25 Oct – 31 Oct 2020)

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Top Current Affairs of the Week (25 Oct – 31 Oct 2020)

India ranked 131 in global mobile internet speeds rankings

• India has been ranked 131 in Global Mobile Internet Speed rankings, released by Ookla, US based company in its Speedtest Global Index. • India was at 121 position in 2019. • Index 2020 depicts that global average download speed is calculated to be 35.26 Mbps but India’s average download speed is 12.07 Mbps. • South Korea has topped the list with an average mobile internet speed of 121.00 Mbps. • Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Nepal have been ranked 102, 116, and 117 respectively

India’s first Sand Dune Park to be developed in Goa

• India’s first sand dune parks and interpretation centre is set to be established in Goa by Goa biodiversity board with financial assistance from World Bank. • World Bank has sanctioned Rs.3 crore for its implementation • Sand Dune park project will have interpretation centres to educate locals and tourists about the importance of sand dune ecosystem • It will also have bridges to reduce trampling on sand dune vegetation and nurseries for replantation on beach stretches

ESI Scheme extended to Arunachal Pradesh for the first time

• Central Govt. has extended Employees' State Insurance (ESI) Scheme for the first time to Arunachal Pradesh with effect from 1st November 2020. • All factories located in Papum Pare district, employing 10 or more persons will be eligible for coverage under ESI Act 1948, along with other benefits • ESI Corporation: It is a Social Security organization providing various benefits during employment. • ESI Scheme is implemented in all States and UTs, except Lakshdweep

Uttarakhand CM launches Integrated Model Agricultural Village scheme

• Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat has inaugurated Integrated Model Agricultural Village scheme (Ekikrit Adarsh Krishi Gram Yojana) to strengthen the economy of farmers by doubling their income. • It has been launched in partnership with National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). • State govt has also enhanced the limit for interest free loan to farmers from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 3 lakh • NABARD will help in mechanized scientific farming boosting productivity

Indian Bank partners IIT-Madras to set up startups incubation cell

• Indian Bank has partnered with IIT-Madras Incubation Cell (IITMIC) to launch ‘IND Spring Board’ initiative for funding start-ups. • Under this, IITMIC will refer start-ups with proven technology and established cash flows to the Indian bank. • It would also extend advisory to Indian bank on the business model.

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• Bank will extend loans of up to Rs 50 crore to these selected start-ups for their working capital requirements. • Indian Bank Headquarters: Chennai.

Mandi, Himachal Pradesh bags top position for PMGSY implementation

• Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district has bagged top position in the list of PMGSY programme implementation • List of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) implementation was declared by Ministry of Rural Development for 30 districts of India • Chamba, Shimla, Kangra, Una, Sirmour, Hamirpur, Solan from HP have also secured position among top 30 best performing districts • PMGSY was launched by Centre to provide all weather road connectivity to unconnected habitations.

Andorra Joins IMF as its 190th Member

• Andorra has joined International Monetary Fund (IMF) to become its 190th member. • IMF membership will allow Principality of Andorra to benefit from IMF policy advice especially as the country tackles COVID-19 crises • It can now receive an annual review or health check of its economy by the IMF, tap technical assistance, and access IMF lending • Andorra is the largest microstate of Europe situated between France and Spain • Andorra currency: Euro • IMF MD: Kristalina Georgieva

Lewis Hamilton won Portuguese Grand Prix 2020

• Mercedes Racer Lewis Hamilton (Great Britain) has won 2020 Portuguese Grand Prix held at Algarve International Circuit in Portimão, Portugal • This was the 12th round of 2020 F1 World Championship. • It is the 8th victory of 2020 F1 season for Lewis Hamilton and 92nd victory in his racing career. • With this, he has surpassed Michael Schumacher (Germany) record of 91 victories in F1 championship. • Mercedes's Valtteri Bottas bagged 2nd spot followed by Max Verstappen.

RBI bars payment system operators from launching new QR codes

• RBI barred Payment System Operators (PSOs) from launching any new proprietary QR code for payment transactions as suggested by Deepak Phatak Committee on current system of QR codes • The ban is implemented on two interoperable QR codes in existence: UPI QR and Bharat QR • PSOs that use proprietary QR codes shall shift to one or more interoperable QR codes as process of migration shall be completed by March 2022 • No new proprietary QR codes shall be launched till March 2022

Veteran Gujarati Singer Mahesh Kanodia passes away in Gandhinagar

• Veteran Gujarati film musician, singer and former Lok Sabha MP Mahesh Kanodia (83 years) passed away due to prolonged illness at his residence in Gandhinagar • He was a member of 10th, 11th, 12th and 14th Lok Sabha from Patan constituency of North Gujarat.

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• He was known for singing in 32 different voices including female voices along with working for Gujarat cinema • He was awarded for Best Music for Gujarati films Jigar ane Ami, Tanariri, Jog Sanjog and Laju Lakhan.

India-assisted Mangdechhu hydro-project, Bhutan wins UK Engineer Body Award

• India-assisted Bhutan’s Mangdechhu hydroelectric project has been awarded prestigious Brunel Medal for 2020, conferred by UK-based Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE) to recognise excellence in civil engineering. • Mangdechhu hydroelectric project has a capacity of 720 MW and is built on the Mangdechhu River in Trongsa Dzongkhag district of central Bhutan at a cost of Rs 4,500 crore • It was inaugurated by Bhutan’s PM Lotay Tshering and India’s PM Narendra Modi in August 2019

Sudan became 3rd Arab Nation to normalise relations with Israel

• Sudan became 3rd Arab nation to normalize relations with Israel, days after the US removed it from its State Sponsor of Terrorism list • Sudan was in the terrorism list for over 27 years. • The new agreement between Sudan and Israel will establish economic and trade links, with an initial focus on agriculture • United Arab Emirates and Bahrain were the first Arab nations to establish formal ties with Israel • Sudan’s Capital: Khartoum

China may not recognise British-issued Hong Kong passports

• China will not consider recognizing Hong Kong British national overseas (BNO) passports as valid travel documents, after British govt's announces new visa rules for British National Overseas citizens in Hong kong. • Britain wa about to start BNO visa applications for residents in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) from January 31, 2021. • As per new visa rule, BNO Visa holders will have the right to work and study in UK 5 years and can apply for citizenship

59th Raising Day of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police held in Noida

• Union Minister for Home Affairs addressed Raising Day function held in Greater Noida on the 59th Raising Day of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). • ITBP is a part of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) of India. • It is a specialized mountain force, which was raised in 1962 in the wake of the Sino-Indian War of 1962 for deployment along India's border with China's Tibet Autonomous Region. • Motto of the Force: ‘Shaurya-Dridhata-Karma Nishtha’

PM Modi inaugurates 4th India Energy Forum

• PM Narendra Modi has addressed the inaugural session at 4th India Energy Forum through video conference interacting with CEOs of leading Global Oil & Gas Companies • It has been organized by NITI Aayog and Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. • The event is hosted by CERAWeek, IHS Markit for 3 days from 26th to 28th October 2020 • Theme for 4th India Energy Forum: 'India's Energy Future in a world of Change' • The forum will have India and 30 nations as participants. 3

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Samsung Tops Forbes’ list of World’s Best Employer 2020

• Samsung has topped the list of ‘Forbes World’s Best Employer 2020’ that features global list of 750 multinational and large corporations of 45 countries. • Amazon bagged the 2nd spot, followed by IBM, Microsoft and LG in the Forbes list • HCL Technologies is top Indian employer with 30th rank globally • HDFC Bank is top banking sector employer of India with 176th rank in the list • Along with this, NTPC Ltd. has topped the list among Indian PSUs with 261 position globally.

Vigilance Awareness Week 2020 begins today

• Vigilance Awareness Week, 2020 is being observed from 27th October till 2nd November 2020 • Vigilance Awareness Week is observed every year during the week in Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birthday (31 October) falls • Theme for Vigilance Awareness Week, 2020: "Satark Bharat, Samriddh Bharat (Vigilant India, Prosperous India)". • CBI is hosting a 3-day national conference on vigilance and anti-corruption on this occassion.

Bangladesh Government Adopts ‘No Mask, No Service’ policy

• Bangladesh Govt has adopted ‘No Mask, No Service’ policy to combat the spread of COVID-19 pandemic • Under this, no service will be provided to people who don’t wear mask, and even no one will be allowed to enter public and private offices without the mask • All offices must have notice boards saying ‘no mask, no service’ to control COVID-19 spread • Wearing mask is made mandatory at all public and private institutions, market places and other places of worship • PM: Sheikh Hasina

Ministry of Tourism organised Dekho Apna Desh Webinar on Bundi, Rajasthan

• Ministry of Tourism organises webinar on ‘Bundi: Architectural Heritage of a Forgotten Rajput Capital’ under Dekho Apna Desh Webinar Series • Bundi is a district in Hadoti region of south-eastern Rajasthan and known as City of stepwalls and blue city • It is also known as Chotti Kashi due to presence of over hundred temples within and around the hada capital. • Dekho Apna Desh Webinar Series is an effort to showcase India’s rich diversity under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.

Tribal Affairs to launch two Centers of Excellence for Tribal Welfare

• Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Arjun Munda in a collaboration with Art of Living (AoL) will launch two Centers of Excellence initiative for Tribal Welfare • First initiative ‘Strengthening PRIs’ will be launched in 5 districts of Jharkhand, creating awareness among elected representatives of PRI about Tribal Acts. • Other is about training 10000 tribal farmers in Aurangabad District of Maharashtra on sustainable natural farming based on Go-Adharith farming techniques

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Union Minister granted male employees Child Care Leave

• Union Minister of Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions granted male employees of government sector for Child Care Leave (CCL) • CCL will be available only for those male employees who happen to be single male parent • This may include male employees who are widowers or divorcees or even unmarried to take up the responsibility of child care as a single parent. • CCL can be granted at 100% of leave salary for first 365 days and 80% of leave salary for next 365 days.

VP launches ‘Parampara Series 2020-National Festival of Music and Dance’

• Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu has launched ‘Parampara Series 2020- National Festival of Music & Dance’ focusing on music and dance that can provide relief from the anxiety during COVID-19 • The festival was organised by Natya Tarangini in partnership with United Nations. • Natya Tarangini is organising ‘Parampara Series’ National festival continuously since past 23 years coinciding with the World Day for Audio-visual Heritage. • Parampara literally means tradition.

India, US hold 3rd bilateral 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi

• External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held 3rd edition of 2+2 dialogue with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Mark Esper. • The two nations signed the landmark defence pact Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) that will allow India to use global geospatial maps of US for accuracy of stand-off weapons like cruise and ballistic missiles. • MoU was also singed for Technical Cooperation in Earth Observations

Union Minister inaugurates ‘Direct Port Entry Facility’

• Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has inaugurated ‘Direct Port Entry (DPE) Facility’ at Chidambaranar port, Tamil Nadu • DPE will help in increasing Ease of Doing Business for the exporters bringing efficiency and reducing dwell time, lowering tariff cost and improve the competitiveness of shipper in the international trade • It will also reduce logistics cost and increase the velocity of the cargo • It will enable direct movement of containers from factories on 24x7 basis

6th edition of BRICS Parliamentary Forum held in virtual format

• 6th BRICS Parliamentary Forum has been organised virtually under the chairmanship of Vyachaslav Volodin (Chairman of Russian Parliament) • Indian Parliamentary Delegation has been led by Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla and consisted of Lok Sabha Member Kanimozhi Karunanidhi. • Theme: ‘BRICS partnership in the interest of global stability, general safety and innovative growth: Parliamentary dimension’. • BRICS: Brazil, Russian, India, China and South Africa.

Bimal Julka appointed as Chairman of Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports 5

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• Bimal Julka (IAS Officer of 1979 batch of MP Cadre) has been appointed as the new Chairman of Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS) • Prior to this, he was serving as the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) of India • He will succeed John Loffhagen, who served as the chairman of FIFS for over three years. • John Loffhagen will assume the role of a strategic advisor • FIFS is India’s first and only self-regulatory industry body for fantasy sports, established in 2017.

International Animation Day being observed today

• International Animation Day is being observed every year on October 28 to celebrate the art of animation and also recognize the artists, scientists and technicians behind animation. • The day was proclaimed in 2002 by ASIFA, an International Animated Film Association, a member of UNESCO. • The day is being commemorated in more than 50 countries, on every continent of the world. • The year 2020 marks the 19th edition of International Animation Day.

Renowned Gujarati Actor Naresh Kanodia passes away

• Famous Gujarati film star-turned-politician Naresh Kanodia (77 years) passed away at UN Mehta Institute of Cardiology and Research Centre after being tested positive for COVID-19 • He was the younger brother of Gujarati singer Mahesh Kanodia • Naresh Kanodia worked in over 300 Gujarati films • He won the Dadasaheb Phalke Academy Award in 2012 to mark the centenary of Indian cinema. • Later he joined politics and was elected as a BJP MLA from Karjan constituency (2002-2007)

Kerala became first Indian state to fix MSP for vegetables

• Kerala has become the first state of India to fix minimum support price (MSP) for vegetables, along with floor price for 16 varieties of vegetables with effect from Nov 1. • The move will relief as well as support for the farmers targeting towards enhancement of agriculture in the state. • MSP will be 20% above the production cost of the vegetables and it will be revised on a regular basis • It will be coordinated by Kerala local self-government bodies • CM: Pinarayi Vijayan

Anzar Mustaeen Ali wins special prize in ICCR Global Art Competition

• Bangladeshi boy Anzar Mustaeen Ali (6 year) won $1000 special prize for his artwork in the global art competition organised by Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR). • ICCR launched global painting competition titled as ‘United Against CORONA- Express through Art’ that attracted 8000 artwork entries from around the world. • Final list was evaluated from each category in 4 sections: Contemporary Art; Folk and Tribal Art; Cartoons-Illustrations and Digital-New Age Art.

CSIR-CDRI Scientist, Satish Mishra bags Dr. Tulsi Das Chugh Award 2020

• CSIR-CDRI Scientist, Dr Satish Mishra has been awarded with Dr. Tulsi Das Chugh Award-2020 for his research on Malaria parasite's life cycle

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• The award is given by National Academy of Medical Sciences (India) and consists of a Scroll, Commemorative Medal and Cash Incentive • His research work focused on Secreted Protein with Altered Thrombospondin Repeat (SPATR) which is Essential for Asexual Blood Stages but not Required for Hepatocyte Invasion by Malaria Parasite

Former Gujarat CM Keshubhai Patel passes away

• Former Gujarat Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel (92 years) passed away in Ahmedabad due to COVID-19 • He joined Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in 1945 as a pracharak and started his political career as Jan Sangh career • He served as the Gujarat chief minister in 1995 and again during 1998-2001 • He was a member of Gujarat Legislative Assembly six times. • He quit the BJP in 2012 and floated Gujarat Parivartan Party, which merged with the BJP in 2014. • Native: Junagadh

Air-connectivity between Bangladesh & India resumes

• Bangladesh and India resumed air-connectivity between them with two flights leaving Dhaka under air- bubble arrangement • This air service was inaugurated at Hazrat Shahjalal airport in Dhaka • It will help people who needed urgent medical support in India, along with strengthening cordial ties. • Under this, 3 Bangladeshi airlines named Biman Bangladesh, US-Bangla Airlines and Novo Air will initially operate 28 flights a week to India.

India Post, US Postal Service sign MoU for electronic customs data exchange

• Department of Posts, India and United States Postal Service have entered into MoU for electronic exchange of customs data related to postal shipments exchanged between the two nation. • It will facilitate transmission of electronic data of international postal items prior to their physical arrival at the destination enabling customs clearance of postal items in advance in line with the evolving global postal framework. • This will also improve postal services performance

‘Electricity Access in India and Benchmarking Distribution Utilities’ repor

• NITI Aayog, Ministry of Power, Rockefeller Foundation and Smart Power India has rolled out ‘Electricity Access in India and Benchmarking Distribution Utilities’ report for 10 states • Report underlines best practices adopted by electricity distribution utilities and highlights govt led power schemes • As per the report, 92% of customers reported overall availability of electricity infrastructure with improved hours of supply and 87% got access to grid-based electricity.

Delhi CM launches 'Green Delhi' App to redress pollution complaints

• Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has launched 'Green Delhi' mobile app through which citizens can bring pollution-causing activities to govt's notice. • Citizens can click pictures or make a video of pollution-causing activities in the region and upload them on the application.

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• The app will identify the location and complaint will be automatically forwarded to the concerned dept in time-bound manner • Green war room has been set up to monitor the status of complaints.

India hosted 19th SCO Ministers Meet of Foreign Economy & Foreign Trade

• India virtually hosted 19th Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Ministers of Foreign Economy and Foreign Trade. • The meeting was held to leverage the economic strength and explore partnerships that enhance trade and investment in the region and greater cooperation for access to medicines • It was attended by Secretary General of SCO and Ministers from Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

SBI raises USD 1 billion untied loan with JBIC, other lenders

• SBI has signed $1 billion loan agreement with Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) to promote smooth funds flow for business operations of Japanese automobile manufacturers in India • As per the agreement, JBIC must finance $600 million while the remaining amount will be financed by other participants-SMBC, MUFG Bank, Mizuho Bank, Shizuoka Bank and Bank of Yokahama • SBI is entering into an untied loan for the 1st time with JBIC • SBI Chairman: Dinesh Kumar Khara

IFSCA prescribes regulatory framework for listing of Depository Receipts

• International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) has prescribed the regulatory framework for listing of Depository Receipts (DRs) to develop financial products and services in GIFT IFSC • It will provide listing of DRs by companies that are listed in FATF compliant jurisdictions • It will also enables eligible listed companies to raise capital on stock exchanges in GIFT IFSC. • DR is a foreign currency denominated instrument, listed on an international exchange

Tamil Nadu launched Young Advocates Welfare Fund

• Tamil Nadu CM Edappadi Palaniswamy has launched Young Advocates Welfare Fund to provide Rs 3000 monthly financial assistance for 2 years to lawyers who just come out of law colleges. • Usually, a law fresher takes 3 to 4 years to begin practice as an advocate as registration in the Bar Council, and the mandatory practicing under a senior advocate takes time, forcing them to change profession • It is aimed at helping fresh candidates to withstand the initial challenges.

Om Puri honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award at IIFFB 2020 posthumously

• Indian actor Om Puri has been honoured posthumously with Lifetime Achievement Award at the 3rd edition of India International Film Festival of Boston (IIFFB 2020) • His wife Nandita Puri received the award on his behalf • Om Puri has worked in multiple critically acclaimed film in his career like Gadar, Lakshya, Rang De Basanti, Yuva, Lakshya, Dabang, The Hangman • He was honoured with Padma Shri in 1990 and National Film Award for Best Actor • IIFFB is a 3-day film festival 8

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Ministry of Science & Technology launches SERB-POWER scheme

• Ministry of Science & Technology has launched ‘SERB-POWER’ (Promoting Opportunities for Women in Exploratory Research) scheme designed to mitigate gender disparity • It has 2 components: Fellowship and Research Grants • Age group: 35-55 years • Components of support: Fellowship of Rs. 15,000 per month in addition to regular income • Duration: 3 years • It will empower women researchers under Level I and II Category • Regulated by: SERB-CRG guidelines

Indian Railways launches Meri Saheli initiative for women security

• Indian Railways has rolled out ‘Meri Saheli’ initiative across all zones to provide safety and security to lady passengers travelling by trains till the destination station. • It is an initiative of Railway Protection Force (RPF) • Under this, lady passengers are briefed about all precautions to be taken during the journey and told to dial 182 in case they face or see any problem in the coach. • It started as a pilot project in South Eastern Railway in September 2020

Indian Army develops messaging app ‘Secure Application for Internet’

• Indian Army has developed messaging application titled as Secure Application for Internet (SAI) to facilitate secure messaging within Army across the nation • SAI will support end to end secure voice, text and video calling services for Android platform over the internet. • It is similar in function to apps like Whatsapp, Telegram, SAMVAD and GIMS • It also has security features with local in-house servers and coding which can be tweaked as per requirements.

PM inaugurates Arogya Van and Arogya Kutir in Gujarat

• PM Narendra Modi has inaugurated Arogya Van and Arogya Kutir at Kevadia, Narmada district • PM also inaugurated Ekta Mall Children Nutrition Park and Jungle Safari and Geodesic Dome Aviary • Arogya Van: It is set up on 17 acres for spreading awareness on Yoga, Ayurveda and Meditation and has 380 species of plants and trees with rich medicinal values. • PM will also inaugurate about 17 different projects and lay the foundation stone for 4 projects at Statue of Unity Complex

Indian Oil launches common Indane refill booking number across India

• Indian Oil has rolled out one common number for Indane LPG refill booking for customer convenience across India, which will be available 24x7 for the customers • LPG refills Common booking number for the whole country is 7718955555. • Booking can be made through SMS and IVRS boosting customer convenience and ease of booking LPG refills. • Indane is a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) brand developed and owned by Indian Oil Corporation in India.

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Telangana CM launches ‘Dharani’ Portal for land and property registrations

• Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has rolled out ‘Dharani’ Portal for land and property registrations at Mudu Chinatalapalli as a part of revenue reforms of govt • Registrations will begin from November 2. • Property details which are not uploaded on the portal will be treated as illegal • One can register their property, succession and also the partition of agriculture lands and once the registration is done, the owner will be provided with e-pattadar passbook.

CCEA approves Mechanism for procurement of ethanol

• Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved Mechanism for procurement of ethanol by Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies under Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme. • Prior to this, there was uniform rate for ethanol but now there will be different prices like new Price fixed for Ethanol produced from sugar will be Rs. 62.65 per litre, ethanol from heavy molasses will be Rs. 57.61 per litre • GST and transportation charges will also be payable.

Odisha launches ‘Integrated Odisha State Scholarship’ and ‘Sumangal’ portal

• Odisha Govt has launched ‘Integrated Odisha State Scholarship’ (IOSS) and ‘Sumangal’ portal to aid beneficiaries • IOSS portal: It will help eligible students in availing scholarship benefits in a seamless transparent manner. 21 scholarships will be offered to more than 11 lakh students from SC, ST, OBC and educationally backward classes • Sumangal Portal: It will help people avail inter-caste marriage incentives, under Odisha Right to Public Services Act, 2012.

Gully Boy movie wins Best Original Score at 14th Asian Film Awards

• Gully Boy directed by Zoya Akhtar has bagged Best Original Score at 14th Asian Film Awards • Karsh KALE and The Salvage Audio Collective collected the award for Gully Boy • Other awards are o Best Film: Parasite (Korea) o Best Director: WANG Xiaoshuai for So Long, My Son (China) o Best New Director: HIKARI for 37 Seconds (Japan) o Best Actor: Lee Byung-hun o Best Actress: ZHOU Dongyu • 14th Asian Film Awards were announced virtually by Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA)

Govt revises PLI Schemes for bulk drugs & medical devices manufacturing

• Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has revised Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes for promoting domestic manufacturing of bulk drugs and medical devices. • As per revised guidelines, ‘Minimum Threshold’ investment requirement has been replaced by ‘committed investment’ taking into account availability of technology choices which varies from product to product.

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• It has been released to encourage efficient use of productive capital under Department of Pharmaceuticals

Ministry of Shipping issues draft of Coastal Shipping Bill, 2020

• Shipping Ministry has issued draft of Coastal Shipping Bill, 2020 for public consultation augmenting people's participation and transparency in the governance. • It will replace part XIV of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958. • It will expand definition of coastal shipping and coastal waters and will eliminate the requirement of trading licence for Indian flag vessels • It will reduce transportation costs encouraging Indian vessels to increase their share in coastal shipping.

Yashvardhan Kumar Sinha appointed as Chief Information Commissioner

• Yashvardhan Kumar Sinha (retired IFS officer) has been appointed as the new Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) of India • He was sworn in as information commissioner in the CIC on January 1, 2019 • He served as the former diplomat as high commissioner of India to the United Kingdom and Sri Lanka • He will succeed Bimal Julka • Along with him, Uday Mahurkar has been named as information commissioner • CIC is statutory body, which came to effect from Oct 2005 under RTI Act 2005

LTC tax voucher scheme extended to all employees

• Govt extended the income-tax exemption available under LTC cash voucher scheme to non-central government employees that include employees of state govt, state-owned enterprises and private sector. • Income tax exemption shall not be applicable for those opting for concessional income tax regime introduced last year and employees will have to refund the unspent LTC fare received • The scheme was launched to provide Cash payment and leave encashment in lieu of one LTC

National Unity Day being observed today

• National Unity Day or Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is observed every year on October 31 to commemorate the birth anniversary of the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. • The year 2020 marks the 145th anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who played an instrumental role in India’s struggle for independence, and during the integration of princely states to form India • He was the first Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of India. • It was first commemorated in 2014.

Prime Minister inaugurates Sardar Vallabhai Patel Zoological Park

• PM Narendra Modi has inaugurated Sardar Patel Zoological Park and Geodesic Aviary Dome in Kevadia, Gujarat • The zoological park or Jungle Safari is spread over an area of 375 acres at seven different levels ranging from 29 to 180 meters and has more than 1100 Birds & Animals and 5 lakh plants. • Geodesic Aviary Dome: It has 2 aviaries for Domestic birds and exotic birds. It is the world’s largest geodesic dome for aviary • Ekta Cruise Service was also flagged off.

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PM inaugurates dynamic lighting of the Sardar Sarovar Dam

• PM Narendra Modi has inaugurated dynamic lighting for Sardar Sarovar Dam and unveiled the website of Statue of Unity in all the UN official languages • Kevadia App and Cactus garden has also been inaugurated • Unity Glow Garden: It is a unique theme park that has an glimmering array of installations, figures and optical illusions • Cactus Garden: It is a grand architectural greenhouse with 450 national and international species with 1.9 lakh cactus plants from 17 countries

Bangladesh PM confers ‘Swadhinata Puraskar 2020’ to 8 individuals

• Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina conferred 8 distinguished persons and educational institute with the highest national award ‘Swadhinata Puraskar 2020’ in Dhaka • Recipients: Golam Dastagir Gazi, Azizur Rahman (posthumous), Commander Abdur Rauf (posthumous), Mohammad Anwar Pasha (posthumous); Md Obaidul Kabir Chowdhury and AKMA Muktadir (Medical sciences); Kalipada Das and Ferdousi (culture) and Bharateswari Homes School • Award carries a gold medal, certificate and Taka 5 lakh