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1 www.gradeup.co Weekly Current Affairs: 19th to 25th October

1. World Statistics Day being observed today

 World Statistics Day (WSD) is being observed every five years on 20th October across the globe to acknowledge the significance of different statistics.  The day was first observed in 2010 as proposed by UN Statistical Commission at its 41st Session in 2010 under the theme Celebrating the many achievements of official statistics  WSD 2020 is the third World Statistics Day  Theme 2020: "Connecting the world with data we can trust".

2. ranked 4th most powerful country in Asia Power Index

 Sydney-based Lowy Institute has released Asia Power Index 2020 ranking 26 countries and territories of Asia-Pacific region  India has been placed at 4th position in Index with a score of 39.7 out of 100  US has been ranked as the most powerful country influencing the Asia-Pacific, followed by China and Japan.  Annual Asia Power Index is an analytical tool that ranks countries in terms of resources and influence management to have dominant power in Asia.

3. Australian Navy to join Malabar 2020 Naval Exercise

 Australian Navy will join Malabar Exercise 2020 for increased defence cooperation amid the ongoing stand-off with China in eastern Ladakh  Malabar series of Naval exercises started in 1992 as a bilateral Indian-US Navy exercise and was joined by Japan in 2015  This annual exercise is expected to be held in Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea in 2020  Malabar 2020 has been planned on a ‘non-contact - at sea’ format for safety and security in maritime domain to strengthen Navies

4. NITI Aayog to establish Frontier Technologies Cloud Innovation Centre

 NITI Aayog announces the establishment of India’s first Frontier Technologies Cloud Innovation Centre in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to address societal challenges through digital innovation  It is a part of AWS CIC Global Programme to access technology of AWS by all.  This collaboration will provide cloud-centric digital innovations by leveraging emerging technologies such as AI, IOT and robotics, blockchain, transforming public services for citizens.

5. 9th Session of India-Oman Joint Commission Virtual Meeting held

 The 9th Session of India-Oman Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) was held through virtual platform to expand the bilateral trade and encourage businesses to invest in each other’s country  The meeting was co-chaired by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Hardeep Singh Puriand his Oman counterpart Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef.  Both nations reviewed the recent developments in trade and investment ties to realize the untapped potential in economic relationship

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6. Agriculture Minister launches NCDC Ayushman Sahakar scheme

 Union Agriculture Minister of State, ParshottamRupala has launched Ayushman Sahakar scheme to involve co-operatives in creating healthcare infrastructure in India.  It has been formulated by National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) that will extend Rs.10,000 crore loans to set up healthcare facilities  It will provide 1% interest subvention to women majority cooperatives.  Aim: To revolutionize health care services in rural areas through co-operatives

7. FSSAI to expand its new food safety compliance platform across India

 FSSAI announced to extend its Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) across India from 1st November, 2020.  At present, FoSCoS is operational only in 9 States/UTs such as TN, , Gujarat, Odisha, Chandigarh, Goa, Manipur, Puducherry, Ladakh  FoSCoS is an upgraded new food safety compliance online platform of FSSAI that provide one point stop for any regulatory compliance.  It will replace FLRS (Food Licensing and Registration System).

8. IIT Madras incubated startup launches ‘mooPay’ for dairy farmers

 IIT Madras incubated startupStellappshas rolled out fully-automated direct payment platform ‘mooPay’ for dairy farmers in Rajasthan  mooPay: Payment gateway for dairies and dairy farmers where dairy officials can transfer milk payments digitally to member farmers from dairies’ existing bank account to farmers’ savings bank account  The facility will enhance farmer savings and will also build farmer loyalty to the dairy eliminating risks and costs of transferring money

9. Nozomi Okuhara and Anders Antonsen clinches Denmark Open in Badminton

 World Badminton Champion Nozomi Okuhara (Japan) bagged the Denmark Open 2020 title after beating 3-time world champion Carolina Marin in women’s singles.  In men’s singles Denmark Open final, Anders Antonsen (Denmark) defeated Rasmus Gemke.  Marcus Ellis and Chris Langridge (England) bagged Men’s Double; Yuki Fukushima and Sayaka Hirota (Japan) bagged Women’s Double and Mark Lamsfuss and Isabel Herttrich (Germany) bagged Mixed Double in Denmark Open 2020

10. Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla term extended till August, 2021

 Tenure of Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla (1984 batch IAS officer of Assam-Meghalaya cadre) has been extended by Appointments Committee of the Cabinet  His term is extended till August 22, 2021.  Ajay Kumar Bhala was appointed as the Home Secretary in August 2019.  He was about to superannuate on November 30, 2020.  He is also holding additional charge as secretary of the department of personnel and training.

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11. World Osteoporosis Day being observed today

 World Osteoporosis Day (WOD) is observed annually on October 20 to raise global awareness of prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease.  WOD is organized by International Osteoporosis Foundation by launch of year-long campaign with specific theme.  Global WOD Campaign theme 2020: THAT’S OSTEOPOROSIS  This year’s theme highlights emotionally impactful visuals and stories of real people living with osteoporosis in all regions of the world

12. First SCO Startup Forum to be launched boosting Startups

 First-ever SCO Startup Forum will be launched on 27th October 2020 to lay the foundation for multilateral cooperation and engagement among Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Member States  It will identify areas of cooperation by launching multiple entrepreneurial activities like startup showcases through virtual platform, sharing of best practices, procuring social innovations etc.  Virtual SCO preparatory Seminar and a workshop were also be organized by India

13. Rajnath Singh approves new DRDO Procurement Manual-2020

 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved a new DRDO Procurement Manual-2020.  Defence Minister's Office said, in a tweet, that this will encourage more participation of the Indian Industry including start-ups and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Research and Development activity and also to achieve the goal of self-reliance in Defence.  The Defence Minister said, the new DRDO Procurement Manual will facilitate the indigenous Defence Industry by simplifying the processes and ensuring their participation in design and development activities.  He said, it will help towards realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's dream of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Source:-Newsonair

14. ISA Solar Awards conferred for the first time

 For the first time, since the inception of the framework agreement of ISA, the Solar Awards were presented during the third Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) on 14 October 2020 to the countries of the region as well as institutions working for solar.  Three categories of awards were conferred which included: o Visvesvaraya award – to recognise the countries with maximum floating solar capacity in each of the four regions of ISA. o Kalpana Chawla awards – to recognise outstanding contribution of scientists and engineers working in the field of solar energy. o Diwakar award – to recognizes organisations & institutions that have been working for the benefit of differently-abled people and have maximised the use of solar energy in the host country.

4 www.gradeup.co  Visvesvaraya award – Japan for the Asia Pacific region and the Netherlands for Europe and Others region.  Kalpana Chawla awards – Dr.Bhim Singh from IIT Delhi (India) and Dr.AaeshaAlnuaimi from Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (United Arab Emirates.  Diwakar award – Arpan Institute (Haryana) and Arushi Society.

Source:- ISA.ORG

15. Assam to get India’s first international multi-modal logistic park

 Union Road, Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has laid foundation stone of India’s first multi-modal logistic park at Jogighopa, Assam.  It is being developed under BharatmalaPariyojanaof Centre with an overall cost of around Rs 693.97.  It will provide direct connectivity to air, road, rail and waterways to the people of Assam and North East.  It will also provide employment to 20 lakh people  It will have 3 components: road, railway and infrastructure

16. Centre amended J&K Panchayati Raj Act for setting up DDC

 Ministry of Home Affairs has amended Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989, to facilitate the setting up of District Development Councils (DDC)  DDCs will be the new unit of governance in Jammu and Kashmir, whose members will be directly elected by voters  This new structure will include DDC, along with District Planning Committee (DPC).  It will replace District Planning and Development Boards in all districts.  Term: 5 years.  CEO of DDC: Additional DC.

17. UP Governor launches women’s safety campaign ‘Safe City Project’ in

 Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel has inaugurated women’s safety campaign named as ‘Safe City Project’ in Lucknow.  It is a 180-day-long campaign in which women police personnel will work towards strengthening security of women in public places and inculcate a feeling of pride and safety among women  100 pink scooties and 10 four-wheeler police vehicles has also been flagged off that have first-aid kit, flashlights and other facilities in it.

18. India successfully test-fired Stand-Off Anti-Tank (SANT) Missile

 India has successfully tested indigenously developed Stand-off Anti-tank (SANT) missile from Integrated Test Range (ITR) from a roof-top launcher of ground-based platform off the Odisha coast  SANT is an air to surface missile and is an upgraded version of anti-tank missile, Helicopter Launched Nag (HeliNa)  It is developed by DRDO for .  It has both lock-on before launch and lock-on after launch capability and can destroy targets 15 km to 20 km away

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19. Sikkim to get Integrated Food Processing Units

 IFFCO’s Organic Joint Venture, SIFCO (Sikkim IFFCO Organics Ltd) has begun the construction of 2 Integrated Food Processing Units at Rangpo, Sikkim to boost organic farming  The unit will be ready by October 2021 with total construction cost of around Rs 50 Crores.  After production, SIFCO products will be 100% organic certified and hence non-toxic in nature.  This will promote sustainable agriculture and promote Green Himalayan Economy and safer food supply chain.

20. India signs $177 million agreement with ADB for Maharashtra road improvement

 Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed $ 177 million loan agreement with India to upgrade 450 km of state highways and major district roads in Maharashtra.  Maharashtra will contribute $78.99 million for this project  Under this, 2 major district roads and 11 state highways will be upgraded to 2-lane standard across 7 districts  It will improve connectivity between rural areas and urban centres for better access to markets, employment opportunities and services

21. Development of Indigenous Software solution for VTS and VTMS launched

 Union Minister for Shipping has rolled out Indigenous Software solution for Vessel traffic services (VTS) and Vessels Traffic Monitoring Systems (VTMS) to determine vessel positions, traffics, hazard warning  VTS will contribute to safety of life at sea, efficiency of navigation and protection of marine environment  VTMS is mandatory under SOLAS. Modern VTMS integrates all the information into single operator  It will minimize the cost for future upgradations of software.

22. India ranked 2nd in OECD International Migration Outlook report

 OECD has released its annual 44th edition of International Migration Outlook report 2020 to analyses the recent developments in migration movements and policies  India has been ranked 2nd in terms of number of migrants going to the Organisation for Economic Co- operation and Development (OECD) countries with acquiring OECD’s citizenship  China retained its top spot with 4.3 lakh migrants as per the report, followed by India and Romania.  OECD HQs: Paris

23. Indian Shooter Elavenil wins gold in Sheikh Russel International Air Rifle

 Indian Shooter ElavenilValarivanwon gold in women’s 2020 Sheikh Russel International Air Rifle Championship.  Japan’s Naoya Okada won gold in the men’s Sheikh Russel Air Rifle Championship, while India’s Shahu Tushar Mane bagged a silver medal at the same  The championship was a 60-shots competition in which shooters from Bangladesh, India, Japan, Korea, Indonesia and Bhutan participated  It was organised by Bangladesh Shooting Sport Federation (BSSF).

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24. Veteran TV Actress Zarina Roshan Khan passes away

 Renowned TV actress, Zarina Roshan Khan (54 years) passed away due to sudden cardiac arrest  She is well known for her role in the television show ‘Kumkum Bhagya’ as InduDadi, since 2014.  She began her career as a stunt woman, before taking up acting as a profession and has featured in several shows and films  She was also the part of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai and some prominent movies.

25. Union Minister inaugurates H-CNG Plant and Launches trials in Delhi

 Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has inaugurated Indian Oil's compact reformer plant and launched trial run of Delhi's buses on Hydrogen-blended CNG (HCNG)  HCNG: hydrogen-enriched compressed natural gas. It can be produced directly from CNG, bypassing the energy-intensive electrolysis process and high-pressure blending costs.  It is about 22% cheaper than conventional physical blending  Hydrogen vehicles is suggested for Delhi NCR’s poor air quality by Supreme Court.

26. Union Health Minister launchesCuRED on Repurposed Drugs for Covid- 19

 Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan has launched CuRED on Repurposed Drugs for Covid- 19  CuRED: It is a website that gives comprehensive information about COVID-19 clinical trials that the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) is engaged in partnership with industry, other government departments and ministries.  CuRED stands for CSIR Ushered Repurposed Drugs  It will also provide information about drugs, diagnostics and devices for COVID-19.

27. N K Singh released his autobiography titled ‘Portraits of Power’

 Veteran economist and bureaucrat, NK Singh has released his autobiography ‘Portraits Of Power: Half A Century of Being at Ringside’  The book depicts various roles played by him, starting from 1964 as an IAS, to playing active role in India’s march towards becoming a formidable economy.  It has been published by Rupa Publications India.  NK Singh was member of Rajya Sabha (2008-2014) from Bihar  He is currently serving as the Chairman of 15th Finance Commission

28. RPF launches 'Meri Saheli' initiative in Amaravathi Express

 Railway Protection Force has launched 'Meri Saheli' initiative inAmaravathi Express between Vijayawada-Hubli to provide a safe and secure environment to lady passengers travelling in trains throughout their journey  A team headed by one one RPF lady Sub-Inspector and few Constables has been constituted for this initiative to carry out the inspection and briefing to women passengers, along with COVID-19 protocol and guidelines

7 www.gradeup.co  Emergency helpline no 182 is also launched.

29. IFSCA prescribed regulatory framework for REITs and InvITs

 International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) has prescribed regulatory framework for Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) in IFSC  Under this, REITs and InvITs are to be listed on stock exchanges in GIFT IFSC, along with permission to raise funds through private placements to InvITs  They are permitted to invest in real estate and infrastructure projects  IFSCA was established on April 27 2020  HQs: Gandhinagar

30. Police Commemoration Day being observed today

 Police Commemoration Day is celebrated every year on 21st October to honour the loyalty and supreme sacrifice of police personnel for the nation.  It is observed on 21st October as on this day Chinese troops opened fire and threw grenades at 20 Indian soldiers in Ladakh in 1959. 10 of the brave police personnel attained martyrdom and 7 sustained injuries.  Police Commemoration Day Parade is being held at Police Memorial, Chanakyapuri, since 2012 on this day.

31. ASW stealth corvette INS Kavaratti to be commissioned into Navy

 Last of 4 indigenously built Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) stealth corvettes INS Kavarattiunder Project 28 (Kamorta class) will be commissioned into the Indian Navy at Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam  Kavaratti: indigenously designed by Indian Navy's Directorate of Naval Design (DND) and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.  Kavaratti takes her name from erstwhile INS Kavaratti which was an Arnala class missile corvette.

32. Union Minister launches “Aditi UrjaSanch” Unit at CSIR-NCL, Pune

 Union Minister Harsh Vardhan has inaugurated eco-friendly, efficient and Dimethyl ether (DME) fired ‘Aditi UrjaSanch’ unit at CSIR-NCL (National Chemical Laboratory), Pune  CSIR-NCL has also developed India’s first kind of DME-LPG blended fuel cylinders and DME pilot plant with 20-24Kg/day capacity.  The new design is efficient for both DME and the blend of DME and LPG and has flexible air ingress.  The new nozzle design allows optimum oxygen ingress for combustion

33. UP emerged as top tourist destination in 2019

 Uttar Pradesh has emerged as the top destination for attracting highest number of domestic tourists in 2019 as per Indian Tourism Statistics (ITS), 2020 released by Ministry of Tourism.  About 53.6 crore domestic tourists visited Uttar Pradesh in 2019, which is 23.1% of the total travellers.  Second spot in this is taken by Tamil Nadu, followed by Andhra Pradesh.  In attracting foreign travelers, Tamil Nadu tops the list, followed by Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.

34. Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik launches Mo Bidyut portal & app

8 www.gradeup.co  Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik has rolled out electricity consumer service portal and its mobile app titled as ‘Mo Bidyut’ to provide efficient, time-bound, and transparent online electricity connection service  This will facilitate people to get new connections, bill payment or grievance redressal at www.mobidyut.com benefitting more than 89 lakh electricity consumers  It is a bilingual online integrated platform covering all four power utilities of the State.

35. IIT Kharagpur developed ‘COVIRAP’ gets ICMR certification

 Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has certified IIT Kharagpur developed COVID-19 diagnostic technology titled as ‘COVIRAP’.  COVIRAP has been designed for fair easy to conduct and affordable test as well and can produce results within one hour without requiring manual interpretation.  It is highly reliable and accurate molecular diagnostic procedure that can be conducted in an ultra-low- cost portable device unit  It cost around Rs 500.

36. Cabinet approved extension of MIS for apple procurement in J&K

 Union Cabinet has approved the extension of Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) for apple procurement in J&K for 2020-21  Procurement of apple will be done by Central Procuring Agency (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation, NAFED) through State Designated Agencies  The payment will be made through DBT under this  NAFED is an apex organization of marketing cooperatives for agricultural produce in India.  NAFED Headquarters: New Delhi

37. ECI constitutes committee to examine issues concerning expenditure limits

 Election Commission of India (ECI) has constituted committee comprising Harish Kumar and Umesh Sinha to examine the issues concerning expenditure limit for a candidate  It is formed as centre notified an amendment in Rule 90 of Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961 enhancing the existing expenditure limit by 10% with immediate effect in ongoing elections.  Limit was not enhanced despite electorate increase since 6 years  Committee will submit its report within 120 days

38. 6th edition of India International Science Festival to be held in December

 Union Minister for Science & Technology announced that the 6th edition of India International Science Festival (IISF) 2020 will be held from 22nd-25th December, 2020 virtually  First and second IISF were held in New Delhi.  IISF is an annual event organised jointly by science & technology-related Ministries, Govt of India and Vigyana Bharati (Vibha).  IISF is a festival to celebrate the achievements of India’s scientific and technological advancements

39. IAF’s first woman officer Vijayalakshmi Ramanan passes away

 Wing Commander (Retd) Dr Vijayalakshmi Ramanan, the first woman commissioned officer of the Indian Air Force, has died at the age of 96.

9 www.gradeup.co  Wing Commander Vijayalakshmi Ramanan, a recipient of VishishtSeva Medal (VSM), died due to old age ailments on Sunday at her daughter's home, her son-in-law SLV Narayan said

40. India participates in 18th meeting of Prosecutors General of SCO

 India today participated in 18th meeting of Prosecutors General of SCO via video conference.  Representing India, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said India has zero tolerance to corruption and black money.  He also highlighted government’s flagship Pradhan Mantri Jan DhanYojna, saying it has expanded India’s financial architecture.  Beijing Correspondent reports, India is keeping its engagements up at SCO.  Today’s meeting of Prosecutors, agreed to strengthen cooperation in preventing and combating corruption, mutual legal assistance and exchange of regulatory legal acts.  India will host the next meeting of Prosecutors General in 2021. SCO Law ministers met last week and SCO Trade Ministers will meet next week.  The eight member bloc will meet for this year’s SCO Council of Heads of Govt on 30th Nov which will be hosted by India.  The SCO Summit will be held in early November.

41. Singapore becomes 1st country to use facial recognition to pay taxes

 In Singapore, online government services can now be accessed by facial recognition -- a world first.  This technology is being rolled out to the city-state's SingPass digital identity scheme, offering access to no less than 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.  According to the Singapore authorities, the technology helps ensure that the right person is genuinely present in front of their screen, rather than a photograph, a video, a replayed recording or a deepfake.

42. IIT Kharagpur’s develops ‘COVIRAP’ Technology for COVID-19

 The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur Wednesday announced that its Covid-19 test COVIRAP was ready for commercial use with the ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases (NICED) validating the device.  COVIRAP is a cuboid-shaped portable testing device that can deliver results in an hour, making it an effective tool to scale up Covid-19 screening in peripheral and rural areas.  At a virtual press conference held in IIT Kharagpur, Dr Mamata Chawla Sarkar, a senior scientist with ICMR-NICED who led the test validation process, said, “We collected 200 positive and negative samples.  After blind labelling, they were tested in a real time RT-PCR machine and COVIRAP. Although we were initially sceptical about the outcome, when we compared the test results, we found the machine to be very accurate. The temperature controlled COVIRAP showed 94 per cent sensitivity and 96 per cent specificity.”

43. Parleagro ropes in Priyanka Chopra Jonas as brand ambassador

 ParleAgro has made a new addition to its fruits plus fizz portfolio, ‘B-Fizz’ and has roped in Priyanka Chopra Jonas as the national brand ambassador to maximise reach and awareness of the same. Jr. NTR has been roped in as the brand ambassador for Southern India.

10 www.gradeup.co  The brand takes the launch further with a marketing campaign. It begins with two new TVCs, one featuring Chopra for national media and the other featuring Jr. NTR exclusively for southern markets. The TVC campaign will be supported by print, mobile and digital activations. The campaign will be aggressively promoted across IPL on Hotstar and YouTube.

44. Asan Conservation Reserve becomes Uttarakhand’s 1st Ramsar site

 Asan Conservation Reserve has become Uttarakhand’s first Ramsar site, making it a ‘Wetland of International Importance’, announced the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The Reserve is located on the banks of Yamuna river near Dehradun district in Garhwal region of the Himalayan state.  “Asan Conservation Reserve cleared five out of the nine criteria needed to be declared as a Ramsar site and get identified as a Wetland of International Importance. It cleared the category on species and ecological communities, one on water-birds and another on fish. Ramsar declares Asan Conservation Reserve as a site of international importance. With this, the number of Ramsar sites in India goes up to 38, the highest in South Asia and Uttarakhand gets its first Ramsar site.  Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an intergovernmental treaty was adopted on February 2, 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar, on the southern shore of the Caspian Sea. The name of the Convention is usually written “Convention on Wetlands’’. The Convention on Wetlands came into force for India on February 1, 1982. Those wetlands which are of international importance are declared as Ramsar sites.  Uttarakhand Chief Minister: Trivendra Singh Rawat.  Governor of Uttarakhand: Baby Rani Maurya.

45.Culture Ministry virtually launches ‘Life in Miniature’ project

 Culture Minister Prahlad Singh Patel has virtually launched ‘Life in Miniature’ project in collaboration with National Museum, New Delhi and Google Arts & Culture.  The project will facilitate users to see famous miniature collections like Ramayana, Royal Saga, Pahari style paintings of National Museum in never before seen ways with extraordinary detail in just a few clicks using technology  It runs around 5 universal themes: nature, love, celebration, faith and power.

46. Andhra Pradesh CM launches ‘YSR BIMA’ for BPL families

 Andhra Pradesh CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has launched ‘YSR Bima’ to provide financial assistance to 1.41 crore Below Poverty Line (BPL) families  It is an insurance cover that will be provided in case of death, and disability due to accident of their families members.  Eligibility: All families with white ration cards  Village/ward volunteers will visit the families and enrol the names of the primary householders for this  The scheme is fully funded by Andhra Pardesh govt.

47. AYUSH Ministry inaugurated RRDR at AIIA, New Delhi

 Ministry of AYUSH inaugurated Regional Raw Drug Repository (RRDR) at All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi.

11 www.gradeup.co  This RRDR is the second in the series of repositories proposed by National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), Ministry of AYUSH and will be dedicated to the Trans-Ganga Plain Region.  AIM: To document the diversity in the genetics and chemistry of medicinal plants  RRDR for Trans-Ganga Plain Region covers Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Punjab.

48. Tamil Nadu Govt launches Smart Black Board Scheme in Govt schools

 Tamil Nadu Govt has launched Smart Black Board scheme in 80,000 government schools of the state to ensure better teaching environment.  The scheme will facilitate usage of audio-visual teaching material that can be fed into the computer screens in classes using widely available pen drives.  The scheme is launched in line of Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.  State has also implemented Centre’s Smart Classroom scheme.  Tamil Nadu's CM: Edappadi K Palaniswami

49. DRDO successfully tested final trial of Nag anti-tank guided missile

 DRDO has successfully carried out the final trial of Nag anti-tank guided missile with a warhead at Pokhran, Rajasthan.  Nag anti-tank missile is ready for induction in the Indian Army after completing 10 successful user trials  Nag is a 3rd-generation, all-weather, fire-and-forget, lock-on after launch, anti-tank guided missile with range of 500 m to 20 km  It is developed as a part of Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP)  DRDO Chairman: G Satheesh Reddy

50. SEBI set-up advisory committee for Market Data Access Policy

 SEBI has constituted Market Data Advisory Committee (MDAC) to make shareable data on Indian securities market, available for researchers, policy makers along with enhancing the quality of such data.  The committee willl be headed by MadhabiPuri Buch (WTM of SEBI).  MDAC will recommend appropriate policy for access to securities market data, identifying segment wise data perimeters, data needs and gaps with data privacy and regulations  SEBI’s Chairman: Ajay Tyagi

51. Eminent Assam Economist Jayanta Madhab passes away

 Renowned Assamese economist, Dr. Jayanta Madhab (91 years) passed away due to heart ailments and diabetes in Guwahati, Assam  He served as the economic advisor to the Govt of Assam from 2003 to 2009 during the tenure of former Chief Minister TarunGogoi.  He was also the founder member and first Chairman of North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd (NEDFi).  He also served as a director of Asian Development Bank (ADB).

52. Lost' river that ran through Thar Desert 172,000 years ago found in Bikaner

 Researchers have found the evidence of ‘lost river’ that ran through central Thar Desert near Bikaner  It is estimated to be 172,000 years old

12 www.gradeup.co  It represent the oldest directly dated river activity at Nal Quarry in central Thar indicating Stone Age populations life-line in that landscape  These findings predate evidence for activity in modern river courses across Thar and Ghaggar-Hakra rivers  Thar Desert (Great Indian Desert): Arid north-western Indian subcontinent region

52. NASA selected Nokia to build first ever cellular network on the Moon

 NASA has selected Nokia as its partner to build the first cellular network on the moon leveraging innovations for its Artemis program  Nokia Bell Labs will undertake this project to build and deploy wireless end-to-end broadband/LTE communications system on the lunar surface till 2022 along with US-based Intuitive Machines  Artemis program: US funded crewed spaceflight program for landing 1st woman and next man on the Moon, specifically at lunar south pole by 2024

53. First Women Indian Air Force Officer Vijayalakshmi Ramanan passes away

 First woman officer of Indian Air Force, Wing Commander Vijayalakshmi Ramanan (96 years) passed away in Bengaluru  She was an obstetrician and gynaecologist by training and originally joined Indian Army in 1955 on a short-service commission.  She than became the first commissioned officer of Indian Air Force and was officially known as Officer 4971.  She held the rank of Wing Commander in 1979.  She had been awarded VishistSeva medal in 1977.

54. Asan Conservation Reserve gets first Ramsar site tag from Uttarakhand

 Asan Conservation Reserve has been listed as the 1st Ramsar site of Uttarakhand, giving it the status of ‘Wetland of International Importance’.  It is located near Dehradun in Garhwal region on the banks of Yamuna river.  Along with this, Kabartal Wetland from Bihar is the another new site to be recognised as Ramsar Sites  Total Ramsar sites in India: 39 (highest in South Asia)  Ramsar Convention was signed in 1971 to develop global network of wetlands for conservation.

55. Singapore becomes 1st Nation to use Facial Recognition to Pay Taxes

 Singapore has become world’s first country to use facial verification in its national ID scheme facilitating government online services  This Face recognition technology is being rolled out to city-state's SingPass digital identity scheme, offering access to not less than 400 online services, including tax declarations and public housing applications.  It is designed to work via home computers, tablets and cell phones, as well as at public kiosks

56. Shipping ministry amends Right to First Refusal licensing for shipbuilding

 Ministry of Shipping has amended the Right of First Refusal licensing conditions to boost domestic shipbuilding and shipping industries.

13 www.gradeup.co  It will encourage the shipping industry to support the domestic shipping industry with a focused approach as per AatmaNirbhar Bharat vision  It will also promote ‘Make in India’ initiatives through self-reliance and will give a strategic boost to economic growth of India  Minister of State for Shipping (I/C): Mansukh L Mandaviya

57. United Nations Day being observed: 24th October

 The United Nations Day (UN) is being observed globally on 24th October to make people aware of the aims and achievements of the United Nations Organization.  The UN was founded in 1945 to support collective action to realize peace, development and human rights for all.  In 1971, the United Nations General Assembly had declared 24th October as the United Nations Day by adopting Resolution 2782.  Secretary-general: António Guterres  Headquarters: New York, USA

58. CBSE introduces facial recognition systems for accessing digital document

 Using the state of the artFacial Recognition System, CBSE will enable students, to download their digital academic documents of class X and XII.  This computer application matches a human face from a digital image already stored in the database.  In a similar way, a live image of the student will be matched with the photograph on the CBSE admit card already stored in the repository, and once successful, the certificate will be emailed to the student.

59. PM Modi inaugurates 3 key projects in Gujarat through video conferencing

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the ‘KisanSuryodaya Yojana’ for the farmers of Gujarat through video conferencing.  It will provide day time power supply to farmers for irrigation.  He also inaugurated the Paediatric Heart Hospital attached with U.N Mehta Institute of Cardiology and Research Centre and a Mobile Application.  Mr Modi also inaugurated the Ropeway at Girnar which will enable tourists and devotees to reach the peak of Mount Girnar in just 7.5 minutes.

60. 24th October: World Development Information Day

 The World Development Information Day is being observed every year on 24th October to inform and motivate young people.  In 1973, The United Nations General Assembly decided to institute a World Development Information Day coinciding with United Nations Day on 24th October.

61. India's foreign exchange reserves touch 555.12 billion dollars

 India's foreign exchange reserves have surged by 3.615 billion dollars to touch a fresh lifetime high of 555.12 billion dollars in the week ended 16th October.  Foreign currency assets increased by 3.539 billion dollars to 512.322 billion dollars.  Gold reserves went up by 86 million dollars in the reporting week to reach 36.685 billion dollars.

14 www.gradeup.co  The country’s special drawing rights with the International Monetary Fund remained unchanged at 1.480 billion dollars.

62. Singer and actor Zero Babu passes away

 Playback singer, music director and actor K J Mohammed Babu (80-years) passed away in Kochi.  Babu attained fame as Zero Babu after he belted out the song ‘Open Zero’ in a play by the late P J Antony.  Babu was a recipient of the Sangeetha NatakaAkademi Award and had held numerous stage shows in Dubai, Singapore and Malaysia.  He has also sung in nearly 90 films and various plays.

63. Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin gets nod for phase 3 clinical trials

 India's indigenous COVID-19 vaccine candidate, COVAXIN, developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has received the nod for Phase-3 clinical trials in the country.  The Subject Expert Committee (under DCGI) has given approval for the last phase of clinical trials with certain conditions.  The potential vaccine candidate will be tested on over 28 thousand people (across 10 states and 19 sites) aged 18 years and above.

64. UP cops to converse in regional dialects also on 112 helpline number

 In Uttar Pradesh, police personnel will also converse in regional dialects on 112 police Help Line to the convenience of the rural population of the state.  As part of this scheme, it has been decided to include Bhojpuri, Awadhi, Braj, Bundeli and other local dialects in the system.  The communication officers serving at the emergency services have been specially trained for this purpose and they can speak in many dialects including Pahari and Bhojpuri.

65. India gets Chairmanship of ILO Governing body after a gap of 35 years

 India has assumed the Chairmanship of the Governing Body of International Labour Organization (ILO), after a gap of 35 years.  Apurva Chandra (Labour and Employment Secretary) has been elected as the Chairperson of the Governing Body of the ILO for the period October 2020- June 2021  The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a United Nations agency whose mandate is to advance social and economic justice through setting international labour standards  Headquarters: Geneva

66. 1.4 crore families get YSR Bima insurance cover in Andhra Pradesh

 Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Wednesday launched YSR Bima, an insurance scheme to benefit 1.41 crore BPL families. Asserting that identification of beneficiaries was held in a transparent manner, the Chief Minister said that all eligible people can enrol themselves for the scheme.  While it will take 15 days to settle the insurance claims, the government will provide Rs 10,000 as immediate aid to the family members if the insurance holder met with an accident or died.

15 www.gradeup.co  Speaking after launching the scheme at his camp office at Tadepalli, the Chief Minister said that even as the Centre has withdrawn from the scheme, the State government will be paying the entire Rs 510 crore every year as a premium.  Under this scheme, insurance amount for accidental death and total permanent disability for people aged between 18-50 years is Rs 5 lakh and for those between 51-70 years is Rs 3 lakh. Similarly, for natural death cases (18-50 years), Rs 2 lakh will be given and for partial permanent disability in an accident case (18-70 years), Rs 1.5 lakh assistance will be provided.

67. ECI constitutes committee to examine issues concerning expenditure limits

 Election Commission has constituted a committee comprising Sh. Harish Kumar, Ex. IRS and DG (Investigation), Sh. Umesh Sinha, Secretary General and DG (Expenditure) to examine the issues concerning expenditure limit for a candidate in view of increase in number of electorsand rise in Cost Inflation Index and other factors.  Considering the factor of COVID-19, the Ministry of Law & Justice on 19.10.2020 has notified an amendment in Rule 90 of Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961 enhancing the existing expenditure limit by 10%. This increase of 10% will be applicable with immediate effect in ongoing elections.  Expenditure limit for a candidate was last revised in 2014 vide notification dated 28.02.2014, while in respect of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana it was revised vide notification dated 10.10.2018.  In last 6 years the limit was not increased despite increase in electorate from 834 million to 910 million in 2019 to 921 million now. Further, Cost Inflation Index during this period has increased from 220 to 280 in 2019 to 301 now.  The committee will have following terms of reference:- o To assess the change in number of electors across the States/Union Territories and its bearing on expenditure. o To assess the change in Cost Inflation Index and its bearing on the pattern of expenditure incurred by the candidates in recent elections. o To seek views/inputs of the political parties and other stakeholders. o To examine other factors which may have bearings on expenditure. o To examine any other related issue. o The Committee will submit its report within 120 days of its constitution.

Source:- PIB

68. World Snow Leopard Day: 23 October

 World Snow Leopard Day is observed globally on 23rd October. The main purpose of this day is to show the importance of snow leopard conservation and raise awareness about this incredible animal. The day also emphasizes the importance of taking measures to stop poaching, as well as consolidating efforts in terms of an environmental organization in the countries of the snow leopard range.  The first Snow Leopard Day occurred on the 23rd of October in 2014. The day was initiated by the countries that encompass the snow leopard’s range. They include Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Russia, Pakistan, Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, India, China, Bhutan, and Afganistan. On the 23rd of October, in 2013, these countries signed the Bishkek Declaration regarding the conservation of the snow leopard.  This happened in the capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, at the very first Global Snow Leopard Forum.  Snow Leopards are captivating and powerful animals. However, they are also vulnerable to loss of prey and poaching. These animals are distributed sparsely across 12 different countries in Central Asia.

16 www.gradeup.co  They tend to be found in rugged, high mountain landscapes, at elevations between 3,000 and 4,500m. The key to protecting this species is raising awareness.

69. Indian diplomat Dr Neena Malhotra appointed as next Ambassador to Republic of 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.

70. Sushil Kumar Singhal appointed as next Ambassador 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, 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.

71. Dr Jajini Varghese Honoured With ‘Outstanding Young Person 2020’ For Work On Breast Cancer

 A UK-based Indian-origin plastic surgeon, has been named an 'Outstanding Young Person of the World 2020', by a non-profit NGO, for her scientific contributions to diagnosing and treating breast cancer.  39-year-old Dr Jajini Varghese is a consultant in Oncoplastic Breast Surgery at Royal Free Hospital and University College London, and one of 10 nominations from the UK for the international award. the award ‘honours outstanding young people under the age of 40 every year from across 110 countries for extraordinary accomplishments in various fields’.  Varghese made it her mission to attempt to restore the lives of millions of women affected by breast cancer; she has been recognised in the 'Medical Innovation' category. The award will be presented to her at the 2020 Junior Chamber International (JCI) World Congress in Yokohama, Japan, in November.

72. Indian Bank, IIT-Madras in pact for start-up funding

 Indian Bank has introduced an initiative for funding start-ups, 'IND Spring Board', in collaboration with the IIT-Madras Incubation Cell (IITMIC). The -headquartered bank seeks to bridge the gap in funding for start-ups through this collaboration with IITMIC.  Under the deal, IITMIC will refer start-ups with proven technology and established cash flows to the bank and also extend advisory to the bank on the business model. The bank will extend loans of up to 50 crores to these start-ups for their working capital requirements or purchase of machinery, equipment.

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