origin (not necessarily born in India). The prize was awarded in
2008 and is ranked among the highest monetary awards in India to recognize research.
The prize for each category includes a citation certificate, a gold medal, and prize money of $100,000
(around 70 lakh in Indian Rupees) and the prize purse is tax free in hands of winners in India.
IAF launches multiplayer version of ‘Indian Air Force – A Cut Above’ game
The Indian Air Force (IAF) launched the multiplayer version of its interactive mobile game named ‘Indian Air
Force – A Cut Above’. The game lets users experience the thrill of flying a combat aircraft. The single-player
version of the game was first launched by then Chief of Air Staff (COAS), B S Dhanoa, on 31 May 2019.
About ‘Indian Air Force – A Cut Above’
The game is a combat simulator that lets the players choose from an array of IAF’s fighter aircraft, such as
Tejas, Rafale Mirage-2000, Su-30 among others. The game allows Indian Air Force aspirants to experience
first hand the roles of an air warrior, and means to apply and appear for recruitment from the comfort of a
mobile phone. It is available for Android and iOS.
The newly released multiplayer version has two modes- Team Battles, where players team up, and Death
Match, a free for all where the last man standing is winner.
Indian Railways launches online applications to strengthen IT enablement
Indian Railways has launched three applications to strengthen its Information Technology (IT)-enabled
services which will help ensure proper monitoring of projects being undertaken by Railways. The
applications has been launched for all-India roll out and seeks to ensure proper monitoring of projects and
boost vision of Digital India.
Online Applications
CRS Sanction Management System: It is an important aspect in construction, maintenance and up-
gradation of railway assets in which all works pertains to level crossings (closure, manning, shifting etc.)
and minor bridges.
Rail-road crossing GAD approval system: It will expedite preparation, processing and approval of General
Agreement Drawings (GADs) related to the construction of Road Over Bridges (ROB) and Road Under
Bridges (RUB). This project for online e-Governance platform was developed by Union Ministry of Railways
and Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) and has been running successfully since 2014. Now, a
module has been developed to cover cases of construction of ROBs or RUBs for States & Union Territories
also.
NCRB Report: Accidental and Suicidal Deaths in India – Farm suicides decline
The National Crime Records Bureau released the “Accidental and Suicidal Deaths in India report” on
November 8, 2019. According to the report, the suicides in the cities were 10.6 in 2015 and it reduced to
10.3 in 2016. The data was released for 36 states and Union Territories and 53 metropolitan cities.
Highlights of the report
Around 8.684 deaths occurred due to natural forces. Out of this, 38.2% were due to lighting, 8.9%
were due to floods and 15.4% were due to sun stroke.
Out of all the accidental and suicidal deaths 43.4% were due to traffic accidents, 7.3% were due to
drowning, 10.2% were due to sudden deaths, 5.6% were due to poisoning, 4.1% were due to accidental
fires.
Around 4,09,537 persons died in accidental deaths in 2016
Highlights of the report: Farm Report
Number of farmers who committed suicide in the year 2015 were 8,007 and in 2016 the number came
down to 6,270
The suicides of farm workers increased from 4595 in 2015 to 5109 in 2016
Maharashtra had the highest number of farmer suicide followed by Karnataka, Karnataka, Madhya
Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Chattisgarh.
The major cause of farmer suicides was indebtedness. Apart from this the other reasons were illness
and alcohol addiction.
The report published was for the year 2016. Data collection for the year 2017 and 2018 accidental and
suicides have begun in July 2019 and will be published by December 31, 2019.
November 10-11, 2019
India attends the ADIPEC-Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference
Minister of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Steel Shri Dharmendra Pradhan will represent India at the ADIPEC-
Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference between November 10-12, 2019.
Highlights
During the visit, minister will inaugurate the “India Pavilions” along with members and leader from CII,
FIPI and DGH-Directorate General of Hydrocarbons. Indian Pavillion is a platform to showcase Indian
Cinema in the overseas market.
As a part of the workshop, India will conduct a road show to attract foreign investment, especially in
the field of oil and gas.
The Minister is to meet his UAE counterpart on the sideline of his visit and discuss issues of steel
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sector and hydrocarbon. The discussions are to be held under the recently developed India-UAE
Strategic Partnership during PM Modi visit to UAE
Significance
India is to use this opportunity to find new markets of steel in the middle east countries.
ADIPEC is one of the most influential global conference in the field of oil and gas. More than 1,45,000
delegates from all over the worl are to attend the conference.
Interacting with the policy makers, investors and leaders will help India gain investment
opportunities.
Former Chief Election Commissioner TN Seshan passed away
Tirunellai Narayana Iyer Seshan, the man behind several electoral reforms passed away due to a cardiac
arrest. He was 87 years old and was not well for the past couple of years. He was the 10th Chief Election
Commissioner (CEC). He served between 1990 and 1996
About TN Seshan
TN Seshan was a 1955 batch retired IAS officer of Tamil Nadu cadre. He was born in Palakkad district of
Kerala. Before becoming a CEC, he served around 18 cabinet secretaries. He has also won the Ramon
Magsaysay Award for his services in 1986. The award is considered as Asia’s Nobel Prize.
In 1997, he unsuccessfully contested the Presidential Elections against KR Narayanan.
Electoral Reforms by Seshan
Mr Seshan is credited for introducing Election Commission’s constitutional powers that keep the
politicians under check
During his tenure the two additional Election Commissioners were appointed by the centre.
It was during his period as the CEC the following were made offensive
Bribing voters
Distributing alcohol during elections
Approaching voters to appeal on caste or community basis
Using official machinery for campaigning
Using worship places for campaigning
Use of loud speakers and high-volume music
The following laws were implemented during his period
Implementation of strict Code of Conduct
A limit was imposed on the election expenditure of the candidate
Issuance of voter IDs
Def Connect: Ministry of Defence showcases the innovations of iDEX initiative
Ministry of Defence (MoD) is organizing the “Def Connect” event on November 11, 2019. The main objective
of the event is to showcase the accomplishments of iDEX-Innovations for Defence Exellence.
Highlights
The event will bring together several stakeholders such as MoD selected startups, nodal agencies of
Indian Navy and Indian Air Force, Industrial Associations, DRDO, Defense PSUs, etc.
The iDEX portal and the DISC-Defense India Startup Challenge are to be launched during the event
More than 350 startups are to participate in the event
Significance
The event will help bridge the gap between stakeholders. It will act as a precursor to the forthcoming
DefExpo 2020 that is to be held in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh in 2020.
The event will also help in achieving the defense production target of Rs 35,000 crore by 2024.
iDEX iniative
It was introduced in 2018 by the Ministry of Defense
The initiative aims at creating an ecosystem that will encourage technology development in the
Defense sector
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The iDex will be operated by the DIO-Defense Innovation Organization. The main functions of DIO
includes
Check the reports submitted by iDEX
Provide high level policy guidance
The Ministry had also set the Technology Development Fund alongside to hasten the initiative.
10 November: World Science Day for Peace and Development
Ever year 10th of November is celebrated as World Science Day for Peace and Development. It was
established by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) in 2001 with the
objective of highlighting important role and importance of science in society and in our daily lives as well as
the need to engage wider public in debates on emerging and important contemporary issues relevant to
science.
About World Science Day for Peace and Development
Objective:
Strengthening public awareness on role of science for peaceful and sustainable societies
Renewing national and international commitment for use of science for benefit of societies
Promoting national as well as international solidarity for shared science between countries
Drawing attention to challenges faced by science and raising support for scientific endeavour
Celebrations of World Science Day 2019 included-
2019 Theme: ‘Open science, leaving no one behind’. The theme focuses that open Science is not only an
issue of science being open to research community, as in ‘open access’ and ‘open data’ but also refers to a
science open to society.
Award-giving ceremony: of PhosAgro (Russian chemical company)/ IUPAC/ UNESCO grants in green
chemistry for young scientists. This aims to support green chemistry solutions and encourage young
scientists to get involved in this field. The grants programme is part of PhosAgro/IUPAC/UNESCO
partnership in Green Chemistry for Life.
Wildlife biologist K. Ullas Karanth awarded George Schaller Lifetime Award
Wildlife biologist K. Ullas Karanth was awarded the Wildlife Conservation Society’s George Schaller Lifetime
Award in Wildlife Conservation Science for his contribution to the field of conservation. He is the first
recipient of WCS’s award.
WCS George Schaller Lifetime Award in Wildlife Conservation Science
The award is instituted by Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), New York. It is named after WCS’s Dr.
George Schaller, considered to be one of the greatest wildlife scientists and conservationists globally. The
Lifetime Award was created to honour WCS colleagues for outstanding contributions to saving wildlife and
wild places.
About Dr. K. Ullas Karanth
He joined WCS in 1988 and was inspired to become a wildlife biologist by the work of Dr. Schaller. He is
currently the Director of Centre for Wildlife Studies, Bengaluru, Karnataka.
His research is described as pioneering and groundbreaking with focus on ecology of tigers, predator-prey
population ecology, sympatric predators and other large mammals, and mitigation of human-wildlife
conflicts. He has also provided research expertise to projects across many countries including- Russia,
Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Africa and Latin America.
Other Awards Received: Sanctuary Asia Lifetime Achievement Award (2007), the J. Paul Getty Award for
Conservation Leadership (2007), the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award (2010) and the Padma Shri (2012).
Indian Oil to set up new 2G Ethanol Plant in Panipat
The Indian Oil Corporation recently received environment clearance from Ministry of EFoCC (Environment,
Forest and Climate Change), to set up a new 2G Ethanol plant at Panipat. Indian Oil will invest Rs 766 crore
in setting up the plant.
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The Ethanol produced in the plant will be exclusively used to blend transportation fuels
The project also aims at doubling farmers income
Significance
The Government is trying in every way to reduce the dependence on petroleum products like petrol and
diesel. The GoI recently notified that no Environmental Clearance is required for sugar mills to produce
more ethanol from sugarcane juice.
Ethanol as Fuel
Ethanol is most often used as motor fuel. It is predominantly used as a biofuel additive for gasoline. Brazil
was the first country to produce Ethanol run car (the first ethanol run vehicle in the world) in 1978.
Ethanol in India
India initiated the use of Ethanol as a fuel in 2003. India began its journey with E5 fuel which uses 5%
Ethanol and 95% diesel. In 2006, India began its second phase of E10 biofuel which consists of 10% Ethanol
and 90% Diesel.
India is yet to launch E15 officially. However, the E15 outlets have grown from 180 in the year 2016 to 394.
Indian Government has set a target of 22.5%. In November, 2019, IOCL, HPCL and BPCL announced that
they are investing 586 million USD to achieve the target. Around 7 ethanol producing units will be launched
according to the plan.
While other countries have entered E100, India is just putting its baby steps towards biofuel. However, the
potential is huge. According to IEA (International Energy Agency), around 25% of world energy demand will
come via India in 2040.
Marengo Sachintendulkar: Newly discovered spider species named after cricketer
Dhruv Prajapati, a junior researcher pursuing a PhD in spider taxonomy with Gujarat Ecological Education &
Research (GEER) Foundation, recently discovered two new species of spiders. He has named one of the
species as Marengo sachintendulkar after Indian crickter Sachin Tendulkar and other as Indomarengo
Chavarapatera which is inspired by Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara who was a campaigned towards creating
awareness about education in Kerala.
The findings of his study have been published in September issue of ‘Arthropoda Selecta’, a Russian journal.
His discovery of two flat-bodied spiders has been included in World Spider Catalogue also. As part of his
postgraduation in zoology from Gujarat University, he had documented 78 unique species of spiders found
on the varsity’s campus alone.
Key Highlights of Research
The two new species belong to Indomarengo genus and Marengo genus of Asian jumping spiders.
Marengo sachintendulkar: It was found in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat. He collected the specimens of
this species in 2015, but the research and identification work was completed in 2017.”
Indomarengo Chavarapatera: It was found in Kerala. Its specimen was collected by his colleague, however
he continued the work of identification and research which also concluded in 2017.
There are nearly 48,000 types of spiders found worldwide, spread across 120 families.
Facts Box: Ayodya Verdict
Supreme Court recently pronounced its judgement on disputed land in Ayodhya in the Ram Janma Boomi-
Babri Masjid case. In 5-0 verdict of the 5-bench judgement, SC said that the land should be handed over to
the Hindu trust to build a Hindu temple. It also ordered the GoI to allocate 5 acres of land to the Muslim
community to build a Mosque
SC’s judgement was based on ASI’s finding. The case was the longest in the history of Supreme Court after
Keshvanand Bharti case.
ASI’s findings
Under Allahabad High Court’s court, the disputed site was taken by the ASI for investigation
On the whole there were 2 excavations conducted at the disputed site. One in 1976 and the other in
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2003.
ASI found a circular temple that belonged to 7th century
ASI said that the disputed Mosque structure was built in 16th century on top of the ruins of the
building
ASI also found ruins of Buddhist and Jain temples at the site. They were dated after 7th century
Among the ruins ASI found the remains of Kushan and Shung period to Gupta period
The Upcoming Ram Temple
The current blueprint of the temple finalized by Vishwa Hindu Parishad resembles the original temple
A total of 212 pillars are to be erected.
The temple will be 128 feet high, 140 feet in width and 270 feet in length.
No steel is to be used in the mammoth structure.
75 lakh cubic feet of sandstone will be used.
The temple will have 5 entrances.
First case of sexually transmitted Dengue confirmed in Spain
A case concerning a 41-yearold man from Madrid, Spain spreading dengue through sexual contact was
confirmed by Spanish health authorities. This is the world first ever instance to be reported of the dengue
virus spreading through sexual contact which until recently was thought to be transmitted only by
mosquitoes.
Case Highlights
The man concerned in this case contracted dengue after having sex with his male partner who picked up the
virus from a mosquito bite during a trip to Cuba and the Dominican Republic. His dengue infection was
confirmed in September 2019 and it puzzled doctors because he had not travelled to a country or not even
resided in an area which was known to have reported cases of fever before.
However since his partner presented the same symptoms as him and had previously visited Cuba, the
analysis of their sperm carried out by health authorities revealed that not only did both of them have dengue
but it was exactly the same dengue virus which circulates in Cuba.
Later, the Stockholm-based European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), an European
Union (EU) agency which monitors health and disease in Europe, notified that to their knowledge, this is the
first sexual transmission of the dengue virus.
About Dengue fever
It is caused by one of the five serotypes or strains of the dengue virus. Until now the virus has only been
known to be transmitted to humans via the bite of an infected mosquito.
Vector: Aedes Aegypti mosquito.
Incubation Period: following exposure to virus is anywhere between 3 to 5 days.
Most Common Symptoms: high-grade fever, joint pain, muscle pain and general fatigue.
There is no vaccine against the virus, as a result of which treatment is largely based on controlling
symptoms an individual has.
Sanskrit Bharati Vishwa Sammelan organized in New Delhi
The first ever Sanskrit Bharati Vishwa Sammelan or Sanskrit World Conference was organised in New Delhi
from 9 to 11 November 2019. In this first-of-its-kind global conference, thousands of delegates and Sanskrit
lovers from across the world participated.
About Sanskrit Bharati Vishwa Sammelan
The three-day mega event provided a platform for discussing ideas, theories and research findings in the
ancient Sanskrit language. It was attended by thousands of Sanskrit lovers from 17 countries. The gathering
showed that Sanskrit continues to be prevalent in the society as it is used by the people across the country.
It was organised by Samskrita Bharati, a non-profit organisation (NGO) working for the continuing
protection, development, propagation and revival of Sanskrit language.
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The first day of event witnessed huge footfall including foreigners, students and women. An exhibition titled
‘Sanskriti Pradarshini’ has also been put up, which is displaying manus, models and charts that establish
different phases of the development of Sanskrit as a popular language, not only in India but also across the
globe.
November 11: National Education Day
Every year on November 11, India celebrates National Education Day on November 11 to commemorate the
birth anniversary of Maulana Abdul Azad, the first Education Minister of India. He was the man behind the
establishments of the premier institutes of the country like IITs, IIScs, etc.
Highlights
The Day is being celebrated since 2008
Campaigns and Programs are organized on this day every year to spread awareness about education
and for the citizens to learn about the importance of education.
The main objective of the day is to attract more people towards education and to increase the literacy
rate of the country
Maulana Azad
Maulana Azad was an independence activist and one of the senior leaders of the Indian National
Congress.
He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in 192 for his contributions towards
education
He founded the University Grants Commission (UGC) that supervises the higher education across the
country.
His primary objective was free primary education.
He was born on November 11, 1888. He learned Arabic and Urudu. In 1912, he began a weekly Urudu
newspaper called the “Al-Hilal”.
He found the Lalit Kala Academy, Sangeet Natak Academy and Sahitya Academy to promote the
education system of the country.
NASA unveils its first electric plane
The United States space agency National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) unveiled an early
version of its first all-electric experimental aircraft, named as X-57 “Maxwell” at its aeronautics lab in the
California desert, US.
About X-57 “Maxwell”
It was under development since 2015 and remains at least a year away from its first test flight in skies.
NASA targets to fly this airplane in late 2020.
It will be the NASA’s first crewed X-plane to be developed in two decades. It is adapted from Italian-made
Tecnam P2006T twin-engine propeller plane.
Features:
NASA’s X-57 venture is aimed at designing and proving technology as per the standards that commercial
manufacturers can adapt for government certification. These will include standards for airworthiness and
safety, as well as for energy efficiency and noise.
Its final modification (Mod IV) will feature narrower, lighter-weight wings fitted with total 14 electric
engines- 6 smaller ‘lift’ props along leading edge of each wing. It will also have 2 larger ‘cruise’ props at tip
of each wing. Lift propellers will be activated for take-off and landings, but retract during flight’s cruise
phase.
The plane will be propelled by 14 electric motors powered by specially designed lithium ion batteries. Since
electric motor systems are more compact with fewer moving parts than internal-combustion engines
(ICE’s), they are simpler to maintain and weigh much less, thus requiring less energy to fly. Moreover they
also are quieter that conventional engines.
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Challenge: To improve battery technology to store more energy to extend plane’s range, with faster re-
charging. At present due to plane’s battery limitations, the Maxwell’s design is intended for use in short-haul
flights as an commuter plane/ air-taxi for a small number of passengers.
World’s first CNG port terminal to be built in Gujarat
Gujarat government has given its approval to a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) terminal facility at
Bhavnagar port. This would be the world’s first CNG port terminal. The approval for this was given by
Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board headed by Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.
World’s first CNG port terminal
Background: The Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) had signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UK-
based Foresight Group to set up this port terminal at Bhavnagar in the Vibrant Gujarat Summit held in
January 2019. The existing port at Bhavnagar is administered by Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB).
Company Involved: The terminal will be jointly built by Foresight Group and Mumbai-based Padmanabh
Mafatlal Group. The consortium of company will invest Rs.1,900 crore out of which Rs.1,300 crore will be
invested in 1st phase and Rs.600 crore in 2nd phase.
Features:
The existing Bhavnagar port have a capacity to handle three MMTPA cargo, and new terminals would take
the overall capacity to nine MMTPA.
The proposed CNG terminal at Bhavnagar port will have a cargo capacity to handle of 1.5 million metric
tonne per annum (MMTPA) and will also develop facilities such as Ro-Ro terminal, liquid cargo terminal and
container terminal.
Developing CNG and other terminals on north side of existing port would require major modifications in
existing infrastructure, including dredging in water channel of port basin, construction of two lock gates as
well as off-shore infrastructure for CNG transportation.
Dal Lake, J&K to be declared Eco-Sensitive Zone
The Jammu and Kashmir Government will set up a 10-member committee that will declare Dal Lake, an Eco-
sensitive Zone. The decision is being taken based on the study conducted by the DCI-Dredging Corporation
of India
Findings of DCI
The Encroachments and pollution has shrunk the lake from its original size of 22 square kilometers to
about 10 square kilo meters (according to DCI-Dredging Corporation of India).
The capacity of the lake has shrunk to 40%
The water quality has deteriorated due to untreated sewage water and solid waste flowing into the
lake
Clogging in the lake has diminished circulation and has led to extensive growth of water hyacinth that
has emerged as a health hazard
Night Soil discharge from 800 to 900 houseboats is polluting the water body
The depth of the lake has reduced in many places due to the absence of desilting.
Eco-Sensitive Zones
The ESZs are called Ecologically Fragile Areas. A region or territory is notified as ESZ by the Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate change. In General, the regions are around wild life sanctuaries, protected
areas and National Parks.
ESZ Legislations
There is no provision in the Constitution that talks about ESZ. Besides, no laws speak about ESZ.
The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 mentions the word “Eco-Sensitive Zones”.
Section3(2)(V): The act says that the GoI can restrict areas where industrial operations shall
not be carried out.
Environment (Protection) rules, 1986
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Rule 5(1): It says that GoI can prohibit or restrict industries and other operations based on
Considerations of Biological Diversity
Maximum allowable limits of concentration of pollutants in the area is exceeded
Land Use is not environmentally compatible
Proximity to protected areas
According to the rules, the provisions can be changed by the committee set up by the Ministry
of EFoCC.
November 12, 2019
November 12: World Pneumonia Day
World Pneumonia Day is being marked every year since 2009. The day was hosted by the Global Coalition
against Child Pneumonia for the first time in 2009. The coalition includes several organizations across the
world like CARE, Save the Children, PATH, UNICEF, WHO, etc.
Theme for 2019: “Healthy Lungs for all”
Highlights
This year global organizations have come together and created an initiative “Stop Pneumonia”. It includes
WHO, UNICEF, ISGlobal, Save the Children, etc. The 2019 World Pneumonia Day is being launched by this
organization.
The initiative will hold a conference in Barcelona, Spain between 29-31 January, 2020 to set pathways for
the governments to meet the SDGs on child survival and to achieve GAPPD.
Objective
To create awareness about the world’s leading killer of children under 5 (according to WHO)
To create action plans to combat pneumonia
To prevent and treat pneumonia
GAPPD
The Global Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Pneumonia and Diarrhea was launched by WHO and
UNICEF. It aims to accelerate pneumonia control. The aim of the organization is to reduce deaths due to
pneumonia to less than 3 per 1000 live births by 2025.
India’s plans
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched programs under MAA, UIP and ICDS
initiatives to eradicate pneumonia.
Also, the government has taken actions at the grass root levels to create awareness on preventing
pneumonia through ASHA and Anganwadi workers
According to WHO
In India around 300,000 die due to Pneumonia
It is concentrated in few handful of countries all over the world. It includes Nigeria, China,
Pakistan, India, Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of Congo
The United Nations celebrated the first World Pneumonia Day in 2009.
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2019
The birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev ji, the founder of Sikhism and the first Guru of Sikhs, is celebrated
every year on Kartik Purnima as Guru Nanak Jayanti or Guru Parva or Prakashotsav or Prakash Parv. It is
one of the most sacred festivals in Sikhism and is celebrated all over the world. This year Prakash Parv will
take place on 12 November and will mark the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev ji.
As part of celebrations of 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, India and Pakistan inaugurated
Kartarpur Corridor for Shri Darbar Sahib on 9 November 2019. Thereby Indian Sikh devotees will for the first
time pay obeisance at the feet of Guru Nanak Dev Ji in Kartarpur Sahib, Pakistan through the corridor.
Kartarpur Corridor Significance
Guru Nanak Dev had a special attachment with Kartarpur. Thus the gurudwara built here is known as Shri
Darbar Sahib Kartarpur or Kartarpur Sahib has a great importance in Sikhism. . Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara is
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built at the place where he died.
Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara: It falls in Narowal district of Pakistan’s Punjab province. Guru Nanak Dev lived in
Kartarpur for last 18 years of his life and finally died here. He built Kartarpur on the banks of river Ravi. It is
the second holiest site in Sikhism after the birth place of Guru Nanak Dev in Talwandi in Pakistan, now
known as Nankana Sahib, which is the first sacred site for Sikhs.
NCAER Survey: Business Confidence fell by 15%
According to National Council of Applied Economic Research, the Business Confidence of India dipped to
lowest in six years. It fell by 15% between the period July and October 2019
Highlights
The Business Confidence Index dipped to 103.1 from 100.4 in October 2013. This is the lowest in the
period of 6 years
The survey reported that positive growth was witnessed in Managing Inflation, Managing Exchange
Rate, Overall Economic Growth, pushing economic reforms, managing conducive political climate,
managing government finance, external trade negotiations and managing unemployment
The Business Confidence Index witnesses an upswing in the firms with annual turn over less than 1
crore rupees and other micro firms.
The Political Confidence Index fell by 35.6% between July and October 2019.
The Economic Growth rate declined by 5% in October 2019 as compared to July 2019.
NCAER
The National Council of Applied Economic Research is a Delhi based think tank that was established in
1956. The aim of the body is to give support to both government and private sector economic researches.
The TATA Foundation and other premier organizations came together to form the think tank with the
support of GoI. It was founded in PM Nehru’s period. Since 1991, the council is tracking the business
confidence in the country on a quarterly basis.
Brown to Green Report, 2019: Performance of G20 countries on Climate Change
The Brown to Green Report is the most comprehensive review of climate actions of G20 nations. The report
covers 80 indicators and is developed by experts from 14 research organizations.
Highlights of the report
G20 countries are responsible for 80% of global Green House Gas emissions.
Every year between 1998 and 2017, the G20 countries lost 142 billion USD on an average due to
extreme weather events.
According to the report, India is the only country that is close to 1.5-degree Celsius temperature rise.
It is the scenario set by the global scenario in the Paris Agreement that will lead to disastrous
consequences. India has set ambitious NDCs and is investing more in long term goals.
Russia, France, Italy, Germany and India were the highest ranked countries that faced economic
losses from extreme weather events. Around 181 countries were taken for the ranking
Brazil and Germany were the only two countries with long term goals.
The other countries like Russia, Indonesia, China, Saudi Arabia, EU and Turkey are lagging ambitious
NDC targets as required by Paris Agreement
Australia was the worst performing country in terms of climate response according to the report.
G20 Groupings
There are around 20 members in the G20 grouping including India. The Grouping was established with the
aim of discussing policies pertaining to promotion of international financial stability. Collectively, the
grouping account to 90% of the world GDP with two-third world population and 80% of world trade.
Iran discovers new oil field with 53 Bn barrels of reserves
Iran has discovered a new oilfield with 53 billion barrels of crude oil in Khuzestan province, home to Iran’s
Khuzestan’s crucial oil industry. The announcement however did not reveal how much oil could be produced
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) aka Shanghai Pact was created in 2001 in Shanghai by China.
Apart from China, its founding members were Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
India and Pakistan were admitted as full members in 2017. At present, SCO has four observer States viz.
Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran and Mongolia; and has six dialogue partners viz. Azerbaijan, Armenia, Cambodia,
Nepal, Turkey and Sri Lanka. It is also known as Alliance of the East. In terms of geographical coverage and
population, it is world’s largest regional organization.
SCO summits
SCO holds two types of summits every year viz. Summit of Heads of States and Summits Heads of
Governments. These summits are organized in member states. The latest Summit of heads of government
was held in Tashkent in November 2019. It was proposed in Tashkent Summit that India would take the
initiative to hold the 2020 meetings of the Heads of Government.
November 13, 2019
Sri Lanka becomes first South Asian nation to criminalise match-fixing related offences
Sri Lanka has become first South Asian nation to criminalise several offences related to match-fixing. The
move comes after Sri Lankan parliament passed of a bill related to it labelled as “Prevention of Offences
Related to Sports”. Sri Lanka’s Sports Ministry worked closely with International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Anti-
Corruption Unit (ACU) during the process of drafting bill.
Key Highlights of Bill
The newest legislation covers all sports. As per it if a person is found guilty of committing an offence
related to corruption in sports, then he may find himself jailed for a term up to 10 years and will also be
required to pay other fines.
The bill criminalises ‘acts of omission’, which includes failure to report corrupt approaches. This means
that, Sri Lankan cricketers who are approached by corruptors will now have to report these approaches not
only to ICC’s ACU, but also to a Special Investigation Unit (SIU) appointed by Sri Lankan government.
The legislation not only punishes any person related to a sport who is directly involved in fixing, but also
those who provide inside information.
The bill also introduces jail term for- curators who prepare surfaces to suit betting operators or match
officials who deliberately misapply rules for money, if found guilty.
It is also now illegal for former players and others involved in sports to provide corrupt figures access to
current players.
What led to the Legislation?
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has been under investigation by International Cricket Council’s ACU since 2017.
Former cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya was charged under ICC Code and accordingly handed a two-year ban.
Recently, Shakib Al Hasan all-rounder of Bangladesh was also handed a two-year ban, with 1 year being
suspended for not reporting a suspected match-fixing offer to ICC’s ACU.
India attends International Treaty of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
India attended the eighth session of the International Treaty of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and
Agriculture (ITPGRFA) at Rome, Italy. Agriculture Minister Shri Narendra Tomar attended the session
representing India.
The Treaty is in harmony with the Convention on Biological Diversity. The treaty was negotiated through
FAO.
About the session
The Governing sessions of the treaty are biennial.
Around 146 countries participated in the session
International organizations such as FAO, UN were also part of the session
About the Treaty
It is also known as the “Seed Treaty”. It is an international agreement to ensure food security by exchange
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of world’s plant genetic resources of food and agriculture. It also aims at conservation and sustainable use
of seed varieties
Objectives
The International Treaty of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture is based on the following
principles
Countries depend on plant genetic resources to produce food
To provide a broad integrated global system that will provide easy access of genetic materials to
scientists, farmers and plant breeders
To help farmers on crop selection that adapts to unpredictable environmental changes and human
needs.
The treaty provides a list of 64 crop species and their facilitated access.
India’s Nodal Agencies of the Treaty
In India, Department of Agriculture and Cooperation is the nodal agency that fulfills the objective of the
treaty. However, the ministry responsible to fulfil the treaty is Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change as the guidelines of the treaty are completely based on environment resilience.
India’s Legislation
The Indian laws that abide by the treaty are as follows
Protection of plant varieties and farmers rights act
Biological Diversity Act, 2002. Along with the treaty, the act is also pursuant to India’s commitment
towards United Nation Convention on Biological Diversity.
9th BRICS Trade Ministers Meet held in Brazil
The 9th BRICS Trade Ministers Meet was held in Brasilia, Brazil. It was attended by Union Minister
Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, during which he deliberated on global economic climate with his
counterparts from other member nations.
Key Deliberations at Meet
The global economic outlook is facing grave challenges amidst growing protectionism and rising trade
tensions manifested in unilateral measures, therefore, Trade and Investment cooperation between BRICS
nations must be advanced.
Growing trend of non-tariff barriers (NTBs) which deny market access is leading to economic uncertainty as
well as raising the cost of doing trade for developing countries especially Ministry of Micro, Small and
Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Thus it is important to preserve rules-based trading system and adequate
low-cost finance to provide sustainability for MSME. A win-win mindset is also needed from all concerned
countries to spur trade & promote equity.
The need of the hour is to develop digital infrastructure, digital skills and institutions particularly in
developing and less developed world.
With a view to balanced and equitable outcomes, the BRICS member countries must look at ways and
means to increase cooperation amongst themselves across all modes of services.
What is BRICS?
It is an abbreviation for an association of 5 major emerging national economies, namely- Brazil, Russia,
India, China and South Africa. The association was founded in 2006 and was originally grouped as first four
as “BRIC”, before South Africa joined it in 2010. The BRICS countries comprises of 42% of the world’s
population, having 23% of global GDP.
Facts Box: Drafts Security Code
The Union Government recently circulated the Draft Security Code that integrates existing labor laws and
provides new initiatives to provide social security to workers of unorganized sector, insurance and helath
benefits to gig workers. It includes drivers of private vehicle hiring services as well. The code also aims at
corporatization of organizations like ESIC And EPFO.
Justice Muhammad Raffiq was sworn in as 8th Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court. His oath for office
and secrecy was administered by Meghalaya Governor Tathagata Roy at the Raj Bhavan in Shillong. He has
succeeded Justice Ajay Kumar Mittal who is presently the Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh High Court.
About Justice Muhammad Raffiq
He started his law practice in 1984 and practiced exclusively in Rajasthan High Court in almost all branches
of law. He served as an advocate from 1999 to 2006 and in 2008, he was appointed as a Judge at the
Rajasthan High Court. He has also served as acting Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court twice.
Justice Raffiq (59) has been recognized as an expert on Indian Constitution, land acquisition, tax, service
and company law cases.
Pravind Jugnauth sworn in as Mauritius PM
The incumbent Prime Minister of Mauritius Pravind Jugnauth was sworn in for five-year term after elections
in which his coalition consolidated its grip on parliament. His swearing-in took place at the residence of
President Barlen Vyapoory.
Key Highlights
The 57 year old Jugnauth took the helm of one of Africa’s wealthiest countries without going through a vote
when his father stepped down in 2017. The decisive victory of his centre-right Morisian Alliance in the 7
November elections has now strengthened his legitimacy.
PM Pravind Jugnauth’s proposed new cabinet includes 23 members includes three women. It includes
newcomer Kalpana Koonjoo-Shah, who will take over the gender equality Ministry.
The Morisian Alliance claimed 42 of 70 seats in parliament, defeating centre-left National Alliance of Navin
Ramgoolam, which secured 17 seats, and Mauritian Militant Movement of Paul Berenger, which garnered
nine seats.
NOTE: Since attaining independence from Britain in 1968, Indian Ocean island nation of Mauritius has
become one of most stable democracies in Africa. Mauritius, situated roughly 1,800 kilometres (1,100
miles) off the eastern coast of Africa, has evolved from a poor, agriculture-based economy to a relatively
wealthy financial services hub and tourist beacon.
November 14, 2019
SC Verdict: CJI Office under RTI act
On November 13, 2019, the Supreme Court upheld the 2010 judgement of Delhi High Court that the RTI
(Right To Information) act was applicable to the office of CJI (Chief Justice of India) as well.
Key Findings of the Judgement
The CJI office and the SC are not two different public authorities. Under Article 124, SC includes
office of CJI and the other judges as well
The relationship between the CJI and the judges would neither be fiduciary nor be beneficial.
The judgement said that under Section 6(2) of the act, the motive of the seeker of information is not a
relevant consideration.
The Public Information Officer has vast discretion under the RTI act. The PIO should make sure
judicial independence and accountability are well maintained as they go hand in hand. It is important
for the SC to maintain confidentiality in certain aspects of judicial administration.
Background
In 2010, the CIC (Central Information Commission) ordered the SC CPIOs (Central Public Information
Officer) to provide information on personal assets possessed by the judges of SC. The order was
challenged at the Delhi HC to which it ruled that SC and CJI have statutory duty to furnish information
regarding administration and functioning of the SC.
Appeals were filed to SC on HC verdict in 2010. Though filed in 2010, it was heard and referred to a
Constitution bench only in 2016 and the judgement was pronounced now.
Central Electricity Authority Data: India’s Electricity Demand fell to a 12-year low
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According to the data released by the Central electricity Authority (CEA), the electricity demand of the
country fell by 13% in October 2019 as compared to October 2018. This is the lowest in 12 years.
Highlights
Sharp reduction in the industrialized states like Maharashtra and Gujarat indicating an economic
slowdown is the major reason for the decline in demand.
Electricity demand of the country was 98 billion units in October 2019 as against 112 billion units in
October 2018.
Power demand in Madhya Pradesh declined by 26%, Karnataka declined by 25%, Maharashtra
declined by 22%, Gujarat by 19%, Telangana by 16% and Andhra Pradesh by 16%.
Reasons
The slowdown is deep rooted in industrial sectors.
The Infrastructure sector output contracted to the lowest in 14 years.
The Automobile sector in the country recently cut hundreds of thousands of jobs due to
unprecedented decline in sales
Dhaka Global Dialogue held in Bangladesh
The first edition of Dhaka Global Dialogue was held from 11-13 November 2019 in Bangladesh. The three
day long programme was inaugurated by Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina.
About Dhaka Global Dialogue
Organised by: The programme was jointly organised by New Delhi based Observer Research Foundation
(ORF) and Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS).
Participants: More than 150 delegates from 50 countries participated in the conference to discuss some of
the most pressing global imperatives in context of the Indo-pacific region. It included large number of policy
makers, law makers, scholars, strategic experts, industry leaders and professionals of various fields.
Key Deliberations:
The geographical location of Bangladesh is advantageous and strategic and thus could act a bridge
between South Asia and South-East Asia on which it needs to build further. It is believed that the Asian
Century which will be shaped by stories of transformations in the east and its collective rise.
Bangladesh annually loses nearly 2% of its GDP due to climate change issues but Bangladesh is also an
example of adaptive resilience which could be emulated by other countries globally.
Principle of Bangladesh’s foreign policy remains, ‘friendship to all, malice to none’. Bangladesh has become
a role model for other countries for its peaceful resolution of maritime disputes and land boundary
agreement with neighbouring India and Myanmar.
Significance of Dhaka Global Dialogue: It will act as a platform for countries in this region on the way of
achieving environmentally sustainable peace and prosperity. Participants also agreed upon that peace and
stability in the maritime domain will be critical to Asia’s rise.
UNDP Green Climate Fund: India gets 43 million USD to boost climate in 3 coastal states
With the help pf 43 million USD from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), India has begun
the project that will positively impact over 10 million people living on the coastline. The funds are to be
obtained from the Green Climate Fund that was established under United Nations Convention on Climate
Change (UNFCCC). The objective of the fund is to assist developing countries.
Highlights
The 6-year project will help to build climate resilient livelihoods of 1.7 million people
The coastal states that are to benefit from the fund are Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
Under the project, the plan is to sequester minimum of 3.5 million tons of carbon dioxide in the next
30 years.
The project will also restore 15,000 hectares of coral reefs, mangroves, salt marshes and sea
The method detects quantity of ALP (Alkaline Phosphate) in the milk to determine its freshness and quality.
ALP is a metalloprotein found in raw milk samples. It is an important bio marker in quality control in milk.
The ALP compounds are destroyed during pasteurization. Therefore, detecting ALP compounds can help in
detecting inadequate pasteurization in milk.
Method
Researches have used a simple filter paper and made the final product highly inexpensive. The team
modified the chemical composition of the filter paper by loading it with anti-ALP elements that captures the
presence of ALP in the milk.
The paper turns blue-green color if milk contains ALP compounds.
Highlights
The method takes 13 minutes to detect ALP compounds
Using the paper, the scientists could detect down to 0.87 units of ALP per milliliter of milk
The accuracy of the method is 91% to 100%
Significance
India is the largest milk producer in the world. It accounts to 20% of world milk production. Milk production
has been constantly growing in India over the years from 55.6 tons in 1992 to 176.3 million tons in 2018.
Nita Ambani elected to board of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art
Educationist, Philanthropist and Businesswoman Nita Ambani has been named the Honorary Trustee of
New York City’s The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the largest U.S. art museum. In the museum’s 150-year of
history, she is the first Indian Trustee. Her election took place at the meeting of the Museum’s board and
the announcement in this regard was made by Daniel Brodsky, the Chairman of Museum.
Key Highlights
The 149-year-old Metropolitan Museum of Art, is considered as the largest and most visited art museums in
the world. The museum draws billionaires, celebrities and millions of visitors a year to see art spanning
5,000 years from around the world.
Nita Ambani: She is the Founder and Chairperson of the Reliance Foundation. She is the wife of Asia’s
richest person and Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani. She is first Indian to be so honoured.
Why is She elected? For her commitment to The Met and to preserving and promoting India’s art, culture
and heritage. The Met also noted that the Reliance Foundation has sponsored key cultural events such as
‘Abbaji’, the annual concert of legendary musician Ustad Zakir Hussain, among the many efforts to
recognize cultural legends of India and ensure their relevance to a younger generation.
In October 2017, the museum had also announced that Reliance Foundation promised a generous gift
(without stating the amount of gift) to support exhibitions that explore and celebrate the arts of India.
Assam launches Sishu Suraksha App for child right violations
On the occasion of Children’s Day on 14 November 2019, the Assam State Commission for Protection of
Child Rights (ASCPCR) launched a mobile app called ‘Sishu Suraksha’, an e-complaint box for child right
violations. The ASCPCR decided to develop an e-complaint box, keeping in mind the mission of a Digital
India.
About Sishu Suraksha App
Objective of App: To empower citizens to take moral responsibility of protecting future generations.
The name Sishu Suraksha means child protection in English. It will enable users from all over Assam to
lodge complaints about violation of child rights, in swipe of their fingers.
The e-complaint box will run on android and iOS devices. The app can be used by anyone in the state to
lodge a complaint which will be directly registered at Commission.
The app will ease the people as one of the major challenges is that most people are not aware of where to
go and report a case of child rights violation.
Need: In monitoring visits to various districts in state, the Assam State Commision for Protection of Child
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Rights excercising the powers and functions mandated under the Commission for protection of Child
Rights Act 2005 (CPCR Act, 2005) observed that the message of protection of rights of children is yet to
reach the masses. ASPCR also reported that there has been a 55% increase in number of child trafficking
cases in the state in 2019.
Fact Box: Mathematician Vashishtha Narayan Singh
Renowned mathematician Vashishtha Narayan Singh, who came to be known as India’s Einstein, passed
away in Patna on 14 November. Born in Bihar, the 74 year old Vashishtha was suffering from a prolonged
mental illness schizophrenia from the last 35 years. He earned worldwide recognition when he challenged
Einstein’s theory.
About Vashishtha Narayan Singh
He was born in a poor family in Basanatpur village of Bihar’s Bhojpur district on 2 April 1942. He moved to
America in 1965 and finished his PhD on ‘reproducing kernels and operation with a cycle vector‘ from
University of California, Berkely in 1969. He then went on to become an associate professor at Washington
University and later even worked in US Space Agency NASA where he surprised many people with his
mathematic skills. But in 1971 he returned to India and worked at IIT Kanpur, IIT Bombay and ISI Kolkata.
He was fond of books, pens and diaries and after he returned from the US, he brought back 10 boxes of
books with him. It is also said that at the time of launch of Apollo, the mathematical calculation done by
Vashishtha Narayan were exactly same as computer’s calculations.
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro to be chief guest at Republic Day 2020
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation to be Chief Guest
at India’s Republic Day celebrations in 26 January 2020.
Key Highlights
Prime Minister Modi met Bolsonaro on the sidelines of 11th BRICS Summit, which is being held in Brasilia,
Brazil. During the meeting, PM Modi invited the President of Brazil to be chief guest at Republic Day in 2020
which was accepted by Bolsonaro with pleasure.
Both leaders agreed to comprehensively enhance strategic partnership between the two countries as well
as discussed other areas of cooperation including space and defence sectors.
India-Brazil: Both countries look forward to discuss matters relating to trade in upcoming visit. The
Brazilian President informed PM Modi that a large business delegation will accompany him to India,
PM Modi has also outlined areas for potential investment from Brazil, including in areas of animal
husbandry, agricultural equipment, post-harvest technologies and biofuels. He also welcomed decision of
the Brazilian President to grant visa-free travel to Indian citizens.
Previous Invitees at Republic Day celebrations
In 2016, former French President François Hollande was the chief guest. In 2017, Crown Prince Mohammed
bin Zayed Al Nahyan of United Arab Emirates (UAE) took part in the Republic Day celebrations as chief
guest. The year 2018 Republic Day celebrations was historic as leaders of 10 ASEAN nations attended the
event as chief guests. In 2019, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was the chief guest and he was
also the second South African president, after Nelson Mandela, to attend the grand event as its chief guest.
About Jair Bolsonaro
He is a 38th president of Brazil. Initially, he joined the politics as a city councillor in Rio De Janerio. Before
joining Social Liberal Party (PSL) in 2018, he was the member of Christian Democratic Party (CDP). In 2018,
he was nominated as the presidential candidate of PSL and became the front-runner after the arrest of Lula
Da Silva in April 2018. He then took over the office as the President of Brazil on 1 January 2019.
LANCET Report on Health and Climate Change, 2019
On November 13, 2019, the Lancet journal published report on “Health and Climate Change, 2019.” The
Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change is a comprehensive yearly analysis that tracks the
progress across 41 indicators. The project is a collaboration of 120 experts from premier institutions all
World Heritage Week is celebrated by UNESCO between November 19, 2019 and November 25, 2019. The
Objective of celebrating World Heritage Week is to increase awareness among people about safety and
preservation of cultural heritages and monuments.
UNESCO Heritage sites in India
There are 37 UNSECO World Heritage sites in India. It includes 29 cultural site, 7 natural sites and 1 mixed
site.
India’s plans
Several schools and colleges are celebrating World Heritage Week in India by organizing quiz and painting
competitions. The Archaeological Survey of India and several other museums are organizing heritage
programs highlighting the significance of the ancient monuments and their preservation
The heritage sites celebrating the week includes Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Delhi Red Fort, Delhi Darwaza,
Bhadra Gate, etc.
Significance
A great effort was made by the National Research Laboratory for Conservation, Lucknow to save the stone
structure of Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi. It was built by the Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar in 1777.
It is important to respect and protect such heritages of the country. The week celebration instills sense of
safety and preservation of the monuments across the country.
2nd Joint India-China Capacity Building Programme for Afghan Diplomats
The 2nd Joint India-China Capacity Building Programme for Afghan Diplomats is being held at External
Affairs Ministry’s Foreign Service Institute (FSI) in New Delhi from 11-23 November as part of both countries
efforts to work together for development of war-torn Afghanistan. India-China are also looking at other
areas to cooperate in Afghanistan.
Key Highlights
10 young diplomats from Afghanistan are participating the course. So far a total of 179 Afghan diplomats
had been trained at FSI, more than any other country.
The participants would get an exposure to modern India’s economic and technological developments and
would also undertake study tours to experience India’s cultural heritage. The diplomats will undertake study
tours in India before travelling to China for further training.
The intensive two-week course would include training modules on various topics covering India’s foreign
policy, diplomatic skills, multilateral diplomacy and key international issue. The course is part of India-China
joint projects in third countries.
Background
The 1st Joint India-China Capacity Building Programme for Afghan diplomats was held at elite Foreign
Service Institute (FSI) from 15 to 26 October 2018 as part of an understanding reached between Prime
Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Wuhan Informal Summit (2018) where two
countries decided to work together on programmes for Afghanistan. The first batch containing 10 Afghan
diplomats was trained in 2018 at FSI.
14 November: World Diabetes Day
Every year 14 November is observed as World Diabetes Day (WDD), a primary global awareness campaign
focusing on diabetes. The need to create a day for the awareness of diabetes came in response to growing
concerns about escalating health threats due to diabetes. As of now about 21,463 people have tested their
risk of type 2 diabetes and despite such a high number of people suffering from it, there is little awareness
about the condition and its effect on everyday life.
About World Diabetes Day
Background: The World Diabetes Day was created by International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World
Health Organization (WHO) in 1991, to create awareness about diabetes among common people. The day 14
November also marks the birth anniversary of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin along with
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Charles Best in 1922. While WDD was first created in 1991, the day became official United Nations Day in
2006.
Objective: To provide a platform to promote International Diabetes Federation (IDF) advocacy efforts
throughout the year.
Symbol: WDD campaign is represented by a blue circle logo on a white background– the blue circle stands
as the global symbol for diabetes awareness. The symbol was adopted after UN passed a resolution on
diabetes in year 2007.
2019 Theme: Family and Diabetes. It focuses on raising awareness of impact that diabetes has on family
and support network of those affected with the disease.
Chandrayaan 3: India’s 2nd attempt to land on Moon by November 2020
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced their intention to send a second mission to soft-
land on the Moon planned for November 2020 dubbed as Chandrayaan 3 mission. The Indian Space
Agency’s first and recent attempt went awry on 7 September 2019 and resulted in a partial failure of
Chandrayaan 2 mission after communication was lost with mission’s lander (Vikram) and rover (Pragyan)
which crash-landed on Moon while attempting a soft-landing.
However, the Chandrayaan 2 mission is still survived by the Orbiter which has captured highest resolution
visuals ever taken of Moon by its High-Resolution Camera (OHRC) from an altitude of ~100 km.
About Chandrayaan 3 Mission
Chandrayaan 3 will not feature an orbiter of its own: For the new mission, engineers and scientists at
Indian space agency will only design and build an entirely new lander and rover. Since Chandrayaan 2
mission already has a functional orbiter that is currently in orbit around Moon, Chandrayaan 3 will not
feature an orbiter of its own. However, no final decision has been taken by ISRO on the number of payloads
on the lander.
Additional ‘Detachable Module’: The lander and rover will be accompanied by an additional ‘detachable
module’ that packs engine and fuel needed for journey and this module will tentatively be called ‘Propulsion
Module’.
The Chandrayaan 3 mission will also feature fewer orbital manoeuvers than Chandrayaan 2, which had a
total of 6 orbit raises around Earth and the Moon.
11th BRICS Summit
PM Modi attended the 11th BRICS summit and invited business leaders from BRICS nations to invest in India,
especially in infrastructure development.
Highlights of the summit
The BRICS countries discussed in creating a common crypto currency for mutual payments. The step
was being discussed to reduce the share of payments in USD.
PM Modi proposed the first meeting of BRICS Water Ministers in India.
India is to host BRICS Digital Health Summit. The Summit will focus on innovative solutions to healthy
lifestyle
India will also host BRICS Youth summit that will focus on hackathon, startups and games
Also, BRICS workshop on digital forensics is to be held in India
BRICS Business Council
The BRICS Business Council created a road map to achieve 500 billion USD trade target among BRICS
nations by next summit. An agreement was signed between New Development Bank and BRICS Business
Council to achieve this.
India-Russia
PM Modi met his Russian counterpart Mr Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the 11th BRICS summit.
During their meet, the leaders noted their satisfaction that the 25 billion USD trade target between the
countries to be achieved by 2025 has already been achieved.
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Also, the leaders discussed about the first bilateral regional forum to dismantle the barriers of trade
at regional level.
India-Brazil
PM Modi met the President of Brazil Mr Jair MEssias Bolsonaro and invited him to be the Chief Guest at the
Republic Day celebrations, 2020.
After the meet, PM Modi outlines areas of animal husbandry, agriculture, post-harvest technologies
and biofuels as areas of potential
The leaders also discussed about space and defense sectors
India-China
PM Modi met the Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the 11th BRICS summit.
The countries have agreed to hold the next round of border talks after the leaders’ meet. The 21st
round of border talks were held in 2018 by Security Advisor Ajit Doval and his Chinese counterpart.
The Chinese President appreciated the 2nd Informal Summit in Chennai. He also invited PM Modi for
the 3rd informal summit to be held in China in 2020.
The leaders reviewed the preparations for celebrating the 70th anniversary of establishment of
diplomatic relations between the countries.
Arunachal: First International Buyer-Seller Conference of Agriculture
The first buyer seller meet on horticulture and agriculture produce for the state was held in Arunachal
Pradesh. It was organized by APEDA-Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development
Authority, Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Highlights of the event
International buyers from 7 countries participated in the meet. It includes Nepal, Bhutan, Indonesia,
Bangladesh, Oman, UAE and Greece.
The products of Arunachal Pradesh that were showcased in the event were fruits, large cardamom,
Kiwi, Mandarin oranges, pineapple, organic products, spices, flowers and king chilly.
Significance
The event aimed to promote agricultural products of Arunachal Pradesh. It also aimed to facilitate market
linkages for agricultural exports from NER (North Eastern Region). It also acted as a platform for the B2G
and B2B meetings of international importers and exporters and the farmers in the NER.
The event was a great opportunity for the producers of the NER, especially Arunachal Pradesh to explore
new opportunities of horticulture and agriculture.
Arunachal Pradesh
Around 75% to 80% of land in Arunachal Pradesh is still unexplored. The state is blessed with 5 types of
agro-climatic zones. It has great potential for horticulture crops
NASA renames Ultima Thule to ‘Arrokoth’
The US Space Agency National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has recently renamed
farthest cosmic body, earlier known as ‘Ultima Thule’ to ‘Arrokoth’ or Sky. NASA has renamed the distant
space rock after it was criticized over the old name’s Nazi connections.
Key Highlights
The rock which was studied in the farthest flyby ever conducted by a spacecraft was previously named as
Ultima Thule to mean something like “farthest place”, but immediately attracted controversy because the
word ‘Thule’has been associated with Nazis in the past. Therefore, the object will now be known as
Arrokoth, a Native American term meaning ‘Sky’.
The new name Arrokoth symbolizes ‘icy-object’ which was undisturbed since the solar system was formed
about 4.5 billion years ago. The name also reflects the wondering about the stars and looking at the sky and
was given because of its natural position.
The name was proposed by members of New Horizons team, who led the mission to study the object. They
presented the new name to International Astronomical Union (IAU) and Minor Planet Center (MPC) which
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officially names and categorises Kuiper Belt objects.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Which state government has decided to partner with MIT-based Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-
PAL)?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Kerala
[C] Odisha
[D] Sikkim
Answer: Odisha
The Odisha government has decided to partner with Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) for
targeted intervention in a set of social sectors including poorest of the poor through policy formulation
and evaluations based on experimental research. The co-founders of J-PAL are Nobel laureates Abhijit
Banerjee and Esther Duflo. The Massachusettes Institute of Technology (MIT)-based J-PAL is known for
its experimental research studies or randomized controlled trials. It has worked extensively in Africa as
well India and its evaluations have helped improve outcomes of social sector initiatives.
2. What is the theme of 2019 edition of World Cities Day (WCD)?
[A] Designed to Live Together
[B] Inclusive Cities, Shared Development
[C] Changing the world
[D] Promoting a better urban future
Answer: Changing the world
The World Cities Day (WCD) is observed every year on 31 October to promote the international
community’s interest in global urbanization, push forward cooperation among countries in meeting
opportunities and addressing challenges of urbanization, and contributing to sustainable urban
development around the world. The 2019 theme “Changing the world: innovations and a better life for
future generations” discusses how urbanization can be used to achieve sustainable development.
3. Which golfer has won the 2019 Zozo Championship in Japan?
[A] Anirban Lahiri
[B] Jyoti Randhawa
[C] Gaganjeet Bhullar
[D] Tiger Woods
Answer: Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods made history after he won the 2019 Zozo Championship in Japan for his 82nd US PGA Tour
victory. according to the World Golf Hall of Fame, Woods equals legendary golfer Sam Snead 54-year-old
record, who won 82 titles throughout his career.
4. Which state government has launched a new initiative “Meal in exchange for plastic waste”?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Odisha
[C] Jharkhand
[D] West Bengal
Answer: Odisha
In an effort to raise awareness about the perils of using plastic, the Kotpad Notified Area Council (NAC)
in Koraput district of Odisha is providing free meals to the poor in exchange for a kilogram of plastic
waste. The new initiative is being carried out under the State government’s ‘Aahar’ scheme. The