Latest Current Affairs For November, 2021

MoS for Ayush Munjpara Mahedrabhai inaugurates Ayurveda Parv-2021

Mister of State for Ayush Munjpara Mahedrabhai has virtually inaugurated Ayurveda Parv-2021 in New Delhi.

It is a three-day event that has been organized to promote Ayurveda.

An exhibition has been arranged with 40 stalls and participation of Pharmaceutical companies.

It has been organized for proper utilization of Ayurvedic health care and also for coordination and better utilization of Ayurvedic research, education and manufacturing of medicines. 

International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People: 29 November

International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is organized every year on 29th November to mark the anniversary of resolution 181, wherein the Assembly adopted the resolution on the partition of Palestine on November 29, 1947.

It is an UN-organized day to educate the public on the question of Palestine and support a peaceful settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. 

United Nations headquarters: New York.

Petr Fiala appointed as new Prime Minister of Czech Republic

Petr Fiala has been sworn in as the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic by President Milos Zeman with effect from 28th November 2021.

He is the chairman of the Civic Democrat party and head of the SPOLU (Together) alliance.

He succeeded Andrej Babis.

Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe and is bordered by Austria to the south, Germany to the west, Poland to the northeast, and Slovakia to the east.

Capital: Prague.

Currency: Czech koruna.

WHO classified a new variant of SARS-CoV-2, Omicron

World Health Organization (WHO) has classified new variant of SARS-CoV-2, titled as Omicron.

It is currently circulating in South Africa, as a ‘variant of concern’. 

It has been identified as Network for Genomics Surveillance in South Africa (NGS-SA). 

It had detected a group of related SARS-CoV-2 viruses, which belong to a lineage named B.1.1.529.

Early indications are that this variant is possibly even more transmissible than the highly infectious Delta variant.

Union Health Ministry releases NFHS-5 Phase II Findings

Union Health Ministry has released Factsheets of key indicators on population, reproductive and child health, family welfare, nutrition and others for India and 14 States/UTs (clubbed under Phase-II) of the 2019-21 National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5).

India has also officially hit total fertility rate (TFR) of 2.0 that indicates a decrease from the 2.2 in the NFHS-4.

Proportion of anaemic children (5-59 months) increased from 58% to 67%.

IGSTC launched WISER program for encouraging women researchers

Indo-German Science & Technology Centre (IGSTC) has launched Women’s Involvement in Science and Engineering Research (WISER) program for encouraging women researchers in joint research and development (R&D) projects.

It will be in addition to the ongoing flagship 2+2 program. 

It is a joint initiative of Dept of Science and Technology (DST) and Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), Govt of Germany. 

It will be possible through lateral entry. 

MSDE launches pilot projects to revive and catalyze traditional Namda Craft

Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has launched two projects:

‘Revival of Namda craft of Kashmir’ as a special pilot project under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 3.0. 

Upskilling of artisans and weavers of Kashmir under Recognition of Prior Learning component of PMKVY. 

Aim: to boost and preserve the traditional Namda craft of Kashmir and upskill the local weavers and artisans. 

Namda craft is a rug made of sheep wool through felting technique. 

Maiden Colombo Security Conclave Focused Operation being conducted

Maiden Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) Focused Operation is being conducted between lead Maritime Security Agencies of India, Maldives and Sri Lanka in Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) of the three countries in Southern Arabian Sea.

It is a two day CSC Focused Operation with an aim of keeping this vital part of the Indian Ocean Region safe and secure for commercial shipping, international trade and conduct of legitimate maritime activities.

7th India International Science Festival 2021 to be held in Goa

The 7th edition of India International Science Festival (IISF) 2021 will be held in Panaji, Goa. 

It is a 4-day event, that will be held from 10th to 13th December 2021. 

Organized by: Ministry of Earth Sciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Dept of Atomic Energy, Department of Space and Govt of Goa. 

More than 100 scientists from different fields will participate. 

Theme will be based on Aazadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav with motto of Celebration of science and its promotion. 

Senior bureaucrat Vivek Johri appointed as Chairman of CBIC

Senior bureaucrat Vivek Johri has been appointed as the chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) with effect from 30th November 2021. 

He is a 1985-batch IRS (Customs and Indirect Taxes) officer and is currently working as a member in CBIC. 

He succeeded M Ajit Kumar, who will complete his tenure on 30th November 2021. 

CBIC is the nodal national agency responsible for administering Customs, GST, Central Excise, Service Tax & Narcotics in India. 

RBI panel proposes to raise promoters cap to 26% in private banks

The internal working group of RBI has proposed to raise the cap on promoters’ stake in private banks from the current 15 % to 26 % in 15 years.

Presently, a promoter of a private bank needs to pare holdings to 20 per cent within 10 years, and to 15 per cent within 15 years.

The RBI had constituted the IWG on June 12, 2020, to review extant ownership guidelines and corporate structure for Indian private sector banks.

Indian Oil, BPCL, HPCL launch Model Retail Outlet Scheme

Indian Oil, BPCL and HPCL announced the launch of Model Retail Outlet Scheme and a Digital Customer Feedback Program called Darpan@petrolpump.

Three oil PSU’s have joined hands to launch Model Retail Outlets to enhance service standards and amenities, across their networks.

The initiative was inaugurated by Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Housing and Urban Affairs, Hardeep Singh Puri.

GHCL signs MoU worth ₹500 crore with Tamil Nadu

GHCL Limited has signed an MoU with the Tamil Nadu for investing ₹500 crore in the State.

As per the MoU, GHCL will set up 40,000 ring spindles in Manaparai, Tiruchirappalli district, to produce synthetic and synthetic blended yarn.

GHCL also plans to develop an EHT (extra high tension) power transmission facility in Manaparai to ensure uninterrupted power supply.

GHCL has proposed to set up a 20 MW solar power park near Musiri, Tiruchirappalli district.

Exim Bank commits $100 million loan for Covid vaccines in FY 22

Exim Bank has committed loans worth $100 mn for domestic manufacturers of Covid-19 vaccines.

These loans are being extended to about half a dozen drug makers in the country.

The loans for vaccines are also being extended to other countries.

The bank expects a credit growth of 10% this year.

This will be driven by ‘good’ demand from EPC, textiles, pharma and petroleum sectors, among others.

Its loan portfolio increased 4.43% year-on-year to ₹1,03,851 crore. 

Bihar, Jharkhand, UP emerge as poorest states in India: NITI Aayog

NITI Aayog has released its Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI).

According to MPI Bihar, Jharkhand and UP have emerged as the poorest states in India.

Bihar also has the highest number of malnourished people followed by Jharkhand, MP, UP and Chhattisgarh.

Kerala, Goa, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu and Punjab have registered the lowest poverty across India.

The MPI measure uses the methodology developed by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative and the UNDP. 

Prime Volleyball League signs RuPay as title sponsor for 3 years

RuPay, the flagship product of NPCI, has come on board as the title sponsor of the Prime Volleyball League.

The card payment network has acquired the title sponsorship rights of the sporting league for three years of the league, which is scheduled to take place in early 2022.

The tournament will consist of 24 games and the player auction will be held in Kochi on December 14.

Gaming company A23 has already joined the league as ‘Powered By’ sponsors in a multi-year deal.

Amazon, Asian Paints, Tata Tea top Most Purposeful Brands Ranking

According to Kantar’s BrandZ India 2021 report, Amazon, Tata Tea and Asian Paints emerged as the most purposeful brands in India across technology, FMCG and in non-FMCG categories resp. 

In technology ranking Amazon leads the index followed by Zomato, YouTube, and Google and Swiggy jointly in 4th place. 

While Asian Paints topped the non-FMCG rankings, Samsung and Jio ranked jointly in the 2nd position. , followed by MRF. 

The FMCG category rankings saw Tata Tea top the chart. 

YES Bank Partners With Amazon Pay For UPI Transactions

Yes Bank has collaborated with Amazon Pay and Amazon Web Services (AWS) to offer customers an instant real-time payment system through a UPI transaction facility.

The integration enables Amazon Pay to issue UPI IDs with the @yapl handle, allowing customers to make secure, fast, and convenient payments.

Based on a multi-bank model, this collaboration allows Yes Bank to acquire merchants through the Amazon Pay platform. 

Yes Bank CEO: Prashant Kumar

Bajaj Allianz partners TropoGo to distribute ‘drone insurance’ products

Bajaj Allianz General Insurance announced its partnership with deep-tech startup TropoGo for the distribution of a drone Insurance product.

The drone insurance product will cover damage to the Drone and Payload it carries. 

Drone owners and drone manufacturing companies can avail an annual third-party and comprehensive coverage for accidental damage, theft, and disappearance.

Companies can also avail customized insurance coverage for fleet requirements.

ADB Approves $ 1.5 Billion Loan to India for Purchasing Covid-19 Vaccines

The ADB has approved a $ 1.5 bn (around Rs 11,185 crore) loan to India for COVID-19 vaccine procurement.

The loan from ADB will fund at least 66.7 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses for an estimated 31.7 crore people, it added.

It will support India’s National Deployment and Vaccination Plan which aims to fully vaccinate 94.47 crore people aged 18 years and above.

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank is expected to co-finance an additional $ 500 million for the project.

Govt forms ‘Central Vista Oversight Committee’ to expedite pace of project

The Union govt formed a high-level ‘Central Vista Oversight Committee’ for 2 years to monitor and expedite the pace of the project.

The committee will be headed by former finance secretary Ratan P Watal.

It include P K Tiwari, Shailendar Roy, Professor Mausam and member and a Joint Secretary MoHUA as the convener.

The committee will ensure a multi-agency, multi-stakeholder coordination for seamless integration of different project works.

CBI special director Praveen Sinha elected to Interpol committee

CBI special Director Praveen Sinha was elected as a delegate for Asia on the executive committee of the Interpol, capping an “intense” and “well-coordinated” campaign across the world by India.

The elections for various positions for the top panel were held at the ongoing 89th Interpol General Assembly in Istanbul.

It has 13 members, including the president and three vice presidents, apart from nine delegates.

The committee is headed by UAE. 

Cabinet approves extension of PM Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana till March 2022

Union Cabinet chaired by PM Modi has approved the extension of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana (PMGKAY) for another four months from December 2021 till March 2022.

Under the scheme all the beneficiaries covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) receives food grains @ 5 kg per person per month.

The estimated additional food subsidy for Phase V of the scheme is of Rs. 53344.52 Crore. 

The total food-grains outgo for PMGKAY Phase V will be about 163 LMT. 

MeitY organizes 24th CISO Deep Dive Training program

National e-Governance Division under Ministry of Electronics and IT has organized six-day Deep Dive Training program for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and frontline IT govt officials. 

Aim: Creating awareness around cyber security and develop an empowered and strong cyber ecosystem in Government organizations in India. 

Focus areas: ISMS Standards, Mobile and Cyber Security, data security, etc.

Cyber Surakshit Bharat initiative was launched in January 2018. 

River Cities Alliance and National Urban River Management Plan launched

Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has launched River Cities Alliance and National Urban River Management Plan for Kanpur. 

River cities alliance: It is for clean and preserving rivers across India and its core motto is to improve rivers and cities together. 30 major cities joined hands for this. 

It will have 3 broad themes: Networking, Capacity Building, Technical Support. 

Secretariat of the Alliance will be set up at National Institute for Urban Affairs (NIUA). 

Former South Korean President Chun Doo-hwan passes away

Former South Korean President Chun Doo-hwan (90 years) passed away due to cancer.

He was a South Korean politician, who was also a former army general and led 1979 military coup that sparked massive democracy protests in the country.

He had served as the fifth president of South Korea from 1980 to 1988.

President of South Korea: Moon Jae-in.

Capital of South Korea: Seoul.

National Milk Day: 26th November

National Milk Day in India is observed every year on 26th November to commemorate the birth anniversary of the Father of India’s White Revolution, Dr. Verghese Kurien. 

The day was first observed in 2014.

Verghese Kurien is also nicknamed as Milkman of India.

The day was fixed by all the dairy majors of the country including National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), the Indian Dairy Association (IDA), along with 22 state level milk federations.

Govt changes base year for Wage Rate Index (WRI) from 1963-65 to 2016

Ministry of Labour has changed the base year for Wage Rate Index (WRI) from 1963-65 to 2016 on the recommendation of Expert Group on Minimum Wages & National Floor Wages committee.

Committee was headed by S.P.Mukherjee. 

New series of Wage Rate Index (WRI) from July 2016 to July 2020 based on the new series 2016=100 has been released by govt.

Total of 37 industries have been covered in the new WRI basket (2016=100) as against 21 industries in the 1963-65=100 series.

Madhya Pradesh CM launches three solar power projects

Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chauhan has laid the foundation stones for setting up three solar power plants of 1500-megawatt capacity in Shajapur, Agar and Neemuch. 

Total outlay of the project: Rs 5,250 crore.

MP is moving forward to complete the target of meeting 50% of the country's energy requirements with solar energy by 2030.

He also launched ‘Urja Saksharta Abhiyan’ to make all the citizens aware about energy saving, according to a time bound action plan. 

Indian Constitution Day: 26th November

Constitution Day in India is observed every year on 26th November to mark the anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of the country.

The day was chosen to mark the adoption of Constitution of India by Constituent Assembly of India on 26 November 1949.

Constitution of India came into effect on 26 January 1950.

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi declared 26 November as Constitution Day on 19 November 2015 by a gazette notification.

BN Goswamy pens book on Indian arts titled ‘Conversations’

Renowned art historian and critic Brijinder Nath Goswamy has announced new book titled ‘Conversations' with 101 themes, and More’, based on and around Indian arts. 

It will be published by Penguin Random House India (PRHI) and will hit stands in 2022. 

It opens a window to a wide range of subjects on and around the arts. It not only invites those interested and literate in arts but also the general readers who want to take a dive into arts.

Madhya Pradesh to get first cyber tehsil of India

Madhya Pradesh Cabinet has approved the proposal to create cyber tehsils in the state of Madhya Pradesh. 

After this, MP will become the first state in the country to have a cyber tehsil.

Cyber Tehsil will make the mutation process easy and people from anywhere in the state can avail of its benefit.

With this, process of conversion will become convenient in the cases of undisputed land.

WHO released 2021 Global Nutrition Report

World Health Assembly (WHO) has released Global Nutrition Report 2021, that acts as a report card on the world’s nutrition globally and regionally.

India’s position:

Over half of Indian women of 15-49 years are anaemic with increase in number from 52.6% in 2016 to 53% in 2020.

Over 17% of Indian children under 5 years of age are under the category of child wasting (low weight for height). 

India is meeting 7 of 13 global nutrition targets.

Venkaiah Naidu virtually represents India at 13th ASEM Summit

The 13th edition of the ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) Summit has been organized from 25 to 26th November 25 and 26, 2021. 

Hosted by: Cambodia as ASEM Chair

Theme: Strengthening Multilateralism for Shared Growth. 

The Summit will bring together countries in Asia and Europe to exchange views on regional and global issues and strengthen cooperation in a wide range of areas. 

ASEM grouping have 51 member countries, European Union and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). 

Union Minister inaugurates India Internet Governance Forum 2021

Ashwini Vaishnaw and Rajeev Chandrasekhar has jointly inaugurated 3-day India Internet Governance Forum 2021 (IIGF 2021). 

Organized by: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and National Internet Exchange of India. 

It is centered around the theme ‘Empowering India through Power of Internet’. 

Aim: To bring stakeholders of internet governance for roadmap of digitization. 

It is an initiative associated with UN Internet Governance Forum (UN-IGF).

Dept of Food organizes All India Food Ministers Meet

Department of Food and Public Distribution has organized an All India Food Ministers Meeting in New Delhi.

It will be chaired by Food and Public Distribution Minister Piyush Goyal. 

The meet discuss the issue of community kitchen and other issues with Food Minister of all States and UTs.

Some of the likely key issues during the meeting: Model Community Kitchen Scheme, One Nation One Ration Card-status of implementation, Aadhaar seeding of Ration Cards, etc.

Raksha Mantri inaugurates 5th World Congress on Disaster Management

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh has virtually inaugurated 5th World Congress on Disaster Management (WCDM). 

It is being organized in New Delhi between 24th to 27th November 2021 at the campus of IIT Delhi on the overarching theme of ‘Technology, Finance and Capacity for Building Resilience to Disasters in the context of COVID-19’.

It is an initiative of Disaster Management Initiatives and Convergence Society (DMICS).

PM Modi lays the foundation stone of Noida International Airport

PM Narendra Modi has laid the foundation stone of Noida International Airport in Jewar, UP. 

Uttar Pradesh is poised to become the only state to have 5 international airports. 

Jewar airport will play a crucial role in helping the region attract huge investments, boost rapid industrial growth, and enable reach of local products to national-international markets. 

It will be the 2nd international airport to come up in Delhi NCR after Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Indian Navy to commission Scorpene-class submarine INS Vela in Mumbai

Indian Navy has commissioned indigenously built Scorpene-class submarine Vela at Mumbai’s Naval Dockyard. 

INS Vela has an indigenous set of batteries and an advanced communication suite of indigenous make. 

INS Vela: It is the fourth in that series, following Kalvari, Khanderi and Karanj. It is expected to further boost Indian capability to defend and secure its strategic sea lanes. 

Earlier Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders has entered into a contract for Scorpene-class submarines. 

PM Gati Shakti- BISAG-N team conducts capacity building exercises

BISAG-N (Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geoinformatics) has developed PM Gatishakti National Master Plan in a dynamic GIS platform. 

It will be further developed as a Digital Master Planning tool with Project Management tools, dynamic dashboards, MIS reports generation etc.

Aim: to facilitate the process, capacity building exercise is being conducted by the BISAG-N team with senior-level officers of relevant ministries and departments.

Second Global Chemicals & Petrochemicals Manufacturing Hub

Union Minister, Mansukh Mandaviya has inaugurated the 2nd Global Chemicals & Petrochemicals Manufacturing Hub (GCPMH).

GCPMH is being organized by Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers jointly with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), in Phygital format (Physical and Digital). 

This edition of the GCPMH will provide a grand overview of this fast-surging major sector of the Indian economy.

India signs agreement with ADB to improve primary health care in India

Govt of India signs loan agreement worth $300 million with Asian Development Bank (ADB) to strengthen and improve access to comprehensive primary health care in urban areas.

This programme will be implemented in urban areas across 13 states.

The project will benefit over 256 million urban dwellers including 51 million from slum areas will benefit from the project. 

The programme supports Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres and PM Atmanirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana. 

Alexander Zverev beat Daniil Medvedev to win his second ATP Finals title

Alexander Zverev of Germany has won 2021 ATP Finals title, after defeating World No.2 Daniil Medvedev of Russia by 6-4, 6-4, in the men’s single finals at Turin in Italy.

This is Zverev’s second Nitto ATP Finals title, after winning the first in 2018.

Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut of France clinched the men’s double title by defeating Rajeev Ram of US and Joe Salisbury of UK.

Ban Ki-moon pens down Resolved: Uniting Nations in a Divided World

Former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has come out with his autobiography titled as ‘Resolved: Uniting Nations in a Divided World’.

The book has been published by HarperCollins India.

Ban has described how he became a man of peace from a child of war in his autobiography.

He also talks about his election to the top UN post in 2006, in which India's Shashi Tharoor was also a contender.

Pralhad Joshi inaugurates E-portal of accreditation scheme for minerals

Union Minister, Pralhad Joshi has inaugurated E-portal of accreditation scheme for Mineral exploration at the 5th National conclave on Mines and Minerals in New Delhi.

First national conclave on Mines and Minerals was held at Raipur in 2016.

On the occasion, he presented awards to 149 five-star rated mines for sustainable mining practices and all round performance.

He also handed over of 52 Geological Survey of India (GSI) approved mine blocks to 15 State Government. 

JP Morgan named as world’s most systemic bank: FSB

JP Morgan Chase has bagged the top spot at the 2021 list of globally systemic banks (G-SIBs) released by Financial Stability Board (FSB).

FSB has identified total 30 banks as globally systemic banks (G-SIBs) by FSB.

These 30 banks are divided into four buckets in order of how systemic, international, interconnected and complex they are.

FSB: It is an international body that represented the G20 leaders' first major international institutional innovation.

NASA launches world’s first DART Mission to crash Spacecraft into Asteroid

NASA has launched world’s first Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission to change the path of an asteroid by intentionally crashing a spacecraft into it with a speed of 24,000 kms per hour. 

The mission has a total worth of $325 million and was launched into orbit from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

Aim: to crash a space probe into the asteroid so as to alter its speed and course so prevent it from hitting the Earth.

MNRE inaugurates 1st International Conference on Hydrogen Energy

Minister of State for MNRE has inaugurated 1st International Conference on Hydrogen Energy - Policies, Infrastructure Development and Challenges. 

It is being organized by Central Board of Irrigation and Power (CBIP) with the support of Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Central Electricity Authority and NTPC.

Aim: to bring all the key stakeholders on the same platform to discuss all facets of Hydrogen Energy in India.

India signs MoU wit World Bank to improve quality of learning

Government of India, Andhra Pradesh and World Bank has signed the legal agreements for $250 million for a project to improve quality of learning for over 50 lakh students in the state of Andhra Pradesh.

Students from all grades and stages of school education will benefit from the project.

Beneficiaries are about 40 lakh students (between the age of six and fourteen) in over 45,000 government schools, and over 10 lakh children. 

Aadhaar 2.0- Ushering Next Era of Digital Identity and Smart Governance

Union Minister has inaugurated 3-day workshop titled as ‘Aadhaar 2.0- Ushering the Next Era of Digital Identity and Smart Governance’ at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

It will also be telecast live on YouTube, Twitter and Facebook handles of UIDAI.

It is considering Aadhaar as a Trusted ID as a platform and method for delivering innovative digital solutions.

It also focuses on strategies of Aadhaar that can strengthen and simplify its service delivery.

Ministry of Civil Aviation, ISB signs MoU to analyze RCS on air travel

Indian School of Business (ISB) has signed MoU with Ministry of Civil Aviation to undertake research to analyze the effect of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) on commercial air travel. 

This MoU marks the extension of the socio-economic impact study of UDAN scheme conducted by ISB pro-bono basis in 2020.

RCS was launched in 2016 to stimulate regional air connectivity. It will be jointly funded by the central government and state governments.

ECI organizes conference of Chief Electoral Officers from all States/UTs

Election Commission of India has organized a conference with Chief Electoral Officers of all States/UTs in New Delhi. 

Aim: to discuss and review various thematic issues related to Electoral Roll, Polling Stations, ongoing Special Summary Revision, IT Applications, timely resolution of grievances, EVMs/VVPATs, training & capacity building of polling staff, media & communication & extensive voter outreach program amongst others.

Railway Minister announces introduction of ‘Bharat Gaurav Trains’

Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced the introduction of theme-based tourist circuit trains ‘Bharat Gaurav Trains’ to tap the vast tourism potential of India. 

Service Provider will be free to decide theme like Guru Kripa trains for covering important places of Sikh culture, Ramayana trains for places connected with Lord Shri Ram etc.

Service Provider will offer all-inclusive package to tourist.

These trains will have 14 to 20 coaches. 

Jitendra Singh inaugurates separate Bench of CAT at Srinagar

Union Minister, Jitendra Singh has inaugurated a separate Bench of Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) at Srinagarto deal exclusively with service matters of govt employees. 

After this, DoPT- CAT, CIC and CVC are fully functional in UTs of J&K and Ladakh. 

Jurisdiction of Jammu Bench of CAT extends up to 10 districts of UT of J&K and Leh from UT of Ladakh, while jurisdiction of Srinagar Bench extends up to 10 districts of UT of J&K and Kargil from Ladakh. 

AIM, Vigyan Prasar collaborates to drive ATL and Engage With Science

Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) has collaborated with Vigyan Prasar to drive synergies between AIM’s Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) and Vigyan Prasar’s unique interactivity platform, Engage With Science (EWS).

Engage with Science: It will onboard all 9200+ ATL-enabled schools and engage their students, teachers and Principals in perennial activities. 

It will lead to accumulation of points based on which certificates and incentives will be provided. 

49th edition of International Emmy Awards conferred in New York

The 49th edition of International Emmy Awards has been held in New York City to recognize excellence in television programs produced and aired originally outside the U.S., and non-English language US primetime program.

Till date, only Indian show to bag an Emmy is Delhi Crime which won Best Drama in 2020. 

Best Actor: David Tennant for Des (UK). 

Best Actress: Hayley Squires for Adult Material (UK). 

Best Drama Series: Tehran. 

Best Comedy Series: Call My Agent Season 4. 

NITI Aayog releases SDG Urban Index and Dashboard 2021–22

NITI Aayog under Indo-German Cooperation has released Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Urban Index and Dashboard 2021–22. 

It ranks 56 urban areas on 77 SDG indicators across 46 targets of SDG framework. 

Shimla tops the Index followed by Coimbatore, Chandigarh, Thiruvananthapuram. 

Worst performers: Patna, Guwahati, Itanagar, Meerut, Dhanbad. 

Urban areas have been classified as:

Aspirant: 0–49

Performer: 50–64

Front-Runner: 65–99

Achiever: 100

Biennial trilateral exercise ‘Dosti’ underway for IOR stablility

The 15th edition of biennial trilateral exercise ‘Dosti’ by the coast guard forces of Maldives, India and Sri Lanka is underway in Maldives from 20th to 24th November. 

ICGS Vajra and ICGS Apoorva, and Sri Lanka Coast Guard’s SLCGS Suraksha participated in the exercise.

It was introduced in 1991 between Indian and Maldives. Sri Lanka joined the exercise in 2012. 

Aim: to strengthen friendship, enhance mutual operational capabilities, interoperability, cooperation. 

37th edition of India-Indonesia Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) held

The 37th edition of India-Indonesia Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) is being held in the Indian Ocean region (IOR) from 23rd to 24th November 2021.

Indigenously built Indian Naval Ship (INS) Khanjar and Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft is participating in the CORPAT. 

Indonesian Naval Ship KRI Sultan Thaha Syaifuddin, (376) is participating from Indonesia. 

It was conducted for the first time in 2002. 

CORPAT is held twice in a year to ensure safety and security.

ICICI Bank launches Trade Emerge’ for exporters and importers

ICICI Bank has launched an online platform called as ‘Trade Emerge’ for Indian exporters and importers to offer them digital banking and value-added services.

Through this platform, cross-border trade will become hassle-free, expeditious and convenient. 

This is due to an array of services offered in one place, facilitating companies to coordinate with multiple touchpoints.

Exporters and importers who are not customers of ICICI Bank can also avail the benefit.

Tamil Nadu win 3rd Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in New Delhi

Tamil Nadu has won the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title in New Delhi, defeating Karnataka in a thrilling last-over chase. 

Tamil Nadu became the most successful team as they won their 3rd title. 

Batsman Shahrukh Khan pulled off a stunning heist as he hit 33 runs of 15-ball, including a last-ball six when Tamil Nadu needed 5 runs in the last delivery of their 152-run chase.

2021 was the 13th edition of Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (Twenty20 competition of India).

V Prez flags off ‘Visakhapatnam-Kirandul Passenger Train’

Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu has flagged off ‘Visakhapatnam-Kirandul Passenger Train’ and additional Vistadome coaches.

360-degree viewing system of the Vistadome coaches will make the journey an unforgettable experience for the passengers as it passes through a scenic, mountainous terrain of Eastern Ghats through many curves, tunnels and bridges. 

Jitendra Singh launches India’s first Virtual Science Lab for Children

Science and Technology Minister, Jitendra Singh has launched India’s first Virtual Science Lab for Children under CSIR Jigyasa Programme. 

It will also connect students with scientists across the country.

Main aim of Virtual Lab: To provide quality research exposure and innovative pedagogy for school students based on an online interactive medium.

New facility will immensely benefit students from Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas and Government Schools. 

AIR, Doordarshan win awards at ABU-UNESCO Peace Media Awards 2021

Doordarshan and radio show by All India Radio has received multiple awards at ABU - UNESCO Peace Media Awards-2021 at Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.

‘Ethical and Sustainable Relationship with Nature’ award: AlR’s ‘Living on the edge - The coastal lives’. 

Living Well with Super Diversity category: Doordarshan’s programme 'DEAFinitely Leading the Way. 

The awards were given by UNESCO in collaboration with Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union under ‘Together for Peace’ initiative.

Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurates Aayakar Bhawan-cum-Residential Complex

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has inaugurated new Aayakar Bhawan-cum- Residential Complex 'The Chinars' at Rajbagh in Srinagar.

Income Tax Building had got damaged in a terrorist attack in 2005. 

Establishment of new office complex and attached 'Aayakar Seva Kendra' will go a long way in providing better service to tax prayers in the spirit of Jan Bhagidari.

Number of developmental works shall be carried out for the overall benefit of the people. 

Fifth East Asia Summit Conference on Maritime Security Cooperation

The fifth East Asia Summit (EAS) Conference on Maritime Security Cooperation will be held from 23rd and 24th November in Kolkata.

The event is being organized by India in partnership with Australia.

Apart from two governments, organizers include ASEAN-India Centre at Research and Information System for Developing Countries in collaboration with National Maritime Foundation of Australia and Research Centre for East and Northeast Regional Studies, Kolkata.

EPFO gets approval to park 5% of annual deposits in InvITs

Central Board of Trustees (CBT) of Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) have approved that up to 5% of the annual deposits can be invested in alternative investment funds (AIFs) including infrastructure investment trusts (InvITs).

This investment will offer diversification to EPFO’s investment basket.

Finance Investment and Audit Committee (FIAC) have been tasked to decide upon investment options, on case-to-case basis.

AIFs are regulated by SEBI.

SBI Ecowrap report projects India’s GDP for FY22 between 9.3%-9.6%

State Bank of India (SBI) economists in its research report ‘Ecowrap’ has revised upwards the GDP growth projection for India to range from 9.3% to 9.6% for FY22 (2021-22).

Earlier, this was estimated in the range of 8.5% to 9%.

Reason for the upward revision is decline in the number of COVID cases.

Average GDP growth of 28 selected economies has decelerated to 4.5% in Q3 (2021) as against 12.1%.

Venezuelan musicians set world's largest orchestra record

Venezuela has set new Guinness World Record for the largest orchestra with 8,573 musicians playing together for more than five minutes.

This record was set by National System of Youth and Children’s Orchestras of India, known as ‘El Sistema’.

Prior to this, such record for an orchestra was made by Russia when 8,097 musicians played together in St. Petersburg.

Venezuela is a country on the northern coast of South America. 

Capital of Venezuela: Caracas.

Bhupender Yadav initiates first ever All India Domestic Workers Survey

Labour and Employment Minister Bhupender Yadav has flagged off the first ever All India Domestic Workers Survey.

It will cover 742 districts in 37 States and Union territories.

Objective: To estimate the number and proportion of domestic workers at the national and state level and find out household estimates of live-in and live-out domestic workers.

It will also estimate the average number of domestic workers engaged by different types of households.

Jitendra Singh inaugurates ISRO's five-day Technology Conclave-21

Union Minister Jitendra Singh has inaugurated ISRO's five-day Technology Conclave-2021, highlighting the Futuristic and Disruptive Technologies to be developed by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

It is being organized by Directorate of Technology Development and Innovation (DTDI) under the aegis of ISRO.

Development of Satellite-Based Quantum Communication will enable unconditional data security to the country’s communication network.

El Salvador plans to build world’s first ‘Bitcoin City’

El Salvador President Nayib Bukele has announced to build the world’s first Bitcoin City in the country. 

This new city is planned to be developed in the eastern region of La Union and will be initially funded by bitcoin-backed bonds.

It would get geothermal power from a volcano.

Bitcoin City will not levy any taxes except for value added tax (VAT).

One half of this VAT levied will be used to fund the bonds issued to build the city.

CII to organize 20th edition of ‘Connect 2021’ in Chennai

Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) will organize its flagship event titled ‘Connect 2021’ in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. 

It will be held from 26th to 27th November. 

Theme: Building a Sustainable Deep T’ech’N’ology Ecosystem. 

Connect: It is an international conference and exhibition on information & communication technology (ICT). 

Partner countries: Australia and UK. 

It is hosted by Govt of Tamil Nadu and co-hosted by Software Technology Parks of India and MeitY.

Andhra Pradesh bags Best Marine State Award

Department of Fisheries has awarded best performing States for 2021-22 on ‘World Fisheries Day’ to recognize their accomplishments in the field and their contribution into the growth of the sector.

Awards:

Best marine state: Andhra Pradesh

Best Inland states: Telangana

Best Hilly and NE marine states: Tripura

Best Marine District: Balasore in Odisha

Best Inland District: Balaghat in Madhya Pradesh.

Best Hilly and NE District: Bongaigaon in Assam.

Abhinandan Varthaman conferred Vir Chakra by President

Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman has been awarded Vir Chakra by President Ram Nath Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. 

He shot down Pakistani F-16 jet during a dogfight over the Line of Control (LoC) in 2019. 

Vir Chakra: India’s third highest wartime gallantry award after Param Vir Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra.

Abhinandan is IAF’s first Vir Chakra awardee after 1999 Kargil war when Ajay Ahuja and Wing Commander AK Sinha were awarded the wartime gallantry medal.

Education Minister inaugurates CNT and CIKS at IIT Guwahati

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has inaugurated Centre for Nanotechnology (CNT) and Centre for Indian Knowledge System (CIKS) at IIT Guwahati.

CNT will host 25 advanced laboratories that will focus on advancements in multi-disciplinary, scientific and translational research and is equipped with a Class-100 clean room facilities. 

CIKS will focus on preserving, documenting and sustaining the knowledge that is unique to India. 

Tribal Affairs, CBSE jointly launched online certificate course

Ministry of Tribal Affairs and CBSE has jointly launched online certificate course on Experiential Learning for the 21st Century for Eklavya Model Residential School and CBSE teachers.

Experiential Learning for 21st Century Programme: It has been conceptualized as an online certificate course for educators to help them adapt classroom learning to real life experiences.

Out of 650 educators, who applied for this, 350 have been selected to learn new pedagogies.

IAF conducts 'Symphony orchestra' at Golconda Fort

Air Force Band of Indian Air Force (IAF) has conducted 'Symphony orchestra' at Golconda Fort as part of 'Swarnim Vijay Varsh' and ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav' celebrations.

Air Force Station Hakimpet conducted the mega event in a joyful and patriotic atmosphere.

It was attended by all personnel and families of the station and civilians.

It comprises 28 musicians who specialize in brass, wood-wind, reed string, electronic and percussion instruments.

India received $87 billion in remittances in 2021: World Bank

India has received $87 billion in remittances in 2021 as per the report titled ‘Migration and Development Brief 35’ released by World Bank and KNOMAD.

KNOMAD is supported by multi-donor trust fund established by World Bank.

India is also the top country in receiving remittances in 2021, followed by China, Mexico, Philippines, and Egypt.

As per the report, remittance flows to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are projected to reach $589 billion in 2021. 

Foundation stone of Rani Gaidinliu Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum launched

Home Minister Amit Shah will lay foundation stone for setting up of Rani Gaidinliu Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum at Luangkao village in Tamenglong district of Manipur. 

This project has been sanctioned by Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs at an estimated cost of 15 crore rupees.

Luangkao Village in Tamenglong District is the birthplace of renowned freedom fighter Rani Gaidinliu and decided to name the Museum as Rani Gaidinliu Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum.

Know Your Vaccination Status feature enabled on CoWIN

CoWIN digital platform has now been enabled with a new feature ‘Know Your Vaccination Status’. 

The new feature will help to verify or retrieve a citizen’s vaccination status and details as per the authorized rights of the verifying entity by Co-WIN and Health Ministry.

It can be utilized by a service provider for facilitating service requested by the citizen.

It can also be utilized by travel agencies and help making travel safe for individuals.

Sarbananda Sonowal announces expansion of NEIAFMR in Arunachal Pradesh

Sarbananda Sonowal has announced expansion of North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda and Folk Medicine Research (NEIAFMR) in Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh by developing new infrastructure within the campus.

It is in line with the vision to develop the AYUSH sector in the state and the entire northeast region.

It will require an investment of around Rs 53.72 crores.

Under this, new Ayurveda College with 30 seats and new Ayurveda Hospital with 60 beds will be established.

Vinod Tawde appointed as National General Secretary of BJP

Maharashtra BJP leader Vinod Tawde has been appointed as the National General Secretary of BJP.

He is a prominent Maratha leader and has served in several organizational positions in Maharashtra.

He has a base in Konkan and Mumbai.

Apart from this, Rituraj Sinha and Asha Lakhra have been made National Secretary of BJP.

BJP also appointed two new spokespersons Bharti Ghosh and Shehzad Poonawalla.

President of BJP: J. P. Nadda.

India concludes with 7 medals at 2021 Asian Archery Championships

India archers bagged seven medals at 2021 Asian Archery Championships, that was held in Dhaka, Bangladesh from November 14, 2021, to November 19, 2021.

This included one gold, four silver and two bronze medals.

South Korea top the medal table with 15 medals, while Bangladesh settled at third place with 3 medals.

Indian winners:

Gold medal: Jyothi Surekha Vennam

Silver medal: Pravin Jadhav

Bronze medal: Ankita Bhakat, Kapil, Aman Saini, Abhishek Verma, Rishabh Yadav. 

Indore named India’s cleanest city for fifth consecutive year

Indore has been ranked as the cleanest city of India for the fifth year in a row by Swachh Survekshan 2021.

Surat and Vijaywada were ranked second and third cleanest city respectively with over 10 lakh population.

Among smaller cities with population between 1-10 lakh, New Delhi ranked first, followed by Ambikapur in Chhattisgarh and Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh. 

Among the states with over 100 urban local bodies, Chattisgarh was ranked on top. 

Geoff Allardice appointed as permanent CEO of International Cricket Council

Geoff Allardice has been appointed as the permanent CEO of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Prior to this, he was serving as the interim CEO of ICC since last eight months. 

He is a former Australian first-class cricketer.

He succeeded Manu Sawhney who officially resigned from his position in July 2021.

ICC is the world governing body of cricket with headquarters at Dubai, United Arab Emirates. 

SIDBI collaborated with Google for financial assistance to MSMEs

Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has collaborated with Google to launch $15 million financial assistance program for micro-enterprises.

It is one-of-a-kind programme by SIDBI as a crisis response related to Covid-19 to reinvigorate MSME sector. 

Total corpus: $15 million or Rs 110 crore. 

Target Group: Micro Enterprises with turnover up to Rs 5 crore. 

Loan size: Rs 25 lakh to Rs 1 crore. 

It is completely paperless from onboarding to the disbursal stage.

Narayan Rane launches Special Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme

Union Minister for MSME, Narayan Rane has launched Special Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme (SCLCSS) for services sector at Guwahati.

SCLCSS will help in meeting the technology related requirements of enterprises in the services sector. 

It has a provision of 25% capital subsidy for procurement of Plant & Machinery and service equipment’s through institutional credit to the SC-ST MSEs without any sector specific restrictions on technology Upgradation. 

PM Modi inaugurate 'InFinity Forum' on 3rd December

PM Narendra Modi will inaugurate 2-day thought leadership Forum on FinTech 'InFinity Forum' on 3rd December.

The event is being hosted by International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) in collaboration with GIFT City and Bloomberg in virtual mode.

Partner countries: Indonesia, South Africa and UK.

InFinity Forum is a leadership event where problems, ideas, innovative technologies from across the world gets discovered, discussed and developed into solutions. 

52nd International Film Festival of India begins in Goa

The 52nd edition of International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is all set to kick off today with a glittering opening ceremony, hosted by filmmaker Karan Johar and actor Manish Paul. 

Young cinematic personalities from across India will be participating in '75 creative minds of tomorrow' competition. 

Martin Scorsese, Istevan Szabo will be honoured with Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award. 

55 films across the world will be showcased under World Panorama Section. 

Uttar Pradesh’s first Anti-Air Pollution Tower inaugurated in Noida

Union Minister of Heavy Industries Mahendra Nath Pandey has inaugurated first air pollution control tower (APCT) of Uttar Pradesh in Noida.

APCT prototype has been developed by state-run Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (Bhel), between the DND flyway and the slip road to Noida Expressway.

This indigenously developed APCT will help to mitigate the rising air pollution problem in the city.

Telangana’s Pochampally village named among Best Tourism Villages

Pochampally village, Telangana has been selected for ‘Best Tourism Villages’ award by United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). 

Pochampally village of Nalgonda district is also referred to as the silk city of India for its exquisite sarees woven through unique style called ‘Ikat’, that received GI in 2004. 

Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO is a pilot initiative to award outstanding rural destinations that showcase good practices in specified nine evaluation areas.

Salman Khan appointed as Covid vaccination ambassador of Maharashtra

Veteran Bollywood actor Salman Khan has been appointed as the Covid vaccination ambassador by Maharashtra Government for campaigning and appealing to people to take both the jabs of the COVID vaccine, especially in Muslim-dominated areas.

The decision to onboard Salman Khan comes after observing hesitancy among people in Muslim majority areas for the vaccine.

Salman Khan will persuade people to get vaccinated as an ambassador for better vaccination counts in the state. 

Paytm Money launches AI-powered ‘Voice Trading’ facility

Paytm Money has launched Voice Trading to facilitate users with the information regarding stocks and set a trade via single voice command. 

It will enable the user to buy and sell securities by speaking out the command.

It has been introduced in line with Paytm Money’s attempts to extend next-gen and AI driven tech to improve user experience. 

It is presently being rolled out in beta version to selected users and will be accessible to all users over the next weeks.

World Children’s Day: 20th November

Universal/World Children’s Day is observed every year on 20th November to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improving children’s welfare.

Theme 2021: A Better Future for Every Child.

This day also marks the anniversary of adoption of Declaration (1959) and Convention (1989) of the Rights of the Child.

2021 marks the 32nd anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Prakash Padukone to be presented Lifetime Achievement Award

Badminton legend of India, Prakash Padukone has been selected for the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for 2021 by Badminton World Federation (BWF) Council.

He has already been honored with Badminton Association of India’s (BAI) Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.

He is the first-ever Indian to win medal at World Championships in 1983 Copenhagen tournament.

Apart from him, Devender Singh has been nominated for the Meritorious Service Award. 

PM Modi laid foundation of Defence Industrial Corridor project in Jhansi

PM Narendra Modi has laid foundation stone of Rs 400 crores worth Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor project in Jhansi.

It was launched on the concluding three-day 'Rashtra Raksha Samarpan Parv', organized by Ministry of Defence (MoD) along with Uttar Pradesh govt. 

UP Defence Industrial Corridor has nodes at Agra, Aligarh, Jhansi, Chitrakoot, Lucknow and Kanpur.

A plant for propulsion system for Anti-Tank Guided Missiles has also being set-up.

India stands at 82 in global bribery risk rankings

India has slipped to 82nd position in 2021, five places down from 77th rank last year, in a global list that measures business bribery risks.

The list by TRACE measures business bribery risk in 194 countries, territories, and autonomous and semi-autonomous regions.

According to this year's data, North Korea, Turkmenistan, Venezuela and Eritrea pose the highest commercial bribery risk, while Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden and New Zealand present the lowest.

Centre to repeal farm laws after a year

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the scrapping of three farm laws, which triggered protests by the farmers.

Apologizing the nation, the PM said that his government has always worked for the welfare of the farmers.

The three laws to be repealed are:

Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020. 

Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020. 

Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020.

Coal Ministry Constitutes Sustainable Development Cell

The Ministry of Coal has decided to establish a Sustainable Development Cell (SDC).

Aim:  To advice, mentor and plan action to minimise the adverse impact of mining. 

SDC is also formulating future policy framework for environmental mitigation in Coal and Lignite sector of our country. 

It will also monitor the effective utilisation of the Mine Closure Fund and environment budgets of different coal companies. 

SIDBI launches second window of Swavalamban Challenge Fund

SIDBI launched the second window of Swavalamban Challenge Fund (SCF) with Green Bharat as prioritised theme.

The focus of the fund is on innovative projects addressing the green, clean or efficient climate change.

Other themes are sustainable livelihood, financial inclusion, and access to financial services and promoting the culture of entrepreneurship.

It is a financing support mechanism to allocate funds for specific purposes using competition among organisations.

Smriti Irani Turns Author With Debut Novel 'Lal Salaam'.

Union Minister Smriti Zubin Irani turns author with her debut novel 'Lal Salaam'. 

The book is being published by the publishing house 'Westland'. 

'Lal Salaam' is based on the tragic killings of 76 CRPF personnel in Dantewada in April 2010. 

The book will be released on November 29. 

Lal Salaam is the story of a young officer, Vikram Pratap Singh, and of the challenges he faces against a system that is steeped in backroom politics and corruption.

World Toilet Day 2021: 19th November

Every year, World Toilet Day is celebrated on 19th November under various themes that are set by the UN.

This year’s World Toilet Day theme is "valuing toilets". 

The theme aims to stress the absolute necessity of toilets in our lives.

The day is is celebrated to create awareness among the people regarding the importance of sanitation and to initiate action to tackle the global sanitation crisis. 

WTD was established in 2013 by the United Nations.

552nd Guru Nanak Jayanti Observed on 19th November 2021

The auspicious occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti is one of the most important festivals in Sikhism.

It marks the birth anniversary of the first of the ten Sikh gurus, Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

While Diwali falls on the 15th day of the Kartik month as per the Hindu Lunar calendar, Guru Nanak Jayanti falls fifteen days after that on the auspicious occasion of Kartik Purnima.

This year, the 552nd birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev will fall on November 19.

IndusInd Bank launches mobile app for merchants

IndusInd Bank has launched a comprehensive mobile app, 'Indus Merchant Solutions' to enable merchants, retailers and professionals to carry out banking transactions digitally, on a single platform.

It will enable merchants and retailers to undertake an array of activities such as accept instant cashless payments on mobile phones from customers through multiple digital modes.

Any current account holder of IndusInd Bank can download the app and start using it.

Union Bank of India ranks third in PSB reforms

According to  Indian Banks’ Association (IBA), Union Bank of India ranked 3rd amongst 12 PSBs in EASE 4.0 Reforms Index for Q1 FY22.

UBI also recorded stellar performance under four out of six themes in the Agenda.

UBI has been adjudged Winner in the themes ‘Collaborating for synergistic outcomes’ & ‘Governance & outcome-centric HR’ and bagged Runner-Up positions in ‘New age 24×7 Banking’ &‘Tech-enabled ease of Banking’.

SBI and U GRO Capital join hands to finance MSMEs

U GRO Capital, a small business lending platform,  has entered into a co-lending partnership with the State Bank of India to provide credit to MSMEs.

Through this, SBI and U GRO aim to disburse up to ₹500 crore by March 2022.

U GRO lends to SMEs in 8 sectors -- Healthcare, Education, Chemicals, Food Processing, FMCG, Hospitality, Electrical Equipment and Components, Auto Components, Light Engineering.

Chairman SBI: Dinesh Kumar Khara. 

CMD, U GRO: Shachindra Nath

Kotak Mahindra Bank, PVR Cinemas launch co-branded movie debit card

Kotak Mahindra Bank and PVR Cinemas launched a co-branded movie debit card.

With the Kotak PVR Movie Debit Card, cardholders will receive joining vouchers and earn points on every transaction on the debit card at PVR and outside PVR as well, with no upper limit on the points earned.

Further, Kotak PVR debit cardholders will get automatically enrolled to the PVR Privilege Plus programme.

KMB CEO: Uday Suresh Kotak

Network International, NPCI International sign MoU

NPCI International Payments signed an MoU with Network International to discuss their collaboration on acceptance of the UPI in the UAE. 

The proposed collaboration will benefit Indian travellers visiting the UAE. 

It will allow them to make payments through UPI-based mobile applications leveraging Network’s trusted payment infra. 

The proposed rollout of UPI mobile payment solutions on Network International’s merchant network is expected to start in the 1st quarter of 2022. 

eBikeGo acquires ‘Velocipedo’ brand from Spanish company Torrot

Electric two-wheeler mobility platform eBikeGo has acquired the rights to manufacture the smart electric trike ‘Velocipedo’ of a leading Spanish automotive company Torrot in India.

With this, eBikeGo now plans to enter the luxury electric three-wheeler industry.

It aims to manufacture these scooters at its factory in Pune.

Velocipedo will be produced in three basic models — a personal vehicle, Trick Taxi and a cargo vehicle.

Hema Malini, Prasoon Joshi to be awarded Film Personalities of the Year

Hema Malini and Prasoon Joshi will be facilitated with the Indian Film Personality of the Year award at the 52nd  International Film Festival of India 2021 in Goa.

Actor Hema Malini is 2 time BJP MP from Mathura while lyricist Joshi is  former chairperson of CBFC.

The IFFI will kick off on 20th November in a hybrid — virtual and physical — format.

Prasoon Joshi is a poet, writer, lyricist, screenwriter and communication specialist and marketer. 

Akasa Air inks pact with CFM for LEAP-1B engines

Rakesh Jhunjhunwala backed-Akasa Air announced the purchase of CFM LEAP-1B engines to power its recently purchased Boeing 737 MAX airplanes.

The agreement, that also includes spare engines and long-term services agreement, is valued at nearly $4.5 billion at list price.

Akasa had ordered 72 Boeing 737 MAX airplanes valued at nearly $9 billion at list price.

The LEAP-1B engine entered into service on the Boeing 737 MAX in 2017.

CEO, Akasa Air: Vinay Dube

India, New Zealand to intensify cooperation in cyber security, cyber crime

India and New Zealand have decided to intensify cooperation in cyber security, cyber crime and capacity building at the bilateral Cyber Dialogue.

The2nd edition of the India-New Zealand Bilateral Cyber Dialogue was held on a virtual mode.

The Indian delegation was led by MEA Joint Secretary Atul Malhari Gotsurve.

The delegations deliberated on a wide range of topics of mutual interest and agreed to work closely with each other in these areas. 

BDL signs $21-million contract with Airbus Defense & Space

Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) has signed a $21-million export contract for Counter Measures Dispensing System (CMDS) with Airbus Defense & Space.

Under the Contract, BDL will supply its Counter Measures Dispensing System to the Spanish entity.

The public sector firm is looking at export opportunities for offerings such as Akash Weapon System, Astra Weapon System, Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon and Helina and Light Weight Torpedo and Heavy Weight Torpedo.

India received $87 billion in remittances in 2021: World Bank

According to World Bank data India received $87 billion in remittances in 2021

United States was the biggest source, accounting for over 20 per cent of these funds.

India becomes the world's largest recipient of remittances with a gain of 4.6 per cent.

India is followed by China, Mexico, the Philippines, and Egypt.

In India, remittances are projected to grow three per cent in 2022 to $89.6 billion. 

SIDBI, Google tie-up for loan programme targeted at micro enterprises

SIDBI has entered into a collaboration with Google for having a social impact lending programme.

The program entails financial assistance up to ₹1 crore at competitive interest rates targeted at micro- enterprises.

The collaboration brings a corpus of $15 million to micro-enterprises. 

This envisages a loan program targeted at micro enterprises (having turnover up to ₹5 crore), with loan sizes ranging between ₹25 lakh to ₹1 crore, being implemented by SIDBI.

NSDL e-Governance gets RBI’s in-principle nod as Account Aggregator

NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure got in-principle approval from RBI to set up an account aggregator business under its subsidiary, NSDL e-Governance Account Aggregator.

Account Aggregator is a first-of-its-kind consent framework that empowers an individual with control over his or her data.

Aggregator services can play a pivotal role as a core contributor to a data-led economic empowerment and inclusion at scale.

Indian Railways gets first pod hotel at Mumbai Central station

Union minister of state for Railways Raosaheb Danve inaugurated first-of-its-kind pod hotel at the Mumbai Central station.

The pod hotel has several small bed-sized capsules and provides affordable overnight accommodation.

Charges: Rs 999 for 12 hours and Rs 1,999 for 24 hours.

Facilities: WiFi, TV, a small locker, adjustable mirror, and reading lights. 

These resting facilities can be availed by Passengers of Indian Railways and even common people.

MoFPI signs MoU with DAHD to improve livestock sector

The Department of Animal husbandry and Dairying has signed an MoU with Ministry of Food Processing Industry.

This MoU will facilitate extension of benefits to dairy entrepreneurs and dairy industries through convergence of various schemes of Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.

This will also help in generating income for sustainable development of the rural poor by providing credit support, strengthening quality control, and providing necessary technology.

21st Indian Ocean Rim Association Annual Council of Ministers' Meeting

India virtually participated in the 21st Annual Council of Ministers (COM) meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

Summit was held in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

The IORA COM was held in a hybrid format in Dhaka.

Bangladesh assumed the Chairmanship of IORA till 2023.

IORA is inter-governmental organization aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and sustainable development within the Indian Ocean region.

It has 23 member states and 9 Dialogue Partners.

World Philosophy Day 2021: 18th November

World Philosophy Day is celebrated on the Third Thursday of November every year (this year 18 November).

It was first celebrated in 2002 by the United Nations.

WPD aims to raise public awareness of the importance of philosophy.

Philosophy comes from the Greek word phílosophía which means ‘the love of wisdom.’

It is the study of the nature of reality and existence, of what is possible to know, and of right and wrong behaviour.

Anurag Thakur confers SAI Institutional Awards to 246 athletes and coaches

Union Minister Anurag Thakur conferred the first-ever Sports Authority of India's Institutional Awards to 162 athletes and 84 coaches in New Delhi.

They have been conferred awards in the Outstanding Award and Best Award category for their performance in national and international competitions.

The awards acknowledge the exceptional performance of the SAI athletes and coaches under the various sports promotion schemes at the national and international level from 2016.

Naturopathy Day is celebrated on 18th November

The National Naturopathy Day is observed in India on 18th November every year, to promote positive mental and physical health through a drugless system of medicine.

The day was declared by the Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy), Government of India.

Naturopathy practitioners are trained through a five and half year BNYS — Bachelor of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences.

UBS revises India's GDP growth forecast to 9.5% from 8.9% for FY22

UBS Securities has revised upwards its growth forecast for the current fiscal to 9.5% from 8.9% in September.

The brokerage also sees the economy clipping at 7.7 per cent in FY23 but moderating to 6 per cent in FY24.

The Reserve Bank also forecasts 9.5 per cent GDP growth this fiscal while the average projection ranges from 8.5 to 10 per cent.

Sourav Ganguly appointed as the chairman of ICC's Cricket Committee

Sourav Ganguly has been appointed as the Chairman of the ICC men's Cricket Committee, the global cricket governing body.

He will replace Anil Kumble, who stepped down after serving a maximum of a three-year term.

Sourav Ganguly was appointed as the president Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in October 2019.

Johnny Grave, CEO of Cricket West Indies has been appointed to the ICC Women's Cricket Committee.

ICC Headquarters: Dubai, UAE (2005–present)

Centre approves new Rajya Sainik Board for Ladakh

Centre has approved new Rajya Sainik Board for Ladakh, that will be an effective link between the Centre and Ladakh Administration. 

It will play an advisory role on the matters of ex-servicemen, war widows, widows and non-combatants, including serving soldiers and their dependents.

Zila sainik welfare offices of Leh and Kargil will function under newly constituted Rajya Sainik Board. 

It provide access to the welfare schemes under Raksha Mantri Ex-servicemen Welfare Fund. 

Kotak Mahindra Bank, PVR Cinemas launch co-branded movie debit card

Kotak Mahindra Bank and PVR Cinemas has launched co-branded movie debit card. 

Kotak PVR debit cardholders will get automatically enrolled to the PVR Privilege Plus programme. 

With this, cardholders will receive joining vouchers and earn points on every transaction on the debit card at PVR and outside PVR as well, with no upper limit on the points earned. 

Points earned can be redeemed all year round on PVR movie tickets and on food and beverages at PVR.

National Epilepsy Day: 17th November

National Epilepsy Day is observed every year on 17th November in India to create awareness about epilepsy. 

The day was founded by Epilepsy Foundation.

Epilepsy: It is a chronic disorder of brain characterized by recurrent ‘seizures’ or ‘fits’ and is caused due to a variety of factors such as brain infections, strokes and brain tumours, brain damage.

Month of November is observed as ‘National Epilepsy Awareness Month’.

World Famous Legendary Author Wilbur Smith passes away

Internationally acclaimed Zambia-born South African author Wilbur Smith (88 years) passed away.

She was the global bestselling author and has authored 49 novels and sold over 140 million copies worldwide in more than 30 languages.

He rose to fame in 1964 with his debut novel named ‘When the Lion Feeds’ which turned in movie with 15 sequels.

She published his autobiography named ‘On Leopard Rock’ in 2018.

Eminent Hindi writer Mannu Bhandari passes away

Renowned Hindi author Mannu Bhandari (90 years) passed away after hospitalisation at Gurugram hospital

She was best known for her novels ‘Aapka Bunty’ and ‘Mahabhoj’.

1974 Hindi feature film ‘Rajnigandha’ was an adaptation from her novel ‘Yahi Sach Hai’.

Other works: Ek Plate Sailab (1962), Teen Nigahen Ek Tasveer (1969), and Trishanku (1999).

M. Mukundan’s ‘Delhi: A soliloquy’ wins 2021 JCB Prize for Literature

Novel titled as ‘Delhi: A Soliloquy’ written by Malayalam writer M Mukundan has won 2021 JCB Prize for literature. 

This book was originally written in Malayalam and has been translated into English by Fathima E.V. and Nandakumar. 

JCB Prize for Literature:

It was established in 2018.

It is the most expensive Indian award for writing.

It carries a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh for author and Rs 10 lakh for translator.

HDFC Bank launches 2nd edition of ‘Mooh Band Rakho’ campaign

HDFC Bank has launched second edition of its ‘Mooh Band Rakho’ campaign to raise awareness on fraud prevention in support of International Fraud Awareness Week 2021 (14th to 20th November 2021). 

Aim: To increase awareness of its customers on all types of frauds and the importance of keeping your mouth shut to ensure their prevention, not to share confidential banking Information. 

HDFC Bank will organize 2,000 workshops in the next four months under this campaign. 

Total corpus of Payments Infrastructure Development Fund reaches 614 crore

Total corpus of RBI’s Payments Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) has reached Rs 614 crore.

PIDF scheme was launched by RBI in January 2021 to subsidize deployment of payment acceptance infrastructure (PoS) in Tier-3 to Tier-6 centres with a special focus on Indian North-Eastern States.

RBI will make an initial contribution of Rs. 250 crores to the PIDF covering half the fund and the remaining contribution will be from card-issuing banks and card networks. 

RBI introduces Internal Ombudsman mechanism for select NBFCs

RBI has introduced Internal Ombudsman mechanism for two types of Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs):

Deposit-taking NBFCs (NBFCs-D) with 10 or more branches and Non-Deposit taking NBFCs (NBFCs-ND) with asset size of Rs.5,000 crore and above having public customer interface. 

These two NBFCs will have to appoint Internal Ombudsman (IO), who will be responsible for handling the public grievance at the entity level before the grievance is escalated to Ombudsman. 

‘Kaiser-i-Hind’ declared as Arunachal Pradesh’s State Butterfly

Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu has approved declaration of Kaiser-i-Hind butterfly as the State butterfly of Arunachal. 

Scientific name of Kaiser-i-Hind butterfly is Teinopalpus imperialis.

It literally means Emperor of India.

This species of butterfly has a 90-120 mm wingspan.

They are found in 6 Indian States along the Eastern Himalayas at elevations from 6,000-10,000 feet in well-wooded terrain: Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Meghalaya, Assam, Sikkim and Manipur.

PM Modi inaugurates Purvanchal Expressway in Uttar Pradesh

PM Narendra Modi has inaugurated Purvanchal Expressway at KarwalKheri in Sultanpur district of Uttar Pradesh. 

This 341 km long Purvanchal Express and will connect Lucknow with Ghazipur.

It has been constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 22,500 crore.

Expressway starts from village Chaudsarai, located on Lucknow-Sultanpur road (NH-731) and ends at village Hydaria located on National Highway No. 31.

A 3.2-km long airstrip has also been constructed on the expressway. 

VP Venkaiah Naidu inaugurates Bengaluru Tech Summit

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated three days annual flagship Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) 2021.

Organized by: Department of Electronics, IT, Bt and S&T, Government of Karnataka and Co-Hosted by STPI. 

It will be held from 17th to 19th November 2021.

Central theme of BTS 2021: Driving the Next.

It is the 24th edition of BTS which is being conducted in a hybrid format and will see participation from 30 countries.

VVS Laxman named as new head of National Cricket Academy (NCA)

Former Indian international cricketer VVS Laxman (47 years) has been named as the next head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

He will assume the office as NCA’s head on 4th December 2021.

He will replace Rahul Dravid, who has been appointed as Team India’s national men’s head coach. 

NCA:

It was the brainchild of cricket administrator and former BCCI President Raj Singh Dungarpur. 

HQs: Bengaluru

Established: 2000

Raksha Mantri unveils plaque to rename Institute for Defence Studies

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh has unveiled a plaque at Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses in New Delhi to rename the institute as Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA), following the unanimous decision by general body earlier this year. 

Raksha Mantri also inaugurated 100 KW Grid connected rooftop solar power plant under Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s scheme for promoting solar roof-top plants on government buildings.

PM launches various Railway projects in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

PM Narendra Modi has dedicated to the Nation various Railway projects and redeveloped Rani Kamalapati Railway Station in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

It includes Gauge Converted and Electrified Ujjain-Fatehabad Chandrawatiganj Broad Gauge section, Third line in Bhopal-Barkhera section, Gauge Converted and Electrified Mathela-Nimar Kheri Broad Gauge section and Electrified Guna-Gwalior section.

PM also flagged off two new MEMU trains between Ujjain-Indore and Indore-Ujjain.

International Day of Tolerance: 16th November

International Day for Tolerance is observed every year on 16th November by creating public awareness on the dangers of intolerance.

This day was declared by UNESCO in 1995, on its fiftieth anniversary, to generate public awareness of the dangers of intolerance.

As a part of this initiative, UNESCO introduced an UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize to honour individuals who facilitated promotion of the spirit of tolerance or non-violence through their behavior, and work.

National Press Day: 16th November

National Press Day is observed every year on 16th November to acknowledge and honor the Press Council of India, a statutory and quasi-judicial establishment.

November 16 is chosen as on this day, Press Council of India (PCI) was established in 1966 by the Press Commission. 

PCI: It is a statutory, adjudicating organisation in India formed in 1966 that operates under the Press Council Act of 1978 to monitor the quality of reportage provided by the Indian press.

Piyush Goyal virtually inaugurates divisional office at Hubballi, Karnataka

Piyush Goyal has virtually inaugurated FCI Divisional Office Hubballi in Karnataka and Food Security Museum at Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu along with a Photo Exhibition.

Food Security Museum:

It showcases India’s Agri evolution from dependency to self-sufficiency.

It is the first museum in India to depict India’s food security story from ‘ship to mouth’ existence.

Its theme is based on Mesolothic era and encompasses some key Information. 

Union Minister launches LINAC-NCDC Fisheries Business Incubation Centre

Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Parshottam Rupala has launched ‘LINAC-NCDC Fisheries Business Incubation Centre (LIFIC)’ at LINAC-NCDC, Gurugram, Haryana. 

It will help boost development of the fisheries business in the country. 

LIFIC is being started by the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) under the flagship scheme Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) of Dept of Fisheries. 

PM launches key initiatives for welfare of Janjatiya community

PM Modi has launched multiple key initiatives for the welfare of Janjatiya community at Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas Mahasammelan. 

He also launched ‘Ration Aapke Gram’ scheme and Sickle Cell Mission in Madhya Pradesh.

The mission has been developed to screen and manage patients suffering from sickle cell anaemia, Thalassemia and other Hemoglobinopathies and to increase public awareness about these diseases.

BharatPe to launch Merchant Shareholding Program

BharatPe has launched $100 million worth World’s 1st Merchant Shareholding Program (MSP) for its merchant partners.

Under the program, the company offers its merchant customers an opportunity to buy BharatPe’s equity shares and become a partner.

The company plans a public listing by 2024 and targets a public listing value of $1 billion.

Merchant payments and financial services company will roll out the incentive to its more than 7.5 million existing merchant partners.

Indian Teenage brothers wins 2021 International Children’s Peace Prize

Two Delhi-based teenage brothers Vihaan (17) and Nav Agarwal (14) have won 17th annual Kids Rights International Children’s Peace Prize for tackling pollution in their home city by recycling household waste.

The duo received the award by Indian Nobel Peace Prize laureate Kailash Satyarthi.

Vihaan and Nav have developed One Step Greener initiative for segregating rubbish and organizing waste pickups for trash from thousands of homes, schools and offices.

India, Singapore, Thailand Trilateral Maritime Exercise SITMEX 21 held

Third edition of Trilateral Maritime Exercise named as ‘SITMEX – 21’ is being held from 15 to 16 November 2021 in the Andaman Sea.

SITMEX exercise will be held by the Navies of India, Singapore, and Thailand.

From India, Indian Naval Ship Karmuk is participating, which is an indigenously built Missile Corvette.

It is being hosted by Royal Thai Navy (RTN) to enhance the cooperation between the participating navies towards augmenting the overall maritime security. 

India successfully launches 41st Scientific Expedition to Antarctica

India has successfully launched 41st Scientific Expedition to Antarctica with the arrival of 1st batch of its contingent.

First batch comprising 23 scientists and support staff reached Indian Antarctic station Maitri. 

41st expedition has 2 programs: Geological exploration of the Amery ice shelf at Bharati station and reconnaissance surveys-preparatory work for drilling of 500 meters of ice core near Maitri. 

Indian Antarctic program began in 1981.

Australia won their maiden T20 World Cup title by eight wickets

Australia has won 2021 T20 World Cup, after defeating New Zealand by eight wickets that was held on November 14, 2021 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, UAE.

This is the 1st T20 World Cup title won by Australia.

New Zealand had put up the target of 172/4 in their 20 overs match which Australia chased down in 18.5 overs with loss of only two wickets.

Player of the Match: Mitchell Marsh (Australia).

Player of the Tournament: David Warner (Australia).

Paytm Money launches AI-powered ‘Voice Trading’

Paytm Money has launched ‘Voice Trading’, powered by artificial intelligence.

It will allow users to place a trade or get information about stocks via single voice command.

This service has been launched in line with Paytm Money’s efforts to offer next-gen and AI-driven tech to elevate user experience.

The voice trading feature enables a single voice command, with the use of neural networks and natural language processing (NLP) to allow instant processing.

FICCI to hold virtual agriculture summit on Nov 17-18

FICCI will organize  ‘Envisioning Smart & Sustainable Agriculture’, a virtual agriculture summit and awards event. 

Aim: to bring all key stakeholders on a common platform to ideate an implementable strategy for smart and sustainable agriculture. 

The sessions will focus on issues such as strengthening agri-inputs for sustainably increasing productivity. 

A knowledge report on ‘India Beyond 75: Envisioning smart and sustainable agriculture’ is being released during the event. 

Noted historian Babasaheb Purandare passes away

Noted historian and Padma Vibhushan awardee Balwant Moreshwar Purandare (Babasaheb) passed away recently.

Purandare (99) was an authority on the Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Purandare was awarded with Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award in 2019.

He was conferred with the Maharashtra Bhushan award in 2015.

He had conceived and directed the theatrical history extravaganza on Shivaji Maharaj’s life titled Jaanta Raja. 

Tata Projects bags $120mn order for power transmission project in Banglades

Tata Projects Limited has received an order for a 400kV double circuit transmission line project valued at around $120 million from the Power Grid Company of Bangladesh Limited (PGCB).

This is a 120-km project from Barapukuria to Bogura in Bangladesh to be executed in 30 months.

The funding for the same will be provided by EXIM Bank under Indian Line of Credit.

This project is on the line of South Aisa power pool comprising Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal.

HDFC Bank integrates with government's e-NAM platform

HDFC Bank integrated with the National Agriculture Market (eNAM) to enable digital collections and settlement of funds to various e-NAM beneficiaries.

HDFC Bank has partnered with the SFAC to further improve the ease of doing business on e-NAM platform by offering collection modes like multi-net banking, debit card, NEFT/RTGS and UPI/IMPS. 

This integration will help farmers, FPOs, commission agents, institutional buyers and other Mandi level service providers. 

IIT Guwahati to join hands with Oil India Ltd, to tech in energy sector

IIT-Guwahati will collaborate with OIL on the development and introduction of new technologies energy, and related sectors.

The partnership will also focus on cooperation in Transfer of existing tech, Knowledge up-gradation and innovation partnership, Training and skill development, and other areas of mutual agreement.

The MoU will facilitate a new path for exploring various opportunities in applied and translational research for the sustainable energy sector with OIL. 

Indian Oil and NTPC ink deal to collaborate on green energy

NTPC Ltd inked an initial pact with Indian Oil to collaborate in the field of renewable energy.

This is a first-of-its-kind novel initiative by two leading national energy majors of India, to support the country’s commitment to achieving renewable energy targets and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

This comes in the backdrop of Indian Oil announcing its plan to build the country’s first green hydrogen plant at its Mathura refinery.

Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai among world's top 10 polluted cities

According to the data from air quality and pollution city tracking service from IQAir, a Switzerland-based climate group, Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai are among the top ten most polluted cities of the world.

Delhi top the list with AQI at 556, Kolkata and Mumbai recorded an AQI of 177 and 169, respectively, at 4th and 6th position.

The cities with the worst AQI indices also include Lahore, Pakistan, and Chengdu, China.

IQAir is also a technology partner of the UNEP.

Legendary author Wilbur Smith passes away

Renowned writer Wilbur Smith (88) passed away at his home in South Africa.

During his decades long career as a writer, Smith authored 49 novels and sold over 140 million copies worldwide in more than 30 languages.

Smith was born in today's Zambia in 1933 to a British family.

In 1964, the author published his first novel, "When the Lion Feeds," which narrates the tale of a young man growing up on a South African cattle ranch.

Dubai Airshow begins at Al Maktoum International Airport

The biggest-ever Dubai Airshow began at Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai. 

With more than 1,200 exhibitors taking part in the 5-day show.

Dubai Airshow is also the largest of its kind since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The show also features more than 160 of the world’s most advanced aircraft on the ground and in the air.

Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent is also taking part in the Dubai Air Show with the Sarang and Suryakiran Aerobatics Teams.

Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference begins today

Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) being organized from 15-17 Nov. 

Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri will lead the official and business delegation. 

He will participate in the inaugural Ceremony of ADIPEC and also take part in a Ministerial Round Table titled "Charting the Climate Action Path from COP 26 to COP 27".

Mr. Puri will inaugurate the India Pavilion, set up jointly by the FIPI, DGH, and CII. 

Australia wins maiden T20 World Cup title

Australia won their maiden T20 World Cup title, crushing New Zealand in the final at the Dubai International Stadium.

Chasing a stiff target of 173, the Aussies overhauled New Zealand's score with seven balls remaining.

David Warnerwas chosen as Player of The Tournament for his effort with the bat.

In the previous two editions of the event (2014 and 2016), it was India batter Virat Kohli who won the title.

Lewis Hamilton wins Formula One Sao Paulo Grand Prix 2021

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton won the Brazilian Grand Prix, and gained momentum in his Formula One title fight with Red Bull driver Max Verstappen.

Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, beat Verstappen despite starting from 10th position on the grid due to a penalty.

Verstappen, the winner of the race's previous edition in 2019, finished second and saw his lead in the driver's championship shrink to 14 points.

The winner of a race gets 25 points.

Defence Secretary releases a book titled ‘FORCE IN STATECRAFT'

Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar released a book titled ‘FORCE IN STATECRAFT’.

The book is a compilation of essays on topics including counter-insurgency operations, conflict in the North East, airpower and nuclear posture which give conceptual understanding and facets of India's national security.

The contributors of the book are all stalwarts of the Armed Forces, who have vast operational experience and understanding of several important cornerstones of forces.

RBI projects CPI inflation at 5.3% for 2021-22

India’s retail inflation rate, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), rose mildly in October to 4.48% year-on-year from 4.35% in September due to an uptick in food prices.

The inflation was 7.61% in October last year.

The RBI has projected the CPI inflation at 5.3 per cent for 2021-22.

According to MoSPI data, inflation in the food basket rose to 0.85 per cent in October, compared to 0.68 per cent in the preceding month.

Law Minister Kiren Rijiju launches Citizens' Tele-Law Mobile App

As part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Law Minister Kiren Rijiju launched Citizens' Tele Law Mobile App and felicitated frontline functionaries at a function in New Delhi.

This App would connect the beneficiaries directly with Panel Lawyers offering legal advice and consultation.

It is the responsibility of the government to ensure justice to the poorest of the poor through whatever services they need.

Habibganj railway station renamed after Gond queen Rani Kamlapati

The "most modern" Habibganj railway station in Bhopal has been renamed after Gond queen Rani Kamlapati.

It is said that Rani Kamlapati was the widow of the Gond ruler of Nizam Shah, the chief of Ginnorgarh.

The redeveloped station in Bhopal has been built on a cost of Rs 100 crore.

Myntra appoints Nandita Sinha as CEO

Fashion and lifestyle e-commerce platform Myntra has named Nandita Sinha as its Chief Executive Officer.

Ms. Sinha succeeds Amar Nagaram, Before joining Flipkart, she was the co-founder at MyBabyCart.com, an e-commerce site.

Myntra is a major Indian fashion e-commerce company headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

Railway Board issues order to drop ‘special train’ tag

The Railways has issued an order to discontinue the ‘special’ tag for mail and express trains and to revert to pre-pandemic ticket prices with immediate effect. 

Since the coronavirus-triggered lockdown was eased, the Railways has only been running special trains. 

It started with long-distance trains and now even short-distance passenger services are being run as special trains with “slightly higher fares” to discourage people from avoidable travels.

Neeraj Chopra receives Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award

Neeraj Chopra, India's first individual Olympic gold medalist in athletics, received the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award from Indian President Ram Nath Kovind. 

Chopra won the gold medal in the javelin throw event at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics earlier this year. 

He became the only second individual gold medalist from India at the Olympics and the first in athletics. 

The awards are given every year to recognize excellence in sports.

India’s 1st National Yogasana Sports Championships organized in Bhubaneswar

India’s first Physical National Yogasana Championships has been organised in Bhubaneswar, Odisha (11 to13 Nov 2021).

Around 560 young Yogasana Sports athletes from across 30 states would be taking part in the event.

It has been organised by the National Yogasana Sports Federation (NYSF) in association with the Odisha state.

The event aims to promote yoga and create a global brand around it, portraying it as a competitive sport with high standards and benchmarks.

Salman Khurshid authored book Sunrise over Ayodhya: Nationhood in our Times

Former union minister & Congress leader Salman Khurshid has launched his book on the Ayodhya verdict named “Sunrise over Ayodhya: Nationhood in our Times”. 

Book states about unity between Hindus & Muslims and about creating an awareness that the Supreme Court verdict on Ayodhya was a good one.

On 9 November 2019, the Supreme Court, in a unanimous verdict, cleared the way for the construction of a Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya.

Prof. Bimal Patel elected to International Law Commission for 5-yr term

Professor Bimal Patel (51-year) has been elected to the International Law Commission for a five-year term, in a hard-fought election at the United Nations.

He will serve a five-year term starting January 1, 2023.

Prof. Patel has served in various roles such as the Director at the Gujarat National Law University and member of the 21st Law Commission of India.

Prof. Patel garnered 163 votes in the UN General Assembly out of 192 members present and voting.

Mitrabha Guha named as India’s 72nd Grandmaster

Mitrabha Guha (20-year old) has become India's 72nd chess Grand Master by bagging his third and final GM norm during a tournament in Serbia.

Guha achieved the GM title after securing the final norm at the ongoing GM Third Saturday Mix 220 tourney in Novi Sad, Serbia.

To become a GM, a player has to secure three GM norms and cross the live rating of 2,500 Elo points.

He had scored his second GM norm at the Sheikh Russel GM tournament in Bangladesh a fortnight ago.

CBIC launches digital application for scheduling of cargo examination

CBIC has launched online digital application for scheduling of examination of Important cargo for traders at ICD Tughlakabad, Delhi with the aim of minimising physical interface of trade with Customs and other stakeholders.

It is a multi-stakeholder application where Customs, CONCOR, Customs brokers, importers on the same platform having shared view of scheduling examination of goods.

It will ensure fullest transparency alongside of convenience for trade, stakeholders. 

Ashwini Kumar Choubey chairs Conference of PCCF / Head of Forest Force

Union Minister, Ashwini Kumar Choubey has chaired conference of Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) / Head of Forest Force (HoFF).

Conference has been organized by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to discuss various forestry and wildlife issues for coming up with solutions and innovative ideas to meet both local and global challenges.

Second part of this conference will be held on 15th November 2021.

New RBI scheme to enable retail investors to invest in government securitie

Central bank of India is all set to unveil RBI Retail Direct scheme through which retail investors can easily access government securities market, both primary and secondary online.

It will also allow the investors to open and maintain their gilt securities accounts online with the RBI without any extra charges. (G-sec).

G-secs are the debt instruments (bonds and treasury bills) issued by the Reserve Bank of India on behalf of the central government.

Bhadrachalam added as a destination in the IRCTC’s Ramayana Circuit train

Bhadarchalam of Telangana state has been included as one of the destinations in the Ramayana Circuit of the Pilgrim Special Train of IRCTC. 

Ramayana Circuit train will start from New Delhi to Rameswaram and stop at various important places associated with the life of Lord Sri Rama.

Bhadrachalam has the huge 17th-century Bhadrachalam (or Sita Ramachandraswamy) Temple complex of Lord Rama and has many ornate carvings. Other nearby temples include Abhaya Anjaneya Temple.

Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia launches e-GCA

Union Minster of Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia has launched GCA (e-Governance in Directorate General of Civil Aviation). 

This project has been aimed at automation of the processes and functions of DGCA, with 99 services covering about 70% of the DGCA work being implemented in the initial phases, and 198 services to be covered in other phases.

It is a single window platform and will bring in monumental change- eliminating operational inefficiencies, etc.

Nobel Laureate and former South African President FW de Klerk passes away

Former president of South Africa and the last white person to head the country, Frederik Willem de Klerk (85 years) passed away due to cancer.

De Klerk and Nelson Mandela jointly received the Nobel Peace Prize for their work towards ending apartheid in 1993. 

He was a South African politician, who served as state president from September 1989 to May 1994 and as deputy president from 1994 to 1996.

President Kovind addresses 51st Conference of Governors & LGs in Delhi

India’s President Ram Nath Kovind has addressed 51st Conference of Governors and Lieutenant Governors at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

It is the 4th conference to be presided over by President Ram Nath Kovind. 

Governors and Lt Governors from all states and union territories across the country attended the conference.

Previous conference was held in 2019. 

Conference of governors is being held since Independence.

First conference of governors was held in 1949. 

SpaceX launches Indian-origin astronaut Raja Chari-led Crew 3 mission

US Space agency NASA and SpaceX have launched Crew 3 mission named Endurance fixed to Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. 

Under this mission, 4 astronauts have been sent to International Space Station (ISS) for a six-month science mission until April 2022. 

Crew 3 mission (NASA’s Tom Marshburn (pilot); and Kayla Barron, ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer) consists of Indian-origin NASA astronaut Raja Chari as its mission commander.

World Pneumonia Day: 12 November

World Pneumonia Day is observed every year on November 12 across the world to raise awareness, promote prevention and treatment and produce action to combat the disease.

It was first celebrated in 2009.

Pneumonia: Any infection causing an inflammatory response in the lung. Though the majority of pneumonia is caused by bacterial infections, viral infections like influenza or COVID 19 virus can also affect the lungs and can cause serious inflammatory damage. 

Novak Djokovic beat Daniil Medvedev to win 2021 Paris Masters title

Novak Djokovic has won 2021 Rolex Paris Masters final title, after defeating Daniil Medvedev by 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 in Tennis. 

This is the sixth Paris Masters title for the Serbian Djokovic and overall 37th ATP Masters 1000 title.

Rolex Paris Masters: It is the annual tennis tournament for male professional players.

It is a part of the ATP Tour Masters 1000.

Novak Djokovic will end the year as the top ranked player for a record seventh time. 

India’s National Yogasana Sports Championships organized in Bhubaneswar

First Physical National Yogasana Championships of India has been organized in Bhubaneswar, Odisha from 11th to 13th November 2021.

It has been organized by National Yogasana Sports Federation (NYSF) in association with the Odisha state.

Around 560 young Yogasana Sports athletes from across 30 states would are participating in the event.

Aim: to promote yoga and create a global brand around it, portraying it as a competitive sport with high standards and benchmarks. 

Nykaa CEO Falguni Nayar becomes India’s richest self-made woman

CEO and founder of Nykaa, Falguni Nayar has become the richest self-made woman in India.

She established Nykaa in 2012.

She holds 53.5% stake in Nykaa and has a net worth of USD 7.48 billion.

This comes after the IPO of FSN E-Commerce Ventures which is Nykaa’s parent entity. This is also the first woman-led unicorn to list on the stock exchange.

The issue size of IPO of FSN E-Commerce Ventures (Nykaa) was Rs 5,351.92 crore with face-value of Rs 1 per share. 

Odisha government launches road safety initiative ‘Rakshak’

Odisha govt has launched a first of its kind road safety initiative named as ‘Rakshak’, to train first responders of road accidents.

Under Rakshak, 300 master trainers will train 30,000 local people, staying or working at the eateries and different business establishments located near accident-prone spots.

These 30,000 volunteers will be trained as First Responders to road accidents. 

They will be equipped to administer first aid and pre-hospital trauma care.

Rajeev Srivastava appointed as CEO of Standard Chartered Securities India

Rajeev Srivastava has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Standard Chartered Securities for India (SCSI) operations.

His appointment is currently subject to regulatory approvals. 

Prior to this, he worked at HDFC Securities where he headed the products and business development functions of the organization.

SCSI: It is a leading broking company and is registered as a trading and clearing member with BSE and NSE.

USA becomes 101st member country of International Solar Alliance (ISA)

United States of America (USA) has joined International Solar Alliance (ISA) as a member country.

USA is now 101st country to sign the framework agreement of the ISA.

ISA framework was first circulated for the support of countries in 2016. 

ISA is an inter-governmental organization formed by India and France to accelerate the global adoption of solar power with headquarter at Gurugram. 

ISA Director-General: Ajay Mathur.

India ranked 10th in Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2022

India has been placed at 10th rank in the global Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2022 on the side-lines of the COP26. 

It is being released by German-watch along with Climate Action Network (CAN) and New Climate Institute. 

India was at 10th place in 2020 as well. 

Scandinavian countries (Denmark (4th), Sweden (5th), and Norway (6th)), together with UK and Morocco, lead the ‘race to zero’. 

Worst performers: Australia, South Korea, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Kazakhstan. 

Piyush Goyal to inaugurate 40th edition of IITF on 14th November

Union Minister, Piyush Goyal will inaugurate 40th edition of India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2021 at Pragati Maidan in Delhi. 

Theme: Aatmanirbhar Bharat

It is a magnum of India Trade Promotion Organization representing India in totality as an ideal destination for numerous business investment opportunities. 

Partner State: Bihar

Focus States:  UP, Jharkhand 

Overseas participation: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, SriLanka, UAE, Tunisia, Turkey.

NITI Aayog announces five top aspirational districts in education sector

NITI Aayog has announced top five most improved aspirational districts in the education sector for September month. 

Bhoopalpalli in Telangana tops the ranking, followed by Chatra and Sahibganj in Jharkhand, Nuapada in Odisha and Jaisalmer in Rajasthan.

This is as per NITI Aayog's delta rankings.

CEO of NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India): Amitabh Kant.

Koneru Ramakrishna Rao passes away

Well-known educationist, teacher, and philosopher, Koneru Ramakrishna Rao (89 years) passed away due to age-related illness.

He was an internationally recognized psychologist and served as president of US-based Parapsychological Association and the Indian Academy of Applied Psychology.

He had written more than 20 books and 300 research publications.

He served as Chancellor of GITAM (Deemed to Be University).

He was awarded with Padma Shri in 2011.

Indian Army signs MoU with BISAG-N for development of technologies

Indian Army has inked MoU with Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-Informatics (BISAG-N), Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

Aim: Facilitate exchange of knowledge and collaboration in the emerging technologies for development of GIS and IT based Enterprise Resource Planning Software, Training Content, Telecasting of Audio-Visual Content, Research and Knowledge Partnership, Technical Support and Upgradation for Resources Developed.

DRDO signs MoU with Israel for development of dual use technologies

DRDO has signed Bilateral Innovation Agreement with Directorate of Defence Research and Development (DDR&D), Ministry of Defence, Israel to promote innovation and accelerated R&D in startups and MSMEs of both countries for the development of dual use technologies.

Under the agreement, startups and industry of both countries will work together to bring out next generation technologies and products like Drones, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Quantum, etc.

Union Minister inaugurates Biotechnology Demonstration Centre

Union Minister, Jitendra Singh has inaugurated new Biotechnology Centre for Northeast tribals in remote area of Arunachal Pradesh at Kimin. 

This ‘Centre for Bio-resources and Sustainable Development’ will greatly help in improving the socio-economic status of tribal people in the State.

Centre is focusing on 3 major programs:

State-of-the-Art Orchidarium with establishing satellite units. 

Banana fibre extraction and processing units. 

Aroma Unit.

Centre notified Minerals Concession Rules, 2021

Ministry of Mines has notified Minerals (other than Atomic and Hydrocarbons Energy Mineral) Concession (Fourth Amendment) Rules, 2021 to amend The Minerals (Other than Atomic and Hydrocarbons Energy) Concession Rules, 2016. 

New rules will provide manner of sale of 50% of mineral produced from the captive leases.

Disposal of overburden, mineral below threshold value will be allowed.

Minimum area for grant of mining lease: 4 ha

Interest on delayed payments revised to 12%. 

Third edition of Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) report

Piyush Goyal has launched 3rd edition of the Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) report, 2021.

As per the report, Gujarat has been adjudged as the Best Performing State, followed by Haryana and Punjab, while Uttar Pradesh is the top improver.

LEADS is an attempt to bring Longevity, Efficiency, Accuracy, Durability, and Smartness in the Logistics sector.

It can lead the way to bring down logistics costs by five percent over the next 5 years.

Environment Minister inaugurates ‘The Ganga Connect Exhibition’ at Glasgow

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav has inaugurated ‘Ganga Connect exhibition’ showcased by National Mission for Clean Ganga, c-Ganga, and High Commission of India at the City of Glasgow. 

The exhibition is an attempt to showcase development in Ganga River basin to global community of environmental stakeholders, who have gathered in Glasgow for UN COP 26 meet.

Ganga Connect has started in Glasgow, and will run through various cities in UK, later this month.

14th edition of cyber security conference 'c0c0n' inaugurated

Chief of Defense Staff General Bipin Rawat will inaugurate 14th edition of 'c0c0n', an annual Hacking and Cyber Security Briefing. 

It will be held virtually from 10th to 13th November 2021. 

It is being conducted by Kerala Police in association with two non-profit organisations, Society for Policing of Cyberspace (POLCYB) and Information Security Research Association (ISRA).

Aim: to discuss the challenges facing by the digital world during COVID period.

Global Drug Policy Index 2021 released

Harm Reduction Consortium has released inaugural edition of Global Drug Policy Index 2021. 

Five leading countries on humane and health-driven drug policies: Norway, New Zealand, Portugal, UK, Australia. 

The index is a data-driven global analysis of drug policies and their implementation which comes at a time when govt is reviewing the provisions of Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic substances act 1985.

India is ranked 18 out of 30 countries with overall score of 46/100.

Asif Ali, Laura Delany declared as ICC Players of the Month for October

Asif Ali from Pakistan and Laura Delany from Ireland have been voted as the ICC Players of the Month for October.

Asif Ali scored 52 runs without defeat across three matches for Pakistan in October at ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with a strike rate of 273.68.

Ireland captain Delany scored 189 runs at 63 and taking 4 wickets in 3-1 ODI series win over Zimbabwe with strike rate of 108.62. 

Sandeep Lamichhane (Nepal), Heather Knight (England) were ICC player for September. 

Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar to be the next Chief of Naval Staff

Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar has been appointed as the next Chief of the Naval Staff with effect from 30th November 2021. 

He is presently the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Western Naval Command. 

He succeeded Admiral Karambir Singh, who will retires from the service on 30th November, 2021.

He was commissioned on 1st Jan, 1983 in to the Executive Branch of the Indian Navy.

He served as Fleet Operations Officer of the Western Fleet.

Union Minister launches Mentorship Programme for Young Innovators

Union Minister Jitendra Singh has launched first-ever Mentorship Programme for Young Innovators to mark 75th Year of India’s independence.

It is a pan India Scheme that envisages Star College in every district of India supported by Department of Biotechnology (DBT).

It will help towards the concept of networking, hand holding and outreach.

The plan envisages organizing workshops, meetings per month; handhold at colleges particularly in the rural areas.

RBI launches its First Global Hackathon named ‘HARBINGER 2021’

RBI has launched its first global hackathon named as ‘HARBINGER 2021 – Innovation for Transformation’. 

Theme of HARBINGER 2021: Smarter Digital Payments. 

Winner of the hackathon will get Rs. 40 lakhs while Runner-up will get Rs. 20 lakh. 

Eligibility criteria: All entities, teams or individuals (18 years and above) eligible to enter into contractual agreement; who possess Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and those who have an element of innovation.

Brickwork Ratings projects India’s GDP at 10-10.5% in FY2022

Domestic credit rating agency Brickwork Ratings has projected gross domestic product (GDP) of India at 10-10.5% in the current financial year 2021-22 (FY22).

Earlier this was estimated at 9%.

India’s GDP grew at 20.1% in the first quarter of fiscal 2022.

Brickwork Ratings: SEBI registered Credit Rating Agency.

Headquarters of Brickwork Ratings: Bengaluru.

Training Modules of Central Sector Plan Scheme released

Union Minister Virendra Kumar has released Training Modules of Central Sector Plan Scheme ‘In-service Training & Sensitization of Key functionaries of Central & State Governments and Local Bodies’ in New. 

Rehabilitation Council India (RCI) is the nodal agency for implementation of Central Sector Plan Scheme at national level. 

RCI has developed target groups wise separate Training Modules in Hindi and English, which will be translated in regional languages as well.

Ministry of Tourism and I&B hold Film Tourism Symposium in Mumbai

Ministry of Tourism in association with Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has organized Symposium on Film Tourism at Taj Lands’ End, Mumbai. 

Aim: to promote Film Tourism by exploring opportunities available in the states for conducting film shootings.

Film Tourism: It refers to the growing interest among general public for the places which became popular owing to their presence in certain scenes of movies.

Zubeen Garg appointed as brand ambassador of Bandhan Bank in Assam

Indian singer, actor, composer, Zubeen Garg has been appointed as the brand ambassador for Bandhan Bank in Assam.

This is the 1st time ever that Bandhan Bank has on-boarded a brand ambassador. 

As a part of this collaboration, Zubeen has launched brand-new music video titled ‘Axom Amar Mone Praane’, which highlights diverse elements of Assamese culture and heritage.

The song and video have been produced in collaboration with Bandhan Bank. 

Bandhan Bank headquarters: Kolkata

Department of Justice launches ‘Tele-Law on Wheels’ Campaign

Department of Justice has started week-long ‘Tele-Law on Wheels’ campaign from 8th to 14th November 2021.

As part of this campaign, series of activities are being undertaken to empower people through pre-litigation advice for rightfully claiming their entitlements and for timely redressal of their difficulties.

Special Login week is also being organized for encouraging those in need to seek legal advice and consultation through tele-and video conferencing facilities. 

Indian Army organized webinar ‘Indian Army Make Projects’

Indian Army in collaboration with FICCI organized a webinar titled ‘Indian Army Make Projects’ on 8th November 2021.

This was the 6th such webinar since the inception of the Make process in 2016.

A booklet on ‘Army Make Projects 2021’ was also released.

During webinar, Indian Army unveiled Six new ‘Make-II Projects’ with spanned technologies across unmanned systems, technologies to counter such systems as well as emerging solutions for augmenting air defence capabilities.

National Museum celebrates Destination Northeast India initiative

National Museum, New Delhi celebrated rich heritage of North East India, under Ministry of DoNER & NEC’s initiative titled as ‘Destination North East India’ as part of the celebrations of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

It is a 7-day online programme that includes Cultural performances (Folk Dance and Music ) of North-East India (Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim) both in online as well as offline format. 

Ms Nazia Kamal hosted the programme.

Centre amends the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules 2011

Dept of Consumer Affairs has omitted Rule 5 of Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities), Rules 2011 defining Schedule II prescribing the pack sizes of various types of commodities to safeguard interest of consumers. 

New provision has been introduced to indicate unit sale price on pre packed commodities, which will allow easier comparison of the prices of the commodities at the time of purchase.

The amendments will come into effect from 1st April 2022.

SwarnaJayanti Fellowships Award 2020-21 conferred on 17 scientist

Dept of Science & Technology has selected 17 scientists for the prestigious Swarnajayanti Fellowships 2020-21 award for their innovative research ideas and the potential of creating impact on R&D.

Winners:

Siddhesh Kamat

Mousomi Bhakta

Sakya Singha Sen

Sridharan Devarajan

Niti Kumar

Nitin Gupta

Modhu Sudan Maji  

Chandramouli Subramaniam

The award consists of a Fellowship of Rs 25000/- per month for 5 years, along with research grant of Rs 5 lakh for 5 years. 

SBI launches video life certificate service for pensioners

SBI has come out with video life certificate service for pensioners, which is completely paperless and free of cost.

This new facility will enable the pensioners to submit their life certificates through video at the comfort of their homes.

However, it is only applicable for pensioners and not for family pensioners, which means that spouse of the pensioner receiving the government pension will not be able to use this facility. 

Chairman of SBI: Dinesh Kumar Khara. 

National Legal Services Day: 9th November

National Legal Services Day is being observed every year on 9th November in India by all Legal Services Authorities to commemorate the enactment of Legal Services Authorities Act 1987. 

It was enacted on 11 October 1987, while the act was took effect on 9 November 1995. 

Aim: To spread awareness about various provisions under Legal Services Authorities Act and right of the litigants.

National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) was constituted to provide free Legal Services. 

Srinagar joins UNESCO creative cities network

Srinagar (summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir) has been selected to join UNESCO creative cities network (UCCN) for the vibrant cultural ethos of the old city. 

It has been designated as a creative city of craft and folk arts by UNESCO. 

Apart from it, 48 cities have been added to the network of 246 cities following their designation in recognition of their commitment to placing culture and creativity at the heart of their development.

UNESCO HQs: Paris, France

Max Verstappen wins 2021 Mexico City Grand Prix

Netherland’s Max Verstappen (Red Bull) has won 2021 Mexico City Grand Prix, which is being held at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City.

Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-Great Britain) bagged second position, followed by Sergio Perez (Mexico- Red Bull).

It was the 18th round of 2021 Formula One World Championship and marked the 21st edition of Mexican Grand Prix.

Astronaut Wang Yaping Becomes First Chinese Woman To Walk In Space

Astronaut Wang Yaping became the first Chinese woman to walk in space.

Her team completed a 6-hour stint outside the Tiangong space station as part of its ongoing construction.

Wang and her colleague Zhai Zhigang stepped out of the module waving to the camera while tethered to the outside of the station and installed a suspension device and transfer connectors.

Tiangong-meaning "heavenly palace" is the latest achievement in China's drive to become a major space power. 

IBM sets up client innovation centre in Mysuru

IBM Corp. launched a client innovation centre in Mysuru with support from the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM). 

Aim: to attract companies to set up operations in cities beyond Bengaluru.

This initiative aims at supporting the rapid, high-tech driven economic growth in tier-2 and -3 regions while providing comprehensive hybrid cloud and AI technology consulting capabilities.

The centre specialises in design, software engineering and analytics.

Manu Bhaker and Javad Foroughi win mixed team gold in President's Cup

India's pistol ace Manu Bhaker and Iran's Javad Foroughi won the 10m air pistol mixed team gold at the inaugural ISSF President's Cup.

The Indo-Iranian pair got the better of the French-Russian duo of Mathilde Lamolle and Artem Chernousov 16-8 in the gold medal match.

India's Abhishek Verma paired up with Ukranian Olena Kostevych to finish 6th while Saurabh Chaudhary paired with Swiss Heidi Gerber Diethelm made it among the top eight semi-finalists to finish 7th.

Puneeth Rajkumar honoured posthumously with Basavashree Award 2021

Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar will be posthumously conferred the Basavashree award 2021 by the Bruhanmutt.

The award honours people for services to society in their respective fields by following the principles of Lord Basaveshwar.

It is presented by Chitradurga Bruhanmutt since 1997.

The award includes a Rs 5 lakh cash and a memento.

PT Usha (2009), Malala Yousufzai (2014), P Sainath (2016), Dr K Kasturirangan (2020) are some to win the award in recent times.

World Radiography Day 2021: 8th November

Every year 8th November is observed as World Radiography Day to commemorate the discovery of X-radiation, or X-rays.

In 1895 on this date German scientist Wilhelm Conrad Rontgen discovered X-rays who, in 1901, became the inaugural winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics. 

The first World Radiography Day was celebrated in 2012. 

Globally, various organisations celebrate this day, including the UK's Society of Radiographers and the Association of Radiographers in Nigeria. 

ESAF Bank join hands with Nabard for local economic development

ESAF Small Finance Bank has joined hands with NABARD for local economic development.

K Rajan, the State Revenue Minister inaugurated the state-level Local Sustainable Economic Development Training Program organized by the bank in this regard.

ESAF Small Finance Bank's state wide initiative on Local Sustainable Economic Development Training Program in collaboration with NABARD is a step towards building financial literacy at grass root levels.

Australia is putting a rover on the Moon in 2024 to search for water

Australian Space Agency announced plans to send a rover to the moon as early as 2026, under a deal with NASA.

The rover will harvest lunar soil containing oxygen, which could eventually be used to support human life in space.

It will be the 1st rover with Australian-made components to reach the moon.

The ten-kilogram rover, measuring 60x60x50cm, will be launched aboard the Hakuto lander built by ispace, a Japanese-based robotic lunar exploration company.

Priyanka Mohite to get Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award

Maharashtra-based mountaineer Priyanka Mohite will be bestowed with the'Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award 2020' for her outstanding contribution in the field of adventure.

She will receive the award from President at a function in the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

She started out by trekking in Sahyadri ranges in Maharashtra and rock-climbing, began summiting mountains from 2010.

She has scaled the world's highest peak Mt Everest besides Mt Lhotse and Mt Makalu.

Manika Batra, Archana Kamath Clinch Doubles Title in WTT Contender tourname

Indian pair of Manika Batra and Archana Girish Kamath clinched the women's doubles title in the WTT Contender tournament in Lasko, Slovenia.

The Indian duo defeated the Puerto Rican team of Melanie Diaz and Adriana Diaz in straight sets by 11-3, 11-8, 12-10.

Manika Batra and Archana Girish Kamath entered the finals of the women's doubles event of the WTT Contender tournament after defeating the team of Wang Yidi and Liu Weishan.

Iran’s military began its annual war games Zolfaghar-1400 in Gulf of Oman

Iran’s military began its annual war games “Zolfaghar-1400” in the Gulf of Oman.

Navy and air force units as well as ground forces were participating in a more than 1 million square-kilometer area east of the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

The war games are aimed at “improving readiness in confronting foreign threats and any possible invasion.

Nearly 20% of all oil shipping passes through the strait to the Gulf of Oman and Indian Ocean.

President Ram Nath Kovind confers Padma awards in Rashtrapati Bhawan

President Ram Nath Kovind presents the Padma Awards in the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

The Padma Awards are one of the highest civilian honours of India announced annually on the eve of Republic Day.

The Awards are given in 3categories: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri (distinguished service).

119 Padma Awards will be presented by President this year.

The list comprises 7 Padma Vibhushan, 10 Padma Bhushan and 102 Padma Shri Awards.

Sankalp Gupta becomes India's 71st Grandmaster

Nagpur based teenager Sankalp Gupta has become India's 71st Grandmaster by finishing second in the GM Ask 3 round-robin event in Serbia.

He secured the 3 required GM norms by playing three tournaments on the trot.

To achieve the GM title, a player has to secure three GM norms and cross the live rating of 2,500 Elo points.

He won five games, drew three and lost one to Rudik Makrarian (Russia) to take the second place with 6.5 points in the GM tournament. 

QS Asia University Rankings 2022 announced

Quacquarelli Symonds, global higher education think-tank has released the QS Asia University Rankings 2022.

National University of Singapore has come up as Asia’s best university for the 4th consecutive year.

China’s Peking University at 2nd position and Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, and the University of Hong Kong in Hong Kong at 3rd.

The top three Indian universities to feature on the Asia Rankings are IIT Bombay (42), IIT Delhi (45), and IIT Madras (54).

Indian Oil Corp to set up 10,000 electric vehicle charging stations

Indian Oil Corp will set up 10,000 electric vehicle charging stations across the country in three years.

This step will boost the EV ecosystem in the country.

PM Modi announced India’s pledge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, as part of the global drive to fight climate change during COP26 summit in Glasgow.

Indian Oil will soon unveil its net-zero emission target.

Global oil majors BP and Shell have pledged to reach net-zero emission by 2050.

Amazon, Apple, Mahindra join coalition to drive zero-carbon tech demand

Global giants like Amazon and Apple as well as Mahindra Group and Dalmia Cement (Bharat) from India have joined as founding members of the 'First Movers Coalition' to work towards driving demand for zero-carbon technologies.

The Coalition has been launched at the COP26 Summit being held in Glasgow.

To jump-start this effort, the WEF, in partnership with US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry, has announced the First Movers Coalition.

India's foreign exchange reserves increase $1.9 bn to $642 bn: RBI

As per RBI data India's forex reserves have increased by USD 1.919 billion to USD 642.019 billionn for the week ended October 29.

Foreign Currency Assets increased by 1.363 billion to USD 578.462 billion for the reporting week.

Value of the gold reserves increased by USD 572 million to USD 39.012 billion.

SDRs with the IMF rose by USD 17 million to USD 19.304 billion.

The forex reserves includes gold, SDRs and foreign currency assets.

PM Modi unveils Adi Shankaracharya statue in Kedarnath

PM Modi visited the Kedarnath Dham and offered prayers at the Lord Shiva temple.

He also inaugurated a reconstructed samadhi of Adi Guru Shankaracharya that was damaged during the devastating 2013 floods.

Adi Shankaracharya, an 8th-century seer, had attained Moksha at Kedarnath.

The unveiling of the statue was streamed live at all 12 jyotirlingas, four Shankaracharya mutts (monasteries).

His birthplace and several prominent temples across India.

Country's first rooftop drive-in theatre to open in Mumbai

India's first open-air theatre was opened in Mumbai and it showcased the film Sooryavanshi featuring Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, and Katrina Kaif. 

Reliance announced the launch of its first rooftop theatre, which will be known as 'Jio Drive-In'.

The open-air rooftop theatre will be operated and managed by PVR ltd.

Situated in Jio World Drive,  the recently launched retail precinct spread across 17.5 acres in Mumbai's commercial hub Bandra Kurla Complex.

IMF welcomes India’s vision on renewables, net zero target

IMF has welcomed India's announcement with regard to addressing the climate change challenges at the recently concluded COP26 summit in Glasgow.

India announced a new targets to increase reliance on renewables and reduce the carbon intensity of its economy, including to adopt a net zero target by 2070.

Investment in RE and climate change adaptation policies suggest it is well positioned to take further steps to reach this new target.

MD of IMF: Kristalina Georgieva

IAF, DRDO Conduct Successful Flight Tests of Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon

DRDO and Indian Air Force have carried out two successful flight tests of indigenously-developed Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW).

An electro-optical seeker based flight test of this class of bomb was conducted for the first time in India. 

Meant to disable airfield runways, SAAW is capable of hitting ground targets up to a range of 100 kilometres.

It can carry a warhead of 125 kilograms.

The weapon was launched from IAF aircraft at Chandan ranges in Jaisalmer. 

UNEP calls for sustainable cooling in cities to limit carbon emission

UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has published a report titled 'Beating the Heat: A Sustainable Cooling Handbook for Cities'.

The UNEP in the report says the world’s rapidly growing urban centers should adopt cooling technologies that are cleaner in order to limit greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen the resilience of communities.

According to the report investing in air condition systems that are less carbon-intensive is key to greening the urban environment.

UK unveils commemorative coin celebrating Mahatma Gandhi

United Kingdom's government has unveiled a £5 coin to commemorate the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi.

The coin is available in a range of standards, including gold and silver. 

The special collectors' coin was designed by Heena Glover.

The coin features an image of a lotus, India's national flower, alongside one of Gandhi's most famous quotes - 'My life is my message'.

It is the first time Mahatma Gandhi has been commemorated on an official UK coin.

C.S. Venkatakrishnan appointed as CEO of Barclays

CS Venkatakrishnan has been appointed as the CEO of Barclays with immediate effect. 

CS Venkatakrishnan was head of global markets, co-president of Barclays Bank PLC, and a member of the Group Executive Committee of Barclays, based in New York.

Prior to his appointment as head of global markets and co-president of BBPLC, Venkat served as chief risk officer at Barclays. 

Venkat holds S.B., S.M. and Ph.D. degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 

RBI to launch web-based supervisory system

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will launch web-based supervisory system that will enable off-site and on-site supervision of modern functions such as digital banking and cyber security.

After this, banks need to be careful in complying with rules and invest in technologies to meet the supervisory challenges as they experiment with new services in the post-COVID world through ultimately governance standards, business model, risk culture and assurance functions. 

RBI publishes Statement to Support Greening India’s Financial System

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently published its ‘Statement of Commitment to Support Greening India’s Financial System (NGFS).

RBI joined Central Banks and Supervisors Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS) as a Member on April 23, 2021 to benefit from the membership of NGFS. 

NGFS will expand and strengthen the collective efforts towards greening the financial system on the occasion of UN Climate Change Conference (COP26). 

Britain health regulators approves World's first pill to treat COVID-19

Britain's health regulators, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have approved world's first pill to treat cases of symptomatic COVID-19.

The antiviral Lagevrio (molnupiravir) has been found to be safe and effective at reducing the risk of hospitalisation and death in people with mild to moderate COVID-19.

Molnupiravir was originally created to treat flu and could go on to be prescribed twice a day diagnosed with COVID-19. 

Yahoo Inc. stops its services in China with effect from 1st November

Yahoo Inc. has announced to stop its service in mainland China with effect from November 1, 2021 due to the increasingly challenging business and legal environment in China.

With this Yahoo has ended its 22-year presence in Chinese market.

This means that services like Yahoo Weather, Yahoo Finance, and other websites run by Yahoo such as AOL.com, TechCrunch and Engadget will not be accessible from within China.

Earlier, LinkedIn also announced its operation in China. 

Akash Kumar settles for bronze in 2021 AIBA Men’s World Championships

Indian boxer Akash Kumar (21 years) has managed to clinch bronze medal at 2021 AIBA Men’s World Boxing Championships at Belgrade in Serbia. 

Akash lost 0-5 in the 54 kg category to Makhmud Sabyrkhan of Kazakhstan. 

He is the 7th Indian male boxer to win a medal at the world championships.

He joined the elite list of boxers that includes Amit Panghal (silver in 2019), Vijender Singh (bronze in 2009), Vikas Krishan (bronze in 2011), Shiva Thapa (bronze in 2015), etc.

Finance Ministry issues uniform staff accountability framework for NPA

Department of Financial Services (DFS), under Finance Ministry has issued guidelines to be adopted by all public sector banks (PSBs) on Staff Accountability Framework for NPA Accounts up to Rs. 50 crores.

These guidelines will be applicable on loans that are turning into non-performing assets (NPAs) on or after April 1, 2022. 

It will not be applicable on fraud cases. 

Banks with Board approval may decide on threshold of Rs 10 lacs or Rs 20 lacs depending on business size. 

Rahul Dravid appointed head coach of Indian men’s cricket team

Former captain and right-handed batsman Rahul Dravid has been appointed as the head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team by the BCCI.

He has been appointed for a period of two years till 2023.

He will begin his tenure as full-time coach from the T20I series against New Zealand starting November 17, 2021 in Jaipur. 

Prior to this, he was working as the head of National Cricket Academy. 

Govt selects 42 companies under PLI Scheme for White Goods

Govt has selected 42 companies under Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for White Goods.

26 Companies will invest 3,898 crores for AC Components and 16 Companies will invest 716 crores for LED Component Manufacturing.

It will envisaged creating additional direct employment of about 44,000 persons. 

Dept for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade is the nodal department for PLI Scheme for White Goods (AC and LED lights sector) with an outlay of Rs 6,238 crore. 

ISRO to provide 'solar power calculator'

PM Modi announced that India's space agency ISRO will soon provide the world 'solar power calculator' which will use satellite data to measure solar energy potential of any and every region. 

It will help to decide the location of solar energy projects across the globe, strengthening One Sun One World One Grid initiative. 

PM has launched One Sun One World One Grid jointly with UK at 'Accelerating Clean Technology, Innovation and Deployment' leader's event at COP26. 

Damon Galgut bags Booker Prize 2021 for his novel 'The Promise'

South African author Damon Galgut (57 years) has won 2021 Booker Prize for Fiction for his novel ‘The Promise’.

He has won the award in his third appearance on the shortlist after making the cut in 2003 and 2010.

The Promise is set in Pretoria, where the author grew up, and takes place against the backdrop of South Africa’s transition out of apartheid.

The novel depicts the story of the declining Swart family, who are white farmers, through four funerals.

Axis Bank signs MoU with Indian Navy for salary accounts

Axis Bank has signed an MoU with the Indian Navy, offering a defence service salary package, 'Power Salute' through which the bank will offer numerous benefits Indian Navy personnel.

The benefits include a personal accidental cover of up to ₹56 lakh to all navy personnel, veterans and cadets. 

Also, additional up to ₹8 lakh children education grant; total permanent disability cover benefit up to ₹46 lakh; air accident cover of ₹1 crore.

Telangana invited to participate in International Seed Conference

Telangana got a rare recognition as it was invited to participate in International Seed Conference that would be held virtually by FAO of the UN.

International Seed Conference, is being organised to discuss development of seed industry.

Representatives, Ministers, scientists and seed experts from 195 countries would participate in the conference.

The initiatives taken up for transforming Telangana as seed hub will be telecast in English, Spanish and French languages.

Power Minister inaugurates Pakal Dul Hydro Electric Project in J&K

Union Power Minister R K Singh virtually inaugurated the diversion of Marusudar River of Pakal Dul Hydro Electric Project in Kishtwar, J&K. 

Pakal Dul HE Project (1,000 MW) is being constructed by Chenab Valley Power Projects Pvt Limited (CVPPPL) and Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation. 

Marusudar River is a major tributary of the Chenab River.

Diversion of the River will pave the way for acceleration in construction activities of the Project.

Elon Musk's Starlink registers India unit, plans to focus on rural areas

Elon Musk backed Starlink has registered its business in India.

It is planning to launch internet services in the country, as per the company documents filed with the government.

Starlink is the satellite internet division of billionaire Elon Musk's rocket company SpaceX.

In India, Starlink plans to "carry on the business of telecommunication services" including satellite broadband internet services, content storage and streaming, multi-media communication. 

Bank of Baroda signs MoU with NCDEX e-Markets

Bank of Baroda has signed an MoU with NCDEX e Markets Ltd to become a “clearing bank” for handling financial transactions in the NeML market place and procurement/auction platform.

NEML, a wholly-owned subsidiary of agricultural commodity exchange, NCDEX, is an online commodities spot market and services company.

The bank will partner with agriculture marketing federations and other procurement agencies across the country. 

ICICI Lombard ties up with Vega Helmets to increase road safety awareness

ICICI Lombard General Insurance has partnered with Vega to offer personal accident insurance cover on every online purchase of Vega helmet.

The personal accident insurance policy will provide individuals with the benefit of accidental death with sum insured of ₹1 lakh.

The cover is applicable on a worldwide basis.

The tie-up aims to give the customer dual safety and protection, through the helmet and the personal accident insurance cover.

SBI launches pre-approved 2-wheeler loan ‘SBI Easy Ride’ on YONO

The SBI has launched a pre-approved 2-wheeler loan scheme ‘SBI Easy Ride’ through its YONO platform.

Eligible SBI customers can avail of end-to-end digital loans without visiting the bank branch.

Customers can apply for the Easy Ride loan for an amount up to Rs 3 lakh at a competitive interest rate of 10.5% per annum onwards for a maximum tenure of 4 years. 

The minimum loan amount has been fixed at Rs 20,000.

The loan will be disbursed directly into the dealer's account.

IOC to set up India’s first mega-scale Maleic Anhydride Plant at Panipat

IOC will set up India’s 1st mega-scale Maleic Anhydride Plant to manufacture value-added chemical products at its Panipat Refinery and Petroleum Complex. 

The project — with a capex of ₹3,681 crore will be commissioned in 54 months from stage 1 investment approval.

The project is proposed to have a capacity of 120 KTA of Maleic Anhydride. 

MAH is used to make products like polyester resins and surface coatings plasticisers, agrochemicals and lubricant additives.

Union Home Minister, Amit Shah launches ‘Ayushmaan CAPF’ health card

Home Minister Amit Shah launched the ‘Ayushmaan CAPF’ Scheme health cards at the national level in New Delhi.

The scheme has been designed to cover all serving personnel and their dependents of the seven Central Armed Police Forces.

He handed over ‘Ayushmaan CAPF’ Scheme health cards to the Director General, National Security Guard for distribution to NSG personnel. 

The scheme is a joint initiative of the Home Ministry, Health Ministry and National Health Authority (NHA).

RBI panel on ARCs proposes norms for valuers, reserve price

The RBI committee on ARC has submitted its report. 

It suggested that the scope of Section 5 of the SARFAESI Act be expanded to permit ARCs to acquire financial assets from all regulated entities. 

It recommended all accounts above Rs 500 cr, two bank-approved external valuers and b/w Rs 100 - Rs 500 cr, one valuer should carry out a valuation to determine the liquidation value and fair market value.

The committee was headed by former RBI Executive Director Sudarshan Sen.

RBI issues revised Prompt Corrective Action framework for banks

RBI has issued a revised Prompt Corrective Action framework for banks to enable supervisory intervention at "appropriate time" and also act as a tool for effective market discipline.

Capital, asset quality and leverage will be the key areas for monitoring in the revised framework.

The revised PCA framework will be effective from January 1, 2022.

The PCA is also intended to act as a tool for effective market discipline.

The first PCA was introduced in December 2002.

PM Modi launches Infrastructure for Resilient Island States

PM Modi launched Infrastructure for Resilient Island States on sidelines of climate summit in Glasgow.

It is aimed at achieving sustainable development through a systematic approach to resilient, sustainable and inclusive infrastructure in Small Island Developing States.

The launch of IRIS gives a new hope, confidence and satisfaction of doing something for the most vulnerable countries.

Co-hosted by Australia and UK, the IRIS launch event saw over 100 attendees.

Rajeev Chandrasekhar inaugurates first Internet Exchange for Uttarakhand

Union Minister, Rajeev Chandrasekhar has inaugurated first virtual Internet Exchange of NIXI in the state of Uttarakhand, hosted at Dehradun.

It will help in enhancing and improving the quality of Internet and Broadband services in Uttarakhand.

Next Internet Exchange in Uttarakhand will be at Nainital District. 

National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI): not-for-profit organization working since 2003 for spreading the internet technology to the citizens of India. 

Australian Cricket legend, Alan Davidson, passes away at 92

Australian and New South Wales cricket all-rounder Alan Davidson (92 years) passed away. 

He was the first player to achieve the feat of scoring 100 runs as well as take 10 wickets in a single Test match.

He was the legendary left-arm swing bowler, who played 44 Tests for Australia in which he claimed 186 wickets and scored 1328 runs.

He made his First-Class debut for NSW during the 1949/50 season and his Test debut on the 1953 Ashes tour.

Indian Navy stealth frigate Tushil launched in Kaliningrad, Russia

Seventh Indian Navy frigate of P1135.6 class has been launched at Yantar Shipyard at Kaliningrad in Russia.

It has been formally named as Tushil, a Sanskrit word which means protector shield.

It has been developed under Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) between India and Russia in 2016 for the construction of four additional P1135.6 class ships for Indian Navy.

It will be commissioned into Indian Navy in mid-2023 followed by its sister ship by the end of 2023.

Shipping Minister inaugurates five vessels at Cochin Shipyard Limited

Shipping Minister has inaugurated simultaneous launching of five vessels at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL).

He also inaugurated the launching function of three Floating Border Out-Posts (FBOP) for the Border Security Force and two Fully Electric Autonomous Ferries for ASKO Maritime AS, Norway, which are amongst the world’s first Autonomous Ferries.

New Radars and Vessel Traffic Management System inaugurated

Union Minister for Ports has inaugurated new Radars and Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) of Cochin Port Trust.

VTMS commissioned in Cochin Port in 2009 has been upgraded with a state-of-the-art system consisting of 2 new radars, 1 AIS Base station, 3 VHF Radios and associated software and hardware installed at ₹5.8-Cr.

It is an essential tool for enhancing safety of navigation in the port by monitoring and regulating the shipping movements.

International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists: 2 Nov

International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists is observed every year on 2 November to prevent all attacks and violence against journalists and media workers. 

Aim: To ensure accountability, bring to justice perpetrators of crimes against journalists and media workers.

The day was recognized by UN General Assembly in December 2013 to mark the death of Ghislaine Dupont and Claude Verlon, two French journalists killed while reporting in Mali. 

India sings MoU with World Bank to strengthen health systems in Meghalaya

Government of India and Meghalaya have signed USD 40 million with World Bank to strengthen health project agreement for the state of Meghalaya.

Meghalaya Health Systems Strengthening Project will improve the quality of health services in the state and strengthen the management and governance capabilities of the state to handle future health emergencies including COVID-19. 

It will also benefit health sector staff at primary and secondary levels.

‘Vax’ selected as Oxford English Dictionary’s 2021 Word of the Year

‘Vax’ has been chosen as the word of the year by Oxford English Dictionary (OED) in 2021.

Vax is derived from the Latin word vacca, which means cow.

It is used as a short form for vaccine and means a substance put into a person’s body to prevent them from getting a disease.

Due to the Covid-19, words related to vaccines saw surge in 2021, including terms like double-vaxxed, unvaxxed and anti-vaxxer.

It was used 72 times as much as it was in 2020. 

New Zealand names critically endangered long-tailed bat as Bird of the Year

Critically endangered New Zealand long-tailed bat has been named as the New Zealand Bird of the Year 2021. 

This long-tailed bat is the only land mammal of New Zealand and can fly at around 60 kms per hour. 

It is also known as the long-tailed wattled bat or pekapeka-tou-roa. 

Bird of the Year competition is organized annually by New Zealand based independent organisation Forest & Bird to raise awareness among the citizens about the native birds of the country.

Dharmendra Pradhan launched Bhasha Sangam initiative for schools

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has launched Bhasha Sangam initiative for schools, Bhasha Sangam Mobile App and Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Mobile Quiz.

Bhasha Sangam: It is an initiative of Ministry of Education under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat to teach basic sentences of everyday usage in 22 Indian languages. 

Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Quiz game: It is targeted towards children, youngsters for helping them learn more about different regions, states, culture, etc. 

GoI form empowered group to review implementation of PM GatiShakti

Centre has constituted 20-member Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS) to review and monitor the mechanism for the development and implementation of PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (NMP).

Chairperson: Cabinet Secretary.

Head of Logistics Division will be the Member and Convenor.

Head of Logistics division (Dept of Commerce) will act as convener of EGoS for its Terms of Reference (ToRs).

5th edition of ‘Ganga Utsav 2021 – The River Festival’ begins

The 5th edition of 3 day-long virtual Ganga Utsav 2021 - The River Festival has been organized from 1st to 3rd November 2021. 

It will not only celebrate the glory of river Ganga but all the rivers of the country to promote the celebration of ‘Nadi Utsav’. 

It has been organized under the leadership of  Jal Shakti Minister by National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) jointly with Ministry of Jal Shakti. 

NMCG got registered in Guinness Book of World Records on the first day.

Prime Minister concludes successful G20 Leaders’ Summit in Italy

Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau has concluded his participation at G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rome, Italy, with focus on the urgent priorities of protecting the environment. 

2021 G20 Summit was held in Rome, Italy under chairmanship of Italian PM Mario Draghi. 

Moto of the summit: People, Planet, and Prosperity

Agenda: Climate change, economic recovery, pandemic and global minimum corporate tax rate.

Summit concluded with the adoption of Rome Declaration by G20 Leaders.

MP Govt Announces Scheme to Provide Free Residential Plots to Families

The MP govt has announced Mukhyamantri Awasiya Bhu-adhikar Yojna to provide free plots to families that don’t have land to build their own homes. 

Aim: ensuring that every family has the right to a dignified life with basic necessities. 

It has been started to provide residential plots to the eligible families on Abadi land in each Gram Panchayat.

Under the scheme, district collectors have been empowered with respect to the availability of Abadi land. 

India’s largest landfill biogas plant launched in Hyderabad

Ramky Enviro has inaugurated one of the world’s 1st  gas-to-compressed biogas plant at the Hyderabad. 

The project is focused on the conversion of landfill gas into compressed biogas as an automotive fuel.

The project offers significant benefits such as carbon sequestration and reduced emissions of GHGs into the environment and contributes to the greening of the automotive industry.

The end product of the plant will be sold to Bhagyanagar Gas Ltd. 

World Vegan Day 2021: 1st November

World Vegan Day is celebrated on November 1 every year by vegans across the world.

The day is celebrated to promotes vegan diet.

Vegan diet bars the consumption of animal-based food products.

The event was started in 1994 by then Chair of The Vegan Society, Louise Wallis, in the United Kingdom.

This year people will celebrate the 77 years of World Vegan Day.

Aadhaar eKYC allowed for Atal Pension Yojana subscription: PFRDA

The PFRDA has added Aadhaar based eKYC to add customers under its flagship pension scheme Atal Pension Yojana (APY).

Aim: to expand its subscriber base and simplify the on-boarding process further.

PFRDA is allowing enrollment of subscribers through physical, net banking and other digital modes, at present.

After an APY account is opened, Atal Pension Yojana-Service Provider (APY-SP) will offer subsequent servicing to the subscribers.

APY was launched  in June 1, 2015.

US returns 250 antiquities worth $15 million to India in stolen art investigation

US authorities returned about 250 antiquities to India in a long-running investigation of a stolen art scheme.

The items, worth an estimated $15 million, were handed over during a ceremony at the Indian Consulate in New York City.

The centrepiece is a bronze Shiva Nataraja valued at $4 million. 

The investigation has focused on tens of thousands of antiquities allegedly smuggled into the United States by dealer Subhash Kapoor. 

Yezdi Nagporewalla appointed as KPMG India CEO

Yezdi Nagporewalla has been appointed as the new CEO of KPMG India.

His term will commence on February 7, 2022, and end on December 31, 2026. 

Nagporewalla was nominated by the KPMG India Board and approved by the India Partners.

He will be replacing Arun M Kumar, the current Chairman and CEO whose five-year term concludes on February 6, 2022.

Microsoft Beats Apple to become World's Most Valuable Company

Microsoft surpassed Apple's market cap to become the world's most valuable public company. 

Microsoft surged 2.2 percent to a market value of $2.49 trillion, surpassing Apple.

For the first time since 2010, Microsoft passed Apple's market cap in 2018 and later in July 2020. 

When market was coming to a close, Microsoft's market cap stood at $2.49 trillion while Apple's market capitalisation stood at $2.46 trillion.

Microsoft CEO: Satya Nadella

Apple CEO: Tim Cook

Chennai-Mysore Shatabdi Express becomes 1st IMS certified Shatabdi

Chennai-Mysore Shatabdi Express becomes the 1st Integrated Management Systems (IMS) certified Shatabdi.

It received the certificate for world-class maintenance of the train, environment-friendly resources.

The train’s maintenance is handled by Basin Bridge Coaching Depot of Indian Railways.

Also, it becomes the 2nd mail/express train on the Indian Railways network Habibganj-Hazrat Nizamuddin-Habibganj Bhopal Express that has received the certification in March 2021.

Union Minister dedicates 'Sardar Patel Leadership Centre' to the Nation

Union Minister Jitendra Singh dedicated "Sardar Patel Leadership Centre" to the nation at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie.

The Centre aims to lay the foundation capacity building for future generations of Civil Servants. 

It will emerge as a Huge Resource Centre to provide continuous study and learning opportunities to Civil Servants from India and Abroad. 

The center was dedicated on the occasion of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. 

Nationwide Clean India campaign culminates with Fit India Plog Run

Fit India Plog Run, an annual nationwide event organised as part of the Fit India Movement, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi.

More than 500 athletes and coaches took part in the event.

The day also marked the end of the 'Clean India' campaign for this year.

Plogging is a unique activity that combines fitness and cleanliness -- Swaachta and Swasth (health) -- in which participants collect litter while jogging.

India unveils online climate dashboard

India launched an online dashboard - the 'Climate Equity Monitor' to assess equity in climate action, inequalities in emissions besides energy and resource consumption across the world.

The dashboard also tracks the climate policies of several countries from the perspective of developing countries.

The website has been conceptualized and developed by independent researchers from India -- the Climate Change Group at the M.S Swaminathan Research Foundation, Chennai.

Amit Shah launches Dairy Sahakar scheme in Gujarat

Union minister of Home Affairs and Cooporation, Amit Shah launched the "Dairy Sahakar" scheme at Anand, Gujarat.

With a total investment of Rs 5000 cr, scheme will be implemented by NCDC under Ministry of Cooperation to realize the vision, “from cooperation to prosperity".

Under the scheme financial support will be extended by NCDC to eligible cooperatives for various activities within the overall objectives of Doubling the farmers income and Atmanirbhar Bharat.