Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I September 2020

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Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020

Table of Contents

Awards and Honors ...... 3 Mergers and Events ...... 10 Days and Events ...... 11 MoU and Agreements ...... 17 Appointment ...... 24 Obituaries ...... 31 International Affairs ...... 36 Person in News ...... 43 Govt. Policies and Schemes ...... 46 Science and Tech ...... 49 Business and Economy ...... 55 Sports ...... 62 Defence ...... 67 Books and Authors...... 72 National Affairs ...... 74 Committees and Recommendations ...... 80

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Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020

Awards and Honors India’s Global Himalayan Expedition wins award • An Indian organisation has won a prestigious UN award for its efforts to combat climate change amid the COVID-19 pandemic The State has also g ot overall second rank in implementation of Gandagi Mukt Bharat scheme. • The Global Himalayan Expedition (GHE) is among the winners of the 2020 UN Global Climate Action Award. • GHE is one of the world’s first organisations using tourism and technology to bring solar energy to remote communities. Highest civilian award of Bangladesh conferred • The highest national award of Bangladesh ‘Swadhinata Puraskar 2020’ was conferred on eight distinguished persons and an educational institute on 28 Oct 2020. • The award carries a gold medal, certificate and Taka 5 lakh. • The award is given away to individuals and institutions ahead of Independence Day on March 26 every year since 1977. The International Film Festival • The Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF), scheduled to be held in November, has been deferred to January next year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. • Initially, the 26th edition of the KIFF, with a limited number of visitors, was scheduled to be held from November 5 to 12. • It will now be organised from January 8 to 15, 2021. Gully Boy wins Best Original Score at AFA14 • The 14th Asian Film Awards (“AFA14”) were announced on 28 October 2020 virtually by the Asian Film Awards Academy (“AFAA”). • Gully Boy bagged the award for the Best Original Score at the event. • It was India's official entry to Oscars in the International Feature Film category. • Bagged the best original music award for musician Karsh Kale and the Salvage Audio Collective. Dr Satish Mishra bags DrTulsi Das Chugh Award • The Orations & Awards Committee of the National Academy of Medical Sciences (India), has selected Dr Satish Mishra for “Dr.Tulsi Das Chugh Award” for 2020. • He will be awarded in recognition of his research work on Malaria parasite's life cycle which is a complex process involving two hosts. • He is the Principal Scientist, Division of Molecular Parasitology and Immunology, CSIR-CDRI, Lucknow. DBS named Asia's Safest Bank • DBS Bank has been named the 'Safest Bank in Asia' for the 12th consecutive year by New York-based trade publication Global Finance. • DBS' rankings as the fourth-safest commercial bank in the world and 14th safest bank globally remains unchanged from 2019 and 2018. • DBS was also Global Finance's pick for 'Best Bank in the World' 2020.

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Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020

Film on boxer Sarita Devi’s life wins award • A documentary based on boxer Laishram Sarita Devi’s life titled ‘I Rise’ has won the ‘Best film on Woman, Outstanding Achievement Award’ at the Tagore International Film Festival held in West Bengal. • The 52-min documentary is directed by the national award-winning filmmaker Borun Thokchom. • It has already won best film on sports and best audiography at the 13th Manipur State Film Awards 2020. Maharashtra Government presents awards • Maharashtra Governor has presented the top awards of a national level photo competition at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai. • The photo competition was organized by the Photographic and Artists Social Foundation. • Sanjay Hadkar, Photographer of Times of India was presented the 1st prize while Rajesh Jadhav of Deccan Chronicle won the 2nd prize and Ashpak Killedar won the third prize. Om Puri posthumously awarded at IIFF • Late Indian actor Om Puri was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the third edition of the India International Film Festival of Boston (IIFFB 2020). • The award was received by his wife Nandita Puri. • The three-day film festival, based in Boston USA., was held virtually from October 16 to 18. Centre's National Water Award • Chhattisgarh's Bilaspur and Surajpur districts have bagged the National Water Award by the Central government for the revival of water bodies and water conservation. • This comes under Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel's Narwa programme, which ensured the availability of drinking water, development of irrigation resources, and recharge of groundwater. Young Bangladeshi boy wins a prize • A six-year-old Bangladeshi boy Anzar Mustaeen Ali won a special prize of USD 1000 for his artwork in the global art competition organised by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR). • The ICCR had launched a global painting competition named ‘United Against CORONA- Express through Art’ • It attracted 8000 artwork entries from around the world. ISA confers the ISA Solar Awards • The Solar Awards were presented during the third Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), for the first time. • The assembly witnessed the conferment of the Visvesvaraya award which recognises the countries with maximum floating solar capacity in each of the four regions of ISA. • The awards went to Japan for the Asia Pacific region and the Netherlands for Europe and other regions. NTPC ranks first among Indian PSUs • NTPC has featured on the top on the list of Indian PSUs under 'World's Best Employer 2020', published by Forbes. • The recognition is testimony to the NTPC's commitment towards inculcating best in class practices that are thoughtfully designed and robustly executed.

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Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 • The final list comprised 750 multinational and large corporations headquartered in 45 countries. Award to honour singer Sunanda Patnaik • The govt has instituted the 'Sunanda Samman' for excellence in classical music in the honour of eminent singer Sunanda Patnaik. • The Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi's award for classical music will now be named 'Sunanda Samman'. • The 'Sunanda Samman' will have a cash reward of Rs 2.5 lakh and a citation. • Noted Indian classical singer Sunanda Patnaik died in January 2020 in Kolkata. India assisted project in Bhutan wins Award • India-assisted Mangdechhu hydroelectric project in Bhutan has been awarded the prestigious Brunel Medal for excellence in civil engineering by the UK-based Institute of Civil Engineers. • PM Modi had inaugurated the 720 MW project on 17 Aug 2019. • The run-of-river power plant, built on the Mangdechhu River in Trongsa Dzongkhag district of central Bhutan at a cost of Rs 4,500-crore. Mandi district bags top position • Himachal Pradesh's Mandi district has bagged top position among 30 districts of India in the successful implementation of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. • It has also secured the second position at the national level for construction of roads under PMGSY. • 6 more districts of Himachal have secured positions among top 30, which include Chamba, Shimla, Kangra, Una, Sirmour, Hamirpur and Solan. Jajini Varghese named Outstanding Young Person • Dr Jajini Varghese has been named an Outstanding Young Person of the World 2020 by a non-profit NGO for her incredible scientific contributions to diagnosing and treating breast cancer. • She is a UK-based Indian-origin plastic surgeon. • A Consultant in Oncoplastic Breast Surgery at Royal Free Hospital and University College London, she was one of 10 nominations from the UK for the award. Mohun Bagan receives I-League trophy • Mohun Bagan received its I-League trophy on 18 Oct 2020, in the presence of West Bengal sports minister Aroop Biswas and I-League CEO Sunando Dhar. • Mohun Bagan will also display the trophy from November 2-5, 2020 for a photo opportunity by the members of the club and its supporters. • Mohun Bagan clinched the I-League crown on March 10, 2020, after defeating Aizawl FC. Geetha Manjunath wins an award • Geetha Manjunath, Co-founder and CEO, Niramai Health Analytix was awarded 'Accenture 'Vaahini' Innovator of the Year' at the ETPrime Women Leadership Awards (ETPWLA) 2020. • ETPWLA sets a benchmark of success for women in business and inspires a million others to come forward. • The awards recognise women leaders who have helped create a new and lasting template for leadership. Aishwarya Sridhar wins an award in photography • Aishwarya Sridhar became the first Indian to win the Wildlife Photographer of the Year award. • The announcement was made on October 13, 2020, at the Natural History Museum in London. • Aishwarya Sridhar's photo won among 50,000 entries from over 80 countries across the world. • The image is named 'Lights of passion' and was captured using one of Canon’s premium DSLRs -- EOS-1DX Mark II.

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Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020

Prince William launches £50m Earthshot Prize • Prince William has launched the Earthshot Prize, which offers £50m in funding for solutions to the environmental and climate crises. • The aim of the prize is to provide an incentive to find solutions to repair the planet over the next decade. • The prize aims to improve living standards globally and find environmental solutions that work on every level through new ways of thinking. presents Raksha Mantri Trophy • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on 16 Oct 2020, presented the Raksha Mantri Trophy for the Best and Second Best Command Hospitals of the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) for the year 2019. • Command Hospital (Air Force) Bengaluru and Command Hospital (Eastern Command) Kolkata were judged as the Best and Second Best Command Hospital for the year 2019 respectively. Mrs Seema Gupta wins an award • Mrs. Seema Gupta, Director (Operations), Power Grid Corporation of India Limited has been named the winner of GOLD Stevie Award. • She has been awarded in the Lifetime Achievement- Business category in the 17th annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business. • The Stevie Awards for Women in Business honours women executives, entrepreneurs, employees, and the companies they run worldwide. BoG picks Central Bank of the Year award • The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has been honoured at the seventh Central Banking Awards. • The Governor of the BoG, Dr Ernest Addison received the Central Bank of Year award on behalf of the bank. • The annual Central Banking Awards, now in their seventh year, recognises excellence in the central banking community. • The Central Banking Awards trophies are made of sustainable materials. Shai Evra bags Sastra Ramanujan prize • The 2020 Sastra Ramanujan Prize will be awarded to Dr Shai Evra of Princeton University, USA and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel. • The prize is awarded for outstanding contributions in mathematics by individuals below 32 years of age. • Shai Evra was chosen for his outstanding work on high dimensional expanders in the area of combinatorial and geometric topology. GMR Hyderabad Airport receives ACI award • GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL) has received the trophies of the Airports Council International (ACI), Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Departures Awards. • It was awarded for being 'Best Airport by Size and Region' and for 'Best Environment and Ambience by Size'. • It received these awards in the Asia-Pacific region in 15-25 Million Passengers Per Annum (MPPA) category. Harish Kotecha wins lifetime Achievement award • Indian-origin philanthropist Harish Kotecha has been awarded the prestigious Sandra Neese Lifetime Achievement Award. • He was awarded in recognition of his work in the US for meeting the needs of children and youth experiencing homelessness. • The lifetime achievement award from the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY) was presented to him on 9 Oct'20. Paul Milgrom and Robert Wilson win Nobel • American economists Paul Milgrom and Robert Wilson have been awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize in 6 | P a g e

Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 economics. • Milgrom and Wilson, who are professors at Stanford University in California, were recognized for theoretical discoveries that improved how auctions work. • They also designed auction formats for goods and services that are difficult to sell in a traditional way, such as radio frequencies. IN Ships Sahyadri, Kora adjudged as Best • Fleet Award Function, 2020 was organised to mark the successful culmination of the Operational Cycle of the Eastern Fleet of the Indian Navy, on 10 Oct 2020. • The most coveted trophies of Best Ship were awarded to INS Sahyadri amongst Capital ships and INS Kora amongst Corvettes and similar classes of ships. • Indian Naval Ships Airavat and Kiltan jointly bagged the ‘Best Spirited Ship’. 8 beaches get Blueflag Certification • All 8 beaches recommended by the Government have got the coveted International Blueflag Certification. • No Blueflag nation has ever been awarded for 8 beaches in a single attempt. • The beaches are Shivrajpur beach in Dwarka, Ghoghla beach in Diu, Kasarkod and Padubidri in , Kappad in Kerala, Rushikonda in Andhra Pradesh, Golden Beach in Odisha and Radhanagar beach in A&N Islands. Bryan Stevenson won ‘Alternative Nobel’ Award • An Alabama human rights attorney whose work for fighting racial injustice was depicted in the Hollywood movie “Just Mercy” has won an honour, sometimes referred to as the “alternative Nobel.” • Equal Justice Initiative founder Bryan Stevenson was named a recipient of the annual Right Livelihood Award. • The award is presented annually by the Swedish Right Livelihood Foundation. World Food Programme wins Nobel Peace Prize • The Nobel Peace Prize 2020 was awarded to the World Food Programme (WFP) for its efforts to combat hunger and food insecurity around the globe. • The announcement was made in Oslo by Berit Reiss-Andersen, the chair of the Nobel Committee. • The World Food Program plays a key role in multilateral cooperation in making food security an instrument of peace. Louise Glück wins Nobel Prize for Literature • Nobel Prize for Literature 2020 has been awarded to the US poet Louise Glück. • Glück, born 1943 in New York, lives in Massachusetts and is also a professor of English at Yale University. • She is the fourth woman to win the prize for literature since 2010, and only the 16th since the Nobel prizes were first awarded in 1901. • The last American to win was Bob Dylan in 2016. Nityananda Nayak selected for Sarala Puraskar • Noted Odia poet Nityananda Nayak has been selected for the prestigious Sarala Puraskar for his contribution to literature. • The award, constituted by IMFA'S wing IMPaCT, consists of a citation and a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh. • Nayak will be conferred with the foremost literary honour in the state for work of poetry 'Setebelaku Nathiba' which was published in 2017. Nobel Prize 2020 for Chemistry • French scientist Emmanuelle Charpentier and American Jennifer A. Doudna have won the Nobel Prize in chemistry for developing a method of genome editing known as CRISPR. • The recipients were announced in Stockholm by Goran Hansson, Secretary General of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. 7 | P a g e

Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 • The prestigious award comes with a gold medal and prize money of 10 million krona. JSPL wins GreenTech CSR India 2020 award • Jindal Steel & Power Ltd (JSPL) was conferred with GreenTech CSR India 2020 Award for its for outstanding achievements in promoting healthcare under its CSR programmes. • The Award was received by Chairperson of JSPL Foundation, Shallu Jindal, during the 7th CSR India Summit & Expo. • JSPL was declared the winner for this coveted award in the category of “Promotion of Health and Healthcare”. “Man of the Month” safety awards presented • Gajanan Mallya, General Manager, South Central Railway presented “Man of the Month” safety awards to 45 employees. • He presented the awards during a virtual safety meeting held from Rail Nilayam, Secunderabad. • The General Manager held a detailed review on Business Development Units (BDU’s) and emphasized on the consistent efforts to identify the new avenues of freight traffic. National Start-Up Awards-2020 • Two Mumbai-based Start-ups were declared winners at the first National Start-Up Awards-2020. • While Taraltech Solutions Private Limited won the award in the Urban Services category, Wealthy Therapeutics won the award in the Health care category. • India is the number three country in the world in terms of number of Start-ups. India's 1st awards for startups announced • The government of India announced the winners of its maiden national awards for startups and incubators. • A number of startups from 12 different sectors received the national award from commerce minister . • The winning startup founders got a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh, the incubators and accelerators got Rs 15 lakh as the winning amount. 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics announced • Roger Penrose of Britain, Reinhard Genzel of Germany and Andrea Ghez of the US won the Nobel Physics Prize FOR 2020. • The physicists were selected for their discoveries about one of the most exotic phenomena in the universe, the black hole. • Andrea Ghez is just the fourth woman to receive the physics prize since 1901 when the first Nobel prizes were handed out. IACC presents award to Ratan Tata • The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) presented the lifetime achievement award to business icon Ratan Tata. • The IACC leadership bestowed the IACC Lifetime and Global Excellence Awards to Tata. • Tata, who grew the revenues for India's largest conglomerate 'The Tata Group' to nearly $100 billion by 2011- 12, remains an influential industrialist, philanthropist and humanitarian to the day. 3 Win Nobel Medicine Prize 2020 • Three scientists won the Nobel Prize in medicine for discovering the liver-ravaging hepatitis C virus. • Americans Harvey J. Alter and Charles M. Rice and British-born scientist Michael Houghton were honoured for their work over several decades on an illness that still plagues more than 70 million worldwide and kills over 400,000 each year. Swachh Bharat Awards 2020 - I • Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat gave Swachh Bharat Awards - 2020 to States, Districts, 8 | P a g e

Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 Blocks and Village Panchayats. • The awards were given under the drinking water and cleanliness categories. • Under the Swachh Sundar Samudayik Shouchalaya category, bagged first position at state level whereas Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu got the Award for cleanliness at District Level Swachh Bharat Awards 2020 - II • Khachrod block in Ujjain district in Madhya Pradesh and Chinnanur Village in Tamil Nadu bagged the top slot at Gram Panchayat level. • Under the Samudayik Shouchalaya Abhiyan, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh were awarded best performing states whereas Prayagraj and Bareilly were the best performing districts. • In Gandagi Mukth Bharat Mission, Haryana and Telangana came first. Kerala receives India Today Healthgiri award • Kerala received India Today's award for the best state combating COVID-19. • The 'India Today Healthgiri' award was announced and given by Union health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan. • The award was given considering the accuracy in granting and spending funds, the vigilance in bringing down the fatality rate, good healthcare, and the work of the state government. Rana Ayyub to be honoured • Rana Ayyub, the award-winning investigative journalist will be honoured on 10 October 2020 for her “tenacious reporting on the rise of authoritarian ". • She will be honoured by the Muslim Public Affairs Council, a US-based non-profit that works to promote pluralism. • In February 2020, she won the 2020 McGill Medal for journalistic courage. Vienna wins “Smart City” award from UNESCO • Vienna’s inclusive housing policy has been recognized by UNESCO. • UNESCO and Netexplo, a company in the field of futurology and innovation research, have awarded ten global cities for their top performance in certain areas of society. • Vienna received the award for its “innovative, intelligent, networked and expressly sustainable” housing policy. UP govt bags 8 awards • Uttar Pradesh government has bagged 8 awards in Garib Kalyan Rozgar Abhiyan launched by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation under the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti. • The State has also got overall second rank in implementation of Gandagi Mukt Bharat scheme. • The awards will be distributed at a virtual ceremony by the Minister of State, Ministry of Jal Shakti on October 2, 2020. Gan Samragni Lata Mangeshkar award for 2020-21 • The Maharashtra government announced the Gan Samragni Lata Mangeshkar award for the year 2020-21 to veteran female playback singer Usha Mangeshkar. • The award is given by the cultural department of the state government. • Making the announcement, state culture minister, Amit Vilasrao Deshmukh said the award include cash prize of five lakh rupees, a certificate and a memento. ICC gets recognition for digital initiatives • The International Council (ICC) has been recognised for its twin digital initiatives at the prestigious Leaders in Sports Awards 2019. • The coverage of the women’s T20 World Cup in Australia and the bold collaboration with Wimbledon for the One Day in July, both were recognised as they took home the awards. • The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup had 1.1 billion video views on ICC platforms. 9 | P a g e

Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 Mergers and Acquisition

Pidilite to acquire Huntsman Group • Pidilite Industries has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the US-based Huntsman Group's Indian subsidiary for ₹2,100 cr. • Huntsman operates a 100% subsidiary in India, Huntsman Advanced Materials Solutions. • It directly competes with Fevicol, as it manufactures and sells adhesives, sealants and other products under brands such as Araldite, Araldite Karpenter and Araseal in the country. Tech Mahindra acquires Momenton and Tenzing • Tech Mahindra has acquired 100% equity in two companies—Momenton, a digital enterprise technology firm and Tenzing Ltd, a technology consulting firm. • Both organizations are expected to help Tech Mahindra enable digital capabilities, modern cloud-based architecture and transformation for customers in the Australia and New Zealand region in financial services and other sectors. Motherson acquires assets of Bombardier • Motherson Sumi Systems Ltd has acquired the electrical wiring interconnection systems business of Bombardier Transportation in Mexico. • The acquisition is expected to strengthen Motherson’s rolling stock component manufacturing business in the railway sector in the American continent. • In 2019, it had acquired Bombardier’s rolling stock electrical component and systems business in the UK. Wipro to acquire Eximius Design • Wipro will acquire engineering services company Eximius Design for $80 million (about ₹586.3 crore). • This acquisition will help Wipro to expand into newer market segments and elevate the customer's journey in next-generation technologies. • Eximius Design has around 1,100 employees and had registered consolidated revenues of $35.2 million in 2019. Infosys to acquire US-based Blue Acorn iCi • Infosys Ltd has announced a definitive agreement to acquire US-based Blue Acorn iCi, for up to $125 million. • Blue Acorn is the provider of digital customer experience, commerce, and analytics solutions. • Blue Acorn iCi, which follows the calendar year, clocked $43.6 million revenue in 2019. • The acquisition is expected to close during the third quarter of 2021. Infosys completes acquisition of GuideVision • Infosys has completed the acquisition of Czech Republic-based GuideVision. • GuideVision is an enterprise service management consultancy specialised in offering strategic advisory, consulting, implementations, training and support on the ServiceNow platform. • Through the acquisition, Infosys further enhances its digital capabilities, strengthens Infosys Cobalt portfolio of cloud services. Krishnapatnam port acquisition complete • India’s largest private port operator Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) has completed the acquisition of Krishnapatnam Port Co Ltd (KPCL) for an enterprise value of ₹12,000 crores. • This will result in APSEZ having a 75% controlling stake in KPCL. • On 3 January 2020, APSEZ had signed a deal to buy the port for an enterprise value of ₹13,752 crores. Adani Green Energy completes an acquisition • Adani Green Energy has completed the acquisition of 205 megawatts (MW) operating solar energy assets from Essel Green Energy and Essel Infraprojects. • The assets are located in Punjab, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh. 10 | P a g e

Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 • All the assets have long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) with various state electricity distribution companies. General Atlantic to invest in Reliance • General Atlantic, a leading global growth equity firm has decided to invest ₹3,675 crores into Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd (RRVL), a subsidiary of Reliance Industries. • This investment values Reliance Retail at a pre-money equity value of ₹4.285 lakh crore. • General Atlantic’s investment will translate into a 0.84% equity stake in RRVL on a fully diluted basis.

Days and Events National Unity Day: 31 October • National Unity Day or Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is celebrated on October 31 every year. • The day was introduced by the Government of India in 2014 to mark the birth anniversary of Iron Man of India - Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. • This year marks the 145th birth anniversary of the freedom fighter. • He was the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of independent India. Block Divas observed in J&K • In Jammu and Kashmir, as a part of Government's ambitious Jan Abhiyan programme, the Block Divas was observed across all the districts of Kashmir division on 28 Oct 2020. • The objective of celebrating Block Diwas is to assess the progress of developmental works being executed in different sectors. • On the occasion, the respective District Administrations organised grievance redressal camps. International Animation Day: 28 October • October 28 is celebrated as International Animation Day. • It recognizes the artists, the scientists and the technicians behind animated art including animated movies. • Created by the International Animated Film Association in 2002, the unofficial holiday commemorates the day in 1892 when Charles-Emile Reynaud’s Theatre Optique made its first public appearance at the Grevin Museum in Paris. 74th Infantry Day: 27 October • Indian Army celebrates October 27 each year as Infantry Day. • The day commemorates the first engagement with an armed adversary post-independence. • In response to the threat posed to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our nation, on this day in 1947, the leading elements of the Indian Army air landed at Srinagar and gallantly fought the Pakistani tribesmen led by Pakistan Army. Need to Work Together to Fight Corruption: PM • Prime Minister on October 27, 2020, virtually inaugurated the three-day national conference on vigilance and anti-corruption. • Prime Minister Modi during his address at the conference noted that be it corruption, drugs, economic offences, terrorism, or terror funding, they all are interconnected and need to be solved through the collaborative approach. Disarmament Week: 24-30 October 2020 • Disarmament Week is observed from 24-30 October every year. • It seeks to promote awareness and a better understanding of disarmament issues and their cross-cutting importance.

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Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 • It was established in the Final Document of the General Assembly’s 1978 special session on disarmament (resolution S-10/2). • Disarmament is the act of reducing, limiting, or abolishing weapons. World Day for Audiovisual Heritage: 27 October • The World Day for Audiovisual Heritage is annually observed on October 27. • It raises global awareness of issues on preserving audiovisual material, such as sound recordings and moving images. • The theme for the year 2020 is Your Window To The World. • The 33rd session of UNESCO’s General Conference adopted a resolution to proclaim 27 October as World Day for Audiovisual Heritage. National Day of Austria: 26 October • The Austrian National Day is celebrated on October 26 and relates to political developments after WW II. • The Austrian State Treaty was signed on May 15, 1955, in Vienna's Schloss Belvedere and entered into force on July 27, 1955. • On October 26, 1955, the Austrian Parliament passed constitutional law on permanent neutrality, which has been celebrated as the Austrian National day since 1965. Vigilance Awareness Week begins across country • The Central Vigilance Commission is observing Vigilance Awareness Week from 27th Oct to 2nd Nov 2020. • The birthday of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (31st October) also falls during this week. • The theme for the year 2020 is- Satark Bharat, Samriddh Bharat (Vigilant India, Prosperous India). • The CBI is hosting a 3-day national conference on vigilance and anti-corruption beginning 27 Oct 2020. Accession Day: 26 October • October 26 marks the occasion of successful accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India. • India is celebrating the 73rd anniversary of the Accession Day in 2020. • The Instrument of Accession (Jammu and Kashmir), a treaty between the state of Jammu and Kashmir and India, was signed on October 26, 1947, by Maharaja Hari Singh. • Lord Mountbatten accepted it a day later. 64th Dhammachakra Pravartan Day • In Maharashtra, 64th Dhammachakra Pravartan Day was celebrated at Nagpur Holy Dikshabhoomi on 25 Oct 2020. • Dhammachakra Pravartan Day also called Dhamma Deeksha Day is one of the special festivals for Buddhist families across the world. • On this day, local Buddhist and Ambedkarite families come together at the Deekshabhumi Nagpur to take refuge to Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha. 24 Oct: World Polio Day 2020 • October 24 is also known as the World Polio Day, which is marked to highlight the global efforts toward a polio-free world. • The day also honours the contributions of those on the frontlines in the fight to eradicate the polio virus from every corner of the globe. • Polio is a viral infection that can affect the central nervous system. • " A Win Against Polio Is A Win For Global Health " International Chefs Day: 20 October • International Chefs Day is celebrated on October 20 every year. 12 | P a g e

Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 • The day was created in 2004 to give respect to the profession. • Dr Bill Gallagher, a celebrated chef and also the former president of the World Association of Chefs Societies (World Chefs), created International Chefs Day in 2004. • The theme of International Chefs Day 2020 was 'Healthy Food For the Future'. World Development Information Day: 24 October • The United Nations' (UN) World Development Information Day is annually held on October 24. • It draws the attention of worldwide public opinion to development problems and the need to strengthen international cooperation to solve them. • The UN Assembly decided that the date for the Day should coincide with United Nations Day, 24 October. 24 October: United Nations Day • October 24 is observed as United Nations Day since 1948. Since it was established in 1945, therefore, this year marks the 75th anniversary of UN Day. • The United Nations was founded immediately after the end of World War II. • It is an intergovernmental organisation whose primary role is to maintain world peace and security. 23 October: World’s Snow Leopard Day • 23 October, is celebrated as World’s Snow Leopard Day every year to protect and conserve snow leopards and other wildlife of the Himalayas. • International Snow Leopard Day came into being on October 23, 2013, when political leaders from 12 countries came together for the first time to endorse the "Bishkek Declaration" on the conservation of snow leopards. 21 October: World Iodine Deficiency Day • World Iodine Deficiency Day, also known as Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) Prevention Day, is observed on 21 October every year. • To spread awareness about that essential micronutrient everyone needs for proper thyroid function, brain development and overall growth. • The WHO states that IDD is the world’s most prevalent cause of brain damage, even though it is highly preventable. Int. Stuttering Awareness Day: 22 October • The International Stuttering Awareness Day (ISAD) is marked every year on October 22. • It aims at increasing awareness about the speech disorder that is said to affect 70 million people worldwide. • It was decided in 1998 that October 22 will be designated as ISAD. • Stuttering, also known as stammering, is a condition where fluency of speech is affected. Police Commemoration Day: 21 October • The Police Commemoration Day is observed on 21 October every year. • The day remembers and honours the brave policemen who have laid down their lives in the line of duty. • The day traces its history back to 21 October 1959, when 20 Indian soldiers were attacked by Chinese troops in Ladakh. • Due to the altercation between the troops, 10 Indian policemen lost their lives and 7 were imprisoned. National Solidarity Day: 20 October • India observes National Solidarity Day on 20th October every year. • This day is observed to honour the Armed Forces. • On this day in 1962, China had attacked India and the war went on till 21 November 1962. • In 1966, a committee constituting PM Indira Gandhi decided to dedicate 20th October as National Solidarity 13 | P a g e

Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 Day. World Osteoporosis Day: 20 October • World Osteoporosis Day is observed every year on 20 October. • The day tries to create awareness about the causes, prevention and treatment for this condition. • Osteoporosis is a condition where the density of the bone goes below the level that is expected for a particular age and gender in comparison to the population at large. • The 2020 campaign will feature THAT’S OSTEOPOROSIS as a headline. World Statistics Day: 20 October • The third World Statistics Day is being celebrated around the globe on 20 October 2020. • The theme for the year 2020 is “Connecting the world with data we can trust.” • The celebrations are organized under the guidance of the United Nations Statistical Commission. • At its 41st Session in February 2010, the UN Statistical Commission proposed celebrating 20 October as World Statistics Day. Day for the Eradication of Poverty: 17 October • The United Nations’ (UN) International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed on October 17 each year since 1993. • It promotes people’s awareness of the need to eradicate poverty and destitution worldwide, particularly in developing countries. • The theme for the year 2020 is: Acting together to achieve social and environmental justice for all. World Food Day: 16 October • World Food Day is being observed on 16 October 2020. • The day marks the foundation of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations in 1945. • In 1979 for the first time, it was observed as a Day for action against hunger. • The Day stresses the need for global solidarity to help all populations, and especially the most vulnerable to recover from the crisis. Global Handwashing Day: 15 October • Global Handwashing Day is observed on 15 October every year. • The day aims to raise awareness and highlight the importance of handwashing as an effective means of disease prevention. • The theme for the year 2020 is Hand Hygiene for All. • Handwashing has always been one of the most effective ways of keeping diseases at bay and is also one of the key cornerstones of COVID-19 prevention. DAC& FW organizes Mahila Kisan Diwas • The Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare organized Mahila Kisan Diwas through Video Conferencing on 15 October 2020. • The event was held under the guidance of Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar. • An e-book on ‘Inspiring Stories of Progressive Women Farmers’ was launched and two short films were also released. International Day of Rural Women: 15 October • International Day of Rural Women is observed every year on 15 October. • It focuses on developing measures to improve the life of these rural women. • It brings attention to the role of rural women, including those of indigenous populations to enhance rural development. 14 | P a g e

Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 • The theme for International Day of Rural Women 2020 is “Building rural women’s resilience in the wake of COVID-19.” World Students Day: 15 October • The Birth Anniversary of India's 11th President Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam is being celebrated under the auspices of the United Nations as World Students' Day. • The theme for the year 2020 is Learning for people, planet, prosperity and peace. • Dr Kalam, who was born in 1931 in Rameswaram. • He worked with the DRDO and ISRO as a scientist and an administrator before becoming the President of India. World Standards Day: 14 October • Every year on October 14, the world celebrates International Standards Day, also known as World Standards Day. • It is celebrated with the aim to promote awareness about the essentiality of ‘standardisation to global economy’ for enhancing peace and prosperity without harming our planet Earth. • The theme for World Standards Day 2020 is - ‘Protecting the planet with standards’. National Philately Day: 13 October • The National Philately Day was celebrated on 13 Oct 2020 throughout the country. • The Philately is the study of postage stamps and postal history. • The day also marks the collection, appreciation and research activities on stamps and other philatelic products. • India Post is also celebrating National Postal Week from 9th October to 15th October 2020. International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction • International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is observed every year on 13 October. • It was started in 1989, after a call by the United Nations General Assembly for a day to promote a global culture of risk-awareness and disaster reduction. • The Day celebrates how people and communities around the world are reducing their exposure to disasters and raising awareness about it. World Arthritis Day: 12 October • World Arthritis Day is celebrated every year on 12 October. • The objective of the day is to create awareness among the people about rheumatic disorders as well as to sensitise government and policymakers about the disease. • The theme of this day for the year 2020 is- It is in your hand - Take action. • Arthritis disease not only affects the joints but also other organs. International Girl Child Day: 11 October • International Girl Child Day or International Day of the Girl Child is celebrated every year on October 11. • The aim is to empower women, providing more opportunity for girls, and increasing the awareness of gender inequality faced by girls. • The theme for 2020 is - ‘My voice, our equal future’. • Every year, 12 million girls are pressed into marriage before they turn 18, according to UNICEF. World Egg Day: 9 October • World Egg Day was observed on 9 October 2020. • It is celebrated to raise awareness about the benefits of eggs and their importance in human nutrition.

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Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 • The day was established at IEC Vienna in 1996 conference. • It was decided that the day will be celebrated on second Friday in October every year. • Apart from protein, eggs are also rich in vitamin A, Vitamin B5, B12, phosphorus and selenium. World Migratory Bird Day: 10 October • World Migratory Bird Day is celebrated every year on 10 October. • It spreads awareness about the conservation and ecological importance of migratory birds in the global ecosystem. • The theme of World Migratory Bird Day 2020 is “Birds Connect Our World”. • India has launched a National Action Plan for Conservation of migratory birds along the Central Asian Flyway. World Mental Health Day: 10 October • World Mental Health Day is observed every year on 10th October. • The day raises awareness about mental health issues and provides information on different programmes on the treatment of mental illnesses. • The theme for World Mental Health Day 2020 is 'Mental Health for All: Greater Investment – Greater Access'. • The first-ever World Mental Health Day was celebrated on October 10, 1992. National Postal Week celebrations start • India Post has commenced the celebration of National Postal Week from World Post Day, i.e 9 Oct 2020. • Dept of Posts celebrates National Postal week undertaking a programme, aimed at generating a broader awareness of its role and activities among the public and media on a national scale. • An Online campaign will be organised to create awareness about citizen-centric services in Post Offices. World Post Day: 9 October • World Post Day is celebrated each year on 9 October. • It highlights the importance of postal services in everyday lives of people and businesses, as well as its contribution to global social and economic development. • October 9 was chosen as the day as this was the date in 1874 when the Union Postal Service (UPU) was started in Switzerland. Indian Air Force Day: 8 October • Indian Air Force is celebrating its 88th Anniversary on 8 Oct 2020. • The IAF was founded on 8th of October in 1932. • An air display by various aircraft will be the hallmark of the Air Force Day Parade-cum-Investiture Ceremony at Air Force Station Hindan, Ghaziabad. • The air display will commence with flag bearing skydivers of the famous AKASH GANGA Team dropping out of an AN-32 aircraft. World Habitat Day: 5 October • The United Nations decided to observe the first Monday of October as World Habitat Day. • In 2020 it was observed on 5 October 2020. • The day is commemorated every year worldwide to throw light on the condition of our towns and cities, and on the basic right of all to adequate shelter. • the theme for World Habitat Day 2020 is ‘Housing for all: A better urban future’. World Teachers’ Day: 5th October • According to UNESCO, the World Teachers Day is held annually on October 5 since 1994. • The day is co-convened in partnership with the UNICEF, ILO and Educational International. • The day is observed to celebrate the teachers all over the world and appreciate their efforts. 16 | P a g e

Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 • For 2020, the World Teachers day theme is “Teachers: Leading in crisis, reimagining the future”. Intensified tree planting exercise begins • Wild Life Week was celebrated all over the world on 2 Oct 2020. • An intensified tree planting exercise began in various parts of the Western Ghats bordering Tamil Nadu on 2 October 2020. • As part of the exercise, various kinds of dioecious trees were planted in the Cheekoor forest range areas. • The exercise was an attempt to protect the fast dwindling vulture population in the Western Ghats. World Temperance Day: 3 October • World Temperance Day is observed on 3rd October every year. • The Temperance Movement was an organized effort during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to limit or outlaw the consumption and production of alcoholic beverages in the United States. • It is in response to the social evils caused by alcoholism. International Day of Non-Violence: 2 October • October 2 is marked as the International Day of Non-Violence every year by the United Nations, i.e. on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. • Mahatma Gandhi gave the world the philosophy of non-violence or Ahimsa. • The UN General Assembly in a resolution on 15 June 2007, commemorated the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi as the International Day of Non-violence. Birth anniversary of Gandhiji and Shastriji • The nation paid homage to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi on his 151st birth anniversary on 2 October 2020. • Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary is also observed as the International Day of non-violence. • The nation also paid tributes to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on his 116th birth anniversary. • Both the leaders had served the nation with exceptional dedication. International Day of Older Persons: 1 October • International Day of Older Persons is observed on 1 October every year. • The UN General Assembly designated October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons on December 14, 1990. • The day focuses on the well-being and special needs of elderly people. • The theme for the year 2020 is 'Pandemics: Do They Change How We Address Age and Ageing?'

MoU and Agreements RBL Bank and Visa unveil instant payouts • RBL Bank has joined hands with Visa Direct, in a bid to facilitate instant, real-time and secure fund settlement on debit and credit cards. • The alliance with RBL Bank will enable Visa in expanding the reach of its real-time payments platform1, Visa Direct, across India. • This partnership will help RBL Bank in levelling-up its technology-driven banking solutions. Hyderabad FC announces tie-up with Marbella FC • Indian Super League side Hyderabad FC has announced a three-year strategic tie-up with Spanish club Marbella FC. • The Andalusia-based club currently plays in the Segunda División B. • Through this tie-up, Hyderabad FC can avail the facilities and infrastructure of Marbella FC for conducting 17 | P a g e

Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 preseason for HFC’s first-team players. Cochin Shipyard, Italy's Fincantieri sign MoU • Cochin Shipyard and Italy's Fincantieri have signed an MoU for co-operation in the areas of design, ship building, ship repair, marine equipment manufacturing, besides training & skill development. • This agreement sets the ground for a strategic partnership aimed at business development for mutual benefit as well as potential indigenization in the identified areas of cooperation. NTPC ties up with JBIC • NTPC Ltd has signed an agreement with Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) for a loan of ₹3,500 crore. • Under the foreign currency loan agreement, JBIC will provide 60% of the loan amount and the balance will be covered by other commercial banks, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Bank of Yokohama, San-In Godo Bank, Joyo Bank and Nanto Bank, that are under JBIC guarantee. Microsoft and NSDC collaborate • Microsoft has announced a collaboration with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) to skill more than 1 lakh underserved women in India over the next 10 months. • This initiative is an extension of Microsoft’s partnership with NSDC to provide digital skills to over 1 lakh youth in the country. • As part of it, more than 70 hrs of course content will be made available free of cost. EC, ICSSR sign New Implementing Arrangement • The European Commission and the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) have signed a new implementing arrangement to enhance scientific cooperation. • This initiative will provide opportunities to Indian researchers (Principal Investigators of Research Projects, Senior Fellowship Awardees and Post-Doctoral Fellows) who are supported by the ICSSR. Dr.Reddy’s to get BIRAC support • Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories has announced a collaboration with the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC). • It will receive advisory support for the clinical trials of Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine that the company plans to start soon in the country. • Under the partnership, it will get to identify and use some of BIRAC’s clinical trial centres for the vaccine. HAL, Tech Mahindra ink ₹400 crore contract • Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd and Tech Mahindra have signed a contract worth ₹400 crores. • It has been signed for the implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) to support HAL's 'Project Parivartan'. • The 'Project Parivartan' is a comprehensive business transformation exercise initiated by HAL through technology enhancement and centralised ERP. SBI raises USD 1 billion untied loan with JBIC • The SBI has signed a loan agreement amounting to up to 1 billion US Dollars with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation. • The loan is intended to promote the smooth flow of funds for the whole range of business operations of Japanese automobile manufacturers in India. • $600 mn will be financed by JBIC while the remaining amount will be financed by other participating banks. SBI partners with edX • State Bank of India (SBI) has entered into a strategic partnership with global non-profit education platform, 18 | P a g e

Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 edX. • It is in a bid to develop skill sets of career-oriented individuals in the competitive world. • As part of this association, SBI will be offering its Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) on the edX platform from November 2020 onwards. IIT Kanpur and ASI sign MoU • IIT Kanpur and the Archaeological Survey of India have signed an agreement with two institutions from Italy, seeking restoration and protection of historical monuments. • The activities under this MoU will be coordinated by professor Mukesh Sharma, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT-Kanpur. • All institutes have agreed to develop collaborative scientific study activities to restore monuments. India Post, US Postal Service sign agreement • Department of Posts and United States Postal Service, USPS have entered into an agreement. • It is for the electronic exchange of customs data related to postal shipments exchanged between the two countries. • The agreement will make it possible to transmit and receive electronic data of international postal items prior to their physical arrival at the destination. CSB Bank partners with IIFL Finance • Private-sector lender CSB Bank, formerly Catholic Syrian Bank, has entered into a partnership with non- banking finance company, IIFL Finance (IIFL). • It will source and manage retail gold loan assets. • Acting as Business Correspondent (BC) of the bank, IIFL will source new business from markets where CSB Bank does not have an adequate branch network. Harley makes comeback to India • Hero MotoCorp has announced a distribution agreement with Harley-Davidson for the Indian market via which, Hero will sell and service Harley motorcycles in the country. • As part of a Licensing agreement, Hero MotoCorp will develop and sell a range of premium motorcycles under the Harley-Davidson brand name. • Harley had announced the discontinuation of its business in India in Sept 2020. SpiceJet to launch 8 new flights • SpiceJet has announced the launch of eight new flights between India and Bangladesh under the air bubble agreement between the two countries, starting November 5, 2020. • The airline will operate four times a week non-stop flight services between Kolkata and Chittagong, besides connecting Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai with Dhaka. • Chittagong will be the 11th international destination of SpiceJet. Qatar signs deal to buy Moderna COVID vaccine • Qatar has signed an agreement with drugmaker Moderna Inc to buy its potential COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it is approved and released for global use. • The American group is also working with Swiss group Lonza AG to scale up the manufacturing and production of its potential COVID-19 vaccine to supply markets outside the United States. Aurobindo Pharma inks pact with New Mountain • Aurobindo Pharma has inked a pact with private equity firm New Mountain Capital. • The pact has been signed to divest Natrol, a wholly-owned unit of its US-based subsidiary, to New Mountain Capital for USD 550 million (around Rs 4,048 crore).

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Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 • Aurobindo Pharma had acquired Natrol in December 2014. • Natrol is a unit of Aurobindo Pharma USA, Inc. BSE signs MoU with ICCI to support SMEs • Stock exchange BSE on 24 Oct signed an agreement with Inventivepreneur Chamber of Commerce and Industries to support small and medium enterprises and start-ups, and promote their listing on the exchange. • Through this association, ICCI will offer assistance in evaluating SMEs and start-ups for listing on BSE SME board. Mastercard partners with Atlantis • Mastercard in partnership with Atlantis has announced the expansion of the Digital First Program in India. • It will provide users with a technology solution that will enable them to enjoy a best-in-class digital banking experience. • Users will be able to use their cards/accounts for digital transactions within minutes of application, enabled by a fully digital online application. IIT, Jodhpur, NHAI sign pact • Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur and National Highway Authority of India have signed a pact to share their expertise for betterment of highway infrastructure. • As a part of this MoU, NHAI and IIT Jodhpur will work together in various domains. • The MoU will also facilitate undergraduate and postgraduate students of IIT Jodhpur to undertake fully paid internships in those domains. EIF and UNDP to strengthen cooperation • The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Investment Fund (EIF) will develop joint initiatives for sustainable finance and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. • An MoU has been signed between UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner, and the Chief of EIF, Alain Godard, • Both have also agreed to explore cooperation opportunities in fields of common interest. Mumbai Police transfer salary accounts • Mumbai Police has signed an MoU with HDFC Bank, transferring the salary accounts of around 50,000 of its personnel from Axis Bank. • In 2015, Mumbai Police had inked a three-year MoU with Axis Bank for salary accounts, which was extended for another two years. • Some key facilities offered by the bank are zero balance account, five-zero balance accounts for families of police personnel, etc. HPCL collaborates with Indian Army • Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd has collaborated with Indian Army to implement the third batch of an ambitious project - “Kashmir Super 30 (Medical)”. • Kashmir Super 30 Project was first started in the year 2017-18. • Since then 68 students, in the first two batches, have been part of this project. • The concept behind it was to handpick the brightest minds through a selection process. Flipkart, Myntra in deal with ABFRL • Walmart-owned Flipkart Group will be investing Rs1,500 crores for a 7.8% stake in Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited (ABFRL). • It will do it through its investment vehicle, Flipkart Investments, to enhance the consumer fashion experience for both entities. • Through this deal, Flipkart Group will strengthen the range of brands offered on its e-commerce platforms—

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Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 Flipkart and Myntra. ACKO partners with Finserv MARKETS • India's first and fastest-growing wholly digital general insurance provider, ACKO has partnered with Finserv MARKETS, a leading fintech aggregator. • It will offer two and four-wheeler insurance policies. • Customers can now buy ACKO Insurance for their car or bike on the Finserv MARKETS platform by providing basic details. Vatican, China extend bishop agreement • The Vatican and China extended a controversial accord on bishop nominations over strong opposition from the White House and conservative Catholics. • The Holy See and Beijing government jointly announced a two-year extension to the 2018 agreement, which expired on 22 Oct 2020. • The agreement, which hasn’t ever been published, envisages a process of dialogue in selecting bishops. MoU between ICAI and CPAs, Papua New Guinea • The Cabinet has approved an MoU between the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, ICAI and the Certified Practising Accountants, Papua New Guinea. • Both will work together in capacity building and strengthening the Accounting base in Papua New Guinea. • The Mutual Recognition Agreement between the ICAI and the Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants has also been approved. Odisha govt signs an agreement with FICCI • Odisha government has signed an agreement with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) as its national industry partner for the third edition of 'Make in Odisha' conclave. • The agreement has been signed for investment promotion and investor outreach activities to be undertaken leading up to the next edition of 'Make in Odisha' Conclave. Toyota Kirloskar ties up with Bank of Baroda • Bank of Baroda (BoB) has announced a tie-up with Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) to enable finance options for the automaker's customers and dealers. • BoB will be one of the preferred financiers for the entire range of vehicles sold by TKM. • The new service facilitates customers to avail customised solutions such as high on-road funding of 90 per cent, long repayment period of 84 months, etc. Verizon signs up Microsoft, Nokia • Verizon has struck deals with Microsoft and Nokia. • It will improve their ability to target business customer by offering clients the ability to automate factory floors, lower costs and speed up data traffic through private 5G networks. • Azure, Microsoft's cloud computing business, will run on top of Verizon's 5G network to process the data generated by machines at the local facility. Zenpay, RBL Bank join hands • Zenpay Solutions has announced its partnership with RBL bank to drive financial inclusion to issue salary cards to its customers across India. • The corporate expense and salary payment solution will help blue collared employees working with SMEs and MSME to receive digital payments via a salary account. • Zenpay will also offer customers a digital salary card and mobile application. Telangana joins hands with BSE, GlobalLinker 21 | P a g e

Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 • The Govt of Telangana along with GlobalLinker has signed an MoU with the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). • It will address the challenge of access to finance to the MSMEs. • BSE will provide intellectual and manpower support to create awareness about the importance and benefits of listing on stock exchanges. • Through this, MSMEs of the State can have access to equity financing opportunities. Wipro secures five-year contract from Fortum • Wipro Ltd has won a five-year application management (AMS) and services integration & management (SIAM) contract from Fortum. • Fortum is a Finland-based clean-energy company. • As a part of the agreement, Wipro will manage Fortum’s application portfolio across hundreds of applications for more than 11,500 users across 18 countries and provide 24/7support for business-critical applications. Sunteck Realty acquires 50 acres in Thane • Sunteck Realty Ltd has entered into an agreement to acquire approx 50-acre land parcel in Thane's Vasind. • The project will offer approximately 2.6 million square feet. • Envisaged as one of the largest residential development under ‘Sunteck World’ brand in Thane District, the project will have a revenue potential of Rs. 1,250 crores (Rs. 12.5 Billion) spanning over the next 4-5 years. GOI, ADB inks 177 million dollar loan pact • Asian Development Bank and Govt of India have signed a 177-million dollar loan. • It will be used to upgrade 450 kilometres of state highways and major district roads in Maharashtra. • The project will improve connectivity between rural areas and urban centres in the state enabling rural communities to better access markets, employment opportunities, and services. Total partners with Google • French energy company Total has developed a tool to determine solar energy’s potential of rooftops. • Partnering with Google Cloud, the tool will help popularise the deployment of solar energy panels in households. • The tool Solar Mapper uses artificial intelligence algorithm to extract data from satellite images. • AI helps facilitates sharper and quicker estimation of solar energy potential. IKEA partners Mastercard, Citi • Citibank India (Citi) and Mastercard have jointly announced the launch of ''IKEA Family Credit Card by Citi''. • This will make shopping at IKEA more affordable, convenient and rewarding. • The card provides instant in-store card bookings, direct payments via Bharat QR, accelerated reward points and attractive EMIs and would also offer reward points on all purchases. Amazon Pay, Uber collaborate • Amazon Pay and Uber have announced a partnership that will integrate Amazon Pay as a payment option on the Uber app. • This partnership aims at enabling millions of customers to make contactless, safe, and secure payments for their Uber rides. • The partnership will bring contactless payments to more Indians by ensuring social distancing measures. India, Netherlands collaborate • India and the Netherlands have discussed a joint thrust in the e-health sector with the purpose of providing digital health facilities and security to Indians. • It will also help the Netherlands accelerate the digital transformation of health. • Part of National Digital Health Mission, this collaboration will see the two countries work closely to put in 22 | P a g e

Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 place the requisite technology backbone. HDFC Bank partners with Amazon • HDFC Bank has announced its partnership with Amazon for the GREAT INDIAN FESTIVAL sale. • As part of the partnership, the bank will offer 10% instant discount on Amazon during the GREAT INDIAN FESTIVAL sale from October 16-23, 2020. • The partnership with Amazon is part of the bank’s annual financial services dhamaka - ‘Festive Treats.’ CRPF collaborates with IIT Delhi • The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has collaborated with IIT Delhi, DRDO, and Joint Advanced Technology Centre (JATC) -- DRDO and IIT Delhi joint initiative. • It will augment its Research and Development capabilities through this. • An MOU was signed between CRPF and the two premier institutions in this regard. Tata Motors ties up with HDFC Bank • Tata Motors has collaborated with HDFC Bank for financing its passenger vehicles. • Through the partnership, the company has introduced two new schemes -- 'Gradual Step Up Scheme' and 'TML Flexi Drive Scheme' with an eye on making its products more accessible and driving up sales in the festive season. • The schemes will be available till the end of November 2020. Indian Bank inks MoU with Housing Ministry • Indian Bank has signed an MoU with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and with Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI). • It has been signed for payment of subsidy to street vendors under the Centre's SVANidhi Scheme. • Indian Bank has developed an integrated online system to make payments of interest subvention and cash incentives to all street vendor-beneficiaries. GreenBase, Tamil Nadu sign MoU • GreenBase has signed an MoU with the Tamil Nadu govt to set up an industrial and logistics park near here at an investment of Rs 750 crore. • The proposed park, about 45 kms from the city, envisages development of 2.8 million square feet of built-up area for companies planning to set up manufacturing and logistics units. • It will be built at Vadakkuppattu, Oragadam. J&K Government inks MoU with Flipkart • The J&K Govt has signed an MoU with Flipkart to provide a platform for local artisans, craftsmen, weavers to reach customers across the globe. • This is a significant step to promote the rural economy and to boost the sale of genuine products of J&K. • This e-marketing channel shall involve and benefit artisans and weavers both in organized and unorganized sector and for the first six months. NTPC collaborates with cement manufacturers • NTPC Limited has collaborated with cement manufacturers across the country. • It will supply fly ash as part of its endeavour to achieve 100 per cent utilization of the by-product produced during power generation. • NTPC Rihand is the first power plant in Uttar Pradesh to send conditioned fly ash to cement manufacturers. Cabinet approves MoU with Australia • The Union Cabinet has approved an MoU between India and Australia. • It will promote cooperation in surface and groundwater training, education and research to achieve water 23 | P a g e

Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 security for agricultural, urban, industrial and environmental purposes. • The MoU was signed by Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), under the Ministry of Jal Shakti in October 2019. Atal Innovation Mission collaborates with CGI • Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, has signed a Statement of Intent (SOI) with CGI India in order to further rev up the innovation across the schools. • As part of the SOI, CGI has agreed to adopt 100 schools with ATLs across Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Mumbai to promote and train students. • CGI volunteers will coach and mentor students at the ATLs to enhance technical literacy. Cyient partners with SPRINT • Cyient has announced its strategic partnership with UK-based Space Research and Innovation Network for Technology (SPRINT) to accelerate innovation in the space sector. • SPRINT provides businesses in the UK. • The partnership will enable Cyient to identify new business opportunities, lower its product development costs and offer cutting-edge geospatial solutions with higher precision. Microsoft, AICTE collaborate to skill students • Microsoft has partnered with All India Council For Technical Education (AICTE). • It will empower learners and educators in new-age technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), data science, and cloud computing. • As part of the partnership, over 1,500-course modules from Microsoft will be made available to students and educators free of cost.

Appointment Ranjana Kala appointed as U'khand PCCF • Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Ranjana Kala has been appointed as the Uttarakhand Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF). • Ranjana Kala, a 1985 batch IFS Officer, was designated to the post with the consent of Governor Baby Rani Maurya. • Principal Secretary of Forest, Anand Vardhan, issued orders in this regard on 29 October 2020. Yashvardhan Kumar Sinha to be next CIC • Former diplomat and Central Information Commissioner Yashvardhan Kumar Sinha will be appointed as the country’s next Chief Information Commissioner (CIC). • Mr. Sinha is a retired officer of the Indian Foreign Service and has previously served as India’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and to Sri Lanka. • He was appointed as a member of the Central Information Commission in January 2019. Brookfield promotes Anuj Ranjan • Brookfield Asset Management Inc., the Canadian investment firm, has promoted Anuj Ranjan to oversee its private equity business for Europe and the Asia Pacific. • Ranjan, Managing Partner, CEO South Asia and Middle East, is taking on the new responsibilities in addition to his current role. • Ranjan joined Brookfield in 2006 and helped build the firm’s business in India. Ginsuanhau takes oath as MLA: Manipur • In Manipur, Ginsuanhau, who was recently elected unopposed from Singngat Assembly Constituency in the 24 | P a g e

Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 by-election was administered oath on 28 Oct 2020 as Member of the Legislative Assembly. • This is the third time Ginsuanhau has been elected as MLA from Singngat Assembly Constituency. • With this, the strength of BJP in the Manipur Legislative Assembly has increased to 19. MAI: Kamal Gianchandani appointed as President • The Multiplex Association of India has announced the appointment of Kamal Gianchandani, CEO, PVR Pictures, as president. • Former president Deepak Asher has decided to step down from his role. • MAI is a group of cinema operators that works with regulatory bodies and industry partners nationwide to highlight opportunities and address various challenges faced by the cinema exhibition sector. Lewis Hamilton as Ambassador of LG Signature • LG Electronics Inc., a major home appliance maker in South Korea, has named Formula One star Lewis Hamilton as a brand ambassador for its luxury line of premium products. • Hamilton will promote the LG Signature brand, which the company uses for its high-end products. • Hamilton, a six-time Formula One world champion, is considered one of the best racing drivers in the history of the sport. N K Sahoo takes charge as of DG • Lieutenant General Nanda Kishore Sahoo has taken the charge as of Director General, Dental Services and Colonel Commandant of Army Dental Corps. • He is an internationally acclaimed author, teacher and winner of KS Master silver medal. • He is a recipient of five Commendations and the Presidential Award, Vishisht Seva Medal for his exceptional services of a high order. Ghanshyam Jha appointed Chairman • The Govt of Jammu and Kashmir has appointed Ghanshyam Jha as Chairperson of the Jammu and Kashmir Water Resources Regulatory Authority. • Jha has formerly been the Chairman of Central Water Commission and Ganga Flood Control Committee. • As per a government order, the appointment of Chairman shall take effect from the date he assumes the charge of the post in the Authority. Parle: Priyanka Chopra as brand ambassador • Parle Agro has made a new addition to its fruits plus fizz portfolio, ‘B-Fizz’ and has roped in Priyanka Chopra Jonas as the brand ambassador to maximise the reach of it. • Jr. NTR has been roped in as the ambassador for Southern India. • The marketing campaign will begin with two new TVCs, one featuring her for national media and the other featuring Jr. NTR exclusively for southern markets. Dr Neena Malhotra: Ambassador to San Marino • Indian diplomat Dr Neena Malhotra has been concurrently accredited as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of San Marino. • According to an official statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Dr Malhotra, 1992-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, will have the residence in Rome. • Presently, she is serving as the Ambassador of India to the Republic of Italy. Puducherry gets retired IFS officer as SEC • Former IFS officer Roy P Thomas has been appointed as the Puducherry State Election Commissioner (SEC). • The new SEC was appointed under the provisions of the Village and Commune Panchayats Act 1973 and the Puducherry Municipalities Act 1973.

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Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 • The SEC would hold the office for three years from the date he takes over charge or till he attains 68 years whichever is earlier. Amit Mehta assigned a crucial lawsuit • India-born US District Judge Amit Mehta has been assigned the Justice Department’s crucial lawsuit against internet search giant Google. • Mehta was appointed to the United States District Court for the District of Columbia on December 22, 2014. • Mehta is the former co-chair of the District of Columbia Bar’s Criminal Law and Individual Rights Section Steering Committee. Sushil Kumar: HC to Solomon Islands • Sushil Kumar Singhal, a 2000-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, has been concurrently accredited as the next High Commissioner of India to the Solomon Islands. • According to an official statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, Mr Singhal will be residing in Port Moresby. • He is presently serving as the High Commissioner of India to the Independent State of Papua New Guinea. Shayara Bano gets minister rank in Uttarakhand • Anti-triple talaq crusader Shayara Bano, who recently joined the BJP, has been given the minister of state status by the Uttarakhand government. • She was the first Muslim woman to question the constitutionality of the practice of triple talaq in the Supreme Court. • The other two women appointed to the post are Jyoti Shah from Ranikhet in Almora district and Pushpa Paswan from Chamoli district. R Narayan: President of FICCI-CMSME • R Narayan, Founder and CEO, Power2SME has been elected as President of Confederation of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (CMSME). • CMSME is an affiliated body under the umbrella of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). • He took over from outgoing President Sanjay Bhatia at the sixth annual general meeting of FICCI-CMSME. Vega ropes in Rohit Sharma as brand ambassador • Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma has been signed up by Vega, for its men’s personal grooming electronics range under the ‘Vega Men’ brand. • He has earlier been conferred with the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, the highest honor for an Indian sportsperson. • Vega is one of India’s leading beauty accessories and appliances brand and has the largest range of Beauty accessories. Ajay Kumar Bhalla gets extension • The government has extended Union home secretary Ajay Bhalla’s tenure till August 22, 2021. • The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the extension in service of Bhalla. • Bhalla is also holding additional charge as secretary of the department of personnel and training. • A 1984 batch IAS officer of Assam-Meghalaya cadre, Bhalla was appointed as the Home Secretary in August 2019. Jacinda wins 2nd term as New Zealand’s PM • Jacinda Ardern has won a second term as New Zealand's Prime Minister after her success at handling the country's coronavirus outbreak.

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Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 • Preliminary results show that Ardern's centre-left Labour Party has won 49% of the vote. • That result means her party is projected to win 64 out of 120 parliamentary seats, making it the first party to be able to govern alone under the current system. Rohan Jaitley elected as DDCA President • Rohan Jaitley, the son of former finance minister late , has been elected unopposed as the new president of Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA). • He is slated to remain in the post till June 30, 2021. • Notably, late Arun Jaitley had also served as the president of DDCA between 1999 and 2013. • For the rest of the office bearers, elections will be held from 5-8 Nov'20. EC appoints MK Das as Special Police Observer • The Election Commission of India (ECI) has appointed retired IPS officer Mrinal Kanti Das as Special Police Observer. • He has been appointed for the upcoming by-elections to the Legislative Assembly of Madhya Pradesh. • He had earlier been deputed in the same capacity for Tripura and Mizoram during the 2019 Election and the Jharkhand Assembly elections of 2019. Suzlon Group: Ashwani Kumar group CEO • Suzlon Energy has appointed Ashwani Kumar as its group CEO. • Ashwani Kumar has over three decades of experience in projects, business development and finance at leading Indian power and infrastructure companies. • Suzlon Group is one of the leading renewable energy solutions provider in the world with a global presence across 18 countries in Asia, Australia, Europe, Africa and America. Shoppers Stop names Venu Nair as MD & CEO • Shoppers Stop Ltd. has announced the appointment of Venu Nair as its MD and chief executive officer effective 6 November 2020. • Nair will take over the role from Rajiv Suri who resigned in August 2020, nearly two years after he was appointed. • Nair joins the company from Trent Limited where he was appointed chief executive officer of its popular retail chain Westside earlier in 2020. Supreme Court appoints Madan B Lokur • The Supreme Court has appointed former justice Madan B Lokur to monitor steps taken to prevent stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh amid rising levels of pollution in the national capital and adjoining regions. • The order was passed by an apex court bench headed by Justice SA Bobde while hearing a PIL filed by 2 environmental activities seeking complete ban on stubble burning. Rajkiran Rai is the new chairman of IBA • Union Bank of India's MD and CEO Rajkiran Rai G has been elected as the chairman of Indian Banks' Association. • The managing committee of IBA at its meeting held on October 16, 2020, elected Rajkiran Rai G, MD and CEO, Union Bank of India as the chairman, IBA for the term 2020-21. • SBI's Chairman Dinesh Kumar Khara has been elected as the deputy chairman of the association. NTPC CMD Gurdeep Singh's term extended • The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has extended the tenure of NTPC Ltd CMD Gurdeep Singh till 31 July 2025.

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Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 • This will make him one of the longest-serving chiefs at India’s largest power generation utility. • His second term will start from 4 February 2021. • Singh, a mechanical engineer by training had first assumed the charge of utility's chairman and managing director in Feb 2016. Michael Irani appointed as IWF President • International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) has appointed Dr Michael Irani as IWF Interim President. • Irani is Chairman of the IWF Medical Committee and a former Chairman of the IWF Anti-Doping Commission. • Irani has extensive experience in the fight against doping and in safeguarding athlete welfare. • Irani and the IWF Board committed to achieving further progress in constitutional reforms. Piramal Enterprises: Kunal Bahl as Director • Piramal Enterprises has appointed Snapdeal CEO Kunal Bahl and Economic Law Practice Managing Partner Suhail Nathani as independent directors to its board. • The appointments took effect from October 14, 2020. • They will hold office as independent directors of the company for a term of five years, subject to the approval of the shareholders. Vishal: Permanent representative to UNESCO • Vishal V Sharma has been appointed as the next permanent representative of India to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). • Sharma has succeeded Jawed Ashraf. • Sharma is expected to take up the assignment shortly. • His appointment was announced by the Ministry of External Affairs. Dita: Ambassador for Half Marathon C'ships • Romania's 2008 Olympic champion Constantina Dita has been named an ambassador for the World Athletics Half Marathon Championships Gdynia 2020. • Dita competed at eight editions of the World Half Marathon Championships and earned seven medals in the process. • Her double victory in Edmonton in 2005, taking individual and team gold medals, remains one of the highlights of her career. Rahul Shrivastava: Ambassador to Albania • Indian Foreign Service officer Rahul Shrivastava has been concurrently accredited as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Albania. • Shrivastava, a 1999-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, is presently serving as Ambassador of India to Romania. • He will have his residence in Bucharest. Manoj Kumar: Ambassador to Indonesia • Manoj Kumar Bharti, a 1988-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Indonesia. • This was informed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). • He is presently Special Secretary in the Ministry. • He is expected to take up the assignment shortly. RBI announces portfolios of deputy Governors • The RBI has reallocated portfolios of deputy governors, with the department of regulation entrusted to the newly-appointed M Rajeshwar Rao. 28 | P a g e

Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 • Rao was executive director of the Reserve Bank before being elevated to the post of the deputy governor. • Rao was appointed to the post vacated by N S Vishwanathan, who stepped down three months ahead of his extended tenure on health grounds. Sadyr Japarov: New PM of Kyrgyzstan • The members of Kyrgyzstan parliament have approved the appointment of Sadyr Japarov as the new PM. • This comes amid a political crisis in the nation after the parliamentary elections were declared invalid, following violent protests. • The political deadlock in Kyrgyzstan has been encouraged by a divided opposition which has failed to agree upon the new leader of the provisional govt. Sunil Abraham: Public Policy Director FB • Facebook has announced the appointment of Sunil Abraham as the director-public policy for data and emerging tech. • He will lead the company's stance on tech policy issues in India. • He joins Facebook from ArtEZ University for the Arts in the Netherlands where he spent a year as an endowed professor. • He has a vast experience in the field of technology policy. Srikant Datar: Dean of Harvard Business School • Eminent Indian-origin academician Srikant Datar has been named as Dean of Harvard Business School, succeeding Nitin Nohria. • He has become the second consecutive dean hailing from India to lead the prestigious 112-year-old institution. • Datar, an alumnus of University of Bombay and Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, is the Arthur Lowes Dickinson Professor of Business Administration. RK Chhibber's term extended by 6 months • The RBI has extended the term of RK Chhibber as the Chairman and Managing Director of Jammu & Kashmir Bank for a period of six months. • This is in effect from 10th October 2020 or till the appointment of MD & CEO, whichever is earlier. • In June 2019, RBI had approved his appointment as interim CMD of the bank, following the removal of Parvez Ahmed from the post by the state government. Jai Jeet Singh as new ATS chief: Maharashtra • Maharashtra govt has appointed Additional Director General of Police Jai Jeet Singh as chief of the state's Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). • Mr Singh, currently posted as ADG, Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), will now head the ATS. • The 1990-batch IPS officer will succeed Deven Bharti who has been transferred as ADG, State Security Corporation. Piyush Goyal gets additional charge • Union Minister Piyush Goyal has been assigned the additional charge of Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. • He was given the additional charge following the death of Lok Janashakti Party (LJP) founder and union minister Ram Vilas Paswan. • Goyal is currently serving as the Minister of Railways and Minister of Commerce and Industry in the -led government. Nilesh Shah re-elected as AMFI chairman

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Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 • Nilesh Shah has been re-elected as the chairman of Mutual fund industry body Amfi on October 7, 2020. • He is currently the managing director of Kotak Asset Management Company (AMC). • Besides, Saurabh Nanavati, who is the chief executive officer of Invesco Asset Management (India) Pvt Ltd, has been re-elected as the vice-chairman of Amfi. Pradeep Kumar Rawat: Ambassador to Netherlands • Pradeep Kumar Rawat has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Netherlands. • This was informed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on 7 Oct 2020. • Pradeep Kumar Rawat, an Indian Foreign Services Officer from the batch 1990, is presently Ambassador of India to the Republic of Indonesia. • He is expected to take up the assignment shortly. Bimbadhar Pradhan: Secretary general of NHRC • Senior bureaucrat Bimbadhar Pradhan has been appointed secretary-general of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). • Pradhan, a 1987-batch IAS officer of the Bihar cadre, is special secretary and financial advisor, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. • The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved Pradhan's appointment as secretary-general, NHRC. Manoj Kumar: CMD of Western Coalfields Ltd • Manoj Kumar has been appointed as the chairman and managing director of the Western Coalfields Limited (WCL). • Kumar is presently working as the director (technical) in the WCL. • He has been appointed to the post of CMD of the WCL till the date of his superannuation -- January 31, 2024. • A miniratna company, the WCL is a subsidiary of the Coal India Limited. J Venkatramu: CEO of India Post Payments Bank • A Cabinet panel has appointed J Venkatramu as MD and chief executive officer (CEO) of India Post Payments Bank for three years. • Venkatramu has over 22 years of work experience across banking services such as payments, mobile banking, retail banking products and has also managed digital financial services projects. • He is currently the chief digital officer at Equitas Small Finance Bank. Sheikh Meshaal as Crown Prince of Kuwait • Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah has been chosen by Kuwait’s new emir to serve as crown prince. • Sheikh Meshaal is the half brother of the current emir. • He has never held any political post but has been a prominent member of the ruling family for two decades, serving since 2004 as deputy chief of the National Guard. Deputy governor of RBI: M Rajeshwar Rao • The central government has appointed M Rajeshwar Rao as deputy governor of the Reserve Bank of India. • He is currently the executive director of RBI. • Rao succeeds NS Vishwanathan as the fourth deputy governor. • He has been associated with the Reserve Bank since 1984, holding various positions. • He took charge as an executive director of the central bank in 2016. Jaideep Mazumdar next Ambassador to Holy See • Diplomat Jaideep Mazumdar has been concurrently accredited as the next Ambassador of India to the Holy See, the Ministry of External Affairs. 30 | P a g e

Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 • Mazumdar is from the 1989 batch of the Indian Foreign Service and is presently Indian Ambassador to Austria. • He will have his residence in Vienna. Earlier, he was Indian Ambassador to the Philippines. Chetan Anand: Brand ambassador of 'Transform' • Commonwealth Games medallist shuttler Chetan Anand was named the brand ambassador of India's first- ever badminton brand 'Transform' which was launched virtually on 7th October 2020. • Anand is a former world no.10 and the men's singles bronze medal winner at the 2006 Melbourne CWG. • 'Transform' produces racquets, nylon shuttles, shoes, and apparels. Sanofi India appoints Karandikar as CFO • Drug major, Sanofi India has recently announced the Board of Directors of the Company at its meeting. • They approved the appointment of Mr Vaibhav Karandikar as Chief Financial Officer and Key Managerial Personnel. • He is a Chartered Accountant, a Company Secretary and a Cost Accountant with 25 years' experience across various domains in Finance. • He joined Sanofi in April 2007. Ubon ropes in Rana Daggubati as ambassador • Gadget accessory and consumer electronics brand Ubon has roped in Rana Daggubati as its brand ambassador to tap into the Southern market. • With the association, the company aims to leverage the massive appeal the actor enjoys across the southern part of the country. • Rana is big-time tech-savvy and his philosophy inclines very well with Ubon’s vision,” the company said in a statement. State Bank of India appoints Chairman • State Bank of India announced the appointment of Dinesh Kumar Khara, Managing Director, State Bank of India as Chairman, State Bank of India, for a period of three years. • Khara, one of the bank's four managing directors, replaces Rajnish Kumar, who is due to step down on October 7. • A state-run bank's appointment panel in August recommended Khara as the next chairman of SBI.

Obituaries WB assembly Speaker Sukumar Hansda Demise • Trinamool Congress MLA from Jhargram, Sukumar Hansda, died at a Kolkata hospital on 29 Oct morning. • Hansda was also the deputy Speaker of West Bengal Legislative Assembly. • He was also serving as AITC State Vice President. passes away • Former Gujarat CM Keshubhai Patel, who led the first BJP government in Gujarat in 1995, passed away in October 2020. • He was Gujarat’s CM from March 1995 to October 1995 and from March 1998 to October 2001. • PM Narendra Modi had succeeded him as Gujarat CM. • Patel was a member of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly six times. • He quit the BJP in 2012 and floated the Gujarat Parivartan Party, Veteran Gujarati actor Naresh Kanodia dies

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Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 • Veteran Gujarati film star-turned-politician Naresh Kanodia passed away in October 2020. • He was undergoing treatment for coronavirus. • His death comes two days after his elder brother and Gujarati singer Mahesh Kanodia passed away. • A superstar of Gujarati cinema, Kanodia had worked in over 100 films in his career spanning several decades. ISKCON President Jashomatinandan Das dies • Jashomatinandan Das, President of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Mandir Ahmedabad and Zonal Secretary of ISKCON Gujarat, passed away in Oct 2020. • He had passed following prolonged illness after detecting positive for COVID-19. • One of his major contributions was his translation of ISKCON Bhagavad Geeta and other religious books in the Gujarati language. Mahesh Kumar Kanodia passes away • Gujarati musician and former BJP MP Mahesh Kanodia has died on 25 Oct morning. • Kanodia's special thing was that he could sing in the voice of 32 singers and women singers are also present in them. Lee Kun-Hee, behind Samsung's rise dies at 78 • Lee Kun-hee, who built Samsung into a global giant of smartphones, televisions and computer chips died on 25 Oct in Seoul, the South Korean capital. • He was twice convicted — and, in a pattern that has become typical in South Korea, twice pardoned — for white-collar crimes committed along the way. • Samsung announced the death but did not specify the cause. Dr Jayanta Madhab passes away • Renowned economist from Assam, Dr Jayanta Madhab passed away in October 2020. • Dr Jayanta Madhab worked as the financial adviser to the Calcutta Metropolitan Development Corporation. • He served as the economic advisor to the Assam government from 2003-2009 during the tenure of former chief minister Tarun Gogoi. • The economist served as a director at the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Singer and actor Zero Babu passes away • Renowned Malayalam playback singer, music director and actor K J Mohammed Babu, has passed away. He was 80. • He was popularly known as ‘Zero’ Babu, ever since he acted the role and performed a song called Open Zero in a play. • Babu was a recipient of the Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award. • Babu has sung in nearly 300 films and various plays. Vijayalakshmi Ramanan passes away • Wing Commander (Retd) Dr Vijayalakshmi Ramanan, the first woman commissioned officer of the Indian Air Force, passed away in Oct 2020. • Ramanan is a recipient of the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM). • Born in February 1924, she did her MBBS and later was commissioned in the Army Medical Corps on August 22, 1955 and was seconded to the Air Force with effect from the same day. N Narasimha Reddy passes away • N Narasimha Reddy, the first Home Minister of Telangana, passed away in October 2020. • He held Home and Labour Ministries in the first cabinet after separate Telangana State was formed in 2014. • He began his political career under the influence of socialist leader Jayprakash Narayan. 32 | P a g e

Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 • He actively took part in the public agitation for achieving special statehood for Telangana from 2001 onwards. TV Actress Zarina Roshan Khan passes away • Veteran actor Zarina Roshan Khan passed away in October 2020. • She was popularly known as Indu Suri or Indu Daasi from Zee TV’s popular show Kumkum Bhagya. • The actor had also performed in serials like Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai and played the role of a mother in several Hindi films. • She started her career as a stunt woman. Purnea IG passes away due to COVID-19 • In Bihar, Inspector General of Police (IG) of Purnea range Vinod Kumar who had tested positive for COVID-19 passed away in October 2020. • The IG had been admitted to AIIMS, Patna three days ago after he tested positive for Corona. • Earlier, senior JD(U) leader and state Panchayati Raj minister Kapil Dev Kamat passed away due to COVID -19 infection on 16 October 2020. Joseph Mar Thoma passes away • Joseph Mar Thoma Metropolitan, the primate of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church, passed away in October 2020. • He was the head of the Marthoma community. • He was ordained as Ramban on January 11, 1975, and designated as suffragan metropolitan on 15 March 1999, when Philipose Mar Chrysostom, the suffragan metropolitan, was designated as the officiating metropolitan. ACB chief SS Puri passes away • Former Maharashtra Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) chief SS Puri suffered a heart attack and died. • He was a 1967-batch IPS officer known for his administration. • He was appointed to head a special investigation team for a probe into the multicrore stamp paper racket, called the ‘Telgi scam’ after the main accused Abdul Karim Telgi. Veteran Pradip Ghosh passes away • Bengali elocutionist Pradip Ghosh passes away in Kolkata at the age of 78, his swab samples test Covid-19 positive. • He has worked as a joint director in the state information and cultural affairs department. • The state government in 2017 awarded Ghosh with the “ Kaji Sabyasachi award” for his contribution to the field of performing art. Kapil Deo Kamat dies of COVID-19 • Bihar's Panchayati Raj Minister Kapil Deo Kamat succumbed to COVID-19 in October 2020. • Kamat is the second minister in Nitish Kumar''s cabinet to succumb to the infection this week. • Minister of backward classes and extremely backward class welfare Vinod Singh died in Delhi on October 12 due to post-COVID complications. Kishore Bhimani passes away • Veteran sports journalist and cricket commentator Kishore Bhimani passed away in October 2020. • Bhimani was one of the most recognised English voices of the 1980s. • Bhimani was commentating when Sunil Gavaskar became the first player to reach 10,000 runs in , during the drawn match against Pakistan in Ahmedabad in 1987. Bhanu Athaiya passes away 33 | P a g e

Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 • India's first Oscar winner Costume designer Bhanu Athaiya passed away in Oct 2020. • She had won an Oscar for her work in the 1983 epic film “Gandhi”. • She jointly won the Academy Award for Best Costume Design with John Mollo, for Richard Attenborough's “Gandhi”. • She created some of Bollywood's best-remembered looks, including Vyjayantihmala in "Aamrapaali", Waheeda Rehman in "Guide", etc. Akkitham Achuthan Namboothiri passes away • Renowned Malayalam poet Akkitham Achuthan Namboothiri passed away in Oct 2020. • Akkitham had won the 55th Jnanpith Award 2019. • He had also won many awards including Kerala Sahitya Akademi Awards and Ezhuthachan Puraskaram. • He was honoured with Padmashri in 2017. • He has penned many poems in Malayalam and 'Irupatham Noottandinte Ithihasam' (Epic of the 20th Century) is one of his major works. Charlie Moore passes away • Charlie Moore, the 400-meter hurdles champion at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, passed away in October 2020. • Moore also earned a silver medal in Helsinki on the United States’ 1,600-meter relay team. • After the Olympics, he set a world record of 51.6 in the 440 hurdles at the British Empire Games in London. John R Reid passes away • John Richard Reid, former New Zealand cricketer and their oldest surviving Test player passed away in October 2020. • He was the first captain ever to score 500 runs and pick up 10 wickets in a series with his tally of 546 runs and 11 dismissals in in 1962. • Reid was also the first cricketer to lead New Zealand to a Test victory. Shobha Naidu passes away • Renowned Kuchipudi dance exponent, Shobha Naidu, passed away in October 2020. • Naidu was awarded the civilian honour of Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2001. • In 1991 she was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi award. • She also served as the Principal for the 40-year-old Kuchipudi Art Academy, Hyderabad and trained more than 1,500 students from India and abroad. Gujarati singer Kaumudi Munshi passes away • Legendary singer Kaumudi Munshi passed away in Oct 2020 due to COVID-19. • The singer was also known as the ‘nightingale of Gujarat’. • During the early stage of her career, Munshi sang mostly in Gujarati, gaining fame with songs like ‘Sachi re maari satre bhavani maa’, and ‘koi aghe aghe thi vai che’. • Munshi is also known for her contribution to children’s music. Former Odisha Speaker Sarat Kar passes away • Former Odisha Assembly Speaker Sarat Kumar Kar passed away in October 2020. • He has tested positive for COVID-19. • Sarat Kar, a veteran leader and eminent writer, was elected to the State Legislative Assembly thrice from Mahanga in Kendrapara district. • Kar was the Speaker of Odisha Legislative Assembly from the year 2000 to 2004. C M Chang passes away 34 | P a g e

Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 • Nagaland Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Justice and Law C M Chang passed away in Oct 2020. • He died of COVID-19. • He was the sitting MLA of NDPP from 51-Noksen Assembly Constituency. • He is the first MLA in the state to die of COVID-19. • He was elected to the Lok Sabha in 2009 and had served the state govt in various capacities as an IAS officer. Vinod Kumar Singh passes away • Bihar Minister for backward and extremely backward class welfare Vinod Kumar Singh passed away in Oct 2020 due to post-COVID 19 complications. • Mr Singh, a BJP MLA from Pranpur constituency in Katihar district, had tested positive for COVID-19 on June 28, 2020, and subsequently recovered. • He was dedicated to the empowerment of the poor and underprivileged. Carlton Chapman passes away • Former Indian footballer Carlton Chapman passed away in October 2020. • Featuring alongside other greats like I M Vijayan, Jo Paul and Raman Vijayan at FC Kochi in 1997-98 season, Chapman went on to win the 1997 South Asian Football Federation Gold Cup. • He is remembered for scoring a hat trick for the Kolkata club against Al Zawra of Iraq in Asian Cup Winners Cup. Avinash Kharshikar passes away • Veteran Marathi actor Avinash Kharshikar passed away in Oct 2020. • A former resident of Dadar, Kharshikar had started his career in Marathi films in 1978, with a role in the movie ‘Bandiwan Mi Ya Sansari’. • He later went on to earn roles in other films like ‘Aai Thor Tujhe Upkar’, ‘Lapwa Chapavi’ and ‘Maficha Sakshida’. Justice KK Usha passed away • Justice K K Usha, former Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court, passed away in Oct 2020. • Justice K Sukumaran is her husband. • Justice Usha became the first woman to join the High Court Judiciary from the Bar and became a Chief Justice. • After retiring from the high court, Justice Usha was made president of the Delhi-based Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal from 2001 to 2004. Nobel Prize winner Mario Molina passes away • Mario Molina, a chemist whose work on the ozone layer earned him a Nobel Prize in 1995, passed away in October 2020. • Molina's work was crucial to enacting the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in 1987. • Molina and Frank Sherwood Rowland published a paper in 1974 that found chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were destroying the ozone layer. Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan passes away • Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan passed away in New Delhi in Oct 2020. • He was the Lok Janshakti Party founder and Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. • He was elected to Lok Sabha eight times and also held the record of winning his constituency, Hajipur, with the highest margin for several years.

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Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 Ex-CBI director Ashwani Kumar passed away • Former governor and CBI chief Ashwani Kumar was found dead in his Shimla house on 7 October 2020. • Kumar, a 1973 batch officer of the Indian Police Service, headed the Central Bureau of Investigation from August 2008 to November 2010. • Manmohan Singh government appointed him as Nagaland governor in March 2013. • Kumar was the first CBI chief to be appointed to a gubernatorial office. Actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd passes away • Actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd has passed away at the age of 70 in Atlanta, Georgia. • The death is the result of an apparent shooting, the Atlanta Police Department told media source in a statement. • Thomas Jefferson Byrd was an American character actor who played in several of director Spike Lee's films. Afghanistan batsman Najeeb Tarakai passes away • Afghanistan batsman Najeeb Tarakai passed away on after a tragic road accident. • The 29-year-old opening batsman was hit by a car while crossing the road in eastern Nangarhar in Jalalabad. • Najeeb Tarakai has played 12 T20Is and one ODI for his country. • He made his international debut at the 2014 T20 World Cup in Bangladesh. Former Judge AS Dave passes away • Justice Anantkumar Surendraray Dave, a former judge and Acting Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court has passed away. • Prior to his retirement, Justice Anant Dave had served as an Acting Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court before present Chief Justice Vikram Nath took over the helm. • He has also served as a Solicitor at the Gujarat High Court. Pradeep Maharathy passes away • Former Odisha Minister and BJD MLA from Pipili Pradeep Maharathy passed away in Oct 2020. • He was testing positive for coronavirus on September 14, 2020. • Maharathy served as Agriculture, Panchayati Raj and Fisheries Minister in the Naveen Patnaik government. • A seven-time MLA from Pipili, Maharathy started his political career as a student leader. Timothy Ray passes away from Cancer • The first person to be cured of HIV, Timothy Ray Brown - known as the "Berlin Patient" - has died from cancer, the International AIDS Society announced. • Brown made medical history and became a symbol of hope for the tens of millions of people living with the virus that causes AIDS when he was cured more than a decade ago. • He had been living with a recurrence of leukaemia for several months. ‘Chandamama’ Shankar passed away • Karatholuvu Chandrasekaran Shivashankaran, a prominent Indian artist, passed away in September 2020. • Sivasankaran was popularly known as ‘Chandamama’ Shankar for his invaluable contributions to the Indian magazine Chandamama. • He was the artist behind the signature painting of Vikram and Betal series that featured in the magazine, among many others that he created.

International Affairs Google plans to launch VPN service • Google will launch a VPN service for consumers, which would be available with certain subscription plans for 36 | P a g e

Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 its Google One cloud storage services. • Virtual private networks (VPNs) are used by individuals in countries where access to certain sites and services have been barred by governments. • The service will roll out in the US in the coming weeks through the Google One app for Android users. Oxford to try new COVID-19 test • To identify asymptomatic individuals with the COVID virus, Oxford University will trial a new testing technology. • The university will be taking part in a new pilot scheme to assess the use of Lateral Flow Tests (LFTs), a new COVID test designed to identify asymptomatic individuals with the deadly virus. • Over the next few weeks, the trials of the technology will go ahead across Britain. France, Germany announce new lockdowns • French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel ordered their countries back into lockdown on 28 Oct 2020. • A massive 2nd wave of coronavirus infections threatens to overwhelm Europe before the winter. • Under the new French measures, people will be required to stay in their homes except to buy essential goods, seek medical attention, or exercise for up to one hour a day. Saudi Arabia removes PoK from Pakistan's map • Saudi Arabia has removed Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan from Pakistan's map. • Saudi Arabia released a 20 Riyal banknote to commemorate its presidency of organising the G-20 Summit on November 21-22, 2020. • Pakistan had previously released a new political map of Pakistan, claiming Indian territories of Junagadh, Manavadar in Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir and a part of Ladakh. USAID launches three regional energy programs • The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced three regional energy programs in South Asia. • These are valued at more than USD28 million and will be under the US Government's Asia Enhancing Development and Growth through Energy (Asia EDGE) initiative. • These would improve access to affordable, secure, reliable, and sustainable energy through efficient energy markets. 'Very nice!' Kazakhstan adopts Borat's phrase • Kazakhstan, the home country of the fictional Borat Sagdiyev, has adopted the brash, moustachioed character’s catchphrase – “Very nice!” – for a new tourism campaign. • The "Borat" movies for the first time to promote the country to visitors after previously rejecting the first "Borat" film for its derogatory portrayal of the nation situated between Russia and China. Harley-Davidson unveils 1st electric bicycle • Harley-Davidson has unveiled its first-ever electric bicycle inspired by the brands very first motorcycle from 1903. • The new business called ‘Serial 1 Cycle Company’ started as a project within the motorcycle manufacturer’s product development center. • The formation of Serial 1 allows Harley-Davidson to play a key role in this mobility revolution. TikTok, Shopify partnership • TikTok unveiled a pact with e-commerce platform Shopify offering more than a million merchants on the platform a dedicated channel to reach TikTok users with creative marketing.

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Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 • Through the new TikTok channel for Shopify, businesses can create, manage and measure TikTok ad campaigns without leaving the Shopify interface. • The Shopify agreement also creates #ShopBlack, a co-branded campaign. Microsoft to discontinue Internet Explorer • Microsoft has taken steps to end the support for its Internet Explorer as it pushes users to install the revamped Chromium-based Edge browser. • Now, when you visit an incompatible site in Internet Explorer, the browsing session will automatically be directed to Microsoft Edge. • The redirection is being achieved via an Internet Explorer Browser Helper Object (BHO). US to announce plan for Medicare • The US administration will announce a plan to cover the costs of COVID vaccines for millions of Americans who receive Medicare or Medicaid. • According to the plans, Medicare and Medicaid will now cover vaccines that receive emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration. • It will also address other COVID related issues like expanding flexibility for Medicaid patients. Japan to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050 • Japan will achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050. • It had previously made a commitment only to reduce emissions 80% by 2050 and achieve carbon neutrality in the second half of the century. • Under its current Basic Energy Plan, it aims to increase the share of renewables to 22 to 24% by 2030, and nuclear power to between 20 and 22%, although it is expected to unveil new targets in 2021. Guinea President Alpha Condé wins third term • Alpha Conde won Guinea's disputed presidential poll, the national electoral authority, setting the stage for a controversial third term. • Electoral authority president Kabinet Cisse said that Conde, 82, had won 59.49 % of the votes in the October 18 election. • His main opponent Cellou Dalein Diallo, at the forefront of protests against a third term for Conde. Oxford jab prompts immune response • One of the world’s leading COVID-19 experimental vaccines produces an immune response in both young and old adults, raising hopes of a path out of the gloom and economic destruction wrought by the novel coronavirus. • AZD1222, developed by the University of Oxford, also triggers lower adverse responses among the elderly, British drugmaker AstraZeneca, which is helping manufacture the vaccine. New York honours Punjabi community • The Punjabi community in the Queens area of New York came together to celebrate the christening of a street in its honour. • The South-Asian community's contributions were marked by co-naming the stretch of 101st Avenue between 111th and 123rd streets as Punjab Avenue. • The area that was casually known as 'Little Punjab' and has been now officially named as Punjab Avenue. China to Sanction U.S. Weapons Makers • China will impose sanctions on top US defence firms, including Boeing and Lockheed Martin, for supplying weapons to Taiwan, amid deepening tensions between Beijing and Washington over increasing American arms sales to Taipei.

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Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 • China's retaliation followed after the US State Department approved the sale of 135 Standoff Land Attack Missile Expanded Response missiles. Israel to start human trials of COVID vaccine • Israel Institute for Biological Research (IIBR) will start human clinical trials of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate Brilife from Nov 1, 2020. • It has received all the necessary approvals from the Ministry of Health and the Helsinki Committee. • The Helsinki Committee deals with research approval and human experiments. • The 3 stages of the human clinical trial are likely to last till mid-2021. Bangladesh seeks support from World Bank • Bangladesh has sought dollar 500 million support from the World Bank for COVID 19 vaccine in the country. • It will use this money for procurement, preservation, transportation, and distribution of the vaccine. • The amount is in addition to the funds allocated by the World Bank under IDA 19 for Bangladesh in the current financial year. 'No mask, no service’ policy in Bangladesh • The Bangladesh government has decided that no service will be provided to people who don’t wear masks. • The cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina decided that no one will be allowed to enter offices without a mask. • It decided that all offices must install notice boards saying no mask, no service in order to control the spread of COVID 19 virus in the country. Dubai introduces facial recognition • Dubai is introducing a facial recognition system on public transport to beef up security, officials said Sunday, as the emirate prepares to host the global Expo exhibition. • This technology has proven its effectiveness to identify suspicious and wanted people. • The emirate already operates a biometric system using facial recognition at its international airport. Pakistan could be next polio-free nation • Pakistan could be the next country on the journey to a polio-free world, the World Health Organisation. • Pakistan is one of the three countries, along with Afghanistan and Nigeria, where polio is still endemic. • Last year, 144 polio cases were reported in Pakistan, far higher than 12 in 2018 and eight in 2017. UN nuclear weapons ban treaty • The United Nations announced 25 Oct that 50 countries have ratified a UN treaty to ban nuclear weapons triggering its entry into force in 90 days. • A move hailed by anti-nuclear activists but strongly opposed by the United States and the other major nuclear powers. • The treaty had 49 signatories, and UN officials said the 50th ratification from Honduras had been received. Ant Group IPO pricing • Chinese fintech giant Ant Group will be the world's biggest, according to pricing determined. • It is the first time pricing of the initial public offering has been determined outside New York. • The listing could be the world’s largest initial public offering, surpassing the record set by Saudi Aramco’s $29.4 billion floats last December. Facebook May See US Antitrust Charge • Facebook may face US anti-trust charges as soon as November, the Washington Post reported on 24 Oct. • Mark Zuckerberg was interviewed at an FTC investigative hearing as part of the government's antitrust probe into the company. 39 | P a g e

Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 • In July 2019, Facebook agreed to pay a record-breaking $5 billion fine to resolve a separate FTC probe into the company's privacy practices. Andorra joins IMF as its 190th member • Andorra, officially the Principality of Andorra, has joined the International Monetary Fund (IMF), thus becoming its 190th member. • It is a microstate situated between France and Spain. • Ambassador Elisenda Vives Balmaña signed the IMF’s Articles of Agreement at a ceremony in Washington D.C. on 16 October 2020. • Andorra’s initial quota1 in the IMF is SDR 82.5million (about US$ 116.4 million). Hong Kong BNO passports not as valid • Chinese foreign ministry will consider not recognizing Hong Kong British national overseas (BNO) passports as valid travel documents. • This was announced a day after the British government's announcement of new visa rules for British National Overseas citizens in HK. • As per the new visa rule, BNO Visa holders will have the right to work and study in the UK for a period of five years. Asia: Second region to exceed 10 million cases • Asia surpassed 10 million infections of the new coronavirus on 24 Oct 2020, the second-heaviest regional toll in the world. • Behind only Latin America, Asia accounts for about one-fourth of the global caseload of 42.1 million of the virus. • With over 163,000 deaths, the region accounts for some 14% of the global COVID-19 toll. Europe: Second region to cross 250,000 deaths • Europe became the second region after Latin America to surpass 250,000 deaths on 24 Oct 2020, with record numbers of daily COVID-19 infections reported in the past two weeks. • Europe accounts for nearly 19% of global deaths and about 22% of global cases. • The United Kingdom leads Europe's death toll with about 45,000 deaths, followed by Italy, Spain, France and Russia. Second Brazilian company to produce Sputnik • A Brazilian pharmaceutical company União Quimica has signed an agreement with the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) to produce Russia's Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19 starting in the second half of November. • It still must obtain approval from Brazil's health regulator Anvisa. • This is the second agreement to produce the Russian vaccine in Brazil. Pakistan to remain in grey list • Pakistan will remain on the grey list of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) as it has not been able to fulfil six out of the 27 mandates to check terror funding. • The FATF strongly urged Pakistan to swiftly complete its full action plan by February 2021. • The FATF is an inter-governmental body set up in 1989 to combat money laundering, terror financing and other related threats. India gets Chairmanship of ILO • After a gap of 35 years, India assumed the Chairmanship of the Governing Body of International Labour Organisation (ILO).

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Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 • Labour Secretary Apurva Chandra has been elected as the Chairperson of the Governing Body of the ILO. • The Governing Body (GB) is the apex executive body of the ILO, which decides policies, programmes, agenda, budget, and elects the Director-General. Sudan and Israel agree on US-brokered deal • Israel and Sudan have agreed to work towards normalising relations in a deal brokered by the US. • It would make Sudan the third Arab country to set aside hostilities with Israel in the past two months. • Donald Trump sealed the agreement on a phone call on 23 Oct with the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, his Sudanese counterpart, Abdalla Hamdok, and Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. IMF to disburse $156 million to Cameroon • The International Monetary Fund has announced $156 million for Cameroon in an effort to cover up the shortage in the country’s budget and to balance payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic. • The amount being allotted to Cameroon is around 40 percent of its credit line. • This is the second emergency disbursement to the country since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nippon Life invests in World Bank • The World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, IBRD) issued a 15-year AU$150 million Sustainable Development Bond. • Nippon Life Insurance Company is the sole investor in this transaction. • World Bank bonds support the financing of sustainable development projects and programs in member countries across a range of sectors in line with its mission to end extreme poverty. US gives full approval to Remdesivir • The US Food and Drug Administration has approved Gilead Sciences Inc's antiviral drug remdesivir for treating patients hospitalized with COVID-19. • This is now the first and the only drug approved for the disease. • Remdesivir, previously granted emergency use authorization by the FDA for COVID-19, was one of the drugs used to treat US President Donald Trump's coronavirus infection. NATO to build space center in Germany • The defence ministers of NATO countries have agreed to set up a space centre. • The move comes amid concern about the growing presence of Russia and China in space. • NATO says the new centre will be located at its air command in Ramstein, Germany. • It will provide support for the alliance's missions and operations by using satellite communications and imagery. Six China media outlets as foreign missions • The U.S. State Department has designated the U.S. operations of six China-based media companies as foreign missions. • The designations restrict the operations of Yicai Global, Jiefang Daily, Xinmin Evening News, Social Sciences in China Press, Beijing Review, and Economic Daily in the United States. • The designation means they’ll be treated as foreign embassies or other diplomatic missions. Brazil rejects purchase of vaccine from China • Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro has decided to cancel the purchase of Coronavac, a COVID-19 vaccine in phase-3 clinical trials by Chinese firm Sinovac. • Brazil has been among the world’s hardest-hit nations by the pandemic, with more than 5 mn infections and more than 150,000 deaths. • Earlier, Bangladesh had rejected co-financing of the phase 3 trial of the Sinovac made Corona vaccine. 41 | P a g e

Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 US approves sale of weapons systems to Taiwan • US State Department has approved the sale of weapons systems worth around 1.8 billion dollars to Taiwan. • The deal comprised three weapons systems, including rocket launchers, sensors and artillery. • The weapons will help improve Taiwan's defensive capabilities to deal with the enemy threat and new situation. • The arms deal will likely have a major impact on its relationship with the US. Singapore: 1st to use Facial Recognition • In Singapore, online govt services can now be accessed by facial recognition, being the 1st in the world. • This technology is being rolled out to the SingPass digital identity scheme, offering access to 400 online services, including tax declarations and public housing applications. • Facial recognition is also increasingly being used to access other online services, such as banking. Goldman subsidiary pleads guilty in 1MDB scam • Hong Kong's financial regulator slapped Goldman Sachs with a $350 million fine on 22 Oct for its involvement in the 1MDB scandal. • The bank's "serious lapses" and deficiencies in management contributed to the misappropriation of $2.6 billion from the 1Malaysia Development Berhad fund, the Securities and Futures Commission said in a statement. Saad Hariri returned as prime minister • Lebanon's political parties have chosen Saad Hariri to be prime minister, a year after he stepped down in the face of mass anti-government protests. • The devastating blast in August, which many blamed on government negligence, prompted the resignation of Mr Hariri's successor, Hassan Diab. • The man nominated to replace him, Mustapha Adib, quit last month. Vatican, China extend bishop agreement • The Vatican and China extended a controversial accord on bishop nominations over strong opposition from the White House and conservative Catholics. • The Holy See and Beijing government jointly announced a two-year extension to the 2018 agreement, which expired on 22 Oct 2020. • The agreement, which hasn’t ever been published, envisages a process of dialogue in selecting bishops. Facebook launches dating service in Europe • Facebook Inc is launching its dating service in 32 European countries after the rollout was delayed earlier this year due to regulatory concerns. • Facebook Dating, a dedicated, opt-in space within the Facebook app, was launched in the United States in September 2019. • It is currently available in 20 other countries. World's longest flight to resume operations • The world’s longest flight from Singapore to New York will resume service from 9 November 2020. • Passengers will now disembark at John F Kennedy International Airport instead of Newark airport. • The Airbus A350-900 long-range aircraft with 42 business seats, 24 premium economy seats and 187 economy seats will be operated on the Singapore Changi Airport JFK International Airport route non-stop. China plans to build World's Maritime Fleet • China is seeking to build the world’s biggest surface and subsurface maritime fleet. • "China is growing the largest maritime surface and subsurface fleet in the world," Defence Secretary Ben

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Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 Wallace told the Atlantic Future Forum. • The Atlantic Future Forum is the annual defence, security, technology and trade summit between the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Shaoxing to offer experimental COVID vaccine • Shaoxing, a city in China's Zhejiang province will offer experimental COVID vaccines to its residents. • Residents aged between 18 and 59 in the city of Shaoxing, who are not in priority groups, can apply online for inoculation. • Shaoxing residents that choose to be inoculated will need to give reasons for wanting the vaccine on their applications and will be charged 400 yuan for 2 doses. UAE delegation reaches Israel for first time • In a historic first visit by a Gulf Arab nation, a United Arab Emirates delegation reached Israel on 20 Oct 2020. • It was accompanied by top US officials to cement the normalisation of ties between the two nations. • As part of the US-brokered deal, four agreements were signed relating to investment, scientific cooperation, civil aviation and visa exemptions, during the visit. Sweden bans Huawei, ZTE • Sweden has banned the use of telecom equipment from China's Huawei and ZTE in its 5G network on security grounds, joining other European nations that have restricted the role of Chinese suppliers. • This has been done ahead of a spectrum auction scheduled for Nov 2020. • The United Kingdom in July 2020 ordered Huawei equipment to be purged completely from Britain's 5G network by 2027. Sudan to be removed from a list • President Donald Trump intends to lift Sudan's state sponsor of terrorism designation. • Once the $335 million that Sudan has agreed to pay as part of a settlement for victims of twin bombings against the US Embassies in Tanzania and Kenya in 1998, he will lift the designation. • The announcement comes months after the US and Sudan reached a bilateral settlement agreement. 4G cell network on the Moon • Nokia has announced its expansion into a new market, winning a deal to install the first cellular network on the Moon. • It was selected by NASA to deploy an ultra-compact, space-hardened wireless 4G network on the lunar surface. • The $14.1 mn contract, awarded to Nokia's US subsidiary, is part of NASA's Artemis programme which aims to send the first woman, and next man, to the moon by 2024.

Person in News Yuvraj Singh invests in Wellversed • Former cricketer turned entrepreneur Yuvraj Singh has invested an undisclosed amount in Wellversed, a full- stack nutrition brand. • The pre-series A investment from Singh’s YWC Ventures values the two-and-a-half-year-old startup at Rs100 crore. • Besides investing, he will be the brand ambassador of the startup for 3 years and will be closely working with the founding team to scale the business. MIT names theatre after alumni Swraj Paul son • The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has named a theatre in the dome-shaped Kresge auditorium

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Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 on its campus after industrialist Swraj Paul and his late son, Angad Paul, both of whom gained qualifications there: the former in 1952 and latter in 1992. • Angad Paul, who studied economics at MIT, passed away in 2015 aged 45. Rajesh Nambiar: Chairman and MD of Cognizant • Cognizant has named Rajesh Nambiar as the Chairman and Managing Director of its India operations and a member of its Executive Committee effective November 9, 2020. • Nambiar will join Cognizant from Ciena, a networking, systems, and software company, where he currently serves as the Chairman and President of Ciena India. Om Puri posthumously awarded at IIFF • Late Indian actor Om Puri was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the third edition of the India International Film Festival of Boston (IIFFB 2020). • The award was received by his wife Nandita Puri. • The three-day film festival, based in Boston USA., was held virtually from October 16 to 18. UN confers special status on Sathya Sai trust • The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) conferred ‘Special Consultative Status’ on the Puttaparthi-based Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust. • The United Nations body accorded global recognition for the humanitarian work being done by the trust, said a release from the SSSCT. • The ECOSOC adopted the recommendation of the committee on the NGOs to grant the status to the trust. Tiruppur girl wins an international award • Tiruppur-based K Mahashweta won recognition at the Las Vegas Movie Awards 2020 for her role in a short film. • Ten-year-old K Mahashweta, a Class V student from Tiruppur, has acted in four Malayalam short films and has already won two international awards for her acting skills. • The latest one is the Best Child/Young Actress award for her role in the short film Grandma Toy. Four More Shots Please' stars win award • The lead stars of Four More Shots Please; Kirti Kulhari, Sayani Gupta, Bani J, Maanvi Gagroo have scored a win at Busan Asian Contents Awards. • They have all won in the Best Rising Star category for the second season of the show. • The show was also recently nominated for an International Emmy. Aditya Puri retires as MD of HDFC Bank • Aditya Puri has retired from HDFC Bank as its Managing Director. • He has handed over the charge to Sashidhar Jagdishan, who will be the new chief executive and managing director of HDFC Bank. • Over 25 years ago, Puri had started work as the bank's first head and built the bank which now employs close to 1.20 lakh people. Actor Payal Ghosh joins Republican Party • Actor Payal Ghosh has joined the Republican Party of India (Athawale) in Mumbai on 26 October 2020. • She joined the party in the presence of party chief and Union minister Ramdas Athawale and has been named as the vice president of women's wing of RPI (A). • Republican Party of India has its roots in the Scheduled Castes Federation led by B. R. Ambedkar. Wroclaw named square after HR Bachchan • The City Council of Wroclaw, Poland, has named a square after Amitabh Bachchan's father Harivansh Rai 44 | P a g e

Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 Bachchan, as a tribute to the late poet. • The Bollywood icon shared the news on his verified Instagram account. • Earlier in July, students of the University of Wroclaw paid tribute to the veteran Hindi poet by reciting his popular poem Madhushala. Ramkalawan is elected Seychelles President • Indian-origin Wavel Ramkalawan is elected Seychelles President. • Ramkalawan, a former Anglican priest, defeated incumbent Danny Faure after three decades of unsuccessful runs for the presidency of the East African nation. • Ramkalawan captured 54.9% of the vote while Faure got 43.5% in the vote. Vineet Nayyar resigns from IL&FS board • Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services (IL&FS) group has announced the resignation of Vineet Nayyar as the executive vice-chairman. • Nayyar, who resigned on grounds of poor health, requested the Uday Kotak-led board of directors to relieve him of his duties with effect from October 31, 2020. • C S Rajan, MD, IL&FS, has been asked by the board to discharge Nayyar’s responsibilities. Umar Gul announces retirement • Pakistan's Umar Gul has announced that he will retire from all forms of cricket after the end of the ongoing National T20 Cup. • The 36-year-old Gul, who played his last match for Pakistan -- an ODI -- in 2016, featured for Balochistan team in the National T20 Cup, which ends on 18 Oct 2020. • From 47 Test matches, Gul took 163 wickets at an average of 34.06. Kyrgyzstan President steps down • Kyrgyzstan President Sooronbai Jeenbekov announced his resignation on 15 Oct'20. • This is in a bid to end the turmoil that has engulfed the Central Asian nation after a disputed parliamentary election. • Kyrgyzstan, a country of 6.5 million people located on the border with China, was plunged into chaos following an October 4 vote that election officials say was swept by pro-government parties. OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei quits • The co-founder of OnePlus Carl Pei has left the company ahead of the flagship OnePlus 8T series and the affordable Nord N10 series launch. • Pei is starting a new venture and is in talks with investors to raise capital. • Pei and Pete Lau started OnePlus back in 2012 and have led the company from a tiny smartphone brand to one that leads in several markets, including India. Chaitanya becomes British High Commissioner • Chaitanya Venkateswaran from New Delhi had the unique opportunity to spend one day as the UK's High Commissioner in India. • The British High Commission has been organising the 'High Commissioner for a Day' competition annually since 2017, inviting young Indian women aged 18 to 23 years to take over as their most senior diplomat. Saurav Kittu Tank climbs Virgin Peak • Saurav Kittu Tank became the 1st transgender to climb the 6000 m high Virgin Peak in Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh. • The temperature at Spiti Valley's Virgin Peak was reported to be as low as -15 degrees and Saurav became the 1st transgender to achieve the feat.

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Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 • Kajal Mangalmukhi, founder of Mangalmukhi Transgender Welfare Association has nursed Saurav since he was abandoned by his parents. Uday Shankar to step down as chairman • Uday Shankar will step down as President, the Walt Disney Company APAC and chairman, Star and Disney India, effective 31 December 2020. • Shankar will remain with Disney’s direct-to-consumer and international segment through the end of 2020 to ensure a smooth transition. • Previously, he was president of 21st Century Fox for Asia and the chairman and CEO of Star India. Ravi Santhanam in Forbes list • Ravi Santhanam, CMO, HDFC Bank has been recognized in the Forbes list of ‘The World’s Most Influential CMOs’. • Ranked at Number 39, he is the only CMO of an Indian company to be featured in the illustrious list. • This is the eighth edition of this annual list released by Forbes with research partners Sprinklr and LinkedIn. • HDFC Bank has been adjudged India’s Most Valuable Brand for 7 years. Karnataka Minister CT Ravi resigns • Karnataka Minister for Kannada, Culture, and Tourism CT Ravi has tendered his resignation, days after being appointed BJP national General Secretary. • The four-time MLA from Chikkamagaluru submitted his resignation on 3 Oct 2020 to CM BS Yediyurappa. • He was appointed to the party position at the national level on September 26, 2020.

Govt. Policies and Schemes Delhi govt approves over ₹40 crore • The Delhi govt has approved more than ₹40 cr to provide medical insurance of ₹5 lakh and term insurance of ₹10 lakh to lawyers, who are residents of Delhi. • The lawyers will be insured under the Chief Minister Advocates Welfare Scheme, which was announced by the AAP government back in December 2019. • The govt had set aside a corpus of ₹50 cr for the welfare of lawyers under the scheme. UP govt secures first rank under a scheme • UP govt has secured the 1st rank in PM Atmanirbhar Nidhi Scheme (SVANidhi Scheme) by approving the highest number of loans under the scheme in the country. • The State ranked first in all the categories - Applications, Sanctions, and Disbursements of the loans under the scheme. • As many as 6,22,167 applications were received under the scheme in the state which is highest in the country. PM inaugurates three projects in Gujarat • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated three development projects in Gujarat. • Inaugurating Kisan Sarvoday Yojana, under which farmers will be able to avail power supply from 5am to 9pm for irrigation purposes. • Paediatric Heart Hospital attached with UN Mehta Institute of Cardiology and Research Centre in Ahmedabad. • Mount Girnar got a ropeway, which is the fourth ropeway in the state. The Noida authority has sanctioned ₹6.5 crore

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Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 • The Noida authority has sanctioned ₹6.5 crore for a mission that goals to clean up town’s foremost drain, Kondli drain. • The 17-kilometre-long irrigation drain begins from Delhi’s Ashok Nagar space and merges with Yamuna in Sector 168, after passing by means of a number of residential sectors of town, reminiscent of sectors. • The Kondli drain, owned by the Uttar Pradesh irrigation division. Centre extends ESI Scheme to Arunachal Pradesh • The Centre has extended the Employees' State Insurance, ESI Scheme to Arunachal Pradesh from 1 Nov 2020. • A notification to this effect has been issued by the Central Government for notifying the district of Papum Pare, under the ESI Scheme. • All factories located in the district of Papum Pare employing 10 or more persons will become eligible for coverage under ESI Act 1948. Integrated Model Agricultural Village Scheme • Uttarakhand CM has inaugurated Integrated Model Agricultural Village scheme (Ekikrit Adarsh Krishi Gram Yojana) in the state. • It has been launched in partnership with NABARD. • The scheme is a concept which will prove to be a milestone in strengthening the economy of farmers and doubling their income. Odisha CM launches a service • Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik has launched Citizen-Centric online Service of Food Supply and Consumer Welfare Department. • Under this, the farmers' registration for the sale of paddy, Ration Card Management, payment of license fees for affordable shops and payment of food grains by affordable shops will be carried out online. • The state government has covered 2.5 million people under the Scheme. Smart Black Board scheme in Tamil Nadu • Tamil Nadu govt is implementing the Smart Black Board scheme in 80,000 government schools to ensure a better teaching environment. • The scheme envisages usage of audiovisual teaching material that can be fed into the computer screens in classes using widely available pen drives. • The Central Education Ministry’s Smart Class Room scheme is also being implemented in 7500 schools in the state. Jagan Reddy launches 'YSR Bima' scheme • Andhra Pradesh CM Jagan Mohan Reddy has launched the 'YSR BIMA' scheme. • In this scheme, the beneficiary will receive an insurance amount in their family member's untimely death or permanent disability. • It is aimed at providing security to the families of poor and unorganised workers. • Reddy has also announced financial assistance of Rs 10,000 to the family of those who died in an accident. UP govt expands Ayushman Bharat scheme • Uttar Pradesh govt is expanding the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana Ayushman Bharat in the state. • This step will include half of the state's population under the health cover scheme of Ayushman Bharat. • Currently, under the Scheme, the beneficiary is selected on the basis of social, economic, ethnic census-2011. • On this basis, 1.18 crore families of the state are eligible for the scheme. AYUSHMAN SAHAKAR scheme launched • Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar launched AYUSHMAN SAHAKAR scheme on 19 October 47 | P a g e

Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 2020. • AYUSHMAN SAHAKAR scheme has been formulated by the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC). • The scheme aims at bringing transformation in the health services primarily in the rural areas. • It provides interest subvention of one per cent to women majority cooperatives. Odisha CM Launches 'Sujal' Mission • Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik has inaugurated "Sujal"- 'Drink from Tap Mission' scheme. • The scheme is for providing 24 hours supply of quality drinking water in all urban areas of the state. • The 'Drink from Tap' programme was launched at Salia Sahi in and Masani Chandi in Puri. • The scheme will benefit more than 1.8 lakh households in Bhubaneswar and Puri. ‘Tree Transplantation Policy’ in Delhi • Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has launched first-of-its-kind tree transplantation policy to preserve trees for a clean and green Delhi. • Now rather cutting the old tree, the government will transplant the tree to another place by using the latest scientific techniques. • Under this policy, 80% of trees uprooted for any construction/development project, must be transplanted elsewhere. Swa-nirbhar Naari: Atmanirbhar Asom scheme • Assam CM has launched Swa-nirbhar Naari: Atmanirbhar Asom scheme. • It has been launched in a bid to empower the economically disadvantaged women of the State. • The new scheme aims to create more than 3.72 lakh sustainable individual and 822 community assets. • In case of individual asset creation, five identified activities would be implemented across all Development Blocks. Uttarakhand CM launches a scheme • Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat has launched the Mukhya Mantri Saur Swarojgar Yojana for self- employment by solar energy farming. • The aim of the scheme is to promote the production of green energy and to provide self-employment opportunities to the youth of the State and returning migrants. • Each beneficiary of this scheme will be allocated solar plants of 25 kilowatts. Andhra CM launches Jaganna Vidya Kanuka Scheme • Andhra Pradesh CM Jagan Mohan Reddy has launched 'Jaganna Vidya Kanuka' scheme for students studying in government schools. • Putting an end to the earlier practice of delay in supply of textbooks, school uniforms, etc., this scheme aims to improve government schools' quality and enrolments. • The school kits will bring relief to the parents and save the new academic year expenditure. Online e-Sanjeevani OPDs scheme e-dedicated • Gujarat CM e-dedicated online e-Sanjeevani OPDs scheme across Gujarat through video conferencing on 8 Oct'20. • The main objective of is to provide medical facilities online to the patients for common diseases at their homes. • This will reduce the additional burden on hospitals and OPDs. • It is an extension of free treatment and medicines being provided to Covid-19 patients. Govt clears 16 proposals under PLI scheme 48 | P a g e

Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 • The Ministry of Electronics and Information and Technology has cleared 16 proposals from domestic and international companies entailing an investment of 11000 crore rupees. • It is done under the production linked incentive, PLI scheme to manufacture mobile phones worth 10.5 lakh crore rupees over the next 5 years. • It will generate more than 2 lakh direct jobs. Pathashree Abhiyan scheme launched in Bengal • West Bengal CM on 1 Oct 2020 announced a road repair scheme titled ‘Pathashree Abhiyan’. • Under this, more than 7,000 stretches of roads comprising 12,000 km across the state will be repaired in a mission mode in a time-bound manner. • The state government has already allocated Rs 500 crore for the scheme and the repairing work would be finished by January 2021. CM e-launches sports and youth projects • Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani launched various projects of the state sports, youth and cultural affairs department through a video conference from Gandhinagar. • These development works include the ‘mobile to sports initiative’, employment guidance centres for athletes and a project to develop sports grounds in 500 villages. Housing programme for tea workers announced • West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has announced a slew of measures for the people. • The govt will build brick houses for at least 3,694 workers in seven sick tea gardens in Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar districts under the 'Chai Sundari' scheme. • Work for building houses will start within two months and the govt will incur an expenditure of Rs 500 cr. • The project will be completed in three years. Science and Tech New black coral species found • Three species of black coral have been discovered on the seabed of the northern Pacific Ocean, an area where several countries have contracts to explore for metals including cobalt and nickel as they race to find new supplies of the key battery elements. • The corals were discovered on deep seamounts and ridges in the mineral-rich Prime Crust Zone. Chameleon last seen a century ago rediscovered • Scientists have found an elusive chameleon species that was last spotted in Madagascar 100 years ago. • Researchers from Madagascar and Germany had discovered several living specimens of Voeltzkow’s chameleon during an expedition to the north-west of the African island nation. • The Voeltzkow’s chameleons’ habitat is under threat from deforestation. MIT's AI model detects asymptomatic patients • AI can diagnose asymptomatic Covid patients using a cellphone. • Researchers from MIT found that people who are asymptomatic may differ from healthy individuals in the way that they cough. • The AI model identified 98.5% of coughs from people confirmed with COVID-19. NASA’s JUNO captured Jupiter’s outbursts • JUNO, a NASA space probe orbiting the planet Jupiter- recently captured images of colorful bursts of lightning-like electricity high in Jupiter’s atmosphere.

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Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 • For the first time, these bright, unpredictable, and extremely brief flashes of light, also known as transient luminous events, or TLE’s, are seen in another world. VEXAS Syndrome: Scientists Discover Disease • Scientists at the National Institutes of Health have found a rare and deadly inflammatory disease affecting men called the VEXAS syndrome. • The condition, called VEXAS after its features, is an inflammatory condition that tends to cause symptoms of blood clots, fevers, and, in 40% of cases, death. • VEXAS has been found in men because it is linked to the X chromosome in which men only have one. Apple acquires AI startup for $50 million • Apple purchased artificial intelligence startup Vilynx earlier this year for approximately $50 million. • Barcelona-based Vilynx built AI tools that analyze videos with the goal of "understanding" what's in them and categorizing that information, which Apple could use to improve Siri and other apps. SpaceX now targeting Nov 14 for next launch • The private spaceflight company is planning to send four astronauts to the International Space Station for NASA on Nov 14. • Called Crew-1, the mission will be the first operational flight of SpaceX's Crew Dragon astronaut taxi and the second Crew Dragon mission to carry passengers on board. • It is scheduled to launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. IIT-Guwahati develops low-cost technology • Researchers at the IIT Guwahati have developed a low-cost membrane technology to produce psychoactive drugs and anti-ageing compounds from agricultural resources. • The technology has been patented and developed by Mihir Kumar Purkait, professor of the Department of Chemical Engineering. • It produces caffeine (psychoactive drugs) and flavonoids (anti-ageing compounds) from citrus fruits, etc. A new analytical model by scientists • A new analytical model has thrown up possibilities that some of the ‘First stars’ formed between 100 mn to 250 mn years after the Big Bang, may have survived till the present epoch. • Led by Jayanta Dutta from Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research Mohali, a team has developed a model that allows following the evolution of these protostars up to a million years from their birth. Oxford jab prompts immune response • One of the world’s leading COVID-19 experimental vaccines produces an immune response in both young and old adults, raising hopes of a path out of the gloom and economic destruction wrought by the novel coronavirus. • AZD1222, developed by the University of Oxford, also triggers lower adverse responses among the elderly, British drugmaker AstraZeneca, which is helping manufacture the vaccine. NASA's SOFIA Discovers Water on Moon surface • NASA revealed a discovery about the Moon that confirms water has been found on the sunlit surface. • The discovery was found using infrared instruments from the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy. • NASA revealed the discovery brings the idea forth that water may be distributed across various areas of the surface of the Moon, rather than solely in the shadowed, cold areas. MIT researchers create a self-driving Roboat • The creative folks over at MIT are always coming up with wild new pieces of technology, and now, they're 50 | P a g e

Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 unveiling another new project of that ilk: a robotic, autonomous boat capable of ferrying actual passengers. • The boat, aptly named "Roboat II", is the product of five years of experimentation over at MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory. World’s tiniest boat can sail down a hair • Physicists at Leiden University in the Netherlands have 3D printed what could be the world’s smallest boat, a test object known as Benchy. • At 30 microns long, it’s a third smaller than the thickness of a human hair and about six times larger than a bacteria cell. • It’s not only small but surprisingly detailed, with an open cockpit that features some tricky geometry. Samsung, Stanford Collaboration • Samsung and Stanford University have collaborated to make an OLED display with resolutions of up to 10,000 pixels per inch (ppi). • This could lead to advancement in virtual and augmented reality technologies as high pixel density results in more realistic images, according to the research. • The result was achieved by expanding on existing designs for electrodes of ultra-thin solar panels. India launches flash flood guidance services • India has launched first of its kind Flash Flood Guidance services for India and other South Asian countries -- Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. • To issue impact-based forecasting at the watershed and also city level, of floods which are very sudden and of short duration. • The Flash Flood Guidance is a robust system designed by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Bharat Biotech is ready to launch Covaxin • Bharat Biotech, the company which is developing one of India’s indigenous vaccine candidates called Covaxin, expects that the shot will be ready by June 2021. • Drugs Controller General of India's (DCGI) subject expert committee has recommended granting permission for phase 3 clinical trials for Covaxin. New super-white paint that exhibits sunlight • New 'super-white' paint that reflects 95.5 % of sunlight off buildings is so good at reducing heat it could one day replace AC. • Scientists at Purdue developed the new acrylic using calcium carbonite fillers. • It remains 10 degrees C cooler at night than the ambient temperature and 1.7 degrees C lower in daylight. • It could keep buildings cooler and prevent outdoor machinery from overheating. Ynsect to build world's biggest bug farm • French Startup Ynsect Will Build World’s Biggest Indoor Insect Farm. • Ynsect raised $224 million from investors including Hollywood star Robert Downey Jr.’s Footprint Coalition to build a second insect farm in Amiens in northern France. • The highest vertical farm in the world and the first carbon-negative vertical farm in the world. India ranks 131 in global internet speed • In September this year, India ranked 131 out of 138 in the global mobile internet speed rankings. • South Korea topped the list with an average mobile internet speed of 121.00 Mbps. • Neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Nepal ranked higher than India on the global internet speed index. • Report prepared by Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index.

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Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 SpaceX launches 60 Starlink satellites • SpaceX has launched another batch of 60 Starlink satellites, the primary ingredient for its forthcoming global broadband internet service. • This is the fifteenth Starlink launch thus far, and SpaceX has now launched nearly 900 of the small, low Earth orbit satellites to date. • SpaceX’s goal with Starlink is to provide broadband service globally. Apple to launch AirTags in November • Apple is rumoured to introduce new AirPods in November, and the company may unveil these AirTags alongside. • Past leaks suggest that AirTags are expected to support magnetic charging and be completely waterproof. • Apple is expected to host a special event on November 17 wherein it is tipped to launch ARM-powered Mac computers. IIT Kharagpur, TCS collaborate • IIT Kharagpur and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) have jointly developed a novel Industry 4.0 technology. • It will remotely control factory operations and do real-time quality correction during industrial production in a bid to deliver quality output at low costs. • Through this innovation, IIT Kharagpur aims to stimulate innovation in advanced manufacturing to boost the capital goods sector. Evidence of lost river discovered • An international team of researchers has found a “lost” river that ran through the central Thar desert, near Bikaner, 1,72,000 years ago. • This evidence indicates a river flowed with phases of activity dating to approximately up to 172 thousand years ago, nearby to Bikaner, Rajasthan, which is over 200 kilometres away from the nearest modern river. Govt sets aside 7 bn to vaccinate population • India’s government has set aside about 500 billion rupees ($7 billion) to vaccinate the world’s most populous country after China against the coronavirus. • Govt estimates an all-in cost of about $6-$7 per person in the nation of 1.3 billion. • Adar Poonawalla, head of the Serum Institute of India Pvt., has predicted the nation would need about 800 billion rupees. Covaxin gets DCGI approval for phase 3 trial • Bharat Biotech, which is developing India's vaccine for coronavirus named COVAXIN, has got the nod from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) to conduct phase 3 clinical trials. • Covaxin is the first indigenous vaccine developed by India against COVID-19 and is derived, from a strain of SARS-CoV-2 isolated by ICMR-National Institute of Virology, Pune. Brazilian volunteer dies in vaccine trial • A volunteer in a clinical trial of the Covid-19 vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University had died. • So far 8,000 of the planned 10,000 volunteers in the trial have been recruited and given the first dose in six cities in Brazil, and many have already received the second shot. NASA spacecraft grabs sample of rocks • A NASA spacecraft touched down on the rugged surface of the Bennu asteroid on 20 Oct 2020. • It grabbed a sample of rocks dating back to the birth of our solar system. • The minivan-sized OSIRIS-REx spacecraft, built by Lockheed Martin, extended its 11-foot (3.35 m) robotic arm

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Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 toward a flat patch of gravel near Bennu’s north pole and plucked the sample of rocks. Tectonic faultline in Ladakh moving northward • In Ladakh, recent studies have found that the tectonic faultline is moving northward. • Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology noted that the fault line is tectonically active along the Indus Suture Zone (ISZ). • Studies observed that the sedimentary rocks of Indus are overriding the Ladakh batholith granite. • This confirms that the Indus suture zone around Leh is seismologically active. Microsoft partners with SpaceX • Microsoft took a big step towards strengthening the capabilities of its Azure cloud computing platform. • The company announced that it is partnering with Elon Musk-led SpaceX to provide satellite-powered internet connectivity on Azure. • Plan to deliver satellite connectivity between field-deployed assets and cloud resources across the globe to both the public and private sector. Jio, Qualcomm successfully test 5g in India • Jio and Qualcomm have announced that they were working together to develop indigenous 5G solutions and network infrastructure for India. • Qualcomm and Jio also announced that they achieved over a 1 Gbps milestone on the Reliance Jio 5GNR solution and the Qualcomm 5G RAN Platform. • Currently, the USA, South Korea, Australia, Switzerland and Germany can offer 1GBPS speeds to 5G customers. Blue Origin launches its suborbital rocket • Blue Origin launched its New Shepard suborbital rocket into the skies over west Texas, recently. • The flight was the 13th time a version of the New Shepard flew into space. • The New Shepard contained several technology experiments, including a lunar landing system that contained a lidar suite, a computer and a terrain recognition system as well as a heat shield. Trial of Intranasal Covid-19 vaccine-soon • The clinical trials of nasal coronavirus vaccine in India begin soon. • Pune’s Serum Institute of India & Hyderabad’s Bharat Biotech will begin the late-stage clinical trials of the nasal Covid-19 vaccine in India. • The vaccines currently in Phase 3 trials, all are administered by injection, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). India Conducts Trial of Prithvi-2 • A night trial of nuclear-capable missile Prithvi-2 successfully conducted from a test range in Odhisa. • The Prithvi-2 missile is capable like carrying 500-1,000 kg of warheads and is powered by liquid propulsion twin engines. • The nine-metre tall 'Prithvi' was the first missile to have been developed by DRDO under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). New species of fish discoverd in Western Ghat • Schistura hiranyakeshi a freshwater loach has been discoverd from Maharashtra's western Ghat, the meaning of Hiranykeshi in Sanskrit is golden hair. • The fish was named as "Schistura hiranyakeshi" after the river Hiranyakeshi which originates in the Sindhudurg Maharashtra. • Tejas Thackery, Jayasimhan Praveenraj and Shankar Balasubramanian discovered the species.

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Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 Dr Reddy's gets green signal to conduct trial • Dr Reddy’s and RDIF entered into a partnership to conduct clinical trials of Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine and its distribution in India. • Drug Control General of India (DCGI) approved clinical trial in India. • On August 11, 2020, the Sputnik V vaccine developed by the Gamaleya National Research Institute of Epidemiology. • RDIF will supply 100 million doses of the vaccine to Dr Reddy. Mars appeared biggest on 13 October • Mars appeared its biggest and brightest on 13 Oct 2020 night as the Red Planet was seen lined up with Earth and Sun. • It happens in about every two years and is called opposition in astronomy terms: the Sun and Mars on opposite sides of Earth. • Opposition happens because of the different speeds at which Earth and Mars orbit the Sun and the different paths they take. NASA to launch Karur students’ satellite • An experimental satellite developed by three students of Karur has been selected for launch in sub-orbital space by NASA. • It took more than two years of research and development for M. Adnaan of Thanthonrimalai, M. Kesavan of Nagampalli village near Malaikovilur and V. Arun of Thennilai to design and develop the satellite. IIT Madras develops wrapping material • IIT Madras has developed an antimicrobial food wrapping material. • The novel material is biodegradable and can prevent the contamination of packaged food by bacteria during storage. • It can reduce plastic waste when disposing of the wrappers. • The anti-bacterial wrapper when disposed degrades four to 98 per cent within 21 days, depending on the moisture in the environment. New perennial woody herb species found • A team of researchers have reported a new species of the perennial woody herb of the genus Lepidagathis from the northern laterite plateaus of Kasaragod district in Kerala. • Since this rare plant was spotted in the neighbourhood of the Ananthapura lake temple, it has been named ‘Lepidagathis ananthapuramensis’ after the famous temple dedicated to Ananthapadmanabha. India’s 1328th species of butterfly • India’s 1328th species of butterfly was seen and photographed in Rajasthan six years ago. • It has been declared so by Bhimtal-based Butterfly Research Centre, and validated by Wildlife Institute of India. • Spialia Zebra, the butterfly species that is normally found in Pakistan, was photographed at Sangwara in Rajasthan’s Dungarpur district on November 8, 2014. India successfully test-fires Rudram Missile • India successfully test-fired Rudram Anti-Radiation Missile developed by DRDO from a Sukhoi-30 fighter aircraft off the east coast, on 9 Oct 2020. • The missile will provide air superiority, tactical capability for the Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter aircraft. • It can be launched from a varying range of altitudes for destroying enemy surveillance radars, tracking and communication systems.

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Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 A Start-up of IIT Guwahati develops mobile app • In Assam, Sahara, a hyperlocal-tech start-up of the students of the IIT Guwahati, have developed a mobile application. • It lets offline business owners create synergy with customers and potential business partners on a global platform with the power of digitalization. • The features on this app will also guarantee accurate navigating experience, especially to travellers. IISc Bengaluru develops non-invasive bandage • Indian Institute of Science researchers have developed a non-invasive bandage made with magnetic nanofibers to treat skin cancer. • The bandage has been developed with a unique blend of magnetic nanoparticles fabricated using a method called electrospinning. • It was found out that the healthy tissue remained intact with no signs of burns, inflammation or thickening. New family of bony fish discovered • Scientists from India, Germany, United Kingdom and Switzerland have discovered a new family of bony fish from the Western Ghats and named it Aenigmachannidae. • Results of this study were published in Scientific Reports, the open-access mega-journal of the Nature Publishing Group. • Scientists discovered enigmatic Gollum Snakehead, Aenigmachanna Gollum from the rice fields of northern Kerala. ISRO to launch its Venus mission in 2025 • ISRO is scheduled to launch its Venus mission in 2025 and France will participate in it. • The VIRAL (Venus Infrared Atmospheric Gases Linker) instrument co-developed with the Russian federal space agency Roscosmos and the LATMOS atmospheres, environments and space observations laboratory attached to the French national scientific research centre has been selected by the ISRO.

Business and Economy Geojit launches global investment platform • Geojit Financial Services has announced the launch of its global investment platform. • It will help its customers invest in the US markets and diverse global assets through a single account from anywhere in the world. • Geojit has partnered with New York-based global wealth management services platform Stockal, to develop the AI-powered global investment platform. Paytm Payments issues 5 million FASTags • Paytm Payments Bank is now enabling automatic cashless payments at 211 toll plazas. • It continues to be the largest issuer of FASTags in India and has equipped over 5 mn vehicles with these tags. • With this, it has emerged as the largest facilitator of digital toll payments. • It is further aiming to acquire another 100 toll plazas and achieve 100% growth in FASTag sales in the next 3 months. I-T exemption under LTC cash voucher scheme • Govt has decided to extend the income tax exemption available under leave travel concession (LTC) cash voucher scheme to non-central govt employees also to boost consumer spending. • Non-central govt employees will include employees of state govs, public sector enterprises, banks and private sector. 55 | P a g e

Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 • The move will allow non-govt employees to claim tax-free cash allowance from their employers. Government bans export of onion seeds • The government on 29 Oct banned exports of onion seeds with immediate effect amidst rising prices of the bulb in the domestic markets. • The export of onion seeds was in the restricted category, which means an exporter was required to obtain a licence or permission from the government for shipments. • Onion seed exports were worth USD 0.57 million during April-August. Tata group to invest ₹5000 crore in TN • The Tata group is investing ₹5,000 crore to set up a phone component manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu. • The new company, Tata Electronics, has been allotted 500 acres by TIDCO(Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation). • Titan Co Ltd’s precision engineering division, Titan Engineering and Automation Ltd (TEAL), will provide the expertise for this project. Summons to Jio, Airtel, Uber, Ola, Truecaller • A Joint Committee of Parliament issued a notice, calling representatives of telecom operators Reliance Jio and Airtel and cab aggregators Ola and Uber to depose before it on the issue of data security. • The committee, chaired by BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi, is examining the Personal Data Protection Bill 2019. • The Personal Data Protection Bill was introduced in Lok Sabha by . L&T set to win ₹25,000 crores contract • L&T set to win ₹25,000 cr contract for Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project. • Larsen & Toubro has emerged as the lowest bidder to build the largest segment of the upcoming high-speed rail line between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. • The company bid ₹24,985 crores for constructing the 237.1 km line for the bullet train project, beating two other bids led by Tata Projects and Afcons Infrastructure. IndusInd Bank goes live on RBI's Framework • IndusInd Bank has gone live as a ‘Financial Information Provider’ (FIP) under the new ‘Account Aggregator Framework’ of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). • This had made it the first bank in the country to do so. • With this, customers can now avail a host of benefits such as viewing statements of their accounts, track deposits, plan investments, avail credit cards, etc. on a single window. Apple acquires AI startup for $50 million • Apple purchased artificial intelligence startup Vilynx earlier this year for approximately $50 million. • Barcelona-based Vilynx built AI tools that analyze videos with the goal of "understanding" what's in them and categorizing that information, which Apple could use to improve Siri and other apps. TikTok, Shopify partnership • TikTok unveiled a pact with e-commerce platform Shopify offering more than a million merchants on the platform a dedicated channel to reach TikTok users with creative marketing. • Through the new TikTok channel for Shopify, businesses can create, manage and measure TikTok ad campaigns without leaving the Shopify interface. • The Shopify agreement also creates #ShopBlack, a co-branded campaign. Rajesh Nambiar: Chairman and MD of Cognizant • Cognizant has named Rajesh Nambiar as the Chairman and Managing Director of its India operations and a member of its Executive Committee effective November 9, 2020. 56 | P a g e

Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 • Nambiar will join Cognizant from Ciena, a networking, systems, and software company, where he currently serves as the Chairman and President of Ciena India. China top buyer of Indian steel in Lockdown • China was the biggest buyer of Indian steel in the first six months of the current financial year, accounting for 29% of Indian steel exports during the period. • China bought 1.9 million tonnes of India’s 6.5 million tonnes of steel exports during April-September. • Vietnam was the second-largest importer of Indian steel, buying 1.6 million tonnes. Airtel planning to exit the Ghanaian market • Bharti Airtel in its board meeting announced the approval of the board for concluding an arrangement with Government of Ghana wherein Government of Ghana will acquire 100 per cent shares of Airtel Ghana Ltd (AirtelTigo) along with all customers, assets and agreed liabilities. • AirtelTigo is a joint venture between Airtel and Millicom. Paddy procurement increases by 18.6 % • Paddy procurement at MSP by Government has registered an increase of nearly 18.6 per cent in 2020. • Over 13 lakh 64 thousand farmers have already benefited through these MSP procurements under which the government has paid an amount of over 30,000 crore rupees. • Out of the total purchase, Punjab alone has contributed over 107 Lakh Metric Tonnes which is nearly 67% of the total procurement. Kerala becomes first state to fix floor price • Kerala has become the first state in the country to set floor prices of 16 varieties of vegetables, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan informed. • The scheme would come into effect from November 01, 2020. • “This is the first time the floor price is being fixed for vegetables produced in the state and this is the first for a state in the country also. • Provide relief as well as support for the farmers. Facebook's Ankhi Das Quits • Facebook executive Ankhi Das, whose name came up in a recent controversy over alleged bias by the social networking giant in dealing with hate speeches, has resigned from the company. • Ankhi was one of our earliest employees in India and played an instrumental role in the growth of the company and its services over the last nine years. Global FDI halved in first six months: UN • Global foreign direct investment plunged by 49% in the first half of 2020 from the same period in 2019 and is on course to fall by up to 40% for 2020. • FDI flows to European economies turned negative for the first time ever, falling to -$7 bn from $202 bn, while flows to the US fell by 61% to $51 bn. • This was announced by the UN Conference for Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in its report. SBI raises ₹5,000 crores • SBI has raised ₹5,000 crores by issuing Basel-III compliant bonds. • The committee of directors of capital raising met on 26 Oct 2020 and accorded its approval to allot 50,000 Basel-III compliant non-convertible, taxable debt instruments. • The Basel-III capital regulations are globally accepted banking norms under which banks need to improve and strengthen their capital planning processes. Ant to raise $34.5 bn in biggest IPO 57 | P a g e

Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 • Jack Ma’s Ant Group Co. is set to raise about $34.5 billion through initial public offerings in Shanghai and Hong Kong. • The listing will rank as the biggest IPO ever and make it one of the most valuable finance firms on the planet. • Ant has picked China International Capital Corp. (CICC) and CSC Financial Co. to lead its Shanghai leg of the IPO. Mirae Asset launches two passive ESG funds • Mirae Asset Mutual Fund has launched India’s first ESG ETF, ‘Mirae Asset ESG Sector Leaders ETF’. • It is an open-ended scheme tracking NIFTY 100 ESG Sector Leaders Total Return Index and India’s first ESG Fund of Fund, the ‘Mirae Asset ESG Sector Leaders Fund of Fund’. • Both the funds will be managed by Bharti Sawant and will be benchmarked against the Nifty 100 ESG Sector Leaders Index (TRI). Paytm Money launches ETFs • Paytm Money has launched Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) on its platform, post-approval from SEBI. • With this inclusion, the company has become a comprehensive platform wherein investors from across all financial and knowledge backgrounds can conveniently access ETFs. • An ETF is a passive form of investing which invests in a basket of securities that mostly tracks a certain index. SVC Bank partners with NPCI • SVC Bank, one of the leading Co-operative Banks in the country, announced entering into a partnership with NPCI to launch a rewards programme. • Designed to make banking experience more rewarding for its customers in the form of Reward points earned upon the use of SVC Bank Cards and digital solutions. • These points can be then redeemed to purchase products and services across leading brands. Kotak Mahindra Bank revises FD rates • Kotak Mahindra Bank has revised interest rate on fixed deposits (FD) on select maturities effective 22nd October 2020. • Now, with the latest revision, Kotak Mahindra Bank FD interest rates range from 2.50% to 5% on maturities with different tenures. • For FDs maturing in 7 to 30 days, 31 to 90 days and 91 to 179 days, Kotak Mahindra Bank offers interest rate 2.5%, 3% and 3.5% respectively. Airtel launches cloud communications platform • Bharti Airtel Ltd has launched a cloud communications platform for businesses, entering the $1 bn Indian market for such services. • The homegrown platform, Airtel IQ, will eliminate multiple channels and allow communication on a unified platform. • With just a code, businesses can embed communication services such as voice, SMS, IVR (interactive voice response) system in their applications. Warburg to sell CleanMax stake • Warburg Pincus Llc is exploring the sale of its stake in rooftop solar power company CleanMax. • A potential deal could rank among the largest in India’s green energy segment. • In July 2017, Warburg Pincus said it will invest as much as $100 million in CleanMax. • India is home to the world’s largest clean energy programme. ICICI Bank shuts down operations in Sri Lanka • ICICI Bank has shut down operations in Sri Lanka after getting approval from the Sri Lankan monetary 58 | P a g e

Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 authority. • The Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, having considered the request made by ICICI Bank, has granted approval to close down the business operation of the bank in Sri Lanka and cancel the licence issued to it. Ant Group IPO pricing • Chinese fintech giant Ant Group will be the world's biggest, according to pricing determined. • It is the first time pricing of the initial public offering has been determined outside New York. • The listing could be the world’s largest initial public offering, surpassing the record set by Saudi Aramco’s $29.4 billion floats last December. Govt extends due date for filing GST return • The government has extended the due date for filing GST Annual Return in FORM GSTR-9 and GSTR-9A and Reconciliation Statement in FORM GSTR-9C for Financial Year 2018-19 from 31st October to 31st December 2020. • The filing of Reconciliation Statement in FORM 9C for 2018-19 is also optional for the taxpayers having aggregate turnover up to 5 crore rupees. Tata Motors crosses a production milestone • Tata Motors' passenger vehicle vertical has crossed 40 lakh cumulative production milestone, nearly three decades after it rolled out its first model in the segment - Tata Sierra SUV in 1991. • The company, which over the years has produced models like the Indica, Sierra, Sumo, Safari, had achieved the 10 lakh production mark for passenger vehicles in 2005-06 and 30 lakh milestone in 2015. Finance Ministry issues guidelines • The Finance Ministry has approved guidelines for a scheme for grant of ex-gratia payment of the difference between compound interest and simple interest for six months of loans up to Rs 2 crore. • As per the operational guidelines issued by Department of Financial Services, the scheme can be availed by borrowers in specified loan accounts for a period from March 1 to August 31, 2020. Import of finished goods banned • Canteen Stores Department (CSD), which operates canteens for the defence forces, is set to ban all ‘direct imported’ items. • These items would include those that are shipped from other countries in finished form. • In the liquor segment, Scotch brands that are bottled in Scotland will be banned but those that have imported ingredients, but bottled in India, will continue to occupy shelves. Finance Ministry releases Rs. 6,000 crore • The Central Government has borrowed and transferred Rs 6,000 crore as first tranche to 16 States and two Union Territories. • They are Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir. • The borrowing is at an interest rate of 5.19%. Government imposes stock limit • The Govt has taken steps to moderate prices and availability of onion in the country. • A stock limit has been imposed on the onions with effect from 24 Oct'20 which is 25 Metric Tonnes for Wholesalers and 2 Metric Tonnes for Retailers for a period up to 31 Dec'20. • The govt has stepped up disposal of onions through the built-up buffer stock of one Lakh Metric Tonne from

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Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 the Rabi onion-2020. Metro line connecting Jewar & Delhi airports • Once the Jewar Airport in Uttar Pradesh’s Gautam Budh Nagar district is ready, it will be directly connected to the Delhi Airport via Metro. • Passengers can expect to travel from one airport to the other in two-and-a-half hours whereas those travelling from South Delhi to Jewar can expect to cover the distance in one-and-a-half hours once the link is ready. WhatsApp to allow users to shop from chats • Facebook-owned WhatsApp today introduced new features that allow WhatsApp Business users to sell products directly from the platform. • The feature will allow purchases to be made directly from a WhatsApp chat with a business. • The company will also provide hosting services to small businesses through Facebook’s partners in the country. BMTC begins trial runs of electric bus • The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation on 22 Oct started a trial run of electric buses. • Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa was present along with Transport Minister and Deputy CM Laxman Savadi for the inauguration of the trial run. • Full-fledged electric bus services won’t start any time soon as the BMTC will try out different manufacturers before deciding on the private contractor. Maharashtra invites Tesla • Maharashtra tourism and environment minister Aaditya Thackeray said he has invited Elon Musk's Tesla. • Earlier this month, Elon Musk had indicated that the company could make a foray into India in 2021. • Maharashtra is already home to a host of domestic and foreign automobile manufacturers with Chakan Industrial belt near Pune a major automobile hub in the state. Water taxi services introduce in November • The Mumbai Port Trust is looking to introduce water taxi services from the city’s domestic cruise terminal at Princess Dock from November. • It is planning to operate water taxis between Mumbai and Belapur, Vashi, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust and Manwa initially. • Water taxis will enable to reach Navi Mumbai in around 30-40 minutes, instead of around one-and-a-half- hour taken currently by road. Yes Bank reports net profit of ₹129 crores • Private sector lender Yes Bank on 23 Oct reported a net profit of ₹129.4 crores for the September compared with a net loss of ₹600 crores in the year-ago period. • The bank's gross non-performing asset (NPA) ratio more than doubled to 16.9% as on 30 September from 7.39% a year ago, and as against 17.30% in the previous quarter. • Net NPAs or bad loans rose to 4.70% from 4.35% a year ago. Govt to sell up to 15% stake in RVN Ltd • The government is planning to sell up to 15 per cent stake in the Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL) and has invited bids from merchant bankers for managing the share sale process. • The GoI intends to disinvest up to 15 per cent paid-up equity capital of RVNL out of its shareholding of 87.84 per cent through Offer for Sale (OFS) method. Indian Bank allies IIT-Madras to fund startup 60 | P a g e

Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 • Public sector lender Indian Bank, in collaboration with IIT Madras Incubation Cell (IITMIC), has unveiled ‘Ind SpringBoard,’ an initiative for funding startups. • The occasion was marked by the distribution of sanction tickets of ₹3.90 crores to two entrepreneurs. • Under the MoU, IITMIC will refer startups with proven technology and established cash flows to the bank. Nippon Life invests in World Bank • The World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, IBRD) issued a 15-year AU$150 million Sustainable Development Bond. • Nippon Life Insurance Company is the sole investor in this transaction. • World Bank bonds support the financing of sustainable development projects and programs in member countries across a range of sectors in line with its mission to end extreme poverty. Karnataka Govt annouces New Industrial Policy • The Karnataka govt has announced the launch of the New Industrial Policy 2020-2025. • The policy was launched at the seventh (virtual meet) Public Affairs Forum of India (PAFI) National Forum 2020, while addressing various industry captains, business houses, etc. • The meeting touched upon numerous business opportunities and investments available for domestic investors. Whatsapp Business customers to be charged • Whatsapp will start charging companies for its Business chat services soon. • Whatsapp Business, which has more than 50 million business users, has announced the pay-to-message option for businesses. • Whatsapp currently charges some businesses a small fee – a few cents per message – to send users things like receipts and confirmation reminders via the app instead of email. RBI to conduct purchase of Govt securities • RBI will conduct the purchase of Govt securities under Open Market Operations (OMOs) for an aggregate amount of Rs. 20,000 cr on 29 Oct'20. • OMOs refer to the sale or purchase of govt securities by RBI to commercial banks with a view to adjust liquidity conditions in the economy. • The State Development Loans (SDLs) are defined as securities issued by the states to manage their own finances. StanChart to set its GBS office in Chennai • Standard Chartered is setting up its biggest Global Business Services (GBS) office in Chennai. • The London-based bank's Standard Chartered GBS unit is leasing 7.7 lakh square feet for 15 years in a project being developed by DLF and Singapore sovereign fund GIC • This is one of the largest commercial office space deals in India during recent times. Goldman subsidiary pleads guilty in 1MDB scam • Hong Kong's financial regulator slapped Goldman Sachs with a $350 million fine on 22 Oct for its involvement in the 1MDB scandal. • The bank's "serious lapses" and deficiencies in management contributed to the misappropriation of $2.6 billion from the 1Malaysia Development Berhad fund, the Securities and Futures Commission said in a statement. TCS to buy Deutsche Bank’s tech unit • Tata Consultancy Services Ltd (TCS), Asia’s biggest software exporter by market value, is in advanced talks to acquire a technology services unit of Deutsche Bank AG.

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Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 • The pandemic is accelerating moves by global banks and financial services firms to shed their captive technology centres. • AG is an abbreviation of Aktiengesellschaft, which is a German term for a public limited company. Burger King files for IPO • Burger King India Ltd., one of the fastest-growing, quick-service restaurant chains in the country filed its draft prospectus for an initial public offering (IPO) with markets regulator, Securities and Exchange Board of India. • The IPO, a combination of fresh issue and offer for sale, looks to raise ₹542 crores as fresh capital. • The company plans to have about 700 franchise, sub-franchise. ICICI Bank revises fixed deposit rates • ICICI Bank has slashed interest rates on fixed deposits (FDs) on selected tenures. • The bank offers fixed deposits ranging from 7 days to 10 years. • After the latest revision, ICICI Bank gives 2.5% interest on deposits maturing in 7 days to 29 days, 3% for 30 days to 90 days, 3.5% for FDs maturing in 91 days to 184 days. • The bank has cut the interest rate on deposits maturing in 1-2 years.

Sports Chris Gayle smashes 1000 sixes in T20 cricket • Chris Gayle becomes the first cricketer in T20 history to smash 1000 sixes in the shortest format. • The West Indian achieved this feat in an Indian Premier League match against Rajasthan Royals. • He leads the six-hitting list in T20 cricket by a long-distance as second-placed Kieron Pollard has hit 690 maximums. Hyderabad FC announces tie-up with Marbella FC • Indian Super League side Hyderabad FC has announced a three-year strategic tie-up with Spanish club Marbella FC. • The Andalusia-based club currently plays in the Segunda División B. • Through this tie-up, Hyderabad FC can avail the facilities and infrastructure of Marbella FC for conducting preseason for HFC’s first-team players. MI become the first team to qualify for IPL20 • Mumbai Indians have become the first team to qualify for playoffs of IPL 2020 after Chennai Super Kings beat Kolkata Knight Riders in Dubai. • The four-time champions have eight wins from 12 matches they have played so far. • Following MI on the list are Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), who have seven wins from 12 matches. Rohit Sharma: Brand Ambassador of Dr Trust • Senior India cricketer Rohit Sharma was on 28 Oct named brand ambassador of healthcare company Dr Trust. • Dr Trust produces monitoring devices, which help in tracking vitals like blood pressure, blood oxygen levels, respiration rate, pulse rate and others. • Rohit will be featured in a new integrated campaign for Dr Trust which will run across TV, print and online channels as well as in-store. Indian chess player Leon Mendonca wins • Young Indian International Master Leon Luke Mendonca earned his maiden Grandmaster norm after winning the title in Rigochess International Festival tournament in Hungary. • The 14-year old Mendonca won six games, drew two and lost one to emerge winner in the 10-player field which included three GMs and was played over the board. 62 | P a g e

Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 • He secured seven points from nine rounds in the tournament. Ultimate Ladakh Cycling Challenge flagged off • In Leh, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor R. K. Mathur flagged off Ultimate Ladakh Cycling Challenge on 27 Oct 2020. • At an altitude of over 17 thousand feet, this is one of the toughest cycling challenges in the world. • Ladakh Police, Ladakh Tourism Department in association with the Cycling Federation of India with the support of Ladakh Cycling Association have organized the four-day event. Hardik Pandya takes a knee in support • MI' all-rounder Hardik Pandya has become the first player in the ongoing Indian Premier League to take a knee in support of the 'Black Lives Matter' movement. • Pandya's gesture came during the game against Rajasthan Royals here on 25 Oct. • After reaching his half-century in the 19th over, he went down on one knee with his right arm raised to show solidarity with the movement against racism. Punjabi version of Fitness Protocols • Punjab Sports and NRI Affairs Minister Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi has launched the Punjabi version of 'Age Appropriate Fitness Protocols' for all age groups. • It has been launched under the fit India movement under the initiative of Sports Authority of India (SAI). • PM Modi launched these Protocols on the occasion of the first anniversary of the Fit India Movement on 24th September 2020. Leicester City won at Arsenal for the 1st time • Leicester City won at Arsenal for the first time in 47 years on 25 October 2020. • The win lifted Brendan Rogers side to fourth on 12 points, while the Gunners stay in 10th place on 9 after six games. • Jamie Vardy’s 11th Premier League goal against the Gunners - more than any other player apart from Wayne Rooney - gave his side their first win at Arsenal since September 1973. An investigation from IWF • A three-year investigation into the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) has uncovered cases of suspected urine substitution and doppelgangers being used by impersonating athletes. • Eighteen weightlifters from six countries are suspected of giving manipulated samples. • The discovery was part of multiple and ongoing WADA probes that began in 2017, including Operation Arrow. SAI approves a camp for Table Tennis • Sports Authority of India has approved the national coaching camp for Table Tennis. • The camp will commence on 28th October and continue till 8th December 2020. • The camp comprising 11 players and four support staff will be conducted by the Table Tennis Federation of India at Delhi Public School, Sonepat. • It has been sanctioned at a total cost of about 18 lakh rupees. Virat Kohli Unlocks Major Records • Virat Kohli attained a special record during his half-century innings. Kohli became the only batsman in IPL history to have a record of hitting 200 sixes and 500 fours. • Virat Kohli is now the fifth batsman to score 200 or more sixes in IPL and became the third Indian batsman to do so. • Kohli tops the list of batsmen who have scored the most runs in IPL. He has scored 5827 runs so far. Lewis Hamilton breaks Schumacher's win record 63 | P a g e

Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 • Lewis Hamilton has been crowned the most victorious driver in Formula One history following his crushing 92nd career win in 25 Oct's Portuguese Grand Prix. • Hamilton is poised to become the sport's most successful driver of all time as early as next month, with a seventh world championship certain to follow this season. Mixed Martial Arts: Khabib Retires • Khabib Nurmagomedov choked Justin Gaethje unconscious in the second round to successfully defend his UFC lightweight title and then said he was retiring from the sport following a fierce brawl at UFC 254 in Abu Dhabi. • He notably competed in the lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, where he was the longest UFC Lightweight Champion from April 2018 until his retirement. World Cup Team Star Tanmay Srivastava Retires • Tanmay Srivastava, the top run-getter at the 2008 U-19 World Cup that India won under Virat Kohli's captaincy, announced his retirement on 24 Oct. • The left-handed Srivastava, who scored 262 runs at 52.4 in that tournament, announced the decision to retire on Twitter. • He was the highest run-getter of the 2008 Under-19 World Cup, which India won under Kohli’s leadership. Azhar to be replace as Pakistan Test captain • Pakistan Test captain Azhar Ali may lose his job as leader of the side when the team tours New Zealand amidst speculations that either white-ball skipper Babar Azam or Muhammad Rizwan could replace him. • He was named Test captain last year in October after sacking of Sarfaraz Ahmed as captain and player from all three formats. Salman's family buys LPL franchise • Lankan Premier League (LPL) franchise Kandy Tuskers has been bought by actor Salman Khan’s family. • The tournament was initially scheduled in August 2020 but had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. • It will now be held from November 21 to December 13, 2020, with five franchises fighting for the title. Dhoni: 1st cricketer to play 200 IPL matches • MS Dhoni has become the first player in the history of Indian Premier League to have played 200 matches. • Chennai Super Kings‘ match against Rajasthan Royals on 19 Oct 2020 marked the individual record for the skipper. • In 200 matches, the former India captain has scored 4596 runs, which includes 23 fifties, with the highest score of 84 not out. • His strike-rate reads 36. Sheikh Russel INTL Air Rifle Championship • World number one Indian Elavenil Valarivan won a gold medal and Shahu Tushar Mane bagged a silver in the Sheikh Russel International Air Rifle Championship held virtually on 20 Oct. • The championship was organized by Bangladesh Shooting Sport Federation (BSSF). • In the 60-shot competition in which shooters from six nations participated, including hosts Bangladesh. Nozomi Okuhara clinches Women's Singles title • In Badminton, former World Champion Nozomi Okuhara clinched the Denmark Open title beating three-time world champion Carolina Marin in women's singles. • In the men's singles final, Anders Antonsen of Denmark defeated Rasmus Gemke by 18-21, 21-19, 21-12. • In the mixed doubles, Mark Lamsfuss and Isabel Herttrich became the first German mixed doubles players to

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Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 win a Super Series event Mohun Bagan receives I-League trophy • Mohun Bagan received its I-League trophy on 18 Oct 2020, in the presence of West Bengal sports minister Aroop Biswas and I-League CEO Sunando Dhar. • Mohun Bagan will also display the trophy from November 2-5, 2020 for a photo opportunity by the members of the club and its supporters. • Mohun Bagan clinched the I-League crown on March 10, 2020, after defeating Aizawl FC. Umar Gul announces retirement • Pakistan's Umar Gul has announced that he will retire from all forms of cricket after the end of the ongoing National T20 Cup. • The 36-year-old Gul, who played his last match for Pakistan -- an ODI -- in 2016, featured for Balochistan team in the National T20 Cup, which ends on 18 Oct 2020. • From 47 Test matches, Gul took 163 wickets at an average of 34.06. Odisha to sponsor national rugby teams • Odisha Government would sponsor the Indian national rugby team for the next three years and facilitate high-performance training and conditioning of the players. • An agreement with Indian Rugby Football Union (IRFU) was inked at Kalinga Stadium regarding the same. • The sponsorship will cover training, conditioning and incentivising the Indian national rugby teams (men and women). U'khand Cabinet approves sports policy • The Uttarakhand government has approved a new sports policy providing a slew of incentives for talented sportspersons of the state. • The policy provides for an incentive of Rs 2 crore to an Olympic gold medallist from the state, Rs 1.5 crore to a silver medallist and Rs 1 crore to a bronze medallist. • Anyone participating in an Olympic event will get Rs 10 lakh. National Shooting Camp for Olympic shooters • National Shooting Camp for core Olympic shooters will be taking place at Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range for a period of two months. • It will be starting from 15th of October 2020. • The responsibility of maintaining the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will be shared by the Sports Authority of India and the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI). Los Angeles Lakers wins 17th NBA Championship • The Los Angeles Lakers are NBA champions, defeating the Miami Heat 106-93 in Game 6 of the NBA Finals on 11 Oct 2020. • This was the Lakers' first NBA Finals appearance since 2010 when the late Kobe Bryant won his fifth and final NBA title. • It's the fourth championship for LeBron James, in his 10th NBA Finals. • He became the NBA's all-time leader in playoff games played, at 260. Hamilton equals Schumacher's F1 record • Lewis Hamilton equalled Michael Schumacher's all-time record 91 Formula One wins on 11 Oct 2020 with an Eifel Grand Prix victory. • This was his seventh win of the season. • Red Bull's Max Verstappen finished second and took a bonus point for fastest lap, while Australian Daniel

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Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 Ricciardo finished third. Five Judo players to participate in Grand Slam • Five players from the Indian Judo Team will be participating in the Grand Slam 2020 competition. • It is an International Judo Federation event happening in Budapest, Hungary from 23-26 Oct 2020. • The five judokas consist of two women and three men players. • The women’s team includes 25-year-old Sushila Devi 48 kg from Manipur and 22-year-old Tulika Mann 78 kg of Delhi. Rafael Nadal wins his 13th French Open • In Tennis, Rafael Nadal beat Novak Djokovic 6-0, 6-2, 7-5 to win his 13th French Open, on 11 October 2020. • World number two Nadal claimed his 100th match win at Roland Garros against just two defeats since his 2005 debut. • In Women's doubles, Timea Babos and Kristina Mladenovic retained their French Open title. • In Women's Singles, Iga Swiatek won the French Open beating American Sofia Kenin. Virat Kohli 1st Indian to reach 9000 T20 runs • Virat Kohli became the first Indian batsman to reach 9000 runs in T20 cricket. • He achieved this milestone in Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) match against Delhi Capitals in Dubai, Match No. 19 of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. • He is placed seventh in the list of all-time scores in T20s with Chris Gayle leading the list. Visnu Shivaraj Pandian wins gold • India's Visnu Shivaraj Pandian won the 10m air rifle event at the fifth edition of the International Online Shooting Championship on 3 Oct 2020. • Visnu shot 251.4 to win the title by a clear margin of two points. • The second place was won by world no. 27 Etienne Germond of France while Olympic quota winner Martin Strempfl of Austria took the third place. Sergio Garcia wins PGA Masters • In Golf, Sergio Garcia won the PGA Tour for the first time since the 2017 Masters. • Garcia beat Peter Malnati with a birdie on the final hole to notch his 11th PGA Tour title at the Country Club of Jackson. • India's Anirban Lahiri had a tough time at the Country Club of Jackson, carding a five-over 77 in the third round to slip to T-52. Yashaswini wins gold in online shooting • Indian Olympic quota winner Yashaswini Singh Deswal won the 10m air pistol event in the fifth edition of the International Online Shooting Championship (IOSC). • The 23-year-old, world No 4 shot a score of 241.7 to win the title by a clear margin of 3.1 points. • Yashaswini, who had won a gold at 2019 ISSF World Cup in Rio de Janeiro, shot the best qualification score of 577. Romelu Lukaku wins UEFA Europa League • Inter Milan's Romelu Lukaku won the 2019/20 UEFA Europa League Player of the Season award. • The 27-year-old finished ahead of Bruno Fernandes and Ever Banega to win the fourth edition of the award, which was announced during the UEFA Europa League group stage draw in Nyon. • His Belgian international team-mate Eden Hazard collected the gong last season. Alyssa Healy breaks MS Dhoni’s record • Australian wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy has broken MS Dhoni's record for the most number of dismissals by a 66 | P a g e

Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 wicketkeeper in T20 internationals. • MS Dhoni had held the record with 57 catches and 34 stumpings in 98 matches. • Healy, who was involved in a stumping and a catch during the 2nd T20I, now has 92 dismissals in 114 matches. New logo of Sports Authority of India • Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju launched the Sports Authority of India’s (SAI) new logo at Delhi’s Major Dhyan Chand Stadium on 30 September 2020. • Set against a clear white backdrop, the new logo showcases the SAI initials in bold, adorned only with an abstract ‘flying figure’ - dabbed with the colours of the Indian flag. • SAI was established in the year 1982.

Defence Indian Army develops a messaging application • The Indian Army has developed a simple messaging application named the Secure Application for Internet. • The application supports end to end secure voice, text and video calling services for Android platform over the internet. • The model is similar to commercially available messaging applications like Whatsapp, Telegram, SAMVAD and GIMS and utilises end to end encryption messaging protocol. Defense Logistics Production Centre functional • A Defense Logistics Production Centre and Atal Innovation Park has started functioning at Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu from 28 Oct 2020. • The defence corridor project aims at increasing the proportion of Make in India products in the defence sector. • An MoU has also been signed today between the Defence Logistics Production Centre and the Naval Shipyard at Kochi. US offers F-18 fighters to India • The United States of America (USA) has offered its F-18 naval fighter jets to fulfil the Indian Navy's requirement of combat jets. • The Indian Navy had expressed its interest in the induction of 57 Naval fighter aircraft for operations from its aircraft carriers. • Along with the F-18 fighters, the US government has also offered to sell the unmanned aircraft Sea Guardian to the Indian Navy. 74th Infantry Day: 27 October • Indian Army celebrates October 27 each year as Infantry Day. • The day commemorates the first engagement with an armed adversary post-independence. • In response to the threat posed to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our nation, on this day in 1947, the leading elements of the Indian Army air landed at Srinagar and gallantly fought the Pakistani tribesmen led by Pakistan Army. BRO Road In Sikkim Dedicated To Nation • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on 26 Oct dedicated a 19.85 Km Alternate Alignment of the National Highway 310 from km 0.00 to km 19.350 to the nation in East Sikkim. • The road serves as an important link to bolster defence preparedness in the Nathula Sector in particular and in the whole of East Sikkim in general.

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Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 • The ceremony was held through video conference from the 33 Corp Hq in Sukhna. Defence Ministry acquires strategic land • The Defence Ministry is taking control of over 200 acre of strategic grazing grounds near Lungro La pass. • It was one of the flashpoints during the Sumdorong Chu incident in 1986, when the Indian Army stood up to and thwarted a Chinese bid to occupy territory in Arunachal Pradesh. • It will develop a new defence infrastructure close to the border with China. MoD sets new rules for land transfer • The Defence Ministry has approved changes to land transfer rules. • These will allow the armed forces to receive infrastructure equivalent in value to the land under their control which is needed for public utilities. • The move is expected to reduce the defence forces expenditure on development works, including new offices and housing for soldiers. Indian Army shot down Pak's quadcopter • Indian Army troops shot down a Pakistan Army quadcopter along Line of Control (LoC) in Keran sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district on 24 Oct 2020. • The Pakistani quadcopter has been made by Chinese company DJI Mavic 2 Pro model. • Pakistan has been trying to push across terrorists before the snowfall closes all possible routes of infiltration on the border. 4-day Commanders’ Conference of Indian Army • A 4-day Commanders’ Conference of Indian Army began on 26 Oct 2020 in New Delhi. • Army Chief Gen MM Naravane chaired the apex level biannual event that formulates important policy decisions through a collegiate system of deliberation. • It was attended by all Army Commanders, Principal Staff Officers of the Army headquarters, and other senior officers. UN nuclear weapons ban treaty • The United Nations announced 25 Oct that 50 countries have ratified a UN treaty to ban nuclear weapons triggering its entry into force in 90 days. • A move hailed by anti-nuclear activists but strongly opposed by the United States and the other major nuclear powers. • The treaty had 49 signatories, and UN officials said the 50th ratification from Honduras had been received. 47 additional ITBP outposts to be set up • The Govt has given consent to Indo-Tibetan Border Police, ITBP to set up 47 additional border outposts to step up vigil along the border. • Minister of State for Home G. Kishan Reddy announced while addressing the 59th Raising Day of Indo-Tibetan Border Police. • Apart from border security, ITBP is fighting terrorism in J&K, and making a significant contribution in peace mission abroad. 1st batch of 3 women pilots at Kochi • Indian Navy has operationalized the first batch of three Women Pilots on Dornier Aircraft. • They graduated as Fully operational Maritime Reconnaissance MR Pilots • The three women pilots are Lieutenant Divya Sharma, Lieutenant Shubhangi Swaroop, and Lieutenant Shivangi. • They initially underwent basic flying training partly with Indian Air Force and partly with the Navy prior to the

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Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 DOFT course War memorial at Bum La • Under the patronage of Arunachal Govt, a War Memorial has been constructed at Bum La, where Sub Joginder Singh, 1st Battalion the Sikh Regt made the supreme sacrifice. • Sub Joginder Singh, 1st Battalion the Sikh Regt received the highest gallantry award, Param Vir Chakra in the Eastern Theatre during the 1962 Sino- India War. • The Inauguration Ceremony of the Memorial was held on 23 Oct'20. The final trial of Nag anti-tank • India on 22 Oct successfully carried out the final user trial of the third-generation anti-tank guided missile Nag at Pokhran desert in Rajasthan. • It is a significant milestone that paves the way for the deployment of the weapon in strategically sensitive sectors. • The missile has been developed by the DRDO to engage highly fortified enemy tanks in day and night conditions. Navy's first batch of three women pilots • The Indian Navy operationalised the first batch of women pilots of Dornier Aircraft by the Southern Naval Command (SNC) at Kochi. • The three women pilots were part of the six pilots belonging to the 27th Dornier Operational Flying Training (DOFT) Course, who graduated as Fully operational Maritime Reconnaissance (MR) Pilots at a passing out ceremony held at INS Garuda. INS Kavaratti commissioned into Navy • The last of the four indigenously built Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) stealth corvettes INS Kavaratti under Project 28 was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 22 Oct 2020. • It was commissioned by Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Naravane, at Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. • Kavaratti is indigenously designed by the Indian Navy's in-house organization, Directorate of Naval Design(DND). SANT Missile successfully testfired • India successfully test-fired the Stand-off Anti-tank (SANT) Missile off the coast of Odisha on 19 October 2020. • The Missile is developed by the DRDO for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and will have both Lock-on After Launch and Lock-on Before Launch capability. • It is, reportedly, an upgrade on India’s Helina missile believed to have a range of 7 to 8km. • It has a range between 15 and 20 km. DRDO Procurement Manual-2020 approved • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved a new DRDO Procurement Manual-2020. • This will encourage more participation of the Indian Industry including start-ups and MSMEs in R&D activity and achieve the goal of self-reliance in Defence. • It will facilitate the indigenous Defence Industry by simplifying the processes and ensuring their participation in design and development activities. Australia will join the Malabar naval exercise • Ministry of Defence on 19th October announced that Australia would join the Malabar 2020 naval exercise, consisting of India, Japan, and the U.S.

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Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 • The exercise is to be held at the end of November. • This will formally bring together the militaries of the four countries in the Quad group. • India seeks to increase cooperation with other countries in the maritime security domain. Indian and Sri Lankan Navy drill • The navies of India and Sri Lanka are conducting a three-day military exercise off Trincomalee. • The Eighth Edition of annual Indian Navy (IN) – Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) bilateral maritime exercise SLINEX-20 is scheduled off Trincomalee, Sri Lanka from 19 to 21 October 2020. • The previous edition of SLINEX was conducted off Visakhapatnam in September 2019. 36th Raising Day of NSG • National Security Guard (NSG) celebrated its 36th Raising Day on 16 Oct 2020. • The NSG is a Federal Contingency force to deal with anti-terrorist activities. • Established in 1984, NSG is popularly known as the Black Cats and is an elite striking force in the country, trained and equipped to handle situations like a terrorist attack, hijacking, and hostage captivity. India successfully test-fires BrahMos missile • India for the first time successfully flight-tested supersonic cruise missile BrahMos from the Navy’s indigenously built stealth destroyer INS Chennai against a live target. • BrahMos has a strike range of over 300 km and with a very low-cruise altitude of 10m at terminal phase and precision hit capability has turned the warship into one of the deadliest platforms of Indian naval fleet. India Conducts Trial of Prithvi-2 • A night trial of nuclear-capable missile Prithvi-2 successfully conducted from a test range in Odhisa. • The Prithvi-2 missile is capable like carrying 500-1,000 kg of warheads and is powered by liquid propulsion twin engines. • The nine-metre tall 'Prithvi' was the first missile to have been developed by DRDO under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). Vice Chief of Army Staff to visit US • Lieutenant General S. K. Saini, Vice Chief of the Army Staff will visit the United States of America from 17th to 20th Oct 2020. • The aim of the visit is to enhance military cooperation between both the Armies. • Lt. Gen. Saini will visit the US Army Pacific Command (USARPRAC), the Army component of Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) and exchange ideas extensively with the military leadership. New batch of Rafale fighter jets to join IAF • The newly acquired Rafale fighter jets of India will be put to test as the 2nd batch of the planes will be joining the Indian Airforce fleet. • 3-4 Rafale fighter jets will be arriving at the Ambala base by the first week of Nov 2020. • The new additions will be the second batch of jets that will be employed to serve the Indian forces. • The first batch was officially inducted on 10 Sept 2020. India-to-deliver INS Sindhuvir to Myanmar • India will be delivering a Kilo Class submarine INS Sindhuvir to Myanmar Navy as part of defence cooperation. • This will be the first submarine of Myanmar Navy. • The step is in accordance with India's vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and also in line with India's commitment to building capacities and self-reliance in the neighbouring countries. Army Chief Naravane to visit Nepal • Army Chief General M.M. Naravane will be visiting Nepal in November 2020. 70 | P a g e

Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 • He will be conferred the honorary rank of General of the Nepali Army in an investiture ceremony. • Nepal’s President Bidhya Devi Bhandari will confer the honorary rank upon him. • Nepal and India have, since 1950, followed the tradition of decorating the chiefs of each other’s armies with the highest Army rank. Joint anti-terror exercise in Pune • The Indian Army and Maharashtra Police carried out a joint anti-terror exercise in Pune on 9 Oct 2020. • The aim of the exercise was to harmonize the drills and procedures of both Army and Police for activating anti-terrorist Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) to counter any terrorist actions in Pune. • The exercise involved the participation of QRTs, Dog Squads and Bomb Disposal Teams of the Army. IN Ships Sahyadri, Kora adjudged as Best • Fleet Award Function, 2020 was organised to mark the successful culmination of the Operational Cycle of the Eastern Fleet of the Indian Navy, on 10 Oct 2020. • The most coveted trophies of Best Ship were awarded to INS Sahyadri amongst Capital ships and INS Kora amongst Corvettes and similar classes of ships. • Indian Naval Ships Airavat and Kiltan jointly bagged the ‘Best Spirited Ship’. Two-day exercise Sagar Kavach concludes • A two-day Coastal Security Exercise- 'Sagar Kavach', concluded on 8 Oct 2020. • It was organised to assess the preparedness of all agencies towards dealing with an asymmetric threat emanating from the sea. • 20 ships of the Indian Navy and Coast Guard as well as 50 patrol crafts manned by various security agencies, took part in the exercise. 'Kanaklata Barua' commissioned in Kolkata • Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) ICGS 'Kanaklata Barua' of the Indian Coast Guard has been commissioned at the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd. • ICGS Kanaklata Barua is one of the five FPVs built by GRSE, the Defence Public Sector Undertaking, for the Indian Coast Guard and it was delivered on June 9, 2020. • The FPVs are medium-range surface vessels with a length of 50 metres. Ministry of Defence cancels a contract • The Ministry of Defence has cancelled Reliance Naval and Engineering Ltd’s (RNEL) ₹2,500-crore contract to build naval offshore patrol vessels (NPOVs) for the Indian Navy. • The contract was cancelled two weeks ago due to the delay in the delivery of the vessels. • The contract to build 5 warships was signed with the company in 2011 before the Reliance Group took over the Gujarat-based shipyard. ICG Patrol Vessel 'Vigraha' launched • The seventh offshore patrol vessel of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), 'Vigraha' was formally unveiled at Kattupalli. • The vessel built by Larsen and Toubro is the last in the series of seven OPVs contracted to the company by the Ministry of Defence in 2015. • It was for the first time a private sector shipyard has undertaken the design and construction of offshore patrol vessel class of ships. Naval Investiture Ceremony held • Vice Admiral Atul Kumar Jain FOC-in-C Eastern Naval Command conferred Gallantry and non-Gallantry Awards announced on the Republic Day to meritorious personnel.

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Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 • He also gave citations to Naval units at the Naval Investiture Ceremony conducted at Visakhapatnam on 05 October 2020. • The ceremony was conducted at Samudrika Naval Auditorium. India successfully tests SMART • India successfully tested the Supersonic Missile Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system for the first time from a defence facility off the Odisha coast. • Developed by DRDO, SMART is a missile assisted release of lightweight anti-submarine torpedo system for Anti Submarine Warfare (ASW) operations far beyond torpedo range. • The launch demonstrated India’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities Rafale to feature in IAF Day parade • India’s newly acquired Rafale aircraft will be the centre of attention of Indian Air Force Day 2020 parade. • The parade will see 56 aircraft of the IAF take to the skies. • One Rafale aircraft will team up with two Jaguars and two Mirage 2000s in one display. • Five of the 36 multi-role Rafales acquired by India in a multi-billion-dollar deal arrived at the Ambala Air Force Station in July'20. India successfully tests Shaurya missile • India on 3 Oct 2020 successfully test-fired an advanced version of the Shaurya surface-to-surface nuclear- capable ballistic missile in Odisha. • The Shaurya missile can strike targets at a range of around 800 kilometres and will complement the existing class of missile systems. • It will be lighter and easier to operate. Indian Army builds a memorial in Galwan Valley • The Indian Army has built a memorial to honour the soldiers who lost their lives in the Galwan Valley clash with China. • Indian and Chinese soldiers had clashed in this part of north-eastern Ladakh on 15 June 2020. • According to the Indian Army, 20 Indian soldiers had lost their lives in the clashes in the Galwan Valley. 2nd edition of 'Bongosagar' began on Oct 3 • The 2nd edition of Indian and Bangladesh Navy Bilateral Exercise 'Bongosagar' commenced in Northern Bay of Bengal on 3 October 2020. • This Exercise is aimed at developing interoperability and joint operational skills. • This exercise will be followed by the 3rd edition of Indian and Bangladesh Navy Coordinated Patrol in Northern Bay of Bengal from 4th to 5th October 2020. India successfully test-fires BrahMos missile • India test-fired an extended range BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. • The missile, whose test-firing was successful, is capable of hitting targets at more than 400-km range. • The missile was test-fired from a mobile launcher at the integrated test range in Odisha’s Balasore district. • The test was carried out under PJ-10 project of the Defence Research and Development Organisation.

Books and Authors UP Governor releases 'sciencetoon' book • Uttar Pradesh Governor has released a 'sciencetoon' book with comprehensive information on the COVID-19 pandemic, its symptoms and prevention through precautions. • The book, named 'Bye Bye Corona', published by Vigyan Prasar of the Department of Science and

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Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 Technology, makes people aware of COVID-19 in an engaging way. • The book has been written by Pradeep Srivastava. NK Singh's new book • Veteran economist and bureaucrat N K Singh's autobiography 'Portraits of Power' has been released. • ‘Portraits of Power’ recalls Singh’s various stints over the decades- starting from 1964 when he joined the IAS, serving at highest echelons of the government of India before taking a political plunge with a term. • He is currently the Chairman of the 15th Finance Commission. Author Kairavi Bharat Ram’s new book • Author Kairavi Bharat Ram has written a children’s book about depression, especially among younger children. • The book is titled, ’C is for Cat, D is for Depression’ weaves in stories of despair along with stories of courage and grit. • The book describes depression using metaphors, colours and textures and shows that there is always a little bit of hope waiting for around the corner. Autobiography of Dr. Balasaheb Vikhe Patil • PM Narendra Modi released the autobiography of Dr Balasaheb Vikhe Patil on 13 Oct 2020. • He renamed Pravara Rural Education Society as ‘Loknete Dr Balasaheb Vikhe Patil Pravara Rural Education Society’. • Dr Balasaheb Vikhe Patil served as Member of Lok Sabha for multiple terms. • His autobiography is titled ‘Deh Vechwa Karani’ which means ‘dedicating one’s life for a noble cause’. GBS Sidhu's new book to be released • A former intelligence officer with the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), GBS Sidhu has written a book. • The upcoming book 'The Khalistan Conspiracy', is a first-person account that brings out little-known facts about the Khalistan movement and the role of senior politicians of the time in creating and sustaining it. • The book published by HarperCollins will be released on October 24, 2020. Dr Jitendra Singh releases Coffee Table Book • Minister for Development of North Eastern Region, Dr Jitendra Singh has released a Coffee Table Book on Discovering the Heritage of Assam. • The foreword is by Amitabh Bachchan and the book has been published by Penguin. • It presents an absorbing compilation of heritage, faith, beliefs and traditions of different ethnic tribes and subtribes living in the largest State of the North East. 'Bapu - The Unforgettable' book launched • On the occasion of the 151st birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi Manish Sisodia launched a coffee-table book " Bapu - The unforgettable". • It was launched in a webinar on ' Footprints of Gandhi Ji in Delhi' which included key speakers like Manisha Saxena, Secretary of the Archives and Art, Culture and Language department, Mohammad A Abid etc.

National Affairs Kerala considered as best governed state. • Kerala has been named the best-governed state in the country while Uttar Pradesh was placed at the bottom of a list released by the Public Affairs Centre (PAC),a non profit organisation. • The report was released by the committee headed by a former Indian Space Research Organisation chairman 73 | P a g e

Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 Kasturirangan. India's first 'Tyre Park' in West Bengal soon • West Bengal will soon feature ”India’s first” ’Tyre Park’, where artworks made from scrap and defective parts will be on display. • The Tyre Park, which will come up at Esplanade area, would have a small cafe where people can sit, relax and enjoy. • The date of launch of the Tyre Park will be announced shortly. Telangana electric vehicle policy launched • The Telangana government, as part of its new policy to promote electric vehicles, offers 100 per cent exemption of road tax and registration fee for the first two lakh electric two-wheelers purchased and registered within the state. • Telangana becomes the third state in India to launch an electric vehicle policy after Delhi and Gujarat. • Telangana Ministers launched the policy 2020 to 2030. OP Jindal University gets a tag • The OP Jindal Global University has signed an MoU with the Ministry of Education which officially recognised it as an ‘Institution of Eminence’. • The university was selected by the UGC, along with 13 other higher education institutions, for IoE status in 2019. • However, for official confirmation, the institution had to fulfil certain legislative and procedural requirements. Kerala to set up post-COVID treatment clinics • In Kerala, the State Health Department has decided to set up post-COVID treatment clinics across the state soon. • The draft plan for opening special clinics to treat health issues in recovered COVID patients has been prepared. • The post-COVID clinics will be opened in hospitals ranging from primary health centres to medical colleges. NABARD sanctions over ₹ 8504.30 lakh • NABARD has sanctioned loans worth ₹ 8504.30 lakh under Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) to the Govt of Goa for various Social Infrastructure Projects in the State. • With this, NABARD achieved 100% of the target fixed for sanction to the State Government during 2020-21. • RIDF was instituted in NABARD with the sole objective of giving low-cost support to State Governments.

Shiv Nadar Foundation sets up new university • The Shiv Nadar Foundation has set up a multi-disciplinary university in Chennai, its 2nd varsity after the existing one in Greater Noida, UP. • The new university will begin admissions from 2021 and academic session with two schools - School of Engineering, and School of Commerce and Management. • The School of Engineering will offer four-year undergraduate courses in AI and Data Science. BharatPe launches digital gold • BharatPe, a leading merchant payment network, has announced the launch of digital gold on its platform. • The launch of this new category of fintech product is in line with the company’s commitment to offer the entire gamut of financial products to Small and Medium Enterprises. • Through this latest offering, BharatPe’s merchants will be able to buy and sell 99.5 per cent pure24-carat

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Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 gold. Single-use plastic to be banned in Ambala • Single-use plastic and polythene bags will remain prohibited in Ambala, with effect from November 1, 2020. • Awareness is being created among people and announcements are also being made. • Shopkeepers are being requested not to use polythene bags to give goods to customers. • Customers will also be penalised if they don't agree and accept such bags. Maharashtra School Education Dept releases GR • Maharashtra School Education Department has released a government resolution (GR). • It directs 50 per cent attendance for teaching and non-teaching staff in all the schools of Maharashtra. • The attendance has been initiated so that the teaching and non-teaching staff can complete online and offline education or tele counselling-related work. PM Modi inaugurated various projects • PM Modi inaugurated Arogya Van and Arogya Kutir at Kevadia in Gujarat on 30 Oct 2020. • Later, he inaugurated Ekta Mall Children Nutrition Park. • He also inaugurated Jungle Safari and Geodesic Dome Aviary. • Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day visit to Gujarat from 30 Oct 2020 and will pay tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his145th birth anniversary on 31 Oct 2020. Govt revises PLI Schemes • Chemicals and Fertilizers Ministry has revised the Production Linked Incentive Schemes for promoting domestic manufacturing of bulk drugs and medical devices. • In the revised guidelines, the minimum threshold investment requirement has been replaced by committed investment taking into account the availability of technology choices which varies from product to product. The Kolkata International Film Festival • The Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF), scheduled to be held in November, has been deferred to January next year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. • Initially, the 26th edition of the KIFF, with a limited number of visitors, was scheduled to be held from November 5 to 12. • It will now be organised from January 8 to 15, 2021. Maharashtra govt extends lockdown till 30 Nov • Maharashtra government on 29 Oct announced that it has extended the lockdown in the state till 30 November amid the rise in novel coronavirus cases. • The activities that are already being allowed and permitted from time to time shall be continued and all earlier orders shall be aligned to this order and shall remain in force till November 30. Bengaluru civic body collects ₹75L fine • The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike has intensified its crackdown measures on the violations of solid waste management. • From June 1- October 27, the civic authority has collected Rs 75 lakh as fines. • Eight patrol vehicles have been deployed in each of the BBMP zones. • The offences include failure to segregate waste at its source as well as littering. L&T set to win ₹25,000 crores contract • L&T set to win ₹25,000 cr contract for Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project. • Larsen & Toubro has emerged as the lowest bidder to build the largest segment of the upcoming high-speed rail line between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. 75 | P a g e

Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 • The company bid ₹24,985 crores for constructing the 237.1 km line for the bullet train project, beating two other bids led by Tata Projects and Afcons Infrastructure. Govt clears ₹10,211-crore Dam rehab project • The government has given nod for Phase II and Phase III of Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP). • It will improve the safety and operational performance of selected 736 dams across India. • The project, worth ₹10,211 crores, will be implemented from April 2021-March 2031. • World Bank (WB), and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) would financially assist the project. Telangana CM launches ‘Dharani’ Portal • Telangana CM K Chandrasekhar Rao has launched ‘Dharani’ Portal for land and property registrations at Mudu Chinatalapalli village of Medchal-Malkajgiri district. • The slot bookings in the website for the land registrations began from 29 Oct 2020 and all the land and property registrations will start from Nov 2. • The website has been launched with all the details of properties of the citizens. 'Direct Port Entry Facility' inaugurated • Shipping Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has inaugurated a direct port entry (DPE) facility at V.O. Chidambaranar port trust. • The development is aimed at expediting cargo movement. • DPE is a scheme meant to reduce release time and cost in case of exports, under which export containers are allowed direct entry into the port terminal prior to granting the let export order. Young Advocates Welfare Fund launched • In Tamil Nadu, the Young Advocates Welfare Fund was launched on 28 Oct 2020. • It provides monthly financial assistance of 3000 rupees each for two years to the lawyers who just come out of law colleges. • Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswamy handed over the assistance to nine young lawyers at a function in Chennai as a mark of launching it throughout the state. Cipla launches 'ELIFast' • Drug firm Cipla has announced the launch of antibody detection kits for coronavirus in India under the brand name 'ELIFast' in partnership with KARWA Ltd. • Cipla will be responsible for the marketing and distribution of the SARS CoV-2-IgG antibody detection ELISA that will be manufactured by KARWA Ltd. • ICMR has provided the requisite technological know-how and process for developing it. Ekta Diwas celebrations in Gujarat • PM Narendra Modi will participate in the Ekta Diwas celebrations to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at Kevadia, Gujarat on 31 Oct 2020. • He will offer floral tributes at the Statue of Unity, administer the Ekta Pledge and witness the Ekta Diwas Parade on the occasion. • He will also inaugurate various projects on the 30th and 31st October 2020. UP govt starts digital library • Uttar Pradesh govt has started a digital library to help the students in higher education to get the education content in digital format. • This library will help poor students a lot who are unable to purchase costly books. • The library has more than 35000 e-content related to 134 subjects in Hindi and English.

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Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 • It can be accessed by any student free of cost. UP govt to launch a special campaign • Uttar Pradesh Govt is going to launch a Special Campaign for Focused Group COVID Testing from 29 Oct 2020 to break the chain of Corona infection. • The campaign will continue for the next 16 days in the state. • Tests are going to be conducted on those persons who will come in contact with the general public during the upcoming festive season. 6th Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council • In Leh, the Sixth Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council will take oath on 31st of October 2020. • The term of Fifth LAHDC, Leh General Council term is getting over by 30 October 2020. • Incidentally, on 31st Oct, Ladakh is also celebrating the First Anniversary of Union Territory status. • Leh District Sessions Judge will administer the oath to the newly elected councillors. 300 schools to be turned into ‘model schools’ • As many as 300 Zilla Parishad schools in Maharashtra will soon be made 'model schools'. • ZP Education Officers have been directed to send a list of the schools in their jurisdiction by 6th of November 2020. • These schools will get new approach roads, toilets, drinking water system, science labs, quality education and will focus on reading, writing and mathematics. ‘eSanjeevani’ completes 6 lakh consultations • eSanjeevani, the Health Ministry's telemedicine initiative has completed 6 lakh tele consultations. • It took only 15 days to complete the last 1 lakh consultations. • eSanjeevani is accessible to the population in 27 States and UTs across the country. • The platform provides eHealth services through more than 6000 doctors. Radio diagnosis Facilities at AIIMS, Bathinda • Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan has digitally inaugurated the Radio diagnosis Facilities at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bathinda. • He also inaugurated the MBBS Student Hostel. • The new AIIMS will serve the dual purpose of providing super speciality health care to the population and also help to create a large pool of doctors and other health workers in this region. Andhra Pradesh CM releases Rs 1,115 crore • Andhra PradeshCM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has released Rs 1,115 crore as the second instalment of YSR Rythu Bharosa - PM Kisan Scheme. • The sum was directly credited into the unencumbered accounts of 50.47 lakh farmers, including tribal beneficiaries. • He also credited Rs 135.73 crore input subsidy into the bank accounts of 1.66 lakh farmers, who suffered crop loss due to heavy rains and floods. Web portals for student scholarships • Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik has launched a dedicated portal to enable meritorious students to apply and avail scholarships within a specified time frame. • The new portal will benefit more than 11 lakh students. • The new portal is www.scholarship.odisha.gov.in (http://www.scholarship.odisha.gov.in). • Now students will no longer have to apply for scholarships through portals of different depts. Noida Metro dedicates station to LGBT locale 77 | P a g e

Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 • The Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) officially renamed one of its stations as "Pride Station" dedicated to the transgender community. • Gautam Buddh Nagar MP Mahesh Sharma, Noida MLA Pankaj Singh and NMRC Managing Director Ritu Maheshwari unveiled the new name of the station, earlier known as the Sector 50 station. • A first for Metro services in northern India. Web Portal launched for inter-caste marriages • Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has launched a web portal to promote inter-caste marriages. • Launching a web portal called the Sumangal portal virtually, Patnaik also announced an incentive hike of Rs 1.5 lakh, from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2.5 lakh. • The portal has been developed by the ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Department. CM Kejriwal to launch Green Delhi app • Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is scheduled to launch the Green Delhi app at noon on October 29. • The state government is therefore coming up with an app that will help allow users to make complaints about waste burning, industrial pollution and dust. • The app is based on a photo and video complaint which increases the accountability of the officer. Centre forms panel to reform in education • The NITI Aayog has formed a panel that will look into introducing reforms in the urban planning education system. • A 14-member advisory committee, headed by NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Rajiv Kumar, will review the urban planning education system in India. • They will examine the availability, demand and supply of qualified urban planners in the country. 76th Board meeting of JKSPDC • In J&K, Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Baseer Ahmad Khan chaired the 76th meeting of Board of Directors (BoD) of Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC) Limited on 27 Oct 2020. • The BoD also constituted committees to hold deliberations with the concerned agencies on any issues or differences. • It also held deliberations on various issues like settlement of claims, etc. Digital infr with internet connectivity • To transform the functioning of the Panchayati raj bodies of J&K, the govt is all set to provide digital infrastructure with internet connectivity to all halqa panchayats and Block Development Councils (BDCs). • A sum of Rs 36.80 Crore has been earmarked to these bodies for purchase of computers, printers and scanners. • The rural local bodies will also be equipped with internet facility. New Block inaugurated at NIT Arunachal Pradesh • Union Minister for Education Dr ‘Nishank’ has virtually inaugurated newly constructed Mechanical Engineering Block, Bio-Technology and Chemical Engineering Block and facilities such as Central Instrumentation and Reaction Engineering Laboratory of NIT Arunachal Pradesh. • Each of the newly constructed Block is having 7 classrooms with a capacity to accommodate total 360 people. Water quality assessment system • Uttarakhand CMTrivendra Singh Rawat has inaugurated the Naini lake water quality assessment system. • It has been built at a cost of Rs 1 crore with UNDP assistance. • The water quality system will aid in water conservation and in keeping it clean.

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Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 • The State has successfully initiated a public movement to revive its rivers, lakes, ponds and water sources. Intellectual Property Facilitation Centre • In Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor, has virtually inaugurated Intellectual Property Facilitation Centre (IPFC) at Jammu and Sub-Centre at Srinagar. • The initiative will promote awareness and adoption of Intellectual Property Rights amongst entrepreneurs and MSMEs in J&K. • The UT has more than 7 lakh industries which provide a livelihood to around 10.88 lakh people. Vice President Naidu launches virtual festival • Vice President M. launched the virtual festival of ‘Parampara Series 2020-National Festival of Music and Dance’ on 27 Oct 2020. • It was organized by Natya Tarangini in partnership with the United Nations. • Natya Tarangini has been organising the ‘Parampara Series’ continuously since past 23 years. Memorial of Rani Padmavati • MP CM has announced that a memorial of Rani Padmavati will be built in Bhopal, and cases against those who protested against the film “Padmavat” would be withdrawn. • Land for the memorial has been earmarked at Manuabhan Ki Tekri in Bhopal. • Annual prizes of ₹ 2 lakh each will be instituted in the names of Maharana Pratap and Rani Padmavati to felicitate men and women. Hyderabad Airport introduces a facility • Hyderabad has become the first airport in India to enable E-boarding for international flights. • International e-boarding service ramps up safe travel options for international passengers choosing to fly out of Hyderabad. • The service is currently available for select international flights of IndiGo Airlines. Four More Shots Please' stars win award • The lead stars of Four More Shots Please; Kirti Kulhari, Sayani Gupta, Bani J, Maanvi Gagroo have scored a win at Busan Asian Contents Awards. • They have all won in the Best Rising Star category for the second season of the show. • The show was also recently nominated for an International Emmy. Kerala becomes first state to fix floor price • Kerala has become the first state in the country to set floor prices of 16 varieties of vegetables, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan informed. • The scheme would come into effect from November 01, 2020. • “This is the first time the floor price is being fixed for vegetables produced in the state and this is the first for a state in the country also. • Provide relief as well as support for the farmers. Need to Work Together to Fight Corruption: PM • Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 27, 2020, virtually inaugurated the three-day national conference on vigilance and anti-corruption. • Prime Minister Modi during his address at the conference noted that be it corruption, drugs, economic offences, terrorism, or terror funding, they all are interconnected and need to be solved through the collaborative approach. BRO Road In Sikkim Dedicated To Nation • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on 26 Oct dedicated a 19.85 Km Alternate Alignment of the National Highway 79 | P a g e

Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 310 from km 0.00 to km 19.350 to the nation in East Sikkim. • The road serves as an important link to bolster defence preparedness in the Nathula Sector in particular and in the whole of East Sikkim in general. • The ceremony was held through video conference from the 33 Corp Hq in Sukhna. 4th India Energy Forum • PM Modi delivered inaugural address at 4th India Energy Forum CERAWeek through video conference on 27 Oct 2020. • The theme of this edition was "India's Energy Future in a world of Change". • He pointed that India is the third-largest and the fastest-growing aviation market in terms of domestic aviation and Indian carriers are projected to increase their fleet size from 600 to 1200 by 2024. Gujarat HC holds live streaming of proceedings • The Gujarat High Court has begun the live-streaming of proceedings of the court on popular video-sharing platform YouTube. • This is a first-of-its-kind initiative by a High Court in the country. • The link to watch the proceedings is available on the YouTube channel of the Gujarat HC. • The set up is on experimental basis and its continuity will be decided on the basis of the outcome of trial. India's first Sand Dune Park in Goa • Goa is all set to have India’s first sand dune park. • The World Bank accepted the proposal of the Biodiversity Board of the state and has sanctioned a sum of Rs 3 crore for the project. • Sand dunes are geological deposits formed by the action of wind. • These geomorphic features act as nature’s first line of defence from the forces of the ocean. Noida Authority slaps penalties of ₹5.39 lakh • The Noida Authority has slapped penalties worth ₹5.39 lakh on entities, including construction sites, that were found violating guidelines to combat air pollution here. • The action included a major penalty worth ₹5.20 lakh on three entities that had kept construction material uncovered in violation of guidelines of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

Committees and Recommendations India and Bangladesh to set up a committee • India and Bangladesh have agreed to set up a ‘High Level Monitoring Committee’. • It will be headed by the Secretary, Economic Relations Division of Bangladesh and High Commissioner of India in Bangladesh. • It will regularly review the progress of implementation of projects being run with Line of Credit (Loc) provided by India. Centre forms panel to reform in education • The NITI Aayog has formed a panel that will look into introducing reforms in the urban planning education system. • A 14-member advisory committee, headed by NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Rajiv Kumar, will review the urban planning education system in India. • They will examine the availability, demand and supply of qualified urban planners in the country.

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Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 ECI constitutes a committee • Election Commission of India has constituted a committee to examine the issues concerning the expenditure limit. • The committee is comprised of Harish Kumar, Ex. IRS and DG (Investigation), Umesh Sinha, Secretary-General and DG (Expenditure). • The ECI has limited the campaign expense per candidate in the assembly election to ₹28 lakh. Task force to reduce man-animal conflict • In view of the growing incidents of man-animal conflict in Odisha, the Government has formed a State level task force. • It has been formed under the chairmanship of principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden Harishankar Upadhyay. • The force will prepare a master plan during the next three years. • It has been asked to submit a report within six weeks. J&K UT govt constitutes Committees • In J&K, the Govt has constituted an Apex level and two Divisional Committees. • The Terms of Reference of the Apex committee will be to draw a road map and detailed schedule for conduct of Elections on the basis of inputs from the Divisional Committees. • The Divisional Committees will have respective Divisional Commissioner as Chairman, IG Police as member, and Director RDD as Member-Secretary. Sebi forms committee to democratize data • The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has formed a committee with a view to ensuring that market data is made more freely accessible to all. • The committee will recommend policy measures to ensure access to data, segment-wise data perimeters identification, data needs and gaps. • It will also consider the data privacy issues and data access regulations applicable to market data. 'Oversight Committees' in Odisha • The Odisha Government has decided to constitute 'Oversight Committees' at the district- level. • They will audit quality care in COVID facilities as well as death review due to the disease in both Government and Private hospitals. • They will be headed by an officer authorised by the Collectors/Municipal Commissioners. Cabinet Sub- Committee in Maharashtra • Maharashtra Govt has decided to establish Cabinet Sub- Committee about the implementation of Central Farm Laws in the state. • The decision was taken in the state cabinet meeting in Mumbai. • It was also decided to hold discussions with various farmers' organisations in the state and draft of the reforms based on the outcome of the discussion will be tabled in front of the Cabinet sub-committee. • It was told by a notification of the Department for the Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade. • Raj Kumar Gupta, Managing Director, Action Shoes is the chairman of the council. Maharashtra govt sets up a committee • Maharashtra Govt has set up a 4-member committee to fix the charges for conducting CT-scan tests across all state hospitals. • Following numerous complaints regarding overcharging by various hospitals, the govt has decided to set up a committee that will recommend price caps for these tests.

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Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I October 2020 • The committee will be headed by Dr Sudhakar Shinde, CEO of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Aarogya Yojana

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