NOVEMBER MONTHLY CURRENT AFFAIRS 2021: Current Affairs are very important for every competitive exam and as we all know, in the upcoming months, many government exams.
– Climate Equity Monitor website on global climate policy was launched in India
– Culture Ministry launches three competitions to celebrate Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav: Desh Bhakti Geet writing, Rangoli Making, and Lori writing
– Nationwide Clean India campaign culminates with Fit India Plog Run
– Plogging is a unique activity that combines fitness and cleanliness, in which participants collect litter while jogging
– 146th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is celebrated as National Unity Day
– 260 ITBP personnel awarded special operation medal for service during eastern Ladakh standoff
– Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh dedicates ‘Sardar Patel Leadership Centre’ to the Nation at
LBSNAA (Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration) Mussoorie
– U.S. returns 250 antiquities to India worth an estimated $15 million
– Customers can now subscribe to Atal Pension Yojana via Aadhaar eKYC: Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA)
– Amit Shah, Union Minister of Home Affairs and Cooperation launches the “Dairy Sahakar” scheme for cooperatives at Anand, Gujarat during the 75th Foundation Year celebrations of Amul
– Finance Ministry approves the proposal by the Board of Trustees of the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to provide an 8.5% rate of interest for the deposits for 2020-21
– Former SC judge Justice Ashok Bhushan was appointed as Chairperson of NCLAT (National Company Law Appellate Tribunal)
– Former HC judge Justice Ramalingam Sudhakar was appointed as President of NCLT (National
Company Law Tribunal)
– PM Modi, and French President Emmanuel Macron decided to expand the Indo-Pacific partnership
– Leaders of G20 countries endorses global minimum tax of 15% on multinational corporations at Rome Summit
– G20 leaders agree on limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius target at Rome Summit
– World Cities Day observed on Oct 31.
Private companies in Australia and Canada are developing a moon mission, in association with the University of Technology Sydney.
Highlights
Under this mission, Australian technology will be sent to the moon by mid-2024, to hunt water on it.
If the plan is successful, it will be the first rover made up of Australia components, to make on Moon.
Background
Earlier, Australian Space Agency had announced in October 2021, its plan to send an Australian-made rover to the Moon by 2026.
Australian-made rover is part of a deal of Australian Space Agency with NASA.
The rover will collect lunar soil containing oxygen. This soil will be used to support human life in space.
About the Rover
The Rover is ten-kilogram in weight and having the dimension of 60x60x50cm.
It will be launched on board the Hakuto lander, which is made by lunar robotic exploration company of Japan called ispace.
The rover is also built by ispace. It will comprise of an integrated robotic arm, made by private
companies called Stardust Technologies (Canada) and Australia’s EXPLOR Space Technology.
What is the work of robotic arm?
The robotic arm will help in collecting high-resolution visual & haptic data using cameras and
sensors. This data will be sent back towards the mission control centre at University of Technology Sydney.
It will also collect information regarding the physical and chemical composition of lunar dust, soil and rocks with the objective of finding water.
It will help in identifying regions on the Moon where water sources are more abundant which in turn will help in delivering more usable water for human consumption, mining operations, sample processing and food growth.
– J&K: Srinagar joins UNESCO Creative Cities Network 2021 under crafts, folk arts category
– J&K: Army personnel posted in Kashmir can pursue courses from Valley varsity now
– NITI Aayog announces five top aspirational districts in education sector for September;
Bhupalpally in Telangana tops the ranking
– National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) observes Legal Services Day on Nov 9
– Mazagon Dock delivers fourth Scorpene Submarine ‘Vela’ to Indian Navy; first 3: Kalvari,
Khanderi, and Karanja
– Uttarakhand formation day celebrated on Nov 9; state formed on Nov 9, 2000
– Nepalese Army Chief Gen Prabhu Ram Sharma visits India
– Former Andhra University VC Koneru Ramakrishna Rao dies at 89
– RBI to hold its first-ever hackathon, HARBINGER 2021, on payments system
– RBI lifts restrictions on Diners Club, allows onboarding of fresh customers after the card issuer met RBI norms on local data storage
– Govt notifies amended minerals concession rules to ease pricing pressure
– Deocha-Pachami coal mine project in Birbhum district of West Bengal: CM announces 10,000 crore compensation package for land losers
– Centre amends Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules 2011 for enhanced protection of Consumer Rights
– COP26: India to co-lead Integrated Biorefineries Mission aimed at replacing fossil fuels
– COP26: Global index for measuring resilience to climate risk launched; will provide a globally consistent model for the assessment of resilience across all sectors and geographies.
– Czech Republic: Parties sign power-sharing deal to form a new government
– Nicaragua: Daniel Ortega (75) wins fourth consecutive presidential term
– Alireza Firouzja (18) of France wins the FIDE Chess.com Grand Swiss chess tournament
– Mitrabha Guha (20) becomes India’s 72nd chess Grand Master
– ITTF Ecuador International Open table tennis tournament: India’s Manush Shah (men’s) and T. Reeth Rishya (women’s) won singles titles
– Vice Admiral R. Hari Kumar to be the next Chief of Naval Staff
– Nov 15 to be celebrated as “Janjatiya Gaurav Divas”; is the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda
– SC Collegium recommends transfer of Madras High Court Chief Justice to Meghalaya
– Punjab: Advocate General A.P.S. Deol was sacked by the govt.
– Nepal Army Chief General Prabhu Ram Sharma conferred with Honorary General Rank of Indian Army
– India-Nepal bus service resumes after over a year; connects Siliguri in West Bengal to Kathmandu
– Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Dr. Nayef Falah Mubarak Al-Hajraf visits India
– IAF to participate at Dubai Air Show at the Al Maktoum International Airport from Nov 14 to 18
– Delhi Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan held in New Delhi
– 11th India-USA DTTI (Defence Technology and Trade Initiative) group meeting held
– US becomes the 101st member country of the International Solar Alliance
– Union Cabinet approves the restoration and continuation of the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS)
– Cabinet approves ethanol price hike by up to ₹ 1.47/litre for mixing in petrol
– Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) to get Rs 17,409 cr for cotton procurement in 7 seasons to 2020-21.
– India is in the top 10 of the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) released by Germanwatch
– World Science Day for Peace and Development was celebrated on Nov 10; the theme: ‘Building
Climate-Ready Communities’
– China exports an advanced warship to Pakistan; named PNS Tughril by the Pakistani Navy
SPORTS
– India’s Varun Thakkar & K.C. Ganapathy won a gold medal in the Asian 49er sailing championships in Oman.
The idol of Goddess Annapurna returned to UP; was stolen from Kashi Vishwanath temple and smuggled to Canada over 100 years ago
– Hardeep Singh Puri unveils statue of Maharani Lakshmi Bai at the Maharani Lakshmi Bai college for Women in Hisar, Haryana
– Regional Conference on Strengthening the State Institutions of Public Administration being held in Lucknow on Nov 11-12
– 51st Conference of Governors and Lieutenant Governors held at Rashtrapati Bhavan
– Health Ministry issues new guidelines for international arrivals
– India looking at reciprocal and equitable access to foreign markets through free trade agreements
(FTAs): Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal
– India highlights the need to focus on the emissions related to two and three-wheelers alongside other vehicles as part of a zero-emissions target at the COP26 summit in Glasgow
– Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia launches an online platform through which aviation regulator DGCA will provide its 298 services including pilot licensing and medical examination
– Decks cleared for the launch of silver exchange traded funds (ETFs) as SEBI notifies norms
– Sun Pharma to launch Merck’s Covid pill under the brand name ‘Molxvir’ in India
– Frederik Willem de Klerk, South Africa’s last white President who negotiated the end of apartheid with Nelson Mandela, dies at 85 in Cape Town
– Sweden: PM Stefan Lofven resigns after stepping down as leader of the Social Democrats
– India’s Nethra Kumanan wins gold in laser radial section of Gran Canaria sailing championships
– Former CBDT chairman PC Mody appointed as the new secretary-general of the Rajya Sabha
– Public Service Broadcasting Day is celebrated on Nov 12
– Covid-19 vaccination: ‘Har Ghar Dastak’ campaign begins in Delhi
– Centre agrees to grant permanent commission to 11 women Army officers
– Nepal Army to set up its own national defense university, says its Army Chief General Prabhu Ram Sharma
– RBI Retail Direct Scheme launched by PM: Individuals can now directly buy T-bills, and G-Secs from market
– Reserve Bank-Integrated Ombudsman Scheme launched by PM: Aims to improve grievance redress mechanism for resolving customer complaints against entities regulated by RBI
– RBI clarifies norms for upgrading of accounts classified as NPAs
– India’s forex reserves decreased by USD 1.145 billion to USD 640.874 billion for the week ended on November 5
– Eggs are farm produce, transporting them is exempt from GST: Karnataka AAR
– NTPC ties up with Indian Oil to collaborate on renewable energy
– Govt eases claim settlement process under Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA)
– Number of forcibly displaced persons has exceeded 84 million globally this year: UNHCR
– UAE, Bahrain holding naval exercise with Israel in the Red Sea
– India, Sri Lanka revive Parliament Friendship Association
– Chinese President Xi Jinping tightens grip on power as Chinese Communist Party eulogizes him in historic resolution November 14, 2021
– First National Achievement Survey in four years conducted to assess the competencies of childrenin Class 3, 5 and 8 to assess the competencies of children in Class 3, 5 and 8
– U.S. congressional delegation meets PM Modi in New Delhi; led by Senator John Cornyn
– Law Minister Kiren Rijiju launches Citizens’ Tele-Law Mobile App
– Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar releases book titled ‘FORCE IN STATECRAFT’; is a compilation of essays on topics including counter-insurgency operations
– Ministry of Housing and Urban Development launches week-long awareness campaign on
SafaiMitra Suraksha Challenge from Nov 14 to 20 as part of World Toilet Day (Nov 19) celebrations
– Union Home Affairs Minister Amit Shah addresses Akhil Bharatiya Rajbhasha Sammelan in
Varanasi
– Jharkhand: Top Maoist leader Prashant Bose carrying bounty of Rs 1 cr arrested
– Maharashtra: 26 Maoists killed in encounter with police in Gadchiroli district
– Manipur: Assam Rifles Commanding Officer, his family members, 3 jawans dead in terror ambush in Churachandpur district
– Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai among world’s top 10 polluted cities according to Air Quality Index (AQI) from IQAir, a Switzerland-based climate group
– Defence Minister inaugurates first operationalised Private Sector Defence Manufacturing facility in Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor.
– Professor Bimal Patel elected to International Law Commission for 5-year term
– Indian, French armies to carry out “Exercise Shakti” military drills from Nov 15 to 26 in France
– Badminton coach P. Gopi Chand launches his autobiography ‘Shuttler’s Flick: Making every match count’ November 15, 2021
– CBI, ED directors can now have tenures of up to 5 years instead of a fixed tenure of two years; Govt issues two ordinances
– PM transfers first installment of PMAY-G (Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin) to more than 1.47 lakh beneficiaries of Tripura
– 20 Indian fishermen released from Pakistan jail in Karachi; transported to Wagah border for
handover on November 15
– Five new Integrated Check Posts to be set up on India Bangladesh border
– PM chairs meet on cryptocurrency; concerns raised over money laundering, terror financing risks
– Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) being held on Nov 15-17; Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri to lead Indian delegation
– UN climate talks in Glasgow, Scotland conclude with global agreement capping global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius
– Five-day Dubai Airshow begins at Al Maktoum International Airport
– World Diabetes Day observed on Nov 14; theme: ‘access to diabetes care’
– Novelist Wilbur Smith dies in Cape Town, South Africa at 88
– Ecuador: 68 dead in prison violence in Guayaquil
– Australia (173/2) beat New Zealand (172/4) in final to win 2021 T20 World Cup at Dubai
International Stadium
– Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton wins Formula One Sao Paulo Grand Prix in Brazil.
UIDAI seeks exception from Data Bill
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has appealed from exemption from Personal Data Protection (PDP) Law, to avoid the duplicity of laws.
Key facts
UIDAI is already being governed by the Aadhaar Act.
The PDP law was making Aadhaar compulsory for several services including the banks, which first initiated the data privacy debate.
Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)
UIDAI is a statutory authority established under Aadhaar Act, 2016, by the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY). It was established to issue Unique Identification numbers (UID) called as “Aadhaar”, to the residents of India.
Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019
The bill was passed to provide protection to personal data of individuals. It seeks to create framework for processing personal data, by establishing a Data Protection Authority. It governs processing of personal data by government, companies incorporated in India, as well as foreign companies that deals with personal data of individuals in India. It categorises personal data like financial data, caste, religious & political beliefs, biometric data etc as sensitive personal data.
Provisions of the bill Section 35 of the bill call on sovereignty & integrity of India, security of the state, public order and friendly relations with foreign states to provide powers to the Central government for suspend all or any provisions of the Act for government agencies.
Section 12 provides for processing data for the purpose of service or benefit to the data principal.
However, prior notice has to be given.
Aadhaar Act, 2016
This act is also called as Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and other Subsidies, benefits and services) Act, 2016. It provides legal backing to the Aadhaar unique identification number project. Lok Sabha had passed it on March 11, 2016.
India, Israel to boost Defence cooperation
During the 15th India-Israel Working Group Meeting on October 29, 2021 in Tel Aviv, India and Israel decided to set up a new Task Force to boost the Defence Cooperation. They also decided to form a sub-working group.
Highlights
The meeting was co-chaired by Defence Secretary of India, Dr Ajay Kumar and Director General of Ministry of Defence of Israel, Maj Gen (Retd) Amir Eshel.
They reviewed the progress in Military-to-Military engagements including industry cooperation and exercises.
They also reviewed the progress made by Sub Working Groups (SWG) on Research & Development and Defence Procurement & Production.
They further decided to schedule a Service level Staff talks in a specified time frame.
India-Israel Joint Working Group (JWG) India & Israel Joint Working Group (JWG) on Bilateral Defence Cooperation agreed to form a Task Force for formulating a comprehensive Ten-Year Roadmap in order to identify new areas of cooperation.
About Joint Working Group
Joint Working Group is an apex body between “Ministry of Defence” of both the countries. It
comprehensively review & guide all the aspects of Bilateral Defence Cooperation.
Sub-Working Group (SWG) on Defence Industry Cooperation Countries also decided to establish a SWG on Defence Industry Cooperation. For this purpose, they signed a Terms of Reference. Creation of SWG will provide for efficient utilisation of bilateral resources, sharing of industrial capabilities and effective flow of technologies.
India-Israel Defence Cooperation
Bilateral relation between India and Israel are driven by their respective national interests like India’s goals of military modernisation, and Israel’s advantage in commercialising its arms industries. Defence cooperation between both the countries has expanded to include sectors like counter-terrorism, space and cyber security & intelligence sharing. In 2017, India was the largest arms customer of Israel, with the sale of about 715 million USD. G-20 Summit adopts Rome Declaration Two-day G-20 Summit was concluded on October 31, 2021. During the summit, Rome Declaration was adopted.
Key Points
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the summit as fruitful
During the summit, leaders elaborated deliberations on issues of global importance like fighting covid-19 pandemic, improving health infrastructure, strengthening economic cooperation and furthering innovation.
They also adopted the ‘Rome Declaration’ and under the health section communique gives a very strong message. Countries agreed on the fact that, Covid-19 immunisation is a global public good.
During the summit, countries also agreed that the World Health Organisation (WHO) will be
strengthened to fast-track the process for emergency use authorisation of Covid-19 vaccines.
Main focus of the session was on energy and climate.
Several developing countries called for safeguarding the interest of developing world.
Rome Declaration The Rome Declaration consists of 16 mutually agreed principles, which aims to guide joint action for preventing future health crises and to build a safer, equitable and sustainable world. 16 principles are as follows:
1. Supporting and enhancing the existing multilateral health architecture for detection, response, prevention and preparedness.
2. Working towards monitoring & implementation of multi-sectoral, evidence-based One Health approach in a bid to address risks emerging due to interface between human, animal & environment.
3. Fostering all-of-society and health-in-all policies.
4. Promotion of multilateral trading system
5. Enabling equitable, affordable and global access to high-quality, safe & effective health systems.
6. Supporting low and middle-income countries in a bid to build expertise, and develop local & regional manufacturing capacities.
7. Focus on data sharing, capacity building, voluntary technology and licensing agreements.
8. Enhancing support to existing preparedness and prevention structures.
9. Investing in worldwide health & care workforce
10. Investing in adequate resources, training, and staffing of diagnostic public & animal health
laboratories.
11. Investments for developing and improving inter-operable early warning surveillance, information, and trigger systems
12. Investments in domestic, international & multilateral cooperation for the purpose of research, development & innovation
13. Increasing effectiveness of preparedness & response measures by extending support and promoting meaningful & inclusive dialogue
14. Ensuring effectiveness of financing mechanisms
15. Coordination on pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical measures and emergency response with respect to sustainable and equitable recovery
16. Addressing the need of streamlined, enhanced, sustainable and predictable mechanisms for
financing pandemic preparedness, prevention, detection and response in long term.
India, Spain hold bilateral meeting
On October 31, 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Spanish Counterpart Pedro Sanchez following the G20 summit in Rome.
Highlights
During the meeting, PM Modi invited more investments from Spain in India’s infrastructure projects.
Both the leaders exchanged their views on robust bilateral ties, regional and global issues of mutual interest. They also discussed the situation in Afghanistan & the Indo-Pacific.
They welcomed the growing bilateral trade and investment linkages such as signing of the contract for procurement of aircraft from Spain.
They agreed to further expand bilateral cooperation in areas like clean technology, e-mobility, deep sea exploration and advanced materials.
Leaders also exchanged views on India-European Union relations and climate change.
Spanish investments in India During the meeting, PM Modi invited Spain to invest in several sectors in India such as green hydrogen, infrastructure and defence manufacturing.
He also asked Spain to take advantage of India’s National Infrastructure Pipeline, Gati Shakti Plan and Asset Monetisation Plan.
India’s view on Afghanistan
India raised concerns over situation in Afghanistan in the aftermath of Taliban takeover of Kabul in August 2021. India has underlined that, Afghanistan’s territory should not to be used to threaten or attack any country, to plan or finance terrorist attacks or to shelter or train terrorists.
C296 aircraft
India signed the contract for procurement of 56 C295 aircraft from Airbus Spain. Out of 56, 40 of which will be ‘Made in India’ in association with Tata Advanced Systems.
“Don’t Choose Extinction”: UNDP Video on Climate Change
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) released a creative video titled “Don’t Choose Extinction” on Climate Change.
Key Points
In the video, UNDP highlights that, it is time to act and act now for the climate crisis. To drive home the urgency and get attention of world, it is time to do whatever it takes.
The viral video shows a dinosaur, to pass a simple message to the world leaders & diplomats: “It’s
now or never. Don’t choose extinction and save human species, before it’s too late.”
About the creative video
The creative video was released by the UNDP, as the centrepiece of the ‘Don’t Choose Extinction’ campaign.
In the video, a dinosaur named Frankie makes a majestic entry, takes dais and cuts to the point. It underlines a key message that government backed fossil fuel subsidies needs to be cut for reducinggreenhouse emissions and save the Earth. Frankie sarcastically remarks, “Imagine if we had spent some billions per year for subsidising giant meteorites. That’s what humans are doing right now.” Video was released in the aftermath of COP26, 2021.
COP 26, 2021
COP 26, 2021 is being organised from October 31 to November 12 in United Kingdom. Doing away with fossil fuels for favouring renewable energy and to drastically cut emissions are the key topics of COP 26.
How much world spend on fossil fuels?
As per UNDP research, world spends around $423 billion annually to subsidize fossil fuels. This much amount can be diverted to cover a COVID-19 vaccination for every person across the world and is equal to three times the annual amount required to eradicate global extreme poverty.
Nov 1: Nine states & UTs celebrate formation day
In India, seven states namely, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Karnataka, Punjab & Madhya Pradesh and two union territories Lakshadweep & Puducherry are celebrating Foundation Day on November 1, 2021.
Highlights
Earlier, Tamil Nadu also used to celebrate its foundation day on November 1.
On October 30, 2021, ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu announced that, Tamil Nadu Formation Day will be celebrated on July 18 onwards.
In Karnataka, this day is celebrated as “Rajyotsav”.
Kerala
The state of Kerala was formed on November 1, 1956. Before its formation, it was divided into three independent provinces that is, Malabar, Travancore and Cochin. Name of the state was derived from the first ruler Keralian Thamboran.
Chattisgarh
On November 1, 2000, Chattisgarh was carved out of Madhya Pradesh. It is the 10th largest state of India. Separate state was made for easy administration and to reduce naxalism in this region.
Haryana
Haryana was carved out from Punjab on November 1, 1966. This decision turned out to be boon for country as the state led the Green Revolution movement with respect to crop output.
Punjab Formation of Punjabi-majority Punjab State, Haryanvi-Hindi majority Haryana state and Union Territory of Chandigarh was the result of movement led by the Akali Dal. Formation of Punjab dates back to Punjabi Suba movement in the 1950s.
Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh was formed on November 1, 1956. It is the second largest state in India with respect to area.
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh was created on November 1, 1956.
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrated
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or National Unity Day is celebrated on October 31, every year.
Key facts
Government of India had introduced this day in 2014 to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar
Vallabhbhai Patel. Year 2021 marked 146th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Why Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrated?
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is observed to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Patel, acknowledging his efforts to unite the country. Sardar Patel had played a crucial role in the freedom movement of India as well as in its integration.
Significance of National Unity Day
The National Unity Day will be marked as a reminder of strength of India. It will also highlight the resilience of India towards dangers posed against the security, unity and integrity of India.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel is endeared as Sardar. He was an Indian statesman, who served as the first Deputy Prime Minister of India during 1947-1950. He was an Indian barrister and served as a senior leader of the Indian National Congress (INC). he played a leading role in the struggle for independence of India. He
guided on the integration of India into a united, independent nation. He also served as Home Minister during political integration of India and during Indo-Pakistani War of 1947.
Unity Day Pledge In the year 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had administered the National Unity Day pledge at the
Statue of Unity, Gujarat.
Statue of Unity
Statue of Unity is a colossal statue of independence activist Vallabhbhai Patel. It is the world’s tallest statue. It has the height of 182 metres. The statue is located on Narmada River in Kavadiya colony in the state of Gujarat. It is facing Sardar Sarovar Dam. It is located at 100 kilometres southeast of Vadodara city and 150 kilometres from Surat. Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav: Culture Ministry launches 3 competitions Ministry of Culture has launched three nationwide competitions for Deshbhakti Geet writing, Lori writing and Rangoli Making on the occasion of National Unity Day.
Key Points
Competitions will be held from Tehshil level, Taluka level to National level.
Announcement for the competition was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mann Ki Baat on
October 24, 2021.
Entries for the competition was opened for public competition, on the occasion of National Unity Day.
Public participation was introduced by eminent personalities on social media. For instance, Lata Mangeshkar tweeted for Deshbhakti Geet competition, A.R Rahman for Lori or Lullaby writing competition while Sudarsan Pattnaik for Rangoli making competition.
Competition will go on for some months as “#UnityInCreativity” and winners will be rewarded.
Aim of the competition
This initiative was launched with the aim of encouraging participation to ensure substantive ‘Jan
bhagidaari’.
Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav
It is an initiative by the Government of India, launched to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of progressive India. It is also celebrating the glorious history people, culture and achievements of India. This celebration is dedicated to the people of India, who are instrumental in bringing India this far in its journey.
People of India also represents the social, political, cultural, and economic identity of India. Mahotsav also celebrate and commemorate 75 years of progressive India.
“Dairy Sahakar” scheme- Key Facts
Union Minister of Home Affairs, Amit Shah, launched the Dairy Sahakar Scheme on October 31, 2021.
Scheme was launched at Anand, Gujarat with the objective of doubling farmer’s income and making a Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Dairy Sahakar Scheme
The scheme was launched with a total investment budget of Rs 5000 crore. It will be implemented by NCDC under Ministry of Cooperation to realize the vision, “from cooperation to prosperity”. NCDC will extend the financial support to eligible cooperatives for activities like milk procurement, bovine development, quality assurance, branding, packaging, transportation, storage of milk & milk products, and to export dairy products.
Background
Scheme was launched during a function organized by Amul for celebrating 75th Foundation Year of Amul.
About Amul
Amul is an Indian dairy cooperative society, based at Anand in Gujarat. It was established in 1946. It is managed Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd. (GCMMF). GCMMF is owned by around 3.6 million milk producers in Gujarat and apex body of 13 District Milk Unions. It is spread across 13,000 villages in the state. Amul played a significant role in India’s White Revolution and made it the world’s largest producer of milk and milk products.
History of Amul
Kaira Union introduced the brand “Amul” to market its product range. Word Amul is derived from Sanskrit word Amulya, meaning priceless or precious. It was founded with the efforts of Tribhuvandas Kishibhai Patel. He became the chairman of the organisation under the guidance of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and led it until his retirement in the 70s.
India officially endorses Emission list India officially endorsed a website made by Indian climate experts, listing the historical carbon dioxide emissions of developed countries.
Highlights
India endorsed the emission list ahead of commencement of the 26th United Nations Conference of Parties (COP) in Glasgow in Scotland.
Emission list was created with the aim of highlighting the disparity between the emissions of
developed and developing countries. Countries like the United States, Australia, Canada & countries in Western Europe are shown as having a net carbon debt on the other hand, developing countries like India & China are having net credit.
Thus, the database highlights that, it is only fair that developed countries should commit to steeper targets for curbing emissions as compared to developing countries.
Where does India stand?
India is the third largest emitter of carbon emissions on yearly basis. However, it is the sixth largest with respect to its historical emissions. When the size of its population is considered, it is among the lowest per capita emitters. This highlights India’s demands for climate justice as focus of the negotiations and its reluctance to agree for a fixed time frame in a bid to reach net zero. India is the only important emitter that has not committed to a net zero target.
What is the purpose of website?
Website seeks to debunk the narrative provided by several developed countries, and global non-government organisations which focus on what developing countries must do.
Climate Equity Monitor The website is called as “Climate Equity Monitor”. This scientific initiative focusses on equity and climate action from a data & evidence-based perspective, which in turn will encourage discussions on crucial issues. On the website, performance & policies of Non-Annex-I Parties (developing countries) will be also provided to compare.
Odisha announces full tax exemption for EVs Government of Odisha announced full exemption of motor vehicles taxes and registration fees on electric vehicles (EVs) in the state.
Highlights
This decision was taken for encouraging faster adoption of EVs.
Exemption was granted under the Odisha Motor Vehicles Taxation Act and is applicable till 2025.
State government also proposed to extend some incentives for the manufacturers, buyers, batteries & charging stations of electric vehicles in accordance with Odisha Electric Vehicle Policy.
Government announced an exemption of 100 per cent on motor vehicles taxes and registration fees for battery-operated vehicles.
Proposed Subsidies State Transport Ministry has proposed to extend 15% subsidy on two-wheelers, three-wheelers as well as four-wheelers. Maximum amount on respective vehicles should not exceed Rs 5,000 Rs 12,000 and Rs 100,000. Ministry also proposed to provide interest-free loan on the electric vehicles to state government employees. It also proposes to provide incentives to government departments & PSUs for hiring such vehicles. Other proposals include subsidized parking fees Electric vehicles in municipal areas and battery
charging facility across parking places.
Background
Transport department had submitted a proposal to the government to allow subsidy on e-vehicles in order to attract customers. Government has now approved the proposal. However, these subsidies will not be provided as per the battery capacity, like other states including Delhi and Gujarat are providing.
e-vehicle policy
states like Delhi, Kerala, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra have implemented the “e-vehicle policy”,
apart from FAME II scheme.
Mazagon Dock delivers first Destroyer
On October 28, 2021, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) delivered the first ship of “Project 15B Class Destroyer Visakhapatnam” to the Indian Navy.
Key points
The ship is likely to commission in November.
It was constructed using indigenous steel.
It is among the largest destroyers that are constructed in India.
Its overall length is 164 meters and the displacement of around 7,500 tonnes.
Characteristics of the ship
The ship is a potent platform which is capable of undertaking several tasks and missions, over the full spectrum of maritime warfare.
It is equipped with Barak-8 long range surface-to-air missiles and supersonic surface-to-surface
Brahmos missiles.
It is fitted with indigenously developed anti-submarine weapons as well as sensors for undersea
warfare capability.
It comprises of heavyweight torpedo tube Launchers & rocket launchers as well as hull-mounted sonar Humsa NG.
Ship has an endurance of 400 nautical miles.
Significance of the ship
This ship is more versatile as compared to previous destroyers and frigates in the Naval inventory. It has allround capability against enemy submarines, anti-ship missiles, surface warships and fighter aircraft which in turn will enable it to operate without a bevy of supporting vessels. It can accommodate a crew of 312 persons.
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL)
MDL is a shipyard located in Mazagaon, Mumbai. It manufactures warships and submarines for Indian Navy. It is involved in manufacturing of offshore platforms & associated support vessels for the purpose of offshore oil drilling. It also constructs tankers, passenger ships & ferries and cargo bulk carriers.
Punjab to begin Census of Indus River Dolphin
The state of Punjab is set to start the Census of one of the world’s most threatened cetaceans, Indus River dolphin.
Key facts
Indus River dolphin is scientifically called as Platanista gangetica minor.
It is a freshwater dolphin, found in river Beas.
Census will start in winter as part of a project by the Central government. However, Punjab’s wildlife preservation wing will move a step ahead and it not only protect dolphins but also their natural habitat.
Project will be implemented over five years.
under it, emphasis will be laid on collecting data on spatial & temporal distribution pattern of species and population status by means of an established and approved methodology.
IUCN status
In the IUCN red list, Indus River dolphin is classified as endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Where they are found?
Until recently, dolphins were believed to be endemic to Pakistan. However, a remnant but viable population of Indus dolphins was discovered in Harike wildlife sanctuary of Punjab as well as in lower Beas River in 2007. Since its discovery, Punjab’s Department of Forests and Wildlife Preservation is conducting research in association with the WWF-India on the habitat use, current distribution and population of dolphins.
State aquatic animal
In 2019, Indus River dolphin was declared as the State aquatic animal of Punjab.
Beas-Dolphin Mitras Under the initiative by Punjab, extension programmes will be organised by a group of dedicated individuals called ‘Beas-Dolphin Mitras’ [friends and protectors] of river Beas. The project will also embark on dolphin eco-tourism.
India-World Bank sign MoU to strengthen health systems in Meghalaya
Indian government and the World Bank have signed MoU for a $40 million project for improving the quality of health services in Meghalaya.
Key Points
This MoU will strengthen the capacity of state to handle future health emergencies like covid-19 pandemic.
Project is dubbed as “Meghalaya Health Systems Strengthening Project”.
Significance of the project
Project will enhance management & governance capabilities of the state as well as its health
facilities.
It will expand the design and coverage of health insurance program in state.
It will improve the quality of health services by means of certification and better human resource systems.
It will finally enable efficient access to medicines and diagnostics.
Who are the beneficiaries?
This project will benefit all the 11 districts of state. It will further benefit the health sector staff at primary and secondary levels by building their clinical skills and strengthening planning & management capabilities.
At the community level, it will enable women to better utilize healthcare services. Through this project, coverage of health services will be made accessible and affordable to the poor and vulnerable.
Megha Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS)
This project will help in strengthen the effectiveness of Meghalaya’s health insurance program dubbed as Megha Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS). MHIS currently covers 56% of the households. Now, with integration with the national Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), scheme plans to cover 100% of the households. It will reduce barriers to accessing hospital services as well as prevent catastrophic out-of pocket costs for poor & vulnerable families.
Performance based financing system
This project will move towards a performance-based financing system, in which Internal Performance Agreements (IPAs) will be signed between DoHFW and its subsidiaries. It will thus foster more accountability at all levels.
Union Minority Affairs Ministry announces Hajj 2022
Union Minister for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi announced Haj 2022 on November 1, 2021 at Hajj House in south Mumbai.
Highlights
Online application process has started and last date to apply is January 31, 2022.
People will be able to apply through Hajj mobile app.
The Hajj
The Hajj is an Islamic pilgrimage, performed annually to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. From India, two lakh Hajj pilgrims visit Saudi Arabia every year. New arrangement will help in saving crores of rupees of Indian Hajj pilgrims.
Significant reforms
Union Minister for Minority Affairs also announced significant reforms and enhanced facilities this year.
Indian Hajj pilgrims will be promoting ‘vocal for local’, onwards. They will go to Hajj with indigenous products bought in India and avoid buying bed sheets, pillows, towels etc using foreign currency.
These goods will be available at about 50 per cent of their prices in Saudi Arabia and will be provided to pilgrims at the embarkation points in India.
For Hajj 2022, embarkation points have been reduced from 21 to 10.
The ten embarkation points are Ahmedabad, Delhi, Bengaluru, Cochin, Hyderabad, Guwahati, Mumbai, Kolkata, Lucknow and Srinagar.
Selection Process
The selection process of Haj pilgrims will be in accordance with the Covid-19 protocol. Norms will be decided by the Indian and Saudi Arabian governments.
Number of women applicants Around 3000 women had applied for Haj 2020 and 2021 under the “without Mehram” category. Their applications will be eligible for Haj 2022. For Haj 2022, other women can also apply under the “without Mehram” category. These women will be exempted from lottery system.
COP26’s First Major Deal
In the COP26 climate summit’s first major deal, on November 2, 2021, 100 world leaders are set to make promise to end and reverse deforestation by 2030.
Highlights Brazil will be among the signatories. In Brazil stretches of the Amazon rainforest have been cut down. The pledge includes around $19.2bn of public and private funds.
This move has been welcomed by experts. However, they have warned that a previous deal in 2014 had “failed to slow deforestation at all”.
Deforestation contributes to climate change as it depletes forests that absorb significant amounts of global warming gas CO2.
About COP26
COP26 is being hosted by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, in Glasgow. On November 2, 2021, he will sign a landmark agreement for protecting and restoring earth’s forests because forests are lungs of the earth.
Countries signing pledge
The countries who will be signing the pledge include Brazil, Canada, Russia, China, Democratic republic of Congo and Indonesia. They cover about 85% of the world’s forests.
28 countries will also be committing to remove deforestation from global trade of food and other agricultural products like soya, cocoa and palm oil. These industries contribute to forest loss by cutting down trees for making space for crops to grow or animals to graze.
More than 30 of the world’s biggest companies will commit to end investment in activities linked to deforestation.
Funds for protecting forest Countries will pledge for around $19.2bn of public and private funds.
Out of this, some of the funding will go to developing countries for restoring damaged land,
supporting indigenous communities and tackle wildfires.
Another £1.1bn fund will be established for protecting second largest tropical rainforest of the world, in Congo Basin.
Australia recognises India’s Covaxin
Australian Government has recognised Covaxin covid-19 vaccine of India on November 1, 2021.
Highlights
In India, Covaxin and Covishield are the two widely used vaccines.
Australia had recognised Covishield, already.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia has recognised Covaxin as well as BBIBPCorV vaccines for establishing a traveller’s vaccination status.
Covaxin vaccine has been recognised for travellers aged 12 and above while BBIBP-CorV vaccine has been recognised for people aged between 18 to 60.
TGA approval
TGA took this after obtaining additional information demonstrating that these vaccines provide protection and reduce the likelihood that traveller would transmit Covid infection to others while travelling in Australia.
About Covaxin
The Covaxin vaccine is codenamed as BBV152. It is an inactivated virus-based COVID-19 vaccine. It was developed by Bharat Biotech in association with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – National Institute of Virology (NIV). This vaccine is 64% effective against asymptomatic cases, 78% against symptomatic cases, 93% against severe COVID-19 cases while 65% against the Delta variant.
Manufacturing of Covaxin
Covaxin vaccine uses traditional technology, similar to inactivated polio vaccine. India’s institute of Virology isolated a sample of SARS-CoV-2 initially. The sample was used to grow huge quantities of the virus using vero cells. Later, the viruses were soaked in beta-propiolactone. This liquid deactivated the viruses by binding to their genes and leaving other viral particles intact. Lastly, inactivated viruses were mixed with aluminium-based adjuvant Alhydroxiquim-II.
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
TGA is the medicine & therapeutic regulatory agency of Australian Government. It is a part of Health Department and regulates the quality, supply & advertising of medicines, medical devices, pathology devices and blood products.
International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) launched at G20 summit
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has launched “International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO)” at the G20 Summit.
Key Points
Methane observatory was launched to drive action on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
It was launched with support from the European Union.
International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO)
It was launched because Methane is one among the most dangerous gases for climate.
IMEO will monitor the methane emission through satellite.
Observatory will produce a global public dataset of empirically verified methane emissions.
It will initially focus on the fossil fuel sector, as it is responsible for one-third of anthropogenic
emissions. This sector has the highest potential for reductions.
How will IMEO help?
The IMEO will integrate data from four streams namely,
1. Direct measurement data from scientific studies
2. Remote sensing data
3. National inventories and
4. Reporting from the Oil & Gas
It will monitor the commitments of around 30 countries that have joined Global Methane Pledge initiative by United States and European Union. This initiative was launched with the aim of cutting methane emissions by 30% by 2030.
It will also help in improving the accuracy and public transparency of human-caused methane
emissions.
Methane Partnership 2.0
Methane Partnership 2.0 is a United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) led climate initiative. It involves 62 companies, which represent 30% of the world’s oil and gas production.
India’s Panchamrita concoction- Highlights
On the first day of the global climate meet (COP26) in Glasgow, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has proposed a five-fold strategy for India to play its role in helping the world to get closer to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Key Facts
Prime minister Modi termed his scheme as ‘Panchamrita’, which means ‘five ambrosia’.
Traditionally, ‘Panchamrita’ is a method of mixing five natural foods namely, milk, curd, ghee, honey and jaggery.
Panchmrita is used as a technique in Ayurveda. It is also used in Hindu and Jain worship rituals.
Modi’s Panchamrita
Prime Minister proposed following ‘Panchamrita’:
India will increase its non-fossil energy capacity to 500 gigawatts by 2030.
India will meet 50 per cent of its energy requirements, with renewable energy, till 2030.
India will reduce carbon emission by one billion tonnes by 2030.
India will reduce its carbon intensity by 45 per cent by 2030.
India will achieve net zero emissions by 2070.
Where does India stand?
India accounts for 17 per cent of the world’s population. However, it only contributes five per cent of emissions. In terms of renewable energy capacity, India stands at fourth position.
About COP26
COP 26 or 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference is the 26th United Nations Climate Change conference. It started on October 31 in Glasgow, Scotland and will conclude on November 12, 2021. It is being held under the presidency of Alok Sharma. It is the third meeting of the parties of Paris Agreement.
During the conference, parties are expected to commit to enhanced ambition since COP21. Parties are required to carry out ratchet mechanism every five years, in accordance with the Paris Agreement.
Mission Ganga enters Guinness Book of World Records
On the first day of Ganga Utsav (The River Festival 2021), National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) got registered in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Key facts
It was registered in the Guinness Book because record number of photos of handwritten notes were uploaded on Facebook in an hour.
The Ganga Utsav event was organised to raise awareness on Ganga rejuvenation as well as to
provide impetus to the reach of the event.
Ganga Utsav 2021
5th edition of Ganga Utsav virtually started with fun and festivities. The festival will celebrate the glory of river Ganga as well as other rivers of India.
About Ganga Utsav
Ganga Utsav, event to celebrate the glory of river Ganga, is celebrated by the National Mission for Clean Ganga, which is implemented by the National Ganga Council (NGC). It is a three-day festival, promoting engagement of the stakeholders. It also encourages public participation. The event is celebrated through storytelling, folklores, dialogues with eminent personalities, quizzes, music & dance performances and displaying traditional art forms, exhibitions & photo galleries.
What is the purpose of Ganga Utsav?
Ganga Utsav is celebrated with the objective of connecting different people to rejuvenate the river. It seeks to solve the sensitive ecological issues through conversations.
Where is Ganga Utsav celebrated?
The Ganga Utsav is celebrated across the banks of the river. For instance, in Prayagraj, it is celebrated at the confluence of River Ganga & River Yamuna. In Ujjain, it is celebrated on River Shipra.
SpaceX incorporates subsidiary in India
Elon Musk-owned SpaceX has incorporated its wholly-owned subsidiary in India on November 1, 2021 to start local broadband operations.
Key Facts
The satellite broadband arm of SpaceX, Starlink, aims to start broadband services in India from December 2022. It has 2 lakh active terminals subject to permission from the Indian government.
The subsidiary has been named as SSCPL, that stands for ‘Starlink Satellite Communications Private Limited’. The company was incorporated on November 1, 2021.
Starlink has already received more than 5,000 pre-orders from India.
Data charges Starlink is charging a deposit of USD 99 (Rs 7,350) from each customer. It claims to deliver data speeds in the range of 50 to 150 megabit per second in beta stage. Its services will compete with the services provided by Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, Vodafone Idea in broadband. It will also be a direct competitor of Bharti Group-backed OneWeb.
Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX)
SpaceX is an American aerospace manufacturer, communications corporation and space transportation services. It is headquartered in Hawthorne, California. The company was founded in 2002 by Elon Musk with the aim of reducing space transportation costs to provide for colonization of Mars. It manufactures the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launch vehicles, Dragon cargo, crew spacecraft, several rocket engines and Starlink communications satellites.
About Starlink
Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX. It provides satellite Internet access to most part of the Earth. As of now, it comprises of more than 1600 satellites.
2020 Government sports awards- Highlights
On November 1, 2021, Sports Ministry physically handed over trophies to the winners of National Sports Awards 2020.
Highlights
Winners of the Awards had already received the cash rewards but were unable to collect their
trophies and citations during 2020 event because the Sports Awards ceremony was held virtually amid Covid-19 pandemic.
Sports Ministry had handed over a total of 74 National Sports Awards, including 27 Arjuna Awards & 5 Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Awards, on August 29, 2020.
Vinesh Phogat, Ishant Sharma highlight ceremony
Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award 2020
Presented to Rohit Sharma (Cricket), Manika Batra (Table Tennis) Mariyappan Thangavelu (Para-Athletics), Rani Rampal (Hockey) and Vinesh Phogat (Wrestling).
Arjuna Award 2020
Presented to Atanu Das (Archery), Chirag Chandrasekhar Shetty (Badminton), Dutee Chand (Athletics), Ishant Sharma (Cricket), Deepti Sharma (Cricket), Divya Kakran (Wrestling) et al.
Dronacharya Award (Life-Time Category) 2020
Presented to Naresh Kumar (Tennis), Romesh Pathania (Hockey), Dharmendra Tiwary (Archery), Om Parkash Dahiya (Wrestling) et al.
Dhyan Chand Award 2020
Presented to Kuldip Singh Bhullar (Athletics), Lakha Singh (Boxing), Trupti Murgunde (Badminton), N Usha(Boxing), Manpreet Singh (Kabaddi), Nandan Bal (Tennis) et al.
Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar Identification and Nurturing of Budding & Young Talent category- given to Lakshya Institute & Army Sports Institute.
Encouragement to sports through Corporate Social Responsibility category- presented to Oil & Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) Ltd.
Employment of sportspersons & sports welfare measures category- presented to Air Force Sports Control Board.
National Sports Awards
It is the collective name for ‘six sports awards’ in India. The award is presented by Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.
Telangana invited to participate in International Seed Conference Telangana, in a rare recognition, has been invited to participate in a conference which will be held virtually
by Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
Highlights
International Seed Conference is a two-day conference. It will be held on November 4 & November 5, 2021 in Rome.
The conference is being organised to discuss development of seed industry.
In the conference, Managing Director of Seed Corporation Dr. Keshavulu will address on ‘Quality Seed Production System: A success story of India: Telangana as a seed hub’.
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
FAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations. It makes effort to defeat hunger and improve nutrition & food security. It was founded in October 1945. FAO comprises of 197 member states. Its headquarter is in Rome, Italy. The organisation also maintains regional & field offices across the world. It is operating in 130 countries.
Function of FAO
FAO help governments and development agencies to coordinate their activities in order to improve and develop fisheries, agriculture, forestry, and land & water resources. It also conducts research and provides technical assistance to projects and collects data on agricultural output, production & development.
Who governs the FAO?
FAO is governed by a biennial conference, that represents each member country and the European Union (EU). EU elects a 49-member executive council. Director-General serves as the chief administrative officer of FAO.
Funding to FAO
Regular Programme Budget of FAO is funded by its members, through contributions. Contributions are set at FAO Conference. This budget covers core technical work, Technical Cooperation Programme, knowledge exchange, policy & advocacy, governance & security as well as direction & administration.
Diversion of Marusudar River at Pakal Dul HE Project inaugurated Union Minister of Power, New & Renewable Energy, R.K. Singh inaugurated the Diversion of Marusudar River
of Pakal Dul Hydro Electric Project on November 1, 2021.
Key Points
This project is located in Kishtwar district of Jammu & Kashmir.
Accelerated development of hydropower projects is significant for grid balancing and generating peak power.
Pakal Dul H.E. Project will help in fulfilling the target of 450 GW Renewable energy by 2030.
Through this project, investment of Rs 8212 crores is being made in this region. Investment will in turn provide direct & indirect employment opportunities. It will help in overall development of local inhabitants.
Pakal Dul HE Project
Pakal Dul HE Project is a 1000 MW project. It is being constructed by Chenab Valley Power Projects [P] Ltd.
It is a joint venture company of JKSPDC (Govt of J&K) and NHPC Ltd (Govt of India Enterprise). CVPPPL has been charged with 3094 MW Hydro Power Projects for construction in J&K. The dam will divert water to the south using a 10 km long headrace tunnel. This project was awarded to a consortium of domestic & foreign countries comprising Bharat Heavy Electricals, AFCONS and Jay Prakash Associate, in February 2014.
Marusudar River
Marusudar river is the largest river tributary of Chenab River. It starts at the Nunkun glacier of the Warwan Valley and joins Chenab at Bhandarkoot in the Kishtwar district. It runs for 133 kilometres. On this river, 1000MW Pakal Dul Dam and 800MW Bursar Hydroelectric Project are under construction.
November 3, 2021
Saudi Arabia excavates ‘forgotten kingdoms’ Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is set to excavate ‘five kingdoms’ related to Dadanite and Lihyanite civilisations.
Highlights
Excavation will be done by a team of French and Saudi Archaeologists.
They will excavate five nearby sites related to Dadanite and Lihyanite civilisations. Both of the
civilisations were important regional powers, some 2000 years ago.
Kingdoms were spanning roughly 900 years until 100 CE. They controlled vital trade routes however, little is known about them.
Background
In the year 2019, Saudi Arabia opened a flagship tourist destination called Al Ula. It is a 2000-year-old city that have been carved into rocks by the Nabateans. It is known for majestic tombs of Madain Saleh. They were pre-Islamic Arab people and they built Petra in Jordan.
About Madain Saleh Madain Saleh is also called as Hegra. It is an archaeological site situated in the area of Al-‘Ula in the Medina Province of Hejaz, Saudi Arabia. Majority of the remains belong to Nabataean Kingdom that existed during 1st century AD. This site is the southernmost settlement of Saudi Arabia. It is the second largest city after Petra. On this site, traces of Lihyanite and Roman occupation can also be found.
Is the site in UNESCO list?
UNESCO proclaimed Mada’in Saleh as a site of patrimony in the year 2008. Thus, this site is the first World Heritage Site of Saudi Arabia. It was selected for its well-preserved remains from late antiquity, like 131 monumental rock-cut tombs, with their ornamented facades.
Who built Mada’in Salih?
Extensive settlement of the Madain Saleh took place during the 1st century AD, after it came under the rule of the Nabatean king Aretas IV Philopatris (Al-Harith IV). He made Mada’in Saleh the second capital of Saudi Arabia, after Petra.
November 2: National Ayurveda Day National Ayurveda Day was celebrated on November 2, 2021 by the Ministry of AYUSH, across the country.
Key Points
Ayurveda is an integral aspect of healthcare system of India. It holds recognition as traditional
medicine system by World Health Organization (WHO).
Union Ministry of AYUSH started observing Dhanvantari Jayanti (also called as Dhanteras) as
Ayurveda day in 2016.
The day was started being celebrated with the objective of nationalising the ayurvedic system of
medicine and make it global. Theme of the day
In the year 2021, the day was observed under the theme “Ayurveda for Poshana (Nutrition)”.
History of Ayurveda Day
India celebrates Ayurveda Day each year on the auspicious occasion of Dhanteras. This day celebrated since 2016 on the occasion of Dhanvantari Jayanti. This day is celebrated to raise awareness on importance of Ayurveda in our daily lives. It also focuses on strengths of Ayurveda and its unique treatment principles.
History of Dhanteras
Lord Dhanvantari is the god of Ayurvedic medicine. Thus, Dhanteras is observed every year for the wellbeing of everyone. Lord Dhanvantari is the healer of all ailments. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Dhanvantari (a physician of the gods) appeared before Devas and the Asuras during Samudra Manthan. He was holding Amrita (or nectar of immortality) and Ayurveda text in his hand. Devas and Asuras wanted the Amrita to become immortal. This led to a fight between both the groups. Later, Garuda protected the nectar from the Asuras.
Home Minister launches ‘Ayushman CAPF’ health card On November 2, 2021, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that, Central government has extended the benefits of “Ayushman CAPF healthcare scheme” to the personnel of all Central Armed Police Forces
(CAPFs).
Key Points
CAPFs would be able to avail the benefits of the central health insurance programme in a phased manner.
Scheme will be available by December-end across India. It will benefit 35 lakh CAPF personnel and their family members.
Scheme was launched by handing over the health card to National Security Guard (NSG)
Background Scheme was launched in line with the commitment of Modi govt to ensure healthcare facilities of CAPF personnel so that they can discharge their duties with full concentration.
When was this scheme launched?
The Ayushman CAPF healthcare scheme was first launched on January 23, 2021 by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Who are covered under the scheme?
It covers all Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) officials & serving personnel as well as their dependents from seven forces namely, Border Security Forces (BSF), Assam Rifles, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and National Security Guard (NSG).
Significance of the scheme
Under this scheme, CAPF personnel & their families would be able to avail cashless in-patient and outpatient healthcare facilities across the hospitals that comes under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY.
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)
PM-JAY is a national public health insurance fund, launched with the aim of providing free access to health insurance coverage for low-income earners in India. Around bottom 50% of the people in India qualifies for this scheme. Under the scheme, free secondary health care is provided to those requiring specialist treatment as well as tertiary health care for those needing hospitalization. Ministry of Health and Family welfare launched this scheme in 2018.
New Zealand’s annual Bird of The Year award
An independent conservation organisation in New Zealand, Forest & Bird, organised its annual Bird of The Year Award, recently.
In the year 2021, the annual bird of the year award was won by Pekapeka-tou-roa, which is a native bat species of New Zealand.
The species was made the winner in competition, despite not being a bird.
Why was a bat species allowed to enter?
Pekapeka-tou-roa is also known as long-tailed bat. It is one among New Zealand’s two land mammals. This species of bat was added to the Bird of the Year list by Forest and Bird as these species of bat as well as native birds are threatened by the same problems like habitat loss, predators and climate change. Thus, the first time in 2021, the organisation has let a native mammal to enter the competition.
About New Zealand’s long-tailed bat
New Zealand’s long-tailed bat is among two surviving species which are endemic or native to New Zealand.
They can be found throughout the mainland as well as on some offshore islands in the country. This species is a small-sized bat comprising of a long tail. New Zealand’s long-tailed bat is associated to five other wattled or lobe-lipped bats in Australia.
Conservation Status
As per New Zealand Department of Conservation, long-tailed bats are classified as ‘nationally critical’ while the short-tailed bat subspecies are classified as ‘nationally vulnerable’ to ‘recovering’. However, they are in danger of extinction if they are not protected.
Bird of the Year competition Bird of the Year competition was started by ‘Forest and Bird organisation’ to raise awareness on native wildlife of New Zealand, their habitats & threats they face.
What is the Global Methane Pledge?
The Global Methane Pledge was launched on November 2, 2021 at the ongoing UN COP26 climate conference in Glasgow.
Highlights
As of now, more than 90 countries have signed this pledge.
Global Methane Pledge is an effort led by the United States and the European Union, jointly.
This pledge is significant because Methane is the second-most abundant greenhouse gas present in the atmosphere.
About Global Methane Pledge
The Global Methane Pledge was first announced in September 2021 by the US and EU. It is an agreement to reduce global methane emissions. This pledge was announced with the aim of reducing methane emissions by 30 per cent by the year 2030, as compared to 2020 levels.
How Methane contributes to global temperature?
As per Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report, methane accounts for around half of the 1.0 degrees Celsius net increase in global average temperature as compared to pre-industrial era. As per UN, 25 percent of the warming is because of methane.
About methane
Methane is a greenhouse gas and a component of natural gas. Its presence in the atmosphere increases the temperature on Earth. Methane comes from human as well as natural sources. Human sources of methane comprise of oil & natural gas systems, landfills, coal mining, agricultural activities, wastewater treatment, and industrial processes. Human sources accounts for 60 percent of the global methane emissions, among which Oil & gas sectors are the largest contributor.
Rural Development Ministry-Flipkart MoU to empower local businesses Ministry of Rural Development of the Government of India (MoRD) and Flipkart has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM).
Key Facts
MoU between ministry & Flipkart will help in empowering local businesses and self-help groups (SHGs) by bringing them into the e-commerce fold.
Partnership is in line with the DAY-NRLM’s objective of strengthening the capabilities of rural
communities for self-employment and entrepreneurship.
Thus, it provides further momentum to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of an Atma Nirbhar Bharat.
Flipkart Samarth Program MoU is a part of the Flipkart Samarth program. It was signed with the aim of providing skilled & underserved communities of weavers, craftsmen, and artisans with national market access using the Flipkart marketplace. It will also provide them with dedicated support for knowledge and training. Flipkart Samarth programme seeks to break entry barriers for local communities by providing time-bound incubation &
support with onboarding, marketing, business insights, cataloguing, account management, and
warehousing. It will increase avenues for business and trade inclusion as well as help in creating & sustaining better livelihood opportunities.
DAY-NRLM program
NRLM is a poverty alleviation project, which is implemented by Ministry of Rural Development. This project focuses on promoting self-employment and organization of poor across rural India. It seeks to organize the poor into Self Help Groups (SHGs) and make them capable for self-employment.
Background of DAY-NRLM
Ministry of Rural Development had restructured the ‘Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP) in 1999 and launched Swarnajayanti Grameen Swarojgar Yojana (SGSY) in order to promote self-employment among rural poor. SGSY has now been remodelled to NRLM. NRLM was launched in 2011 with a budget outlay of $5.1 billion.
Flipkart Samarth Program
Flipkart Samarth program was launched in the year 2019 as a sustainable and inclusive platform for empowering underserved domestic communities & businesses by providing them opportunities and livelihoods. It is currently supporting the livelihoods of more than 950000 artisans, weavers and craftsmen in India.
One Sun One World One Grid group- Key Facts
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for ‘One Sun, One World, One Grid’ on November 2, 2021 for improving the viability of solar power.
Key Points
On the occasion, he also announced that India’s space agency, ISRO will provide a calculator to the world soon, that can measure solar energy potential of any region.
‘One Sun, One World, One Grid’ (OSOWOG) solution will be used to tackle the challenge of solar power.
Earth’s atmosphere receives enough sunlight in one hour, that can be used to power the electricity need of every human on earth for a year.
However, solar energy is only available during the day. Another challenge is that it is dependent on weather conditions.
About OSOWOG
This project is about setting a ‘trans-national electricity grid to supply solar power across the world. The vision behind OSOWOG is ‘The Sun Never Sets’. It is a constant at some geographical location, across the globe, at any given point of time. This is the most ambitious schemes undertaken by India and is significant in terms economic benefits. It has been taken up under the technical assistance program of the World Bank.
This plan will also leverage the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
Three Phases of the OSOWOG
First Phase: It will involve interconnectivity within the Asian continent.
Second Phase: Africa will be added.
Third Phase: It will involve global interconnection.
Significance of OSOWOG
OSOWOG project will help all the participating countries in attracting investments in renewable energy sources. It will also help in utilizing finances, skills and technology.
It will lead to lesser project costs, higher efficiencies and increased asset utilization across all the
participating entities.
Economic benefits arising out of the project will result into poverty alleviation. It will also support in mitigating water & sanitation, food and other socio-economic challenges.
Yahoo pulls out of China Yahoo Inc. has pulled out of China on November 2, 2021 because of an increasingly challenging business and legal environment.
Highlights
Yahoo has stopped its services in China from November 1, 2021.
Yahoo took this decision in line with its commitment for rights of users and a free & open internet.
This decision coincides with the implementation of Personal Information Protection law in China.
Censorship in China
Chinese authorities maintain a sharp grip on internet censorship. It requires companies operating in China to censor the keywords and content that are politically sensitive or inappropriate.
China has also implemented its “Personal Information Protection Law”, which set limits to what information companies can gather. It also sets standards on how information must be stored.
Under Chinese laws, companies operating in the country are required to hand over data if authorities make such request.
Background
In 2007, Yahoo was criticized by lawmakers after it handed over data on two Chinese dissidents to Beijing.
It led to the imprisonment of Chinese dissidents. Yahoo had previously stopped its operations in China. In the year 2015, it closed down its office in Beijing.
How international social media sites operate in China?
Yahoo withdrawal from China is largely symbolic because China had already blocked Yahoo services & its web portal. China also stopped music and email services of Yahoo on its mainland during 2010s. China does not allow international social media sites and search engines like Facebook & Google to operate there.
Users in China access these services by using a virtual private network (VPN).
RBI panel calls for overhauling ARC regulations
A Reserve Bank of India (RBI) panel has suggested for overhauling rules to govern Asset Reconstruction
Companies (ARC).
Key Points
Overhauling ARC regulations will enhance the availability of bad loans for transactions.
It will also bring in a wide set of investors for distressed assets to the market.
Recommendations of the panel
RBI panel recommends for:
1. Purchase of loans classified as fraud
2. An online system for transparency in transactions
3. permission to transact in financial assets that are owned by mutual funds.
4. Defining ‘substantial part of business’ for ensuring change in management
5. Permission to participate in the resolution under Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) by ARCs.
6. Streamlining and standardising sale process of stressed assets undertaken by banks or Financial Institutions (FIs).
About the Asset Reconstruction Company (ARC)
ARC is a specialized financial institution which buys the Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) from banks and financial institutions in order to clean up their balance sheets. ARC helps banks to concentrate in normal
banking activities. It provides opportunities for banks to sell bad assets to ARCs, at mutually agreed value, rather than going after the defaulters.
What is the Legal Basis of ARC?
ARCs in India have been constituted under the Securitization and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest (SARFAESI) Act, 2002. SARFAESI Act helps in reconstruction of bad assets, and nullify the intervention of courts. ARCs are required to have a minimum net owned fund of Rs 2 crores, as per amendment in SARFAESI Act 2016.
RBI’s Revised PCA framework- Things to Know Reserve Bank of India (RBI) modified its prompt corrective action (PCA) framework on November 3, 2021 to exclude the profitability parameter from its triggers list.
Key Points
In its 2017 framework, capital, asset quality & profitability were the key areas to monitor.
In recent modification, round capital, asset quality & leverage will be key areas.
RBI has also modified the level of shortfall in total capital adequacy ratio. It will push the lender to “risk threshold three” category. Lenders who breach this risk threshold, will be placed under stringent
PCA restrictions.
What is the objective of PCA?
PCA framework are put in place with the objective of enabling supervisory intervention at appropriate time.
It requires the supervised Entity to implement remedial measures in a time bound manner, for restoring its financial health.
What is PCA Framework?
The PCA framework was introduced in December 2002. It acts as a tool for effective market discipline.
These regulations were revised in April 2017, on the recommendations of working group of Financial Stability & Development Council. Under this framework, RBI puts banks with weak financial metrics under watch. It aims to check the Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) problems in banking sector of India. It helps in alerting regulator, investors and depositors in case bank heading for trouble.
Which banks are covered under the PCA framework?
PCA framework is applicable only to commercial banks. Co-operative banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) are not covered under it.
COP26: Economic Implications of India’s targets On November 1, 2021, at COP26 climate summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced 2070 as the India’s target to reach net zero carbon emissions.
Key Points
India’s announcement came as a surprise to delegates in Glasgow, as India had rejected calls to
announce such target recently.
US, UK & Japan have net zero target by 2050; EU by 2060; Saudi Arabia, China & Russia by 2070.
What is net-zero target?
A net-zero target is defined as date by which a country will only emit carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases that can be absorbed by forests, soil, crops, and developing technologies such as carbon capture technology.
Which are the top Greenhouse Gas Emitters?
China, United States, India and Russia are the top greenhouse gas emitters. India is the third-biggest emitter of greenhouse gases and is among the countries which are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. As per Global Climate Risk Index 2021, India is the seventh-most affected nation by extreme weather events.
India’s goal towards net-zero emissions
India’s goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 is far-fetched. Thus, to support this goal, four other aggressive pledges were made. These targets are:
50% of power will come from renewables by 2030.
500 GW of installed renewable energy capacity will be reached by 2030.
Reduction in carbon intensity by 45% by 2030.
Reduction in projected total carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2030.
India further seeks to reduce its projected total carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes by the end of the decade.
Jai Bhim Mukhyamantri Pratibha Vikas Yojana
Under “Jai Bhim Mukhyamantri Pratibha Vikas Yojana, around 15,000 students have enrolled for coaching classes in the year 2021.
What is Jai Bhim Mukhyamantri Pratibha Vikas Yojana Scheme?
This scheme was launched by Delhi Government. It was launched for various competitive exams at some private centres.
It covers children belonging to economically poor background and marginalised communities.
Besides free coaching, students will also be provided travel stipend amount of Rs 2,500 by Delhi government.
Which students are covered under the scheme?
Under it, bright students belonging to SC, ST, OBC and EWS categories are given free coaching for competitive exams, from private coaching centres.
Family whose earnings are less than Rs.8 lakh per annum can avail the benefits of the scheme.
Which coaching institutes provide classes?
Under the scheme, students can avail the benefit of free coaching classes across 46 coaching centres.
Coaching teaches for competitive exams like UPSC, CDS, medical & engineering entrance, banking exams, management school exams and law university entrance.
Background
This scheme was launched in 2018. That year it was launched only for SC & ST students. Around 5,000 students were enrolled under it. In the year 2019, it witnessed the enrolment of 15,000 students as scheme was opened for students belonging to OBC and EWS category.
India, Bhutan to have 7 more Trade entry and exit points
India and Bhutan are set to have seven additional entry and exit points for trade in order to increase trade connectivity.
This decision was taken in a commerce secretary-level meeting, that was held between the issue of trade and transit between both the countries.
Indian side was led by BVR Subrahmanyam, Secretary of Department of Commerce under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry while the Bhutanese side was led by Dasho Karma Tshering, Secretary of Ministry of Economic Affairs, in Government of
Agenda of the meeting During the meeting, extensive discussions on the current trade and transit issues were discussed.
They also discussed issues of mutual interests and measures to strengthen the bilateral trade
relations.
Discussions were held to increase trade connectivity between both the countries.
Both sides also formalised seven additional entry or exit points, through a Letters of Exchange.
What are seven entry or exit points?
Seven entry or exit points include-
1. Nagarkata Land Customs Station without commodity restriction
2. Agartala Land Customs Station
3. Pandu port at Guwahati Steamerghat. It is subject to cross border control at Dhubri
4. Jogighopa port. This port is also subject to cross border control at Dhubri.
5. Asian Highway 48 that connects Torsha Tea Garden in India with Ahllay in Bhutan. This highway acts as an additional route corresponding to the Land Customs Station at Kamardwisa, Jaigaon and Birpara.
Trade between India and Bhutan
Trade between both the countries has more than doubled in 2020-2021, as compared to USD 484 million in 2014-15. In 2020-21, the trade stood at USD 1,083 million.
Gujarati New Year – Bestu Varas celebrated
Gujarati New Year, dubbed as Bestu Varas, was observed on November 5.
Key Points
This day is observed on Pratipada Tithi of the Kartik month of Hindu calendar.
Shukla Paksha marks the beginning of Gujarati New Year.
About Bestu Varas
Bestu Varas is related to lord Shri Krishna.
As per mythology, Lord Krishna spent his early years in Braj and raised questions regarding offerings made to Lord Indra.
Lord Krishna always detested appeasement, while encouraging people to do what was approved by Dharma and was right. As a result, Local discontinued the offerings to Lord Indra.
But to avenge this insult, Lord Indra lashed the Braj region with torrential rains and thunderstorms.
This led to the loss of property and livestock.
To end this sufferings, Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan hill on his little finger to provide shelter to cattle and livestock.
India continued this for seven days and on the eighth day, he conceded defeat and bow before Lord Krishna.
This way, started the tradition of praying to the Govardhan mountain.
How this day is celebrated?
To mark this day, traders close their old account books & open new ones, a day before this. They paint the sacred Swastika symbol and write shubh labh on it. People worship Devi Lakshmi, who is the Goddess of wealth and Devi Saraswati, who is the Goddess of learning.
Significance of the day
It is believed that, the day brings luck and profit throughout the year. During this day, no tithi is observed to pray and perform the rituals. Gujarati New Year coincides with Govardhan Puja. Thus, the whole day is considered promising and auspicious. On this day, Chopda Puja is also performed. It is devoted to Goddess Laxmi.
RBI: Commitment to Support Greening India’s Financial System
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) published its ‘Statement of Commitment to Support Greening India’s Financial System – NGFS’ on November 3, 2021 in order to contribute towards global response for meeting the climate goals.
Highlights
RBI broadly supports the NGFS (Network for Greening the Financial System) declaration.
It also praised the co-ordination efforts of NGFS in defining, promoting, and contributing towards the development of best practices in climate finance by sharing experiences and best practices.
RBI joined the Central Banks & Supervisors NGFS on April 23, 2021; as member. This will help RBI in learning from and contributing to global efforts on climate change.
What is Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS)?
NGFS is a network of 83 central banks and financial supervisors. The network aims to accelerate the scaling up of green finance. It also seeks to develop recommendations for role of central banks for climate change. This network was established in 2017. NGFS’s secretariat is hosted by the Banque de France.
Dutch central banker Frank Elderson is the current chair of NGFS. Centralbanking.com had awarded NGFS as the best green initiative of the year 2020.
Background
The NGFS was announced in the year 2017, at the Paris “One Planet Summit”. It was launched by 8 founding central banks.
TN: SPV to manage Nature conservation missions
Tamil Nadu government, in a big leap towards climate action, has set up the first setting up the first ever Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to manage natural conservation missions in the state.
Key Points
The special purpose vehicle is being dubbed as “Tamil Nadu Green Climate Company”.
The company will professionally manage three critical natural conservation missions namely, Tamil Nadu Climate Change mission, Tamil Nadu Wetlands mission and Tamil Nadu Green movement mission.
This was created after Prime Minister Narendra Modi committed for India to achieve net-zero carbon emission by 2070.
Members and funds of SPV
The authorised capital of SPV will be Rs 5 crore. Its member includes-
1. Chairperson & MD: State Environment Secretary
2. Members: Top officials from the departments of finance, municipal administration, energy,
agriculture and forests.
Mission of SPV
Mission of SPV comprise of:
1. Planning, execution and monitoring of several programme in the state on climate change adaptation & mitigation.
2. Wetlands mapping & restoration.
3. Enhancing forest & tree cover to 33 per cent.
4. SPV will also create strong policy support for climate change, cutting over all sectors of governance.
5. It will formulate strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and benchmarking the industries for moving towards green manufacturing.
6. SPV will also promote eco-friendly technologies for a sustainable future.
Background While presenting the revised budget for 2021-2022, State Finance Minister announced three missions. Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission was launched with a total outlay of Rs 500 crores, to focus on climate change adaptation and mitigation activities.
Tamil Nadu Wetlands Mission
This Mission was launched to identify and map 100 wetlands in 5 years. It will also help in restoring the ecological balance with focus on livelihood at a cost of Rs 150 crore.
Assam cabinet approves Industrial Relation Rules
On November 4, 2021, Assam cabinet approved “Industrial Relation Rules, 2021” with the aim of safeguarding the rights of employers and employees.
Highlights
Industrial Relation Rules have been framed to amalgamate, simplify and rationalise provisions of three central labour codes related to industrial relations.
Cabinet also approved “Assam Migrant Workers’ Food Security Scheme” to provide relief to migrant workers in the form of dry ration to them. Under this scheme, data of migrant workers available on e- SHRAM portal and other resources will be used to distribute ration to them.
Transfer of Land in protected areas Assam cabinet has also authorised the deputy commissioner of Kamrup (Metro) and Kamrup (Rural) for granting permission to transfer land in protected areas or blocks without prior approval of the state government. Provision of para 17.5 of Land Policy 2019 will be removed. As per provision, revenue
department or the deputy commissioner will allot land to indigenous landless people after receiving their application.
Mission Basundhara
State government also launched this portal called “Mission Bashundhara”. On this portal, conversion of allotment certificate to periodic patta was included as a service. Cabinet allowed conversion of allotment certificate to periodic patta in rural areas within three years of allotment.
Cabinet decision on reserved seats for Students State cabinet decided that reserved seats for students belonging to tea garden community in Brahmaputra and Barak valleys will be proportionately divided between two areas in medical and dental colleges of the
state. Out of 24 medical seats, 18 will be for students from Brahmaputra valley while 6 will be for students from Barak valley.
India to host Security Dialogue on Afghanistan
India is set to host “security dialogue on Afghanistan, on November 10, 2021.
Key facts
Russia, Iran, and all other central Asian countries have confirmed their participation at the dialogue.
It is for the first time that not just Afghanistan’s immediate land neighbours, but all Central Asian countries will participate.
Invitation for the dialogue have been extended to China and Pakistan too.
However, Pakistan has indicated that it will not participate.
Why India is hosting the dialogue?
India is hosting the dialogue for discussing the overall security situation in Afghanistan in the aftermath of Taliban’s capture of power.
Who will hold the meeting?
The security dialogue will be held at the level of national security advisers of the participating countries.
From India, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval will chair the meeting.
Background
In the past, two meetings in this format have been held. Meetings were held in Iran in September 2018 and December 2019. Third meeting could not be held in 2020 due to covid-19 pandemic.
India’s view on Afghanistan peace process
India has always called for a peace process which is “Afghan-led, Afghan-controlled and Afghanowned”.
It called for involving all stakeholders within the Afghan community to achieve peace by
initiating a dialogue process.
India has been calling for double peace, one within Afghanistan and second in external environment of Afghanistan. However, Pakistan as the neighbour of Afghanistan is delaying the peace process.
Pakistan has been using Taliban to carry terrorist activities.
India is of the view that, United Nations as an influencer of peace will play a bigger role in Afghan peace process.
India also emphasizes on greater involvement of international community, such as by raising financial commitments under the Heart of Asia Conference for rebuilding Afghanistan.
India’s aid in Afghanistan
India has made contributions of around $3 billion to Afghan redevelopment. Developmental projects include:
1. Building of Afghan parliament as a gift from India
2. Construction of Salma dam in Herat province.
3. Building of Zaranj-Delaram highway for improving connectivity.
4. Setting up health infrastructure.
5. Mid-day meal sent to the schools of Afghanistan.
6. Scholarships for Afghan students to study in India.
7. Vocational training for Afghan women.
Delhi approves Rs 1544 Cr under State ECRP 2021-22
In its battle against COVID-19, Delhi Cabinet has approved a budget of Rs 1544 crores for improving health
systems in the union territory.
Key Points
Delhi cabinet, headed by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, approved the ‘Emergency COVID Response
Package (ECRP).
This budget will be used:
1. To enhance testing & labs
2. To procure supplies
3. To mobilize additional human resources
4. To increase health facilities in hospitals
5. To manage Covid Care Centres.
This move will enhance the management of resources in Delhi.
Background
The ECRP 2021 was approved because, there was a common consensus that the pandemic is not over yet and a third wave can be expected. Thus, to avoid any hesitations with respect to control and prevention of the spread of virus, cabinet approved the Rs 1544.24 crore for the State ECRP 2021-22.
Significance of the move
ECRP will help in enhancing the management of resources in Delhi. It will be crucial in the advent of any
future wave of Covid-19. This fund will allow expenditure on all the long term & short-term activities for
managing the pandemic.
Distribution of budget
Out of total allocated budget, Rs 415 Crores will be used to strengthen COVID-19 Testing & Labs. Rs 445 Crores will be used to procure supplies, Rs 280 crore will help in improving Health Facilities and Hospitals while Rs 125 Crores have been allocated to aid the Management of Covid Care Centres.
Improving health infrastructure
Delhi Government is enhancing the infrastructure of hospitals on a rapid scale. 6836 ICU beds will be added across 7 hospitals in Delhi. Thus, capacity of ICU beds in Delhi will now become 17000.
Draft Mediation Bill – Highlights
Indian government has issued a Draft Mediation Bill for Public Consultation, that seeks to safeguard the interest of litigants to approach competent adjudicatory forums.
Key Points
Draft Mediation Bill provides for pre-litigation mediation.
The bill safeguards the interest of litigants to approach competent adjudicatory forums and courts for urgent relief.
According to the bill, successful outcome of mediation has been made enforceable by law, in the form of Mediation Settlement Agreement.
Mediation Settlement Agreement is out of consensual agreement between the parties. Thus,
challenge related to it has been permitted on limited grounds.
As per bill, mediation process safeguards the confidentiality of mediation undertaken. It also
provides for immunity in certain cases against its disclosure.
Registration procedure
According to the draft bill, registration of Mediation Settlement Agreement has been provided with the legal authorities in State, District and Taluk within 90 days for ensuring maintenance of authenticated records of the settlement.
Mediation Council of India
Bill provides for the creating a Mediation Council of India.
Other provisions of the bill
The draft bill proposes to bring about a standalone law on Mediation regarding the issues of
domestic and international mediation because India is a signatory to the Singapore Convention on Mediation.
It also takes international practice of using terms like ‘conciliation’ and ‘mediation’, into
contemplation.
Mediation as an ADR
As an Alternate Dispute Redressal (ADR), mediation provides an informal, simple, non-adversarial approach for resolving several types of disputes like civil disputes, commercial disputes and family disputes etc. In such cases, parties are not able to start any negotiation and reach to the settlement on their own.
Delhi: Air quality in severe category
As per Central Pollution Control Board’s data, air quality of Delhi has deteriorated to “severe” category on November 5, after Diwali.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi was recorded as 444 on November 5 at 6 a.m. By 8 am, it worsened to 451.
Air pollution of severe levels affects healthy people. It also has serious impacts to people with
existing diseases.
Air quality is likely to improve from November 7.
What is National Air Quality Index?
National Air Quality Index was launched in 2014, with the tagline ‘One Number – One Colour -One Description’. It was launched for the common man to judge air quality locally. Air quality is measured on the basis of eight pollutants- Particulate Matter (PM10), Particulate Matter (PM2.5), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Ozone (O3), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Lead (Pb) and Ammonia (NH3).
Categories of AQI
AQI has six categories of air quality namely, Severe, Very Poor, Poor, Moderately Polluted, Satisfactory and Good.
How AQI is determined?
AQI between 0 & 50 is considered Good, between 51 & 100 as satisfactory, between 101 & 200 as moderate, between 201 & 300 as poor, between 301 & 400 as very poor while in between 401 & 500 as severe.
Who developed the AQI?
AQI was developed by Central Pollution Control board (CPCB) in association with the IIT-Kanpur and an expert group consisting of medical & air-quality professionals.
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) CPCB is a statutory organisation, that works under the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change.
It was established in 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act. It was entrusted with functions and responsibilities later in accordance with Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
Kedarnath: PM lays foundation stones to development projects Prime Minister, Narendra Modi laid the foundation stones and dedicated several development projects in
Kedarnath, to the nation on November 5, 2021.
Key Points
PM inaugurated the Samadhi of Adi Shankaracharya and unveiled the statue of Adi Shankaracharya.
He also reviewed and inspected the executed & ongoing infrastructure works.
He offered prayers at the Kedarnath Temple.
On the occasion, prayers were offered and celebrations held across 12 Jyotirlingas and 4 dhams. All
these events were linked to the main event at Kedarnath Dham.
Minister for Culture, Tourism & DoNER visited the Adi Shankaracharya temple at Kalady in Kerala.
Kalady is the birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya.
Adi Shankaracharya
Adi Shankaracharya was an Indian philosopher and theologian. His works had a strong impact on doctrine of Advaita Vedanta. He founded four monasteries (Mathas). These four mathas are believed to have helped in historical development, propagation and revival of Advaita Vedanta. He travelled over Indian subcontinent for propagating his philosophy through discourses and debates with other thinkers belonging to orthodox Hindu traditions as well as heterodox non-Hindu-traditions. His commentaries on Prasthana Trayi Vedic
canon like Brahma Sutras, Principal Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita, argue on unity of Atman & Nirguna Brahman.
Advaita Vedanta
Advaita Vedanta is a school of Hindu philosophy. Advaita term refers to the idea that Brahman alone is ultimately real, while transient phenomenal world is an illusory appearance of Brahman.
China launches 3 new remote sensing satellites
China successfully launched three new remote sensing satellites on November 6, 2021 from the Xichang
Satellite Launch Centre located in southwestern Sichuan province.
Key facts
The satellites belong to the Yaogan-35 family.
They were launched by a Long March-2D carrier rocket and entered the planned orbit successfully.
This was the 396th mission for Long March series carrier rockets of China.
Background
China’s Long March-3B rocket has completed its 300th launch in March 2019 successfully. It put a new communication satellite into orbit. This rocket is regarded as the main stay of Chinese space programme since 1970.
About Long March carrier launches Long March carrier rocket series has been developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. It is responsible for around 96.4 per cent of all the Chinese launch missions in China. Long March rockets took 37 years to complete first 100 launched. While, second 100 launched were completed in 7.5 years. It only took four years to accomplish the final 100 launches. The average number of launches per
year increased from 2.7 to 13.3 and then to 23.5.
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC)
CASC is the main contractor of Chinese space program. It is state-owned. It comprises of a number of subordinate entities which are involved in designing, developing and manufacturing a range of spacecraft, strategic & tactical missile systems, launch vehicles and ground equipment. This corporation was officially established in July 1999.
Goa Maritime Conclave-Highlights
Third edition of the annual Goa Maritime Conclave (GMC-21) started in Goa from November 7, 2021.
Key Points
In the conclave, India will be host to the Navy chiefs of 12 nations of the Indian Ocean Region.
GMC-21 will comprise of a three-day-long conclave on building working-level deliberations, which also took place during Goa Maritime Symposium-21 in May 2021.
Agenda of the conclave
At the GMC-21, Indian Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh will host Heads of maritime forces from 12
Indian Ocean littorals namely, Comoros, Bangladesh, Madagascar, Indonesia, Maldives, Malaysia, Myanmar, Mauritius, Singapore, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
They will discuss the significance of interoperability for effectively dealing with emerging & future maritime security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region.
Keynote address of GMC-21 will be delivered by Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar and Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla.
As part of the conclave, visitors will get an opportunity to witness India’s indigenous shipbuilding industry at ‘Make in India Exhibition’.
Three Sessions of the Conclave
The conclave will be held in three sessions:
1. Collective Maritime Competencies for countering non-traditional threats
2. Session for strengthening regional cooperation enforcing maritime laws
3. Session for mitigating emerging non-traditional threats
Official theme of GMC 21
The theme of GMC 2021 is “Maritime Security and Emerging Non-Traditional Threats: A case for proactive role for Indian Ocean Region”
Goa Maritime Symposium-21
The Symposium was the Sherpa event for GMC-21.
Indian Ocean Region and GMC
Indian Ocean region has become the focus of 21st-century strategic landscape. In this region, GMC aims to bring regional stakeholders together and discuss on collaborative implementation strategies for this region.
Meghalaya Cabinet approves creation of Eastern West Khasi Hills district
On November 5, 2021, Meghalaya Cabinet has approved a proposal to give “Mairang civil sub-division” the status of a full-fledged district.
Key Points
Mairang civil sub-division will now be called as “Eastern West Khasi Hills district”.
It will be inaugurated on November 10, 2021.
Significance of the move
This move will help in ensuring that administration will remain closer to the people. It will also ensure that implementation of several schemes is more effective.
Khasi Hills
Khasi Hills is a low mountain formation, located in the Shillong Plateau of Meghalaya. These hills are part of the Garo-Khasi-Jaintia range. They connect with the Purvanchal Range as well as larger Patkai Range towards further east. Khasi Hills are located in the Meghalaya subtropical forests ecoregion. Before 1970,
Khasi Hills and entire Meghalaya state was part of Assam, administratively.
Which tribe inhabit the region?
The Khasi Hills region is inhabited by tribal Khasi dwellers. They are traditionally in various chieftainships.
Khasis are majorly Presbyterians followed by Catholics & Anglicans.
Home to wettest place One of its capitals called Sohra, is the wettest places in the world.
Highest Peak
Highest peak of the Khasi Hills region is Lum Shyllong. It is 1968 metres in height. It is located a few kilometers south of Shillong town.
Background
Khasi Hills region comes under the Khasi Hills district. This district was divided into West Khasi Hills and East Khasi Hills districts on October 28, 1976. Ri-Bhoi District was carved out of East Khasi Hills District on June 4, 1992.
Fifth anniversary of Demonetisation- Economic impacts
India is observing the fifth anniversary of demonetisation on November 8, 2021. Demonetisation was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2016.
Background With this move, Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes were withdrawn as a legal tender across the country.
This move was aimed at eliminating black money.
What is Demonetisation?
Demonetisation is an act of withdrawing the status of currency as legal tender. It occurs whenever national
currency of a country is changed. Under this act, current form or forms of money is pulled from circulation
and are replaced with new notes or coins.
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What are the Objectives of Demonetisation?
Demonetisation is done with the objective of:
Discouraging the use of high-denomination notes for illegal transactions. It curbs the use of black money.
Encouraging digitisation of commercial transactions and formalising the economy. Thus, it boosts government tax revenues.
What were the impacts of demonetisation?
On November 4, 2016, currency with public was around Rs. 17.97 lakh crore which declined to Rs 7.8
lakh crore in January 2017 following demonetisation.
Demonetisation led to liquidity shortage in economy. Post demonetisation, demands fell, businesses faced a crisis and gross domestic product (GDP) growth decreased to 1.5%.
What is Currency with Public?
According to Reserve Bank of India (RBI), currency with public is defined as “Total currency in circulation minus cash available with banks”.
What is Currency in Circulation?
It is defined as cash or currency available within a country for the purpose of conducting transactions between consumers and businesses.
Landsat 9 satellite sends 1st photos of Earth
NASA and US Geological Survey led Landsat 9 mission collected and sent its first light images of the Earth.
Highlights
Images highlight the remote coastal islands and inlets of Kimberley region of Western Australia, Lake Erie, white sands of Pensacola Beach and Glaciers high in the Himalayas.
All the acquired images provide a preview of how this mission will help people in managing vital natural resources and understanding the impacts of climate change.
About Landsat 9
Landsat 9 is an Earth observation satellite. It was launched from Space Launch Complex-3E at Vandenberg
Space Force Base on September 27, 2021. The mission was launched through an Atlas V 401 launch vehicle. This is a joint mission of NASA and US Geological Survey (USGS). NASA looks after building,
launching, and testing the satellite on the other hand, USGS operates this satellite, and manages & distributes the data archive.
Design of Landsat 9
NASA had assigned the design and construction of Landsat 9, in October 2016, as a part of a delivery order contract to Orbital ATK. Its purchase cost is US$129.9 million, which is a part of five-year contract between NASA and USGS. Landsat 9 is similar in design to Landsat 8, which was launched in 2013. However, Landsat 9 transmits data with higher radiometric resolution towards the Earth, which in turn allow to detect
more subtle differences, particularly over darker areas like dense forests or water. For instance, Landsat 9 can differentiate 16,000 shades of a given wavelength colour.
United States Geological Survey (USGS)
USGS was earlier known as Geological Survey. It is a scientific agency of the United States government. The scientists of the USGS are involved in studying the landscape of US, its natural resources as well as natural hazards threatening the country.
SBI Financial Inclusion metrics report
The State Bank of India (SBI) has released its Financial Inclusion metrics report. It has been prepared by Chief Economic Advisor of SBI group, Soumya Kanti Ghosh.
The report states that, financial inclusion policies have a multiplier effect on economic growth,
income inequality and reducing poverty. It is also conducive for financial stability.
Number of bank branches per 100000 adults in India have increased to 14.7 in 2020 as compared to 13.6 in 2015. This increase was the result of Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana, digital infrastructure etc.
This number is higher as compared to Germany, China and South Africa.
Internet banking transactions per 1,000 adults have boosted to 13,615 in 2019 as opposed to 183 in 2015.
States having higher Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) accounts balances have reported decline in crime.
States where more PMJDY accounts were opened, reported a significant and economically
meaningful drop in consumption of intoxicants like alcohol and tobacco products.
Banking Correspondent (BC) model in India has been enabled to provide a defined range of banking services at a lower cost. Thus, BC model is instrumental in promoting financial inclusion. Number of ‘Banking Outlets in Villages – BCs’ has increased from 34,174 in March 2010 to 12.4 lakh in December 2020.
Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)
PMJDY is National Mission for Financial Inclusion. It was launched on August 28, 2014 to ensure access to financial services like Banking or Savings & Deposit Accounts, Credit, Insurance, Remittance and Pension in an affordable manner.
UN: 3 million more at edge of famine
A report by the World Food Programme (WFP) has revealed that acute hunger has increased across the world. As a result, 45 million people are living on the edge of famine across 43 countries.
Key Points
In its earlier report in 2021, WFP had estimated this number at 42 million. But, recent assessment of food security reveals that another three million people facing famine in Afghanistan.
As per report, fuel prices & food prices are increasing and fertiliser is more expensive. All these factors feed into the new crises of starvation like unfolding in Afghanistan, Yemen and Syria.
Report highlights that, to curb this situation worldwide, seven billion dollars will be needed, which earlier was estimated as 6.6 billion.
5 million Syrians are witnessing an acute hunger, as per report.
In countries like Haiti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Angola and Burundi, acute hunger has been
increasing.
What are the impacts of food insecurity?
The food insecurity in some areas is forcing parents to make choices like marrying off their children early.
Parents are pulling children out of school, or they are feeding them locusts, cactus or wild leaves. In
Afghanistan, families are reportedly being forced to sell their children to survive.
Acute hunger (famine)
Acute hunger is defined as undernourishment over a defined period. It is the most extreme form of hunger.
It arises frequently because of situations like droughts, wars and disasters.
World Food Programme (WFP)
WEP is the food-assistance branch of United Nations and the world’s largest humanitarian organization. It is dubbed as the largest organisation to focus on hunger & food security. It is the largest organisation to provide school meals. It was founded in 1961. It is headquartered in Rome and runs offices across 80 countries.
Haritha Karma Sena (Green Action Force) – Key Facts
Kerala government has proposed to form “Haritha Karma Sena (Green Action Force) to collect and segregate waste from city households for transporting it to solid waste treatment facility at Kochi Corporation.
Highlights
Proposal to constitute the action force has been included in the draft bylaw in order to streamline municipal solid waste management system in the city.
Draft legislation was framed in accordance with Section 33 of the Kerala Municipalities Act.
It was discussed by health standing committee of the Corporation recently and now it will be placed before the Corporation council for approval.
Clearance from State Government is also required for the bylaw to come into force.
What was the need for this legal framework?
The policy framework was required for the civic body to handle plastic, solid & liquid waste; electronic & other waste and for managing hazardous waste created by industrial units. It was needed to keep the city clean as well as to prevent dumping of waste on roads & other public places.
What entities are covered under the bylaw?
The new drafted bylaw covers all sections of society ranging from individual households, industrial units and traders.
About Green Action Force
The Green Action Force will be created in all divisions of the civic body. Each unit will be covering around 200 houses in the division. Residents of each division will be members of the Green Action Force, ideally. If enough members are not identified from a division, then those living within the Corporation limits will be selected. Members of the units will collect refuse from doorstep of residents. Non-biodegradable, degradable and sanitary waste will be collected separately on pre-designated dates and will be transported to vehicles engaged by the civic body. They will also keep an eye on illegal dumping of waste in water bodies and public places.
cOcOn 2021- Kerala Police’s Cyber security and hacking conference
Chief of Defence Staff, Bipin Rawat, is set to inaugurate cOcOn 2021 on November 12, 2021.
What is cOcOn 2021?
cOcOn 2021 is the annual cyber security and hacking conference.
It is organised by the Kerala Police.
Conference will showcase two days of pre-conference workshops, on November 10 and November 11.
Main conference will be held for two days, November 12 & 13.
What is the theme of cOcOn 2021?
The conference will be organised under the theme “Improvise, Adapt and Overcome”.
Who are going to take part in event?
Keynote speakers of the conference include:
1. Mohamed Al-Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security of UAE
2. Tomasz Zaleski, Chairman of the Royal Office of Sheikh Ahmed Bin Faisal Al Qassimi of UAE
3. Sivan, Chairman of ISRO
4. P. Gurnani, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of Tech Mahindra.
What is cOcOn?
cOcOn is a 13 years old platform, created with the aim of providing opportunities to educate, showcase, understand and spread awareness regarding the privacy, Information Security and data protection. It also aims to provide a hand-shaking platform to several Corporate and Government organizations including several investigation agencies, research organisations, academia, industry leaders & players.
Background
cOcOn was earlier known as Cyber Safe. It is an annual event, which is conducted as a part of International Information Security Day. cOcOn annual conferences was started in 2008. It is an initiative of Kerala Police in association with Information Security Research Organization (ISRA).
About ISRA
ISRA is a registered non-profit organization that focuses on various aspects of Information Security like security research and cyber security awareness activities. It was registered in the year 2010.
Centre:18 lakh children in India severely malnourished
According to Women and Child Ministry, there are more than 33 lakh malnourished children in India. This
figure was reported from Poshan tracker, on which numbers are directly entered by anganwadis and are accessed by the Central government.
Highlights
Ministry further notes that, more than half of the children are in the severely malnourished category.
Maharashtra, Bihar and Gujarat are topping the list.
As per estimate, there are 17,76,902 severely acute malnourished (SAM) children and 15,46,420 moderately acute malnourished (MAM) children in India, as of October 14, 2021. These numbers were registered on Poshan tracker app, which was developed in 2020 as a governance tool for monitoring the nutritional outcomes in real-time.
In between November 2020 and October 14, 2021, 91 per cent increase was seen in the number of Severely acute malnourished children. The number has increased from 9,27,606 to 17.76 lakh now.
Definition of SAM and MAM
As per World Health Organisation, SAM is defined as very low weight-for-height or the mid-upper arm circumference lesser than 115 mm, or presence of nutritional oedema while MAM is defined as moderate wasting or mid-upper-arm circumference (MUAC) greater than 115 mm but less than 125 mm.
Impact of SAM and MAM
Children suffering from SAM have low weight for their height. They are nine times more likely to die due to diseases because of their weakened immune system. Children suffering from MAM are at increased risk of
mortality and morbidity during childhood.
Wang Yaping: First Chinese Woman to Walk in Space Astronaut Wang Yaping has become the first Chinese woman to walk in space.
Key Facts
As a part of ongoing construction, team of Wang Yaping completed a six-hour stint outside Tiangong space station.
Wang and her colleague Zhai Zhigang stepped out of Tiangong on November 7, 2021. They installed a suspension device and transfer connectors. This was the first extravehicular activity of Shenzhou-13 crew. They will spend six months at the space station.
Tiangong, means heavenly palace, is the latest achievement in China’s move to become a major space power.
China has landed a rover on Mars and is sending several probes to the Moon.
Core module of the Tiangong entered orbit earlier in 2021. This station is expected to be operational by 2022.
Tiangong is expected to operate for around 10 years.
What is the work of crew?
Their work includes setting up equipment and testing technology for future construction.
Background Mission commander Zhai is the former fighter pilot, who performed the first spacewalk of China in 2008.
The previous crew, who made first mission to Tiangong Space Station, returned back to Earth in September 2021. They spent three months there.
About Tiangong
Tiangong is a space station being constructed in low Earth orbit by China. It is being constructed between 340 and 450 km above the surface. It is China’s first long-term space station. Construction of the space station is the goal of “Third Step” of the China Manned Space Program. It will have a mass between 80t and 100t, which is about one-fifth the mass of International Space Station. First module, Tianhe core module, was launched on April 29, 2021.
Supreme Court on Lakhimpur case – Recent Developments
Supreme Court heard the Lakhimpur Kheri farmers’ killing case on November 8, 2021 for the third time in recent weeks. The court expressed dissatisfaction over how the case was being handled. Supreme court had registered the suo motu case.
Key Points
During the previous hearing, on October 26, Supreme Court had questioned the UP government regarding why there were only 23 eyewitnesses to the violence on October 3 when supposedly thousands were present at the spot then.
SC had directed the UP government to record statements of more witnesses and provide them
protection.
During November 8 hearing, Court was inclined to appoint a retired High Court judge to look after dayto- day investigation of the Lakhimpur Kheri case and the UP government has been asked to respond to this suggestion on November 12.
What is Lakhimpur case?
On October 3, 2021, eight people, including four farmers and a journalist, were killed during a farmers’ protest in Lakhimpur Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh. An SUV, belonging to Union Minister of State for Home
Affairs Ajay Mishra, ran over the protesting farmers. His son, Ashish Mishra, is accused of driving the car.
Arrest of the accused
So far, 13 accused have been arrested, including the prime accuse Ashish Mishra.
Judicial Commission Uttar Pradesh government had set up a one-member Judicial Commission to probe “the Lakhimpur Kheri incident”. Commission has been given two months’ time for it. Commission was set up by Governor by exercising the powers mentioned under section 3 of the Commissions of Enquiry Act, 1952.
Abu Dhabi: Law on divorce, inheritance for non-Muslims
The capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Abu Dhabi, has issued new rules to govern divorce, inheritance & child custody for non-Muslims in Abu Dhabi.
Key facts
Abu Dhabi will create a new court for handling these cases.
Hearing will be held in Arabic as well as English languages in order to make it understandable to vast foreign worker population there.
New laws will only be applicable in Abu Dhabi.
What changes have been made?
Rule related to child custody has changed. New rule will allow parents to share joint custody of their children.
Law also introduced the idea of civil marriage.
It also allows wills to be drawn up granting inheritance to anyone a person chooses.
Rules also deal with paternity issues.
Background
The new laws were enacted in accordance with the goal of authorities to overhaul the Islamic personal laws in Abu Dhabi. These goals included- allowing unmarried couples to cohabitate, criminalizing ‘honor killings’
and loosening alcohol restrictions. In September 2020, Abu Dhabi also ended its alcohol license system.
The UAE announced, in September 2021, its plan to stimulate its economy and liberalize residency rules for foreigners.
About Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is one among the seven sheikhdoms of the UAE. It is an oil-rich emirate and the capital of UAE. It is the second-most populous city of UAE, after Dubai. The city is located on an island in the Persian Gulf. It houses local and federal government offices. The city is also home of the Government of United Arab
Emirates and Supreme Petroleum Council.
November 9, 2021
Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules 2011 amended
The Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs has amended the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, by which companies are now required to print ‘unit sale price’ on packaged commodities.
Key Points
New amendment will be applicable from April 2022.
With this move, it will be easier for consumers to find the cost in unit terms.
This amendment was done for consumers to make a conscious purchase decision. It will also lessen compliance burden on industries.
What amendment has been made?
Under the amendment, companies which are selling packaged commodities with a quantity of more
than one kilogram are required to print ‘unit sale price’ per kg along with its maximum retail price
(MRP).
For instance, a packaged commodity of 2.5 kg should mention a unit sale price per kg along with its
total MRP, while a packaged commodity of less than one kg quantity should mention ‘unit sale price’ per gram along with MRP.
Rule regarding mentioning of quantity on a packaged commodity was amended. Quantity should either be in ‘number’ or ‘unit’ and it should be mentioned as “xxN or xxU” on the pack.
How compliance requirement has been eased?
In order to ease the compliance requirements, ministry has scrapped Schedule 2 of the rules, under which 19 types of commodities were to be packed in quantities by number or measure or weight in a specified manner.
According to the rule, rice or wheat flour were required to be packed in 100-gram package, 200-gram
package, 500-gram package, 1 kg package, 1.25 kg package, 1.5 kg package, 1.75 kg package, 2kg package, 5 kg package and in multiples of 5 kg.
Amendment regarding MRP
Amendment has been made on the way MRP is printed on the packaged commodities. Currently, MRP is printed in “maximum or max retail price Rs xx.xx” format. If a company mentioned only in “Rs xx” format, it
was considered as violation. Now new amendment has been made under which companies are required to give MRP in Indian rupees and they are now free from any set format.
Google Doodle: Who is Kamal Ranadive?
Google unveiled a new doodle on October 8, 2021 to celebrate the 104th birthday of cell biologist Dr Kamal Ranadive.
Key Points
Dr Kamal Ranadive has contributed immensely in cancer research in her lifetime.
She has also her life in creating a more equitable society through science and education.
Who illustrated the Google Doodle?
The Google Doodle, honoring Dr Kamal Randive, was illustrated by India-based guest artist Ibrahim Rayintakath.
Who is Kamal Samarath?
Kamal Jayasing Ranadive was an Indian biomedical researcher. She is known for her research in cancer regarding links between cancers and viruses. She was also a founding member of Indian Women Scientists’
Association (IWSA). She established India’s very first tissue culture research laboratory in 1960s, at the Indian Cancer Research Centre in Mumbai.
How was her early life?
Kamal Ranadive was born on November 8, 1917 to Dinkar Dattatreya Samarath and Shantabai Dinkar Samarath, in Pune. She started her college education at Fergusson College with Botany & Zoology. She completed her Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) degree with distinction in 1934 and moved to Agriculture College at Pune for master’s degree (M.Sc.) in 1943 with cytogenetics.
Her Achievements
She was awarded the Padma Bhushan (third highest civilian award in India) for Medicine, in 1982.
She was also given first Silver Jubilee Research Award 1964, by Medical Council of India. It included a gold medal and cash award of Rs 15,000.
She has also been awarded the G. J. Watumull Foundation Prize 1964 in microbiology.
On her 104th birthday, she was honoured with Google Doodle.
Srinagar joins UNESCO Creative Cities Network 2021
On November 8, 2021, Srinagar has joined the UNESCO’s network of creative cities.
Highlights
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the inclusion of Srinagar as a fitting recognition for vibrant cultural ethos of this old city.
UNESCO has designated Srinagar as a creative city of craft and folk arts.
Which cities have joined this network?
49 new cities worldwide have joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). These cities were included in the list in recognition of their commitment of placing culture & creativity at the heart of their development as well as for sharing knowledge & good practices.
Which Indian cities are there in the UNESCO’s network?
Chennai and Varanasi are included in UNESCO Cities of music.
Jaipur is included in UNESCO city of crafts and folk arts.
Mumbai is included in UNESCO city of film.
Hyderabad is included in UNESCO City of gastronomy.
Total number of cities in the network
With the inclusion of 49 new cities this year, total numbers of cities in this network stands at 295 from across 90 countries. These cities have been included to the list as they invest in culture & creativity like crafts & folk art, film, design, literature, gastronomy, music and media arts, in order to advance sustainable urban development.
Significance of inclusion in UCCN
By joining UCCN, cities commit for sharing their best practices and developing partnerships among public sectors, private sectors and civil society for strengthening the creation, production and distribution of cultural activities, goods & services. Cities also pledge for developing hubs of creativity & innovation.
M.P: PM Modi to address Tribal Pride Day Mahasammelan
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address the Tribal Pride Day Mahasammelan in Madhya Pradesh on November 15, 2021.
Highlights
PM will address the Mahasammelan at Jamboori Maidan Bhopal.
Mahasammelan is being organised to commemorate the birth anniversary of Lord Birsa Munda.
On this occasion, several programmes will be organised in every tribal-dominated gram panchayat of the state.
Programmes will mark the presence of Tribal women self-help groups of Madhya Pradesh,
beneficiaries of schemes like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Kisan Samman Yojana, and others.
What projects will be launched?
On the occasion, PM will dedicate India’s first PPP-mode built Habibganj railway station to the
Nation.
He will also launch Sickle Cell Eradication Mission and Ration Aapke Dwar Yojana in Madhya Pradesh while addressing from the Mahasammelan.
Who was Birsa Munda?
Birsa Munda was an Indian tribal freedom fighter, folk hero and a religious leader. He belonged to the Munda tribe. He led the tribal religious millenarian movement, arising from Bengal Presidency (now Jharkhand) during the British Raj, in the late 19th century. This movement made him a significant figure in the history of Indian independence movement. This revolt was mainly concentrated in the Munda belt of Khunti, Sarwada, Tamar and Bandgaon. His portrait has found place in Indian Parliament Museum, making him the only tribal leader to get this much honour.
Background
Birsa Munda was born on November 15, 1875, at Ulihatu village in Lohardaga district of Bengal Presidency.
It is now in Khunti district of Jharkhand. He was born on a Thursday. Thus, he had been named after that day in accordance with Munda custom.
India clinches women’s doubles title in WTT Contender tournament
Manika Batra and Archana Girish Kamath from India have won the women’s doubles title at World Table Tennis Contender Lasko 2021.
Key Facts
Both, Batra & Kamath, are ranked at 36th They beat 23rd ranked Puerto Rico’s Diaz sisters, Adriana and Melanie, in three games at the final on November 7, 2021.
In the three games, score was 11-3, 11-8 & 12-10.
Indian duo saved four-game points in third set to won the match.
World Table Tennis Championships
World Table Tennis Championships were started in 1926. Tournament have been held biennially since 1957.
Under this, five individual events namely, men’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s singles, women’s double and mixed doubles, are currently held in odd numbered years. The World Team Table Tennis Championships, consisting of men’s team events and women’s team events, were first held in 2000. The Team Championships are organised in even numbered years.
In earlier tournaments, Hungary’s men’s team was a dominant force. They won championships 12 times.
During 1950s, Japan was the dominating force. However, 1960s onwards, China emerged as the new dominant power. China’s men’s team is holding a record 20 world team championship titles.
Manika Batra
She is an Indian table tennis player. She is the top-ranked female table tennis player from India. As of July 2021, she has been ranked 62nd in the world. In 2020, she was awarded the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna.
Ganga Mashaal starts Journey from Uttarakhand
The Ganga Mashaal started its journey, formally from Rishikesh and Haridwar in Uttarakhand on November 8, 2021.
Key Points
Mashaal will travel to a total of 23 stations along river Ganga.
It will help in sensitization of local people and Namami Gange volunteers.
Journey will be supported by District Administration, field volunteers such as Ganga Vichar Manch, Ganga Praharis, Ganga Doot (NYKS), Ganga Mitras.
Mashaal is being carried by the brave men of Ganga Task Force (GTF).
The journey will end up at Ganga Sagar in West Bengal.
Background
Union Minister of Law and Justice, Kiren Rijiju and Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, flagged off the Ganga Mashaal from New Delhi, during Ganga Utsav on November 3, 2021.
Ganga Mashaal in Rishikesh
Ganga Mashal was welcomed at Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh. It was followed by lighting of the lamp, Saraswati Vandana, Nukkad Natak on Swachhta, Ganga Aarti, and other cultural performances by school children & youth from National Cadet Corps (NCC) and National Service Scheme (NSS).
Ganga Mashaal in Haridwar
Ganga Mashaal was welcomed by WAPCOS and Wildlife Institute of India, in Haridwar.
Ganga Utsav
National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) celebrated Ganga Utsav every year, on November 4. The day marks the anniversary of announcement of River Ganga as ‘National River’. The Utsav is organised with the objective of promoting stakeholder engagement and ensuring public participation. It highlights the significance of public participation in revival of River Ganga.
Ganga Utsav 2021
Ganga Utsav 2021 was the 5th edition of the event. It was held in New Delhi from November 1 to November 3, 2021.
“Tele-Law on Wheels” Campaign – Key Facts
Department of Justice launched the week-long “Tele-Law on Wheels” campaign, on November 8, 2021, joining the celebrations of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
Key Points
The campaign will run from November 8 to November 14, 2021.
Under the campaign, several activities are being undertaken for empowering people by pre-litigation advice in order to rightfully claim their entitlements and timely redressal of their difficulties.
This one week is dedicated for ensuring “Justice for All by digital legal empowerment” of the needy people. As a part of the campaign, special Login week is being organized across India to encourage those in need to seek legal advice and consultation using tele-and video conferencing facilities. They are being urged to visit their nearest Common Service Centres (CSCs) that are offering Tele-Law services.
Common Service Centres (CSCs)
These CSCs are branded as “Kanooni Salah Sahahyak Kendra” for this purpose.
Aid for the campaign
The Tele-Law on Wheels Campaign is being organised with aid of “CSC e-Governance”. CSC e-Governance is a network of more than 4 lakh digitally enabled CSCs across India.
Special Mobile Vans Department of Justice has also rolled out “Special Mobile Vans” for displaying the message of this campaign. These vans will travel for a distance of 30-40 kilometres daily for distributing Information
Leaflets on Tele-Law, Radio jingle and broadcast films about the Tele-Law Services etc. Apart from that, SMS in Hindi and English will be sent for sensitizing villagers to register their cases under Tele-Law for legal consultations and advice.
Citizens’ Tele-Law Mobile App
Under the campaign, Ministry will launch “Citizens’ Tele-Law Mobile App” on November 13. This App will help in connecting the beneficiaries directly with Panel Lawyers who are offering legal advice and consultation.
Mentorship Programme for Young Innovators launched Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh launched the first-ever Mentorship programme on November 8, 2021.
Highlights
The mentorship programme was launched for Young Innovators for marking 75th Year of India’s independence.
This mentorship programme will help in promoting scientific temper among masses, by strengthening scientific research & innovation efforts in India.
The programme is a pan India Scheme, which envisages Star College in every district supported by Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
DBT-Star College Mentorship Programme
This programme will help towards the concept of networking, outreach and hand holding. It seeks to organize workshops, handhold at colleges particularly in rural areas, meetings per month and conduct outreach activities in government schools. These activities will enable new colleges that have started their journey under the scheme to come up in line with the mandate of Star college scheme.
Star College Scheme
Star Status Colleges will help in incorporating the vision of DBT for strengthening UG Science Courses by mentoring new colleges through hand-holding and peer learning. It will bring these colleges under the aegis of Star College Scheme.
Background
Mentorship Programme of the Star Status Colleges under Star College Scheme is being organised in line with Prime Minister’s vision that “roadmap for the next 25 years will be determined by scientific & technological innovations and scientific prowess” across all walks of life.
How many colleges are under DBT Star College Scheme?
Currently, 278 undergraduate colleges in India are being supported under the DBT Star College Scheme. 55 colleges from rural areas and 15 colleges in Aspirational districts are being supported in just two years.
Around 1.5 lakh students were supported in last five years.
LEADS (Logistics Ease Across Different States) 2021 Index
The Logistics Ease Across Different States 2021 Index was recently published by Ministry of Commerce & Industry. This is the third edition of Index.
In the index, Gujarat, Haryana and Punjab were emerged as best performing states with respect to mobility of goods and efficiency of logistics chain.
This index provide ranking to states on the basis of logistics infrastructure.
Topper States Gujarat, Haryana and Punjab are the best performing states (Top 3 slot respectively) Tamil Nadu (4th) and Maharashtra (5th) are among top-5 slot.
Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jharkhand have witnessed a significant improvement as compared to 2019 LEADS ranking. These states have emerged as the top improvers.
How States were ranked?
For representation purposes, states were ranked in three separate classes:
1. North Eastern States
2. Himalayan UTs’ and
3. ‘Other UTs’ group.
Within Himalayan UTs, Jammu & Kashmir emerged as top ranker.
In North Eastern States, Sikkim and Meghalaya emerged as topper.
Delhi was ranked at top position among “other United Territories” category.
Background
The Logistic Ease Across Different States (LEADS) index was launched in 2018. It was developed by the Commerce and Industry Ministry. The index ranks states in terms of logistical support to promote goods trade. Ranking is done on the basis of parameters like competitiveness of pricing, availability of infrastructure and services. It aims to encourage states for providing policy in order to improve their logistics-related infrastructure.
Methodology of the index
First edition of the report, LEADS 2018, focused on export-import trade. It assessed the efficiency of logistics ecosystem across state and UT. LEADS 2019 covered international as well as domestic trade.
While, the third edition LEADS 2021 has analysed domestic and EXIM logistics ecosystem across the states.
WEF Report: Mission 2070- A Green New Deal for a Net Zero India
World Economic Forum (WEP) published its report titled “Mission 2070: A Green New Deal for a Net-Zero India” to provide a roadmap for India’s energy transition.
Highlights
The report was published in the backdrop of India’s target to achieve net zero emissions by 2070.
This target was committed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at COP26 global climate summit in Glasgow.
At the summit, PM Modi also committed:
1. To bring non-fossil energy capacity of India to 500 GW by 2030,
2. To lower carbon intensity to 45 per cent by 2030
3. To reduce 1 billion tonnes of carbon emissions out of total projected emission by 2030.
4. To fulfil 50 per cent of energy requirement using renewable waste by 2030.
Key Findings of the report
Report highlights that, India’s transition towards a green economy could contribute about $1 trillion in economic impact by 2030. It will create more than 50 million jobs.
The economic impact would increase to $15 trillion by 2070.
Report notes that, India’s commitments are a critical foundation for achieving 1.5-degree Celsius global warming target.
India is on the frontline of climate change. More of Indians are exposed to negative effects of climate change and extreme weather events as compared to other nationality.
Five Pillars contributing towards emission in India
Energy, industry, mobility, agriculture and infrastructure & cities are the five pillars in India, contributing over 90 per cent emissions. India will require to curb this emission, along with four cross-sectoral enablers
including-
1. Accelerated approach to green technology innovation;
2. Integrated approach to carbon, capture, utilisation and storage
3. Overarching framework to catalyse green finance and
4. Plan for climate adaptation.
India’s Rank in Global Drug Policy Index
The inaugural Global Drug Policy Index was released by the Harm Reduction Consortium, on November 7, 2021.
Key Points
In this index, Norway, New Zealand, Portugal, the UK and Australia are the five leading countries with respect to humane and health-driven drug policies.
Five lowest-ranked countries are Brazil, Uganda, Indonesia, Kenya, and Mexico.
India’s rank
India has been ranked at 18th position out of 30 countries.
India got an overall score of 46/100.
On “use of extreme sentencing and responses” criteria, India scored 63/100.
On health & harm reduction, it scored 49/100.
On proportionality of criminal justice response, it got 38/100.
On availability & access of internationally controlled substances for relief of pain & suffering, India
scored 33 /100.
What is Global Drug Policy Index?
The Global Drug Policy Index is a data-driven analysis of drug policies and their implementation across the world. The index comprises of 75 indicators and it run across five broad dimensions of drug policy namelycriminal
justice, health & harm reduction, access to internationally controlled medicines, extreme
responses, and development.
Which organisation developed this project?
This project was developed by ‘Harm Reduction Consortium’. Other partners include- Eurasian Network of People who Use Drugs (ENPUD), Global Drug Policy Observatory (GDPO), European Network of People Who Use Drugs (EuroNPUD), Eurasian Harm Reduction Association (EHRA), Harm Reduction International (HRI),
Middle East & North Africa Harm Reduction Association (MENAHRA), International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC), West African Drug Policy Network (WADPN), Women & Harm Reduction International Network (WHRIN), and Youth RISE.
‘Leonids Meteor Shower’- Important Facts
The annual Leonids Meteor Shower has started and will be active between November 6 and 30, 2021.
Highlights
The Meteor Shower will reach its peak on November 17.
Peak time of the meteor shower comes when Planet Earth passes through densest part of the debris.
On November 17, viewers from earth will witness bits of cosmic debris. It will appear like a display offireworks in the sky.
Which debris forms meteor shower?
The debris forming this meteor shower originates from small comet named “55P/Tempel-Tuttle” in the constellation Leo. It takes 33 years to orbit around the sun.
What are Leonids?
The Leonids are considered as a major shower, featuring the fastest meteors. The meteors usually travel at
speeds of 71 km per second. The rates are usually as low as 15 meteors per hour. Leonids are also called as fireballs meteors, because of their bright colour and earth-gazer meteors because they streak close to the horizon. Friction between meteorite and molecule present in Earth’s atmosphere creates light. This is why a meteor is called shooting star.
Meteor storm
A Leonid shower turns into a meteor storm, every 33 years. During Meteor storm, hundreds to thousands of meteors are observed every hour. A Leonid storm is called as meteor storm when around 1,000 meteors are visible per hour. Last meteor storm took place in 2002.
When are showers visible?
Such showers are visible on any cloudless night, when Moon is not that bright. In order to see showers, the viewing location should have no light pollution.
Uttarakhand celebrates Statehood Day
Uttarakhand Foundation Day is being observed on November 9. The day is celebrated annually to mark the
formation of 27th state of India.
Key Points
Uttarakhand was created in 2000 by joining some districts from the North-western part of Uttar
Pradesh and some portion of the Himalayan Mountain range.
This state was earlier known as Uttaranchal. It was renamed in 2007 to Uttarakhand.
Year 2021 marks the 21st Uttarakhand Foundation Day.
About Uttarakhand
State of Uttarakhand is known as ‘Land of Gods’. It has very rich natural resources like glaciers, snow-clad mountain peaks, rivers and dense forests. It also has four most sacred and revered Hindu temples called as Char Dham of Uttarakhand namely Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Dehradun is the capital
Uttarakhand.
History of Uttarakhand
The name Uttarakhand was extracted from Sanskrit dialect. It literally means ‘northern city’. It was created by then Government of Uttar Pradesh following a long struggle by Uttarakhand Kranti Dal. The Kranti Dal was focussed on challenges faced by people in hilly regions & demanded separate statehood. Struggle continued for several years before Uttarakhand was created as Uttaranchal on November 9, 2000.
Culture of Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand is the amalgamation of culture, ethnicity and religion. It is one of the most visited tourist spots in India.
Bordering states
State of Uttarakhand share its border with Nepal, Tibet, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
Uttarakhand Foundation Week
In 2019, state government celebrated a week-long “Foundation Week” from November 3 to November 9.
