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Contents National News ...... 16 1.1 ‘Ramayan Cruise Service’ to be launched in Ayodhya, ...... 16 1.2 Shri Pradhan launches world-class premium grade Petrol- XP100 ...... 16 1.3 Shri Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurates MNGL’s 100th CNG station ...... 17 1.4 IIT-Ropar & IIT Alumni Council partners to set up Global Centre of Excellence ...... 17 1.5 Nagaland celebrates Hornbill Festival 2020 ...... 17 1.6 Oman issues directive to establish Oman- Friendship Association ...... 17 1.7 Shri Dharmendra Pradhan launches India’s first mobile CNG dispensing unit ...... 17 1.8 Bengaluru to host India’s first AI-enabled conversational digital persona ...... 17 1.9 RIL tops Fortune 500 list of Indian companies ...... 17 1.10 India signs MoU with USA on Intellectual Property cooperation ...... 18 1.11 India’s Top 10 Police Stations for 2020 ...... 18 1.12 Mizoram enters India’s solar map with 2-megawatt power plant ...... 18 1.13 Two new Zoos granted recognition by Central government ...... 18 1.14 ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal tops ICAR Ranking ...... 18 1.15 IIT-2020 Global Summit organized by PanIIT USA ...... 18 1.16 Shri Nitin Gadkari inaugurates Bridge over Sone river in ...... 19 1.17 Association of Buddhist Tour Operators International Convention inaugurated ...... 19 1.18 Prime Minister Shri addresses International Bharathi Festival 2020...... 19 1.19 Gwalior & Orchha in MP included in UNESCOs world heritage cities list...... 19 1.20 Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses IMC 2020 ...... 19 1.21 Indian Embassy launches Bollywood 'cinemaSCOpe' series for SCO diplomats ...... 19 1.22 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention 2021 ...... 19 1.23 Speaker releases book on 19th anniversary of Parliament attack ...... 19 1.24 UK PM Boris Johnson accepts India’s invitation for Republic Day Celebrations ...... 20 1.25 International Corona virus Short Film Festival held in ...... 20 1.26 Cattle, Buffalo meat residue found in Indus Valley vessels ...... 20 1.27 India’s first mRNA vaccine candidate HGCO19 received approval from India’s Drug Regulator ...... 20 1.28 IMS and NESAC organized a four-day virtual Symposium on Tropical Meteorology (TROPMET-2020) .... 20 1.29 CBI gets a new crime manual ...... 20 1.30 A high-level panel for commemoration of Subhas Chandra Bose on his 125th Birth anniversary ...... 20 1.31 Ministry of Tourism organized a webinar on ‘Birding in India’ ...... 21 1.32 Union Cabinet approved an MoU between CERC, India and FERC, USA ...... 21 1.33 5th meeting of IONS Working Group on HADR held virtually ...... 21

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1.34 Yogasana formally recognized as a Sport ...... 21 1.35 India contributed US $ 1 million to World Anti-Doping Agency to ensure clean sport ...... 21 1.36 4th Bilateral Joint Working Group meeting between India and Indonesia held ...... 21 1.37 2nd Conference on Good practices in CCTNS/ICJS organized by NCRB ...... 22 1.38 Haldibari-Chilahati rail link inaugurated between India and Bangladesh...... 22 1.39 Union Cabinet approved the merger of four government film media units with NFDC ...... 22 1.40 Government approved revised DTH guidelines ...... 22 1.41 PM Narendra Modi lit the ‘Swarnim Vijay Mashaal’ ...... 22 1.42 Bengal Basin became the 8th producing basin of India ...... 23 1.43 NPCI introduced new RuPay Contactless features ...... 23 1.44 APEDA organized a Virtual Buyer Seller Meet in Thailand ...... 23 1.45 MoPSW identifies new routes for ferry services through Inland Waterways ...... 23 1.46 Visva Bharati University, a central university completed its 100 years ...... 23 1.47 Nehru Zoological Park, first zoo to get ISO certification ...... 23 1.48 Reliance & BP announced the start of production from R cluster ...... 23 1.49 Jewar Airport to be named as the Noida International Airport ...... 24 1.50 First picture of Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train released ...... 24 1.51 First driverless train started in Delhi Metro ...... 24 1.52 A statue of unveiled at Assam’s Silchar ...... 24 1.53 International Sports University (ISU) to be set up at Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Pune ...... 24 1.54 Dekho Apna Desh Webinar Series titled “Secrets and Delights of Indian Cuisine” held ...... 24 1.55 Several Development projects inaugurated in Manipur ...... 24 1.56 Production of first coach shell by Marathwada Rail Coach Factory, Maharashtra ...... 24 1.57 FASTag made mandatory from 1st January, 2021 ...... 24 1.58 Foundation stone of TiHAN-IIT Hyderabad laid...... 25 1.59 Giant Rock Bee Honey by Malayali Tribe added to Tribes India Collection...... 25 1.60 Shri Narendra Modi approved an MoU between India and Bhutan on outer space ...... 25 1.61 India’s first-ever driverless train operations inaugurated on Delhi Metro’s Magenta Line ...... 25 1.62 Brahamputra Aamantran Abhiyaan organized in Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh ...... 25 1.63 Ministry of Railways releases booklet with title “Building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat” ...... 26 1.64 India’s first hot air balloon tiger safari launched in ...... 26 1.65 Madhya Pradesh approves Anti-Conversion Bill ...... 26 1.66 Assam Assembly passed a bill on Madrasa conversions...... 26 1.67 Union Health Minister e-Inaugurates First Ever Virtual Aadi Mahotsav in Madhya Pradesh ...... 26 1.68 AYUSH Day Care Therapy Centres for Central Government employees approved ...... 26

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1.69 15th edition of Global Mining Summit ...... 26 1.70 Union Sports Minister addresses BRICS Youth Summit...... 27 1.71 Union Education Minister sets up a task force for preparing a roadmap on imparting technical education in Mother Tongue ...... 27 1.72 Government constitutes High-level Ministerial Committee for implementation of Paris Agreement ...... 27 1.73 ADB, India signs USD 50 million loan to boost West Bengal’s digital platforms for public finance reforms 27 1.74 Union Health Minister chairs inaugural session of the India Sweden Healthcare Innovation Centre ...... 28 1.75 Ranjitsinh Disale wins $1-million Global Teacher Prize for promoting girls’ education ...... 28 1.76 India’s first transgender children’s homes will be in Bengaluru ...... 28 1.77 IITs, NITs and Reputed Technical Institutes to adopt stretches of National Highway ...... 28 1.78 “HunarHaat” to be organised at Rampur and Lucknow (UP) by Union Ministry of Minority Affairs ...... 28 1.79 SCO Young Scientist Conclave ...... 29 1.80 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads ...... 29 1.81 Ministry of Textiles invites proposals for constitution of a Dedicated Export Promotion Council for Technical Textiles ...... 29 1.82 Fourth South Asia Forum on SDGs ...... 29 1.83 Ministry of AYUSH to develop Nisarg Gram campus at Pune as the 21st Century abode of Naturopathy30 1.84 Union Health minister virtually inaugurates the 2nd Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) 2020 Conference ...... 30 1.85 Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Ministry of AYUSH decides to set up an AYUSH Export Promotion Council ...... 30 1.86 Virtual business conclave with CLMV countries organised by commerce and industry ministry, CII begins 30 1.87 United Nations Declares Invest India The Winner of the Investment Promotion Award 2020 ...... 31 1.88 Union Sports Minister launches 2nd Edition of Fit India Cyclothon ...... 31 1.89 4th Roundtable Consultation on 'Clearing the Air – Driving central and state-level actions’ ...... 31 1.90 Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2021 ...... 31 1.91 Minister of State for Jal Shakti Chairs AGM of National Water Development Agency and Meeting of Special Committee for Interlinking of Rivers ...... 32 1.92 2021 to see 40% surge in people needing humanitarian aid due to Covid: UN ...... 32 1.93 Three Centres of Excellence set up under NMSHE at Central Universities of Kashmir, Sikkim and Tezpur to drive climate change related research by Universities ...... 32 1.94 ADB approves $190 million loan to upgrade power distribution in Bengaluru ...... 33 1.95 Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change attended Industry transition Leadership Summit ...... 33 1.96 Union Finance Minister delivers keynote address at the inauguration of the Sri Lanka Economic Summit 2020 33

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1.97 Asian Development Bank (ADB) and India sign $132.8 million loan to strengthen Meghalaya’s power distribution sector ...... 33 1.98 Curtain raiser of the 26th DST-CII Technology Summit 2020 ...... 33 1.99 National Thermal Power Corporation Vidyut Vyapar Nigam (NVVN) launches Green Charcoal Hackathon 34 1.100 Assam Government launches ‘Orunodoi’ scheme ...... 34 1.101 – World’s most polluted city – US Air Quality Index 2020 ...... 34 1.102 Karnataka Government launches Learning Management System for Government Colleges ...... 34 1.103 Krishna District to get five child friendly-police stations ...... 34 1.104 Slowdown in G20 trade restriction measures as COVID-19 impacts world economy: Report on G20 Trade Measures ...... 35 1.105 Government seeks views on draft national policy for flying drones ...... 35 1.106 2020 one of the hottest years recorded: 2020 provisional State of the Global Climate report ...... 35 1.107 World Food Price index jumps in November to almost six-year high : Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) ...... 35 1.108 Covid-19 could push 72 million children into ‘learning poverty’: World Bank ...... 36 1.109 World Malaria Report 2020 ...... 36 1.110 Cabinet approves Universal Service Obligation Fund Scheme for providing Mobile Coverage in Arunachal Pradesh and two Districts of Assam under the Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan for North Eastern Region ...... 36 1.111 9 States have successfully completed One Nation One Ration Card Reform...... 37 1.112 MoRTH signs MoU with Austria on Technology Cooperation in Road Infrastructure Sector ...... 37 1.113 NITI Aayog and SAP Labs India collaborate to foster digital literacy and accelerate the India startup ecosystem ...... 37 1.114 Ministry of AYUSH and AIIMS decides to work together to set up a Department of Integrative Medicine 37 1.115 Union Health Minister addresses World Bank Inter Ministerial Meet on Vaccinating South Asia ...... 38 1.116 Union Jal Shakti Minister inaugurates 5th India Water Impact Summit (IWIS) with focus on Arth Ganga-River conservation synchronized development ...... 38 1.117 CCPA asks FSSAI to probe honey adulteration issue ...... 38 1.118 Union Minister of Education virtually addresses the 26th National Annual Conference of Sahodaya School Complexes ...... 39 1.119 MOHUA launches Socio-Economic Profiling of PM SVANidhi ...... 39 1.120 2927 Court complexes across country have been connected by a high-speed Wide Area Network (WAN) as against target of 2992 under e-Courts Project ...... 39 1.121 Launches Hospital Management Information System Trial Project ...... 39 1.122 Climate Ambition Summit...... 40 1.123 India and Qatar Agrees to Set Up a Task Force on Energy ...... 40 Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609

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1.124 FICCI’s Annual Convention & 93rd AGM...... 40 1.125 Handicraft and GI Toys exempted from Quality Control Order ...... 40 1.126 27 States avail benefits of the “Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Expenditure” ...... 40 1.127 NITI Aayog releases ‘Vision 2035: Public Health Surveillance in India’ ...... 41 1.128 Tourism Minister virtually attends the 5th meeting of the National Medical and Wellness Tourism Promotion Board ...... 41 1.129 Amma Mini Clinics to treat poor ...... 41 1.130 Centre approves health data management policy of NDHM ...... 41 1.131 MSME Ministry thanks the consumers as MSMEs celebrated not just Diwali but also Atmnirbharata 42 1.132 QCI Launches Recognition Scheme for Hygiene Rating Audit Agencies ...... 42 1.133 Postal Department confers Meghdoot awards to Postal Employees for their achievements in 2019-20 42 1.134 Finance Minister chairs 23rd Meeting of the Financial Stability and Development Council...... 43 1.135 Kamdhenu Chair will be established in Universities and Colleges ...... 43 1.136 2nd Conference on ‘Good Practices in Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS)/ Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) ...... 43 1.137 Mastercard, CII come together to help over 3 lakh MSMEs digitise their businesses ...... 43 1.138 Praja report: No state has devolved all 18 municipal functions to urban local bodies ...... 44 1.139 WHO Foundation appoints Indian-origin health expert Anil Soni as 1st CEO ...... 44 1.140 National Centre for Divyang Empowerment becomes operational in Hyderabad...... 44 1.141 9thedition of Sustainable Mountain Development Summit begins in Dehradun ...... 44 1.142 Maharashtra unveils Uniform Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR) ...... 45 1.143 WHO joins hands with IFRC to strengthen delivery of emergency medical supplies ...... 45 1.144 Cabinet approves RojgarYojana (ABRY)...... 45 1.145 MP will turn warriors against malnutrition ...... 45 1.146 Maharashtra clears Bill proposing death penalty for rape ...... 46 1.147 Universal Healthcare Coverage Day celebrated on 12th December 2020...... 46 1.148 India slips to 54th rank in home price appreciation: Real estate group ...... 47 1.149 FM Nirmala releases the ‘Smuggling in India Report 2019-20’ ...... 47 1.150 Swiggy partners govt to build 'world's largest' street food vendor project ...... 48 1.151 NREGA National Tracker December 2020 ...... 48 1.152 Indian Software as a Solution (SaaS) Companies to reach $18-20 billion revenue by 2022 ...... 48 1.153 Covid-19 could push 72 million children into ‘learning poverty’: World Bank ...... 49 1.154 2021 to see 40% increase in people needing Humanitarian Aid due to Covid-19: Global Humanitarian Overview 2021 ...... 49 1.155 Health Insurance Policies would now cover robotic and bariatric surgeries: IRDAI revised norms ...... 50

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1.156 United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) seeks $6.4 billion emergency funds ...... 50 1.157 MGNREGS workers spend money to collect wages: Length of the Last Mile Report ...... 51 1.158 36th South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC) Charter Day observed ...... 51 1.159 Union Minister of Commerce and Industry addresses ICAI Startup Manthan Week 2.0 ...... 51 1.160 EXIM Bank and SIDBI to set up investment fund to provide loan support to SME’s ...... 51 1.161 TiE Global Summit (TGS 2020) organized in Hyderabad ...... 52 1.162 Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare addresses the Inter Ministerial Conference by Partners in Population and Development (PPD) ...... 52 1.163 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) releases the Emissions Gap Report 2020 ...... 52 1.164 Employees State Insurance Corporation announces major policy initiatives for better medical services to workers ...... 53 1.165 LVPEI awarded ‘The Greenberg Prize – End Blindness 2020’ ...... 53 1.166 NBCFDC & NSFDC signed Memorandum of Agreements (MoA) with Punjab National Bank ...... 53 1.167 United Nations declares International Day of Epidemic Preparedness ...... 54 1.168 NITI Aayog and High Court initiate a drive for technology use to advance access to Justice through Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) ...... 54 1.169 World Health Organization applauds India for Fitness Ka Dose Aadha Ghanta Roz campaign ...... 54 1.170 Union Finance Minister appreciates efforts in higher procurement and payments to MSMEs upto November 2020 ...... 54 1.171 HelpAge India awarded with UN Population Award 2020 ...... 55 1.172 Maharashtra Government, XED Institute to launch accelerator programme for entrepreneurs ...... 55 1.173 Andhra Pradesh Government launches Jagananna Jeeva Kranthi Scheme ...... 55 1.174 World Health Organization releases 2019 Global Health Estimates ...... 55 1.175 Cabinet approves public Wifi networks without any fee and telecom development schemes for North East and Lakshadweep ...... 56 1.176 Maintenance allowance of Rs 20,000 released under Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme (PMSSS) by AICTE ...... 56 1.177 and World Bank sign $400 million project to protect India’s poor and vulnerable from the impact of COVID-19 ...... 56 1.178 IFSCA issues consultation paper on proposed Aircraft Leasing Regulations ...... 57 1.179 Government of India and NDB sign agreement for $1,000 million to provide support to Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan through MGNREG Scheme to support India’s economic recovery from COVID-19 ...... 57 1.180 Union Minister of Jal Shakti reviews progress made under National Hydrology Project...... 57 1.181 Deadline for States to implement citizen centric reforms extended till 15th February 2021 ...... 57 1.182 Reform linked borrowing permissions are facilitating Ease of Doing Business reforms ...... 57 1.183 Union Minister of Commerce and Industry addresses Ministerial Session at the CII Partnership Summit 58

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1.184 Union Health Minister addresses event by Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) ...... 58 1.185 Union Minister of Chemical and Fertilizer inaugurates the Annual Summit of Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI) ...... 58 1.186 Hunar Haat” being organised at Rampur (UP) ...... 58 1.187 Minister of Petroleum invites India Inc. to join the Atmanirbhar Bharat Urja initiatives ...... 59 1.188 India ranks 111 out of 162 countries on personal freedom index ...... 59 1.189 Karnataka unveils portal for farmers ...... 60 1.190 ‘COVID-19 Vaccine and Rural India’ survey ...... 60 1.191 Ministry of Food Processing Industries signs a Joint Communique and 5 MoUs with Ministry of Tribal Affairs, TRIFED, ICAR, NSFDC, NAFED and NCDC ...... 60 1.192 Vice President Launches the Society of Coronary Surgeons (SCS) ...... 61 1.193 Indian Railways issues draft National Rail Plan ...... 61 1.194 Establishes First Centre of Excellence for Skill Development in Power Sector ...... 61 1.195 ADB recommends prioritising water security in Covid-19 recovery ...... 61 1.196 Indian Army signs MoU with Bank of Baroda for new 'Baroda Military Salary Package' ...... 61 1.197 World Bank Signs $500 Million Project to Develop Green, Resilient and Safe Highways in India ...... 62 1.198 Minister of Tribal Affairs e-Launches New Tribes India Outlet at Guwahati International Airport ...... 62 1.199 India slips two spots to rank 131 in global Human Development Index ...... 62 1.200 Cabinet Committee on Security approves the setting up of a new National Security Directive ...... 62 1.201 India jumps to 63 in 2020 EODB survey ...... 63 1.202 Anti-land grabbing law comes into force; minimum 10-yr jail for violators...... 63 1.203 9th policy briefing of Pradhan Mantri - Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) titled, “PM-JAY: The Role of Private Hospitals” by National Health Authority ...... 63 1.204 Carbon Emissions reduced by 2.4 billion tonnes due to Covid-19 induced lockdowns ...... 63 1.205 12th GRIHA SUMMIT 2020 inaugurated ...... 64 1.206 Maharashtra Police acquired Interpol software to track child pornography ...... 64 1.207 Union Minister for MSME addresses the valedictory function of MSME Week ...... 64 1.208 Ayush Ministry approves 200 Ayush Health and Wellness Centres in Almora, Uttarakhand ...... 64 1.209 Asian Development Bank and Government of India sign $300 million loan to upgrade power distribution network in Uttar Pradesh ...... 65 1.210 Union Minister for Commerce and Industry launches India-Australia Economic Strategy Report ...... 65 1.211 Government notifies Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020 ...... 65 1.212 IMD releases ‘End of the Season – Southwest Monsoon 2020’ report ...... 66 1.213 Union Health Minister addresses 75th National Conference of Tuberculosis and Chest Diseases (NATCON)...... 66 1.214 60% increase in Leopard population across India ...... 67 Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609

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1.215 Ministry of Jal Shakti launches “JSA II: Catch the Rain” campaign ...... 68 1.216 Skill India undertakes Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for workers under Department of Panchayati Raj in Chandauli and ...... 68 1.217 Tech Startup Digiboxx plans to hire 5,000 engineers ...... 69 1.218 World Bank approves 4 Development Projects worth $800 million ...... 69 1.219 Pollution deaths in India increased to 1.67 million in 2019: Lancet report ...... 70 1.220 Bihar cabinet approves proposal of free Covid-19 vaccine ...... 70 1.221 India – Uzbekistan sign nine agreements to strengthen strategic partnership ...... 70 1.222 Amazon India launches Saathi Programme ...... 70 1.223 Asian Development Bank launches Covid-19 Vaccine Scheme ...... 71 1.224 Maharashtra experienced seven-fold increase in drought: Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) study ...... 71 1.225 National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) phase 1 released ...... 71 1.226 Less than 45% households in 5 states use clean fuel for cooking: NFHS-5 Survey ...... 73 1.227 Women Scientists’ and Entrepreneurs’ Conclave of IISF 2020 ...... 74 1.228 Skill Ministry and Tata launch first batch of Indian Institute of Skills, Mumbai ...... 74 1.229 DGT - MSDE inks pact with MICROSOFT and NASSCOM FOUNDATION for digital skilling to augment the employability of Young India ...... 74 1.230 Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Launches Mobile Application “Swachhata Abhiyan” ..... 75 1.231 TRIFED Signs MoU with MOFPI For Upliftment of Tribal Lives Through the Implementation of PM- FME Scheme ...... 75 1.232 National Task Force Discusses testing, treatment and surveillance strategies for COVID-19 in view of the new virus strain from UK ...... 75 1.233 KVIC Brings Alive 1000-yrs Old Monpa Handmade Paper Industry in Tawang to Revive the Heritage Art 75 1.234 PM flags off 100th Kisan Rail ...... 76 1.235 International Blue Flag hoisted at 8 beaches across India ...... 76 1.236 Union Health Minister inaugurates India’s First Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine ...... 77 1.237 Union Health Minister digitally inaugurates the 7th NHM National Summit on Good, Replicable Practices 77 1.238 Union Health Minister nominated to the Board of GAVI Board ...... 77 1.239 Union Minister of Science& Technology, releases the report Action Agenda for an AtmaNirbhar Bharat(AAAN) prepared by TIFAC ...... 77 1.240 24 digital governance initiatives/ products by Government entities under 7 categories received Awards 2020 ...... 78 1.241 Minister of State for Tourism takes a review meeting of “Adopt a Heritage: Apni Dharohar, Apni Pehchaan” Project ...... 78 1.242 KVIC Distributed Rs. 30 crores to Khadi Artisans in J&K During Covid- 19 to Sustain Their Lives ...... 79 Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609

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1.243 Virtual Agri-hackathon Atmanirbhar Krishi inaugurated ...... 79 1.244 Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme gets implemented from 01.01.2021 ...... 79 1.245 TRIFED Signs MoU with Day-NRLM M/O Rural Development to Foster Tribal Livelihood Development Through Synergies ...... 80 1.246 Cabinet approves Deepening and Optimization of Inner Harbour Facilities including Development of Western Dock on Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis under Public-Private Partnership PPP mode to handle cape size vessels at Paradip Port ...... 80 1.247 Assam cabinet approves Bill to make Bodo associate official language of state ...... 80 1.248 Vizag is best performing municipal corporation...... 80 1.249 Public Health Act Needed to Keep Private Hospitals in Check: Parliamentary Panel ...... 81 1.250 UNICEF launches tool to track developments in Covid-19 vaccine market ...... 81 1.251 Himachal Pradesh govt to frame integrated Drug Prevention Policy ...... 81 1.252 Gujarat: State to host India’s first Lithium refinery ...... 81 1.253 Centre to implement Coal Import Monitoring System from February 1...... 82 1.254 Centralised investment clearance cell by April 15 ...... 82 1.255 Government approves Farm Loan Waiver Scheme ...... 82 1.256 Tripura to offer government jobs to the families of those lost in political violence ...... 82 1.257 Prime Minister launches Ayushman Bharat PM JAY SEHAT Scheme in Jammu & Kashmir ...... 83 1.258 Prime Minister releases the 7th instalment of benefits under PM KISAN ...... 83 1.259 E- Sampada launched on Good Governance Day ...... 83 1.260 Jal Jeevan Mission Launches Innovation Challenge for Developing Portable Devices to Test Drinking Water Quality ...... 84 1.261 CCEA approves changes in Post Matric Scholarships for SC students ...... 84 1.262 Defence Secretary Launched DGNCC digital forum ...... 84 1.263 Grand Challenge for strengthening the CoWIN System ...... 84 1.264 Department of Consumer Affairs celebrates National Consumer Day 2020...... 85 1.265 Haryana Government approves new enterprise and employment policy ...... 85 1.266 Government notifies Issue of Electoral Bearer Bonds ...... 85 1.267 WHO launches Covid-19 app to counter pandemic misinformation ...... 86 1.268 Central Government unveils Global Pravasi Rishta portal & mobile application ...... 86 1.269 Andhra Pradesh Government to implement 2nd phase of Jagananna Amma Vodi scheme ...... 86 1.270 India’s economy could prove to be “most resilient” in subregion over long term ...... 86 1.271 Centre proposes university for disability /rehabilitation sciences ...... 87 1.272 ADB to provide $231 mn loan to enhance power generation capacity in Assam ...... 87 1.273 FSSAI notifies standards for fortification of processed food products ...... 87

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1.274 Karnataka SDGs Vision 2030 calls for increase in women work participation, land claim ...... 88 1.275 Anaemia continues to be a major concern among Indian women and children: Health expert ...... 88 1.276 Indian entrepreneur among 7 winners of UNEP prize for global change-makers ...... 88 1.277 All States choose Option-1 to meet the GST implementation shortfall ...... 89 1.278 NSE launches its first agricultural commodity futures contract CDSO ...... 89 1.279 Government makes it mandatory to mention 8-digit HSN Code for 49 chemical products ...... 89 1.280 MCX gets SEBI approval for launch of futures trading in natural rubber ...... 90 1.281 IFSCA obtains Membership of International Association of Insurance Supervisors ...... 90 1.282 GSTN launches taxpayer communication facility on portal ...... 90 1.283 IFSCA notifies International Financial Services Centres Authority (Bullion Exchange) Regulations, 2020 91 1.284 Bombay Stock Exchange launches e-agricultural spot market platform ...... 91 1.285 BSE, NSE, MCX gear up for India's first bullion exchange at Gift City ...... 91 1.286 Reserve Bank announces opening of Second Cohort under the Regulatory Sandbox ...... 91 1.287 Paying 1% GST in cash: New GST Rule ...... 92 1.288 Snapdeal partners with NPCI to enable doorstep digital payments for online orders ...... 92 1.289 Clear Tax launches investment app ‘Black’ ...... 92 1.290 Implementation of CARO order deferred by one year: MCA ...... 93 1.291 Maintaining inflation target at 4% is appropriate: RBI paper ...... 93 1.292 PCMC & UNDP to launch India’s first social impact bond ...... 93 International News ...... 94 1.293 UN signs deal with Ethiopia for humanitarian access to Tigray ...... 94 1.294 Special session of UN General Assembly on COVID-19 ...... 94 1.295 China signs military deal with ...... 94 1.296 Millionaire’s Tax bill passed by Argentina’s senate ...... 94 1.297 Xi Jinping government eradicated extreme poverty in China ...... 94 1.298 China successfully launches new Earth observation satellite ...... 95 1.299 Air force exercise "Shaheen (Eagle)-IX" begins ...... 95 1.300 General Lloyd Austin selected for the post of Secretary of Defence in Joe Biden’s government...... 95 1.301 Akufo-Addo wins second term as the president of Ghana...... 95 1.302 PM Modi accepted Boris Johnson’s invitation to accept G7 summit in 2021...... 95 1.303 U.S. Space Force members to be known as “Guardians” ...... 96 1.304 China & Russia signs Protocol to extend agreement on notifications of launches of missiles ...... 96 1.305 Pakistan approves chemical castration of sex offenders ...... 96 1.306 US Federal Bank formally joins Network for Greening the Financial System ...... 96

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1.307 China worst offender for jailing of Journalists ...... 96 1.308 Couscous added to the Intangible Cultural Heritage List of UNESCO ...... 96 1.309 Street Hawker Culture declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO ...... 97 1.310 Union Cabinet approved opening of 3 Indian missions in Estonia, Paraguay and Dominion Republic .. 97 1.311 US come up with new Tibet law on Dalai Lama ...... 97 1.312 EU bans plastic waste exports to poor nations ...... 97 1.313 US President Donald Trump announced a Covid-19 relief funding measure...... 97 Appointments ...... 97 1.314 Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry assumes charge as Director General Border Roads ...... 97 1.315 Maju Varghese appointed as Executive Director of Presidential Inauguration Committee ...... 98 1.316 Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah re-appointed as PM of State of Kuwait...... 98 1.317 Vivek Murthy appointed as Surgeon General in Joe Biden's team ...... 98 1.318 Uday Kotak reappointed as chief of Kotak Mahindra Bank...... 98 1.319 RBI appointed three of its senior officials as executive directors...... 98 1.320 Raja Chari, an Indian-American chosen by NASA for Space X Crew-3 Mission ...... 98 1.321 Shashi Shekhar Vempati elected as the Vice President of Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union ...... 98 1.322 Indian American Bharat Ramamurthi named a member of National Economic Council under Joe Biden’s government...... 99 1.323 Nand Kishore appointed as Executive Director of IL&FS ...... 99 1.324 Siddharth Chatterjee appointed as the UN Resident Coordinator in China ...... 99 1.325 J.A. Jayalal becomes President of the Indian Medical Association for 2020-21 ...... 99 1.326 RBI approves Sandeep Batra's appointment as executive director of ICICI Bank ...... 99 Sports...... 99 1.327 Anthony Joshua defeats Kubrat Pulev in heavyweight championship ...... 99 1.328 Sports Ministry approved the inclusion of four Indian Games in Khelo India Youth Games 2021 ...... 99 1.329 Indian Boxers bags 9 medals in Cologne Boxing World Cup ...... 100 1.330 Qatar to host 2030 Asian Games ...... 100 1.331 FIFA Football Awards 2020 announced ...... 100 1.332 Chetan Sharma becomes Chairman of National Selectors ...... 100 1.333 Uday Shankar takes over as FICCI President...... 101 Persons in News ...... 101 1.334 MDH Spices owner Mahashay Dharampal Gulati passes away ...... 101 1.335 Lakshwadweep Administrator Dineshwar Sharma passes away ...... 101 1.336 Former Golf player Peter Alliss passes away ...... 101 1.337 Former Uruguay President President Tabare Vazquez died...... 101

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1.338 Serum Institute's Adar Poonawalla among 6 named 'Asians of the Year' ...... 101 1.339 Dennis Ralston, Hall of Fame tennis player, dies at 78 ...... 102 1.340 Padma Shri awardee Bannanje Govindacharya passes away ...... 102 1.341 Justice Rajesh Bindal to perform duties of office of Chief Justice of Common High Court for UT of J&K and Ladakh ...... 102 1.342 Noted environmentalist S. Sitaraman passes away...... 102 1.343 Former international athlete B. Earnest Das passes away ...... 102 1.344 Sahitya Akademi Award winning poet Manglesh Dabral passes away ...... 102 1.345 Eswatini Prime Minister Ambrose Dlamini passes away ...... 102 1.346 Indian Navy’s Vice Admiral Srikant passed away...... 102 1.347 Roddam Narasimha, an aerospace scientist passed away...... 102 1.348 Agriculture expert Heli passed away ...... 102 1.349 India Contemporary Dancer, Astad Deboo passed way ...... 103 1.350 Shri PS Sreedharan Pillai wrote ‘Oh Mizoram’ ...... 103 1.351 Brig Bawa wrote ‘Mashkoh: Kargil As I Saw It’ ...... 103 1.352 RSS ideologue M.G. Vaidya passes away ...... 103 1.353 An expert in Urdu Literature Shamsur Faruqi passes away ...... 103 1.354 England’s former cricketer John Edrich passes away ...... 103 1.355 World Cup winner hockey player Michael Kindo passes away ...... 103 1.356 Former England Cricketer Robin Jackman passed away...... 103 Science and Technology ...... 103 1.357 China successfully lands spacecraft on moon ...... 103 1.358 Dr. Harsh Vardhan inaugurates Phytorid Technology Sewage Treatment Plant ...... 104 1.359 World’s second largest cryptocurrency Ethereum upgraded to “Ethereum 2.0” ...... 104 1.360 Facebook’s block-chain based payment system “Libra” rebranded as “Diem” ...... 104 1.361 HAL delivers cryogenic propellant tank to ISRO ...... 104 1.362 MIB issued an advisory for all private satellite TV channels...... 104 1.363 Hayabusa2 spacecraft with samples from Ryugu asteroid to approach earth...... 105 1.364 Jupiter, Saturn to come close to each other on December 21 after 397 years...... 105 1.365 NHSRCL adopts aerial LiDAR Survey technique to conduct the ground survey ...... 105 1.366 Israel launches "Beresheet 2" moon landing project ...... 105 1.367 China successfully launched two satellites under GECAM mission for gravitational wave detection. 105 1.368 Hypersonic wind tunnel (HWT) inaugurated at DRDO Hyderabad ...... 105 1.369 Gateway Treaty between Canada Space Agency and NASA...... 106 1.370 ISRO sets up dedicated control centre for SSA ...... 106

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1.371 Meteorological Centre inaugurated at Leh, Ladakh ...... 106 1.372 BARC developed Eye Cancer Therapy ...... 106 1.373 Digital Ocean platform developed by INCOIS, MoES ...... 106 1.374 Chandrayaan-2 Mission’s initial data released: ISRO ...... 106 Environment ...... 107 1.375 Cyclonic Storm Burevi hits Tamil Nadu ...... 107 1.376 Bihar held a Migratory Bird Festival at Bhagalpur...... 107 1.377 Firefly Bird Diverters installed by MoEFCC and WCS to save species of Great Indian Bustard...... 107 1.378 Around 11% of sharks, rays and chimaeras classified as Critically Endangered ...... 107 1.379 Ladakh’s Tso Kar Wetland Complex declared the 42nd Ramsar Site ...... 107 1.380 New Species of Sun Rose found in Eastern Ghats ...... 107 Days in News ...... 108 1.381 Nagaland celebrates statehood day on 01st December...... 108 1.382 World AIDS Day celebrated on 01st December ...... 108 1.383 National Pollution Control Day celebrated on 2nd December ...... 108 1.384 Agricultural Education Day celebrated on 03rd December ...... 108 1.385 International Day of Persons with Disabilities celebrated on 03rd December...... 108 1.386 DRI celebrates 63rd Founding Day on 4th of December, 2020...... 108 1.387 World Soil Day 2020 ...... 108 1.388 International Volunteers day ...... 109 1.389 Mahaparinirvana Divas ...... 109 1.390 Armed Forces Flag Day celebrated on 07th December ...... 109 1.391 Indian Army celebrates 260th Corps Day ...... 109 1.392 International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime ...... 109 1.393 International Anti-Corruption Day ...... 109 1.394 Human Rights Day ...... 109 1.395 International Mountain Day ...... 110 1.396 International Migrants Day: 18 December ...... 110 1.397 National Mathematics Day ...... 110 1.398 National Farmers’ Day or Kisan Diwas ...... 110 1.399 Good Governance Day- 25th December ...... 110 Defence in News ...... 110 1.400 Indian Navy successfully test-fires naval version of BrahMos Missile...... 110 1.401 Combined Guided Weapons Firing 2020 at AFS Suryalanka ...... 110

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1.402 DRDO creates new laboratory “Defence Geo Informatics Research Establishment” ...... 111 1.403 Post of Deputy Chief of Army Staff created in Indian Army...... 111 1.404 PASSEX conducted between Russian Federation Navy and Indian Navy ...... 111 1.405 Armed Forces Flag Day CSR Conclave held ...... 111 1.406 India Successfully test fired Upgraded Akash missile ...... 111 1.407 14th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus ...... 112 1.408 Joint Venture Protective Carbine undergoes successful user Trials ...... 112 1.409 Himgiri, the first of three Project 17A ships launched...... 112 1.410 Indian Army and SIDM held a webinar on “Agile EME: Facilitating Boots on Ground through Aggressive Industrial Outreach” ...... 112 1.411 F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets compatible with Indian Navy’s aircraft...... 112 1.412 35th edition of IND-INDO CORPAT conducted ...... 113 1.413 India-Maldives Defence Cooperation Webinar and Expo held ...... 113 1.414 Defence Acquisition Council approved procurement of capital worth Rs. 28,000 crores for Indian Forces. 113 1.415 Permanent Commission granted to SSC Officers of Indian Navy...... 113 1.416 Shri Rajnath Singh handed over DRDO systems to Armed Forces Chiefs...... 113 1.417 India successfully test-fires medium range surface-to-air missile (MRSAM) ...... 113 1.418 Webinar on India-Nepal Defence Cooperation Webinar and Expo ...... 114 1.419 Indian Naval Ship Kiltan arrived at Nha Rong Port, Vietnam as part of Mission Sagar III...... 114 1.420 Sailing expedition from Kochi to Androth Island Onboard INSV Bulbul ...... 114 1.421 DYSL-QT developed a Quantum Random Number Generator ...... 114 1.422 First Flight trial of SAHAYAK-NG by DRDO and Indian Navy ...... 114 1.423 Indigenous Bridging System inducted into the Indian Army ...... 115 1.424 ITBP starts online liquor distribution for troops...... 115 Awards ...... 115 1.425 Gitanjali Rao named as TIME ‘Kid of the Year’ ...... 115 1.426 IISR awarded for organic farming initiatives ...... 115 1.427 Dr. Carolina Araujo wins Ramanujan Prize for Young Mathematicians 2020 ...... 115 1.428 IOCL won Swachta Pakhwada Award while HPCL felicitated with Swachta Hi Sewa Award...... 116 1.429 India Sports Awards 2020 presented by FICCI ...... 116 1.430 UNESCO set to launch an international prize in the name of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman 116 1.431 PM Narendra Modi awarded with ‘Legion of Merit’ by Donald Trump...... 116 1.432 SAIL awarded with the Golden Peacock Environment Management Award, 2020...... 117 1.433 Tata Group bags the ‘ASSOCHAM Enterprise of the Century Award’...... 117 1.434 Shri NV Kadam bags DRDO Lifetime Achievement Award-2018...... 117 Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609

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1.435 IIT-Delhi’s scientist secured first prize at Innovate4SDG contest by UNDP...... 117 1.436 Sreenivas Karanam bags first prize under Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Telecom Skill Excellence Awards. 117 1.437 Ratan Tata honoured with 'Global Visionary of Sustainable Business and Peace' award ...... 117 1.438 NTPC wins the prestigious CII-ITC Sustainability Awards 2020 ...... 117 1.439 V.K. Yadav conferred with “Eminent Engineer Award for the Year 2020” ...... 118 1.440 2020 ATP Awards ...... 118 Banking ...... 118 1.441 HDFC Bank rolls out ‘Mouth Shut’ campaign against cyber frauds ...... 118 1.442 VISA became a partner of Yes Bank as a payment processor ...... 118 1.443 BoB launches Atmanirbhar Women Gold Scheme ...... 118 1.444 WhatsApp Payments is live with SBI, HDFC, Axis Bank ...... 119 1.445 IndusInd Bank launches its first metal credit card ‘PIONEER Heritage’ ...... 119 1.446 ICICI Bank launches iMobile Pay app ...... 119 1.447 RBI hikes contactless card transaction limit to Rs 5000 to boost e-payments ...... 119 1.448 New safety features in cheques above Rs 50,000 from 1st Jan 2021 ...... 120

National News

1.1 ‘Ramayan Cruise Service’ to be launched in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh • The ‘Ramayan Cruise Service’ will be launched on the river Saryu in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. • Interiors of the cruise and the boarding point will be based on the theme of Ramcharitmanas. • Infrastructural support provided by- Ministry of ports, Shipping and Waterways

1.2 Shri Dharmendra Pradhan launches world-class premium grade Petrol- XP100 • World-class premium grade Petrol-Octane 100, branded as “XP100” has been launched in India. • Launched by- Indian Oil Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609

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1.3 Shri Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurates MNGL’s 100th CNG station • Recently, the Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Steel Shri Dharmendra Pradhan has inaugurated MNGL’s (Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited) 100th CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) station in the country.

1.4 IIT-Ropar & IIT Alumni Council partners to set up Global Centre of Excellence • IIT-Ropar has partnered with IIT Alumni Council to set up the first Global Centre of Excellence (GCE) in the area of agritech and water. • This will be the first such GCE under the India Innovation Network (i2Net) initiative set up by IIT Alumni Council.

1.5 Nagaland celebrates Hornbill Festival 2020 • Recently, Nagaland celebrated the Hornbill Festival 2020 in a virtual mode to showcase the rich cultural heritage and tradition of the Nagas.

1.6 Oman issues directive to establish Oman-India Friendship Association • Recently, Oman has issued a directive to establish Oman-India Friendship Association during the virtual meeting held between the foreign ministers of the two countries. About Oman- • Capital- Muscat • Currency- Omani Rial

1.7 Shri Dharmendra Pradhan launches India’s first mobile CNG dispensing unit • Aim- To fulfill the requirements of regions where CNG pumps have not been set up. • Unit to be operated by- Mahanagar Gas Ltd (MNGL) in Pune

1.8 Bengaluru to host India’s first AI-enabled conversational digital persona • Accenture and the Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) have partnered to create an immersive digital experience to engage art enthusiasts. • India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled digital persona will be hosted in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

1.9 RIL tops Fortune 500 list of Indian companies • Recently, the Reliance Industries Ltd. (RIL) has topped the Fortune 500 list of Indian companies released by Fortune India. • Here is the list of top 3 companies- Rank Company 1 Reliance Industries Ltd 2 Indian Oil Corporation Ltd 3 Oil and Natural Gas Corporation

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1.10 India signs MoU with USA on Intellectual Property cooperation • Recently, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), USA in the field of Intellectual Property Cooperation. • Aim- To increase Intellectual Property co-operation between the two countries.

1.11 India’s Top 10 Police Stations for 2020 • Recently, the Government of India has released the list of India’s Top 10 Police Stations for 2020. Rank State District Police Station 1 Manipur Thoubal Nongpok Sekmai 2 Tamil Nadu Salem City AWPS-Suramangalam 3 Arunachal Pradesh Changlang Kharsang 4 Surajpur Jhilmili (Bhaiya Thana) 5 Goa South Goa Sanguem 6 Andaman & Nicobar Islands North & Middle Andaman Kalighat 7 Sikkim East District Pakyong 8 Uttar Pradesh Moradabad Kanth 9 Dadra & Nagar Haveli Dadra & Nagar Haveli Khanvel 10 Telangana Karimnagar Jammikunta Town PS

1.12 Mizoram enters India’s solar map with 2-megawatt power plant • The first solar power plant of Mizoram has been inaugurated at Tlungvel, Aizawl, Mizoram.

1.13 Two new Zoos granted recognition by Central government • Recently, the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Prakash Javadekar chaired the 37th General Body meeting of Central Zoo Authority and granted recognition to the following two new zoos- o Rajgir Zoo Safari in , Bihar o Shaheed Ashfaque Ullah Khan Prani Udyaan in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh

1.14 ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal tops ICAR Ranking • Recently, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has announced the Ranking of Agricultural Universities for the year 2019. • The ranking has been topped by ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal.

1.15 IIT-2020 Global Summit organized by PanIIT USA • Theme of the Summit: ‘Future is Now’.

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1.16 Shri Nitin Gadkari inaugurates Koilwar Bridge over Sone river in Bihar • Recently, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari has inaugurated the 3-lane 1.5 km long Koilwar bridge over Sone river in Bihar. • The bridge will connect the states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

1.17 Association of Buddhist Tour Operators International Convention inaugurated • Recently, the Union Minister of State (IC) for Tourism & Culture Shri Prahlad Singh Patel has inaugurated the Association of Buddhist Tour Operators (ABTO) International Convention. • Event has been held in partnership with Ministry of Tourism in Bodhgaya, Bihar.

1.18 Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addresses International Bharathi Festival 2020 • The festival has been organised by Vanavil Cultural Centre to celebrate the 138th birth anniversary of Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathi. • On the occasion, Shri Seeni Viswanathan has been conferred the Bharathi Award.

1.19 Gwalior & Orchha in MP included in UNESCOs world heritage cities list • Recently, the historical fort cities of Gwalior and Orchha in Madhya Pradesh have been included in the list of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCOs) world heritage cities under its urban landscape city programme.

1.20 Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses IMC 2020 • Recently, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) have jointly organized the virtual India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2020. • Theme- Inclusive Innovation - Smart, Secure, Sustainable

1.21 Indian Embassy launches Bollywood 'cinemaSCOpe' series for SCO diplomats • Recently, Indian Embassy has launched the Bollywood 'cinemaSCOpe' series for Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) diplomats in Beijing, China.

1.22 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention 2021 • The 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention 2021 will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 9, 2021. • Theme of Convention- Contributing to Aatmanirbhar Bharat. About Pravasi Bharatiya Divas- • It is celebrated on 09th January to celebrate the contribution of the overseas Indian community into the development of India.

1.23 Lok Sabha Speaker releases book on 19th anniversary of Parliament attack • Recently, the Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has released the books with title “The Shaurya Unbound” and “Samundar Samawe Boond Mein”. • Occasion - 19th anniversary of the Indian Parliament attack which took place on 13th December 2001.

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1.24 UK PM Boris Johnson accepts India’s invitation for Republic Day Celebrations • Recently, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson accepted India’s invitation to become a chief guest at Republic Day’s Celebrations.

1.25 International Corona virus Short Film Festival held in New Delhi • Recently, Union Minister of Minority Affairs Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi addressed International Corona Virus Short Film Festival at NDMC Convention Centre, New Delhi.

1.26 Cattle, Buffalo meat residue found in Indus Valley vessels • Recently, a study analyzing the lipid residue in pottery found the presence of animal products including cattle and buffalo meat in ceramic vessels at seven Indus sites including Rakhigarhi, Farmana and Masudpur. • This study was published in the ‘Journal of Archaeological Science’. • About 50-60% of domestic animal bones found at Indus Valley sites come from cattle/buffalo.

1.27 India’s first mRNA vaccine candidate HGCO19 received approval from India’s Drug Regulator • Recently, India’s first indigenous mRNA vaccine candidate HGCO19 has received approval from Indian Drug regulators to initiate Phase I/II human clinical trial. • HGCO19 is developed by Gennova, Pune and HDT Biotech Corporation, USA.

1.28 IMS and NESAC organized a four-day virtual Symposium on Tropical Meteorology (TROPMET-2020) • Recently, Indian Meteorological Society (IMS) in collaboration with North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) organized a four-day Virtual Symposium on Tropical Meteorology (TROPMET-2020) at NESAC, Shillong. • Theme: ‘Weather and Climate Services over Mountainous regions’.

1.29 CBI gets a new crime manual • Recently, Union Minister of State for Prime Minister’s Office Jitendra Singh released the Central Bureau of Investigation's revised Crime Manual. • It was last revised in 2005. • The new manual provides information about the laws, procedures and their interpretations to assist the investigating officers in their day-to-day work.

1.30 A high-level panel for commemoration of Subhas Chandra Bose on his 125th Birth anniversary • Recently, high-level committee was constituted to plan the commemoration of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his 125th birth anniversary in 2022. • It will be headed by Union Home Minister, Amit Shah.

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1.31 Ministry of Tourism organized a webinar on ‘Birding in India’ • Recently, a Webinar on ‘Birding in India’ was organized by Ministry of Tourism under Dekho Apna Desh Webinar series. • It focused on Birds and Birding opportunities in India. About Dekho Apna Desh: • The Dekho Apna Desh Webinar Series is presented by Ministry of Tourism in technical partnership with National e Governance Department, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

1.32 Union Cabinet approved an MoU between CERC, India and FERC, USA • Recently, Union cabinet approved a MoU between Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), India and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), USA for “exchange of information in the electricity sectors”. • It will help in improving whole sale power market and enhancing grid reliability.

1.33 5th meeting of IONS Working Group on HADR held virtually • Recently, the 5th meeting of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Working Group on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) was held virtually. • It was coordinated by Indian Navy. • Attendees: Australia, Bangladesh, France, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Maldives, Oman and Thailand besides India.

1.34 Yogasana formally recognized as a Sport • Recently, Ministry of AYUSH and Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announced the formal recognition of Yogasana as a competitive sport. • National Individual Yogasana Sports Championship will be held in early 2021.

1.35 India contributed US $ 1 million to World Anti-Doping Agency to ensure clean sport • Recently, India has pledged a sum of USD 1 million (the highest in the world) to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) which will allow it to develop innovative anti-doping testing and detection methods. • The total contribution of all member nations will be matched by an equal sum by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to create a corpus of USD 10 million. • The decision to build this corpus was made at WADA’s Fifth World Conference on Doping in Sport held in Katowice, Poland in 2019. About World Anti-Doping Agency: • Headquarters: Montreal, Quebec, Canada • President: Witold Banka

1.36 4th Bilateral Joint Working Group meeting between India and Indonesia held • Recently, the 4th Bilateral Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting between the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) India and the National Narcotics Board (BNN), Indonesia was held virtually.

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About Indonesia: • Capital: Jakarta • Currency: Indonesian Rupiah

1.37 2nd Conference on Good practices in CCTNS/ICJS organized by NCRB • Recently, 2nd Conference on Good Practices in Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS)/ Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) was organized by NCRB (National Crime Record Bureau). • Director, NCRB also mentioned that UNIFY Web App has been released which can be used to identify a suspect or unidentified person by comparing his/her photo against the missing persons or offenders data base in CCTNS. • It is to realize the goal of having Tech-savvy police under ‘SMART’ acronym.

1.38 Haldibari-Chilahati rail link inaugurated between India and Bangladesh. • Recently, , Shri Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Ms.Sheikh Hasina jointly inaugurated a railway link between Haldibari in India and Chilahati in Bangladesh.

1.39 Union Cabinet approved the merger of four government film media units with NFDC • Recently, Union Cabinet approved the merger of- Films Division, the Directorate of Film Festivals, National Film Archives of India and the Children's Film Society with the National Film Development Corporation Limited (NFDC). • Aim: To ensure synergy and efficiency in activities of the bodies.

1.40 Government approved revised DTH guidelines • Recently, Union Cabinet approved the long pending revisions of the licensing guidelines of the direct-to-home (DTH) sector. • The license will be awarded for 20 years, from the present 10 years with an auto renewal clause for 10 years. • The new guidelines cap the platform services at 5% of the DTH operators’ total channel carrying capacity. • License fee has been revised from 10% of gross revenue to 8% of AGR. • 100% foreign direct investment allowed in the sector. Till now it was limited to 49%.

1.41 PM Narendra Modi lit the ‘Swarnim Vijay Mashaal’ • Recently, Prime Minister lit the Swarnim Vijay Mashaal at NWM marking the beginning of the 50th anniversary year celebrations of India’s victory over Pakistan in 1971. • India celebrates December 16 as Vijay Diwas, to commemorate its victory over Pakistan during the 1971 war that led to the creation of Bangladesh.

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1.42 Bengal Basin became the 8th producing basin of India • Recently, ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd.) added 8th producing basin i.e. Bengal Basin which was discovered while oil production started at the well Asokenagar-1 of 24 Paragana District.

1.43 NPCI introduced new RuPay Contactless features • Recently, National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) introduced RuPay Contactless (Offline) feature. The features include: o Reloadable wallets within RuPay Card to store money for day to day transit payments. o RuPay Contactless (Offline) feature for retail payments on pilot basis. o The RuPay NCMC (National Common Mobility Card) offline wallet can be used to make ticket payments in transit including metros, bus tickets, cab fares etc enabling automatic quick cashless payments.

1.44 APEDA organized a Virtual Buyer Seller Meet in Thailand • Recently, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) organized a Virtual Buyer Seller Meet (BSM), in association with Indian Embassy in Thailand. • Aim- To strengthen strategic cooperation between India and Thailand in Agri Food Sector. • The Virtual BSM was followed by a ‘Taste of India’ Campaign in Bangkok. About Thailand- • Capital- Bangkok • Currency- Thai baht

1.45 MoPSW identifies new routes for ferry services through Inland Waterways • Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has identified new routes for the commencement of RO-RO, RO-PAX, and Ferry services through inland waterways. • Aim- To promote Coastal Shipping under Sagarmala Programme.

1.46 Visva Bharati University, a central university completed its 100 years • Recently, Amit Shah addressed the centenary celebrations of Visva Bharati University at Shantiniketan, West Bengal. • This university was founded by Rabindranath Tagore in 1921.

1.47 Nehru Zoological Park, first zoo to get ISO certification • Recently, Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad became the first zoo to acquire ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Standards Certification by UQSR (Universal Quality Standards Registrar) Global Private Limited.

1.48 Reliance & BP announced the start of production from R cluster • Recently, Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) and BP have announced the start of production from the R Cluster. • R Cluster is an ultra-deep-water gas field in KG-D6 block off the Kakinada coast of India.

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1.49 Jewar Airport to be named as the Noida International Airport • Recently, Zurich Airport International and the Uttar Pradesh government revealed official logo of Noida International Airport i.e. a Sarus Crane - the state bird of the state.

1.50 First picture of Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train released • Recently, Embassy of Japan in India shared some photos of the E5 Series Shinkansen, which will be modified for use as rolling stock of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project. About Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project: • It is executed by a SPV namely National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), with financial and technical assistance from the Government of Japan.

1.51 First driverless train started in Delhi Metro • Recently, the first ‘driverless’ train was rolled out on the 38-km Line 8 or Magenta Line of the Delhi Metro.

1.52 A statue of Atal Bihari Vajpayee unveiled at Assam’s Silchar • Recently, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari unveiled a statue of Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Assam's Silchar paying homage to the former prime minister on his 96th birth anniversary.

1.53 International Sports University (ISU) to be set up at Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Pune • The first-of-its-kind ISU is to be set up at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex at Mhalunge in Balewadi, Pune, Maharashtra. • The university will offer various courses, including physical and sports education.

1.54 Dekho Apna Desh Webinar Series titled “Secrets and Delights of Indian Cuisine” held • Recently, the Ministry of Tourism’s Dekho Apna Desh Webinar series titled “Secrets and Delights of Indian Cuisine” was held on Indian Cuisine and its importance.

1.55 Several Development projects inaugurated in Manipur • Recently, the Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah inaugurated Thoubal Multipurpose Project (Thoubal Dam) in Imphal.

1.56 Production of first coach shell by Marathwada Rail Coach Factory, Maharashtra • Recently, Indian Railways’ PSU, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) commissioned Marathwada Rail Coach Factory in Latur, Maharashtra on the Good Governance Day, 25th December, 2020 with production of the first coach shell.

1.57 FASTag made mandatory from 1st January, 2021 • Recently, Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways and MSMEs Shri Nitin Gadkari announced that FASTag will be enforceable from 1st of January, 2021. • The FASTags were launched in the year 2016.

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1.58 Foundation stone of TiHAN-IIT Hyderabad laid. • Recently, Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal, virtually laid foundation stone of ‘TiHAN-IIT Hyderabad’, India’s first Test bed for Autonomous Navigation Systems (Terrestrial and Aerial). • It focuses on "Autonomous Navigation and Data Acquisition Systems.

1.59 Giant Rock Bee Honey by Malayali Tribe added to Tribes India Collection • Recently, more than 35 new, attractive, immunity-boosting tribal products from diverse indigenous tribes have been added in Tribes India outlets and website in the 8th edition of “From Our Home to your Home” campaign. • The campaign had been launched by TRIFED under Ministry of Tribal Affairs. • The products include: o Giant Rock Bee Honey, honey, variants of millet rice, tamarind and black pepper by Malayali tribes from Tamil Nadu. o Vibrant and eye-catching micro-beaded jewelry from the Patelia tribe, Madhya Pradesh o Organic varieties of dals and spices from the Vasava tribes of Gujarat o Honey, jams and two unique variants of rice from the Kharwar and Oraon tribes of Jharkhand o Wooden products (chakla and belan) and metal jalis from the AdimJanjati tribes and Lohra tribes of Jharkhand.

1.60 Shri Narendra Modi approved an MoU between India and Bhutan on outer space • Recently, Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved MoU between India and Bhutan on Cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space.

1.61 India’s first-ever driverless train operations inaugurated on Delhi Metro’s Magenta Line • Indian Prime Minister has recently inaugurated India’s first-ever driverless train operations on Delhi Metro’s Magenta Line. • The service of National Common Mobility Card has also been expanded to the Airport Express Line of Delhi Metro. o It gives integrated access to the commuters wherever they travel, whichever public transport they take. o It was at first started in Ahmedabad, Gujarat in year 2019.

1.62 Brahamputra Aamantran Abhiyaan organized in Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh • Recently, the Brahmaputra Amantran Abhiyan, a river rafting expedition and a public outreach programme organised in Passighat, Arunachal Pradesh. • Organized by- Brahmaputra Board • The Rafting expedition and Outreach Programme started from Gelling at Arunachal Pradesh and shall terminate at Assameralga in Assam. • Campaign titled as “Living with the rivers” aims to sensitize people towards the river Brahmaputra.

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1.63 Ministry of Railways releases booklet with title “Building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat” • The booklet “Building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat” contains the achievements and initiatives of Indian Railways in the year 2020.

1.64 India’s first hot air balloon tiger safari launched in Madhya Pradesh • Recently, India’s first hot air balloon wildlife safari in a tiger reserve was launched in the world famous Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve’s buffer area by Madhya Pradesh forest minister Vijay Shah.

1.65 Madhya Pradesh approves Anti-Conversion Bill • Recently, state cabinet approved the Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Bill, 2020, which provides for a prison term of up to 10 years and a fine of ₹1 lakh for religious conversion through “marriage or by any other fraudulent means”. • The Bill will replace the Religious Freedom Act of 1968.

1.66 Assam Assembly passed a bill on Madrasa conversions. • Recently, Assam assembly passed a bill to convert Madrasas into regular schools. • The Assam Repealing Bill, 2020 seeks to abolish the Assam Madrassa Education (Provincialization) Act, 1995 and the Assam Madrassa Education (Provincialization of Services of Employees and Re-Organisation of Madrassa Educational Institutions) Act, 2018. • The Bill also seeks to convert 97 provincialised Sanskrit tols (learning centres) into study centres.

1.67 Union Health Minister e-Inaugurates First Ever Virtual Aadi Mahotsav in Madhya Pradesh • Recently, Union Minister for Tribal Affairs has launched the virtual edition of Aadi Mahotsav in Madhya Pradesh. • Organized by - TRIFED Warriors. • The minister has called upon the tribal people to follow the slogan of “Mera Van, Mera Dhan, Mera Udyam”. • It has been informed that the next focus state would be Gujarat, followed by West Bengal.

1.68 AYUSH Day Care Therapy Centres for Central Government employees approved • Recently, Ministry of Health and Family welfare has approved a proposal of Private Day Care Therapy centers of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy. • It has been approved for central government employees and pensioners. • It would be empanelled under Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) in a manner similar to empanelment of Day Care Therapy Centers of conventional (Allopathy) medicine.

1.69 15th edition of Global Mining Summit • Recently, Union Minister for Coal and Mines has inaugurated 15th edition of Global Mining Summit and International Mining & Machinery Exhibition. Important Information shared by Minister

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• FDI caps in the mining and exploration of metal and non-metal ores have been increased to 100% under the automatic route. About Global Mining Summit 2020 • It is a biennial flagship initiative of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) • Theme - Revitalizing Natural Resources to Achieve 5 Trillion economy About International Mining & Machinery Exhibition • It is India's Largest and Focussed Mining Exhibition. • It has taken place virtually in 2020 and for the last 36 years has taken place in Kolkata.

1.70 Union Sports Minister addresses BRICS Youth Summit • Recently, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports has virtually attended the 6th BRICS Youth Summit. • Theme: “BRICS: Challenges of the Time for Young People.” • Place: Ulyanovsk (Russia) About BRICS • BRICS is the group composed by the five major emerging countries - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

1.71 Union Education Minister sets up a task force for preparing a roadmap on imparting technical education in Mother Tongue • Recently, Union Education Minister has set up a task force for preparing a roadmap on imparting technical education in Mother Tongue. • The task force has been set up under the chairmanship of Shri Amit Khare.

1.72 Government constitutes High-level Ministerial Committee for implementation of Paris Agreement • Recently, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has constituted a high-level inter-ministerial Apex Committee for Implementation of Paris Agreement (AIPA). • It has been set up under the chairmanship of Secretary, MoEFCC. • It will operate as a National Authority to regulate carbon markets in India under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. • Members - Senior officials from 14 Ministries

1.73 ADB, India signs USD 50 million loan to boost West Bengal’s digital platforms for public finance reforms • Recently, The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India have signed USD 50 million policy-based loan in the state of West Bengal. • It has been signed to improve financial management procedures and operational efficiencies aimed at achieving more fiscal savings, promote informed decision making, and improve service delivery in state.

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1.74 Union Health Minister chairs inaugural session of the India Sweden Healthcare Innovation Centre • Recently, Union Health Minister has chaired the inaugural session of the annual conference of the India Sweden Healthcare Innovation Centre – ‘health talks,’ under Sweden India Nobel memorial week. • He has informed that The India Sweden Healthcare Innovation Centre is in the process of setting up a Centre of Excellence at AIIMS Jodhpur on Cancer Care. About The India-Sweden Healthcare Innovation Centre • It is a collaboration between the Swedish Trade Commissioner’s Office, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi (AIIMS Delhi) and All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur (AIIMS Jodhpur).

1.75 Ranjitsinh Disale wins $1-million Global Teacher Prize for promoting girls’ education • Recently, Ranjitsinh Disale of Maharashtra has been named as the winner of the USD 1- million annual Global Teacher Prize 2020. • He has been awarded in recognition of his efforts to promote girls’ education and trigger a quick-response (QR) coded textbook revolution in India. About Global Teacher Prize • Founded by –Varkey Foundation in 2014.

1.76 India’s first transgender children’s homes will be in Bengaluru • Recently, The Ministry of Women and Child Development has given its approval for setting up India’s first homes for transgender children in Bengaluru. • It has given the approval for establishing two government-run homes reserved for transgender children.

1.77 IITs, NITs and Reputed Technical Institutes to adopt stretches of National Highway • Recently, IITs, NITs and other AICTE approved Engineering Colleges, have associated with the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) to adopt nearby stretches of the National Highway on voluntary basis. • The initiative will instill a sense of contribution in building local infrastructure among the students fraternity. • NHAI will offer internship to 20 UG and 20 PG students of the Institutes per year.

1.78 “HunarHaat” to be organised at Rampur and Lucknow (UP) by Union Ministry of Minority Affairs • Recently, Ministry of Minority Affairs has informed that “HunarHaat” will be organised at Rampur and Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh. • Theme – “Vocal for Local”. • During the event different cultural programmes on the theme of “JaanBhi, JahaanBhi” will take place.

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1.79 SCO Young Scientist Conclave • Recently, 22 young scientists have been given certificates of appreciation for their innovative research work and ideas during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Young Scientist Conclave has taken place.

1.80 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads • Recently, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads meet has taken palce. • Chaired by – India • India has focused on creating three new pillars of cooperation o Startups and innovation o Science and technology o Traditional medicine

1.81 Ministry of Textiles invites proposals for constitution of a Dedicated Export Promotion Council for Technical Textiles • Recently, Ministry of Textiles has invited proposals for constitution of a dedicated Export Promotion Council (EPC) for Technical Textiles. Relevance • The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has given its approval to set up a National Technical Textiles Mission in February,2020. • The Mission would have a four year implementation period from FY 2020-21 to 2023-24. About National Technical Textile Mission Launch Year 2020 Components • Component I – Research, Innovation and Development • Component II – Promotion and Market Development • Component III – Export Promotion • Component IV – Education, Training, Skill Development Implementation 2020-21 to 2023-24. Period Total Outlay 1480 crores

1.82 Fourth South Asia Forum on SDGs • Recently, Fourth South Asia Forum on the Sustainable Development Goals has taken place. • Jointly organized by - United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and the Government of Maldives. • Theme – "Accelerating action and delivery of the 2030 Agenda in Asia and the Pacific." • It has taken place as part of the preparatory process for the 8th Asia Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD) to be held in March 2021, which in turn contributes towards the High-Level Policy Forum (HLPF) 2021.

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1.83 Ministry of AYUSH to develop Nisarg Gram campus at Pune as the 21st Century abode of Naturopathy • Recently, Ministry of AYUSH has announced that it will develop Nisarg Gram campus at Pune • The campus will act as the 21st Century abode of Naturopathy. About Nisarg Gram • It will be the name of the upcoming new campus of National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN) at Pune. • It will invoke recollections of Mahatma Gandhi’s Nature Cure campaign of 1946 at the “Nisarg Upchar” Ashram a village near Pune. • It will have many innovations and novelties incorporated in the project per se and the curriculum of the Naturopathy course. • It is a future-orientated institute which has a science-based approach, Gandhian spirit and social relevance.

1.84 Union Health minister virtually inaugurates the 2nd Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) 2020 Conference • Recently, Union Health Minister has virtually inaugurated the 2nd Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) 2020 Conference. About Indian Cancer Genomics Atlas (ICGA) • It has been initiated by a consortium of key stakeholders in India led by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. About TCGA • It is a landmark cancer genomics program that molecularly characterized over 20,000 primary cancer and matched normal samples spanning 33 cancer types. • Joint effort between – US- National Cancer Institute and the National Human Genome Research Institute. • It was started in 2006.

1.85 Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Ministry of AYUSH decides to set up an AYUSH Export Promotion Council • Recently, The Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Ministry of AYUSH have decided to work together to set up an Export Promotion Council to boost AYUSH exports.

1.86 Virtual business conclave with CLMV countries organised by commerce and industry ministry, CII begins • Recently, 6th India CLMV (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Vietnam) Business Conclave has taken place. • Organized by – Confederation of Indian Industry in partnership with the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry. • Theme – “Building Bridges for Constructive Growth”

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1.87 United Nations Declares Invest India The Winner of the Investment Promotion Award 2020 • Recently, The United Nations (UNCTAD) has declared Invest India as a winner of the 2020 United Nations Investment Promotion Award.

1.88 Union Sports Minister launches 2nd Edition of Fit India Cyclothon • Recently, Union Sports Minister has launched 2nd Edition of Fit India Cyclothon. • World Health Organization has recently applauded the “Fitness Ka Dose Aadha Ghanta Roz Campaign” for its initiatives to promote physical activity. • PM has given the clarion call of 'Fitness Ka Dose Aadha Ghanta Roz' as a part of the Fit India Movement.

1.89 4th Roundtable Consultation on 'Clearing the Air – Driving central and state-level actions’ • Recently, 4th Roundtable Consultation on 'Clearing the Air – Driving central and state-level actions’ has taken place. • Jointly hosted by - TERI and Air Quality Asia.

1.90 Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2021 • Recently, Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2021 has been released by Germanwatch. Global Findings • No country performs well enough in all index categories to achieve an overall “very high” rating in the index and hence the first three ranks in the overall ranking and the category specific rankings remain empty. • Sweden has been ranked at the fourth place followed by United Kingdom and Denmark. • Only two G20 countries – the UK and India are among the high rankers. • Six G20 countries – USA, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Australia, South Korea and Russia have been at the bottom of the index. Top 5 Bottom 5

India Specific Finding • India has been ranked at 10th position. • It has country scored 63.98 points out of 100. Indicator CCPI 2021 Ranking Renewable Energy 27 Greenhouse Gas Emission 12 Energy Use 10

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Climate Policy 13 About Climate Change Performance Index • It is assessed under four categories o GHG emissions o Renewable energy o Energy use o Climate policy

1.91 Minister of State for Jal Shakti Chairs AGM of National Water Development Agency and Meeting of Special Committee for Interlinking of Rivers • Recently, Minister of State for Jal Shakti has chaired the 34th Annual General Meeting of the National Water Development Agency (NWDA) Society and 18th Meeting of the Special Committee for Interlinking of Rivers (SCILR). ILR Projects in India • India has six ILR projects o Ken-Betwa o Damanganga- Pinjal o Par-Tapi-Narmada o Manas-Sankosh-Teesta-Ganga o -Godavari o Godavari-Cauvery (Grand Anicut)

1.92 2021 to see 40% surge in people needing humanitarian aid due to Covid: UN ● Recently, The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)’s has released the Global Humanitarian Overview. Key Highlights ● OCHA has expected a 40% increase in the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance in 2021. ● It hopes to reach 160 million of those people in need will cost $35 billion

1.93 Three Centres of Excellence set up under NMSHE at Central Universities of Kashmir, Sikkim and Tezpur to drive climate change related research by Universities • Recently, three Centre of Excellence (CoE) has been set up under National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE) at University of Kashmir, and Sikkim University and Tezpur University. • It has been established by the Department of Science and Technology (DST). About National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE) • Aim – To take suitable measures for safeguarding the Indian Himalayan Region.

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1.94 ADB approves $190 million loan to upgrade power distribution in Bengaluru • Recently, The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a combined sovereign and non- sovereign loan of $190 million to modernise and upgrade the power distribution system in Bengaluru. • It has included a USD 100 million sovereign loans and USD 90 million without sovereign guarantee loan to Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM).

1.95 Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change attended Industry transition Leadership Summit • Recently, the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change has virtually attended the high level segment of the Industry Transition Leadership Summit. • Objective: To emphasize the importance of voluntary actions taken by industrial sector in reducing Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to combat climate change. About Industry Transition Leadership Summit: • It has been organized by Leadership Group for Industry Transition (Leadit). About Leadit: • It has been launched by the Governments of India and Sweden at United Nations Climate Action Summit in September 2019. • It is supported by the World Economic Forum (WEF). • Headquarters: Stockholm, Sweden.

1.96 Union Finance Minister delivers keynote address at the inauguration of the Sri Lanka Economic Summit 2020 • Recently, the Union Finance Minister has delivered the keynote address at the inauguration of the 20th edition of the Sri Lanka Economic Summit in December 2020. • Theme: “Roadmap for Take-off: Driving a People –Centric Economic Revival”. About Sir Lanka Economic Summit 2020: • It is an annual event organized by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC).

1.97 Asian Development Bank (ADB) and India sign $132.8 million loan to strengthen Meghalaya’s power distribution sector • Recently ADB and Government of India have signed $132.8 million loan to strengthen Meghalaya’s power distribution sector.

1.98 Curtain raiser of the 26th DST-CII Technology Summit 2020 • Recently, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), have jointly organized the 26th edition of the DST-CII Technology Summit. About the DST-CII Technology Summit 2020 • Partner Country: Portugal • Focus Areas: Watertech, Agritech, Healthtech, Energy, Climate change, Cleantech, Information Technology (IT), Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Advanced technologies, and Space- Ocean Interactions. Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609

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1.99 National Thermal Power Corporation Vidyut Vyapar Nigam (NVVN) launches Green Charcoal Hackathon • Recently, the NVVN and the Energy Efficient Services Limited (EESL), have jointly launched a technology challenge – “Green Charcoal Hackathon” in December 2020. • Aim- Promoting the elimination for farm fire and production of renewable energy through innovation to reduce carbon footprint. About the event: • It looks for technologies to convert agricultural waste to a form than can be used in the power plants.

1.100 Assam Government launches ‘Orunodoi’ scheme • Recently, the Government of Assam has launched the ‘Orunodoi’ scheme. • It is the largest Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme in Assam till date. • Aim – Providing financial assistance to women every month to buy essential food items.

1.101 Lahore– World’s most polluted city – US Air Quality Index 2020 Recently, United States (US) Air Quality Index 2020 has been released based on the air pollution data. • Lahore has been once again ranked as the world’s most polluted city. Top 3 most polluted cities in the world:

Rank City 1 Lahore, Pakistan 2 New Delhi, India 3 Kathmandu, Nepal

1.102 Karnataka Government launches Learning Management System for Government Colleges • Recently, Karnataka Chief Minister has launched ‘Learning Management System’ for Government Colleges. • It is the first of its kind digital initiative in Karnataka benefiting government college students. • Aim – To digitalize education in government colleges.

1.103 Krishna District to get five child friendly-police stations • Recently, Krishna District police, Andhra Pradesh have decided to transform 5 police stations into child-friendly stations. • Theme: create child-friendly atmosphere on the station premises About child friendly police stations: • It is the first of its kind initiative in Andhra Pradesh aimed to prevent child labour and protect child rights. About International Child Rights Day / Children’s Day 2020: • It is celebrated on 20th November 2020.

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• Theme: Investing in our future means investing in our children.

1.104 Slowdown in G20 trade restriction measures as COVID-19 impacts world economy: Report on G20 Trade Measures • Recently, World Trade Organization has released “Trade Monitoring Report on G20 trade” Key findings: • Merchandise exports in nominal USD terms reduced by 21 % in the second quarter (Q2) of 2020 as compared to mid- October 2019-to mid- May 2020. • Commercial services exports decreased by 30%. • Trade coverage of regular facilitating measures decreased to $36.8 billion, as compared to $ 735.9 billion during mid- October 2019-to mid- May 2020 • Trade coverage of restrictive import measure decreased to $42.9 billion, as compared to $417.5 billion in during mid-October 2019 to mid-May 2020

1.105 Government seeks views on draft national policy for flying drones • Recently, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has published the National Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) policy paper, inviting comments from the stakeholders. • Aim – To design a definitive national policy on flying drones, alongside scheduled and non- scheduled manned aircrafts.

1.106 2020 one of the hottest years recorded: 2020 provisional State of the Global Climate report • According, to the provisional 2020 State of the Global Climate report released by World Meteorological Organization. Key findings: • 2011-2020 is the warmest decade ever recorded • From January-October 2020 Global Mean Surface Temperature (GMST) was around 1.2 ± 0.1 degree Celsius warmer than the pre-industrial baseline (1850-1900). • There is at least one in five chance increase in temperature by 1.5 degree Celsius in 2024.

1.107 World Food Price index jumps in November to almost six-year high : Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) • According to the recent, FAO Food Price Index, world food price index has jumped in November to almost six year high. Key Findings: Index November Increase from Increase from Increase from Increase from 2020 October 2020 October 2020 November November (in points) (in 2019 (in 2019 (in percentage) points) percentage) FAO Food 114.4 2.7 2.5 19.0 19.9 Price Index

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1.108 Covid-19 could push 72 million children into ‘learning poverty’: World Bank • Recently, World Bank has released “Realizing the Future of Learning: From Learning Poverty to Learning for Everyone, Everywhere” and “Reimagining Human Connections: Technology & Innovation at the World Bank”. Key findings: • 72 million primary school children aged under 10 are at the risk of learning poverty (not able to read and understand simple text), as a result of covid-19 related school closures. • It could increase learning poverty levels of primary school children in low and middle income countries to 63% from 53%. • Present Generation students are at the risk of losing about $10 trillion in future life time earnings, which is equal to almost 10% of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP). • School closures in April 2020, have left out 1.6 billion students globally. • Till date, still 700 million students cannot attend classed because of school closure. • Another $6.3 billion investments would be made in 2020. • World Bank efforts would reach 400 million students and 16 million teachers.

1.109 World Malaria Report 2020 • Recently, World Malaria Report 2020 is released by the World Health Organisation. Key Highlights of Report Indian Scenario • India contributed to the largest absolute reductions in South-East Asia Region i.e. from 20 million cases in the year 2000 to about 5.6 million in 2019. • India accounted for 88% of malaria cases and 86% of related death in the South East Region. • India is the only high endemic country which has reported a decline of 17.6% in 2019 as compared to 2018. Global Scenario • Malaria cases globally numbered about 229 million and it claimed about 4,09,000 lives in 2019.

1.110 Cabinet approves Universal Service Obligation Fund Scheme for providing Mobile Coverage in Arunachal Pradesh and two Districts of Assam under the Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan for North Eastern Region • Recently, Cabinet has approved Universal Service Obligation Fund Scheme for providing Mobile Coverage in Arunachal Pradesh and two Districts of Assam, namely Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasaounder the Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan for North Eastern Region. Key Highlights • The project has envisaged to provide mobile coverage to 2374 uncovered villages (1683 in Arunachal Pradesh and 691 in two districts of Assam) at an estimated cost of implementation about Rs.2,029 crore including operational expenses for five years.

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• The work related to provision of 4G mobile services in identified uncovered villages will be awarded through open competitive bidding process as per extant USOF procedures. • Completion Target – December, 2022.

1.111 9 States have successfully completed One Nation One Ration Card Reform • Recently, Government has informed that 9 States have successfully completed One Nation One Ration Card Reform. • It includes o Andhra Pradesh o Goa o Gujarat o Haryana o Karnataka o Kerala o Telangana o Tripura o Uttar Pradesh

1.112 MoRTH signs MoU with Austria on Technology Cooperation in Road Infrastructure Sector • Recently, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has signed an MoU with Austria on Technology Cooperation in the Road Infrastructure Sector. • Aim – To create an effective framework for bilateral cooperation in the field of Road Transportation, Road/Highways infrastructure development, management and administration, Road safety and Intelligent Transport Systems between both countries.

1.113 NITI Aayog and SAP Labs India collaborate to foster digital literacy and accelerate the India startup ecosystem • Recently, Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog and SAP Labs India have strengthened their partnership to promote digital literacy, innovation and entrepreneurship in India. • Under the agreement, SAP will conduct Training of Trainers (ToT) under UnBox Tinkering for around 500 teachers in the next three years. o Aim – To adopt 100 Atal Tinkering Laboratories and impart digital education to 30,000 students from the states of North East, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka. • SAP will conduct three idea challenges in Karnataka to curate and select up to 100 youth-led or social enterprises or ideas in the next three years. o It will support 25 youth entrepreneurs to incubate their ideas, leading to fostering socio- economic development and jobs in the state.

1.114 Ministry of AYUSH and AIIMS decides to work together to set up a Department of Integrative Medicine • Recently, Ministry of AYUSH and AIIMS have decided to initiate work on setting up a Department of Integrative Medicine at AIIMS.

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• It has also been decided that CIMR, AIIMS may develop an integrated protocol with Ayurveda and Yoga for study on Post COVID treatment. • The Ministry of AYUSH could collaborate in the potocol through the Extra Mural Research Scheme.

1.115 Union Health Minister addresses World Bank Inter Ministerial Meet on Vaccinating South Asia • Recently, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare has digitally addressed the Inter- Ministerial meeting on Vaccination of South Asia against COVID-19. • Hosted by – World Bank

1.116 Union Jal Shakti Minister inaugurates 5th India Water Impact Summit (IWIS) with focus on Arth Ganga-River conservation synchronized development • Recently, Union Jal Shakti Minister has inaugurated 5th India Water Impact Summit (IWIS). • Organized by - National Mission for Clean Ganga and Center for Ganga River Basin Management and Studies (cGanga) • Aim - To discuss and disseminate the needs for the modalities of embracing Arth Ganga • Focus on - Arth Ganga-River conservation synchronized development. Key Highlights • It has proposed “5 R’s” for waste water management o Recycle o Reuse o Reduce o Recharge (ground water) o Respect for water • During the conference, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research has signed MOU with eGanga (think-tank of NMCG) for development of sludge management framework in India.

1.117 CCPA asks FSSAI to probe honey adulteration issue • Recently, The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has asked the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to take appropriate action in the honey adulteration issue. • The issue has been raised by Centre of Science and Environment (CSE) and promised to extend all cooperation in the investigation. Relevance • Recently, an investigation carried out by CSE reportedly found that 10 out of 13 major and minor brands were spiked with sugar syrup beyond permissible limits. • Key Finding o It was found that 77 per cent of the samples were adulterated with sugar syrup. o Out of the 22 samples checked, only five passed all the tests.

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1.118 Union Minister of Education virtually addresses the 26th National Annual Conference of Sahodaya School Complexes • Recently, Union Minister of Education has addressed the 26th National Annual Conference of Sahodaya School Complexes. • Organized by – CBSE • Hosted by – Bangalore Sahodaya Schools Complex Association Important Release during the conference • A Souvenir titled “SAMARTHAN” o It is a compilation of the best teaching practices in India. • CBSE Manuals on Inclusive Education, Joyful Learning and Physical Education for classes XI and XII.

1.119 MOHUA launches Socio-Economic Profiling of PM SVANidhi • Recently, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has launched a programme of Socio- Economic Profiling of PM SVANidhi beneficiaries and their families as an additional component of PM SVANidhi Scheme. Key Highlights • A complete profile of each PM SVANidhi beneficiary and their family members will be prepared based on which benefits of the various eligible central Schemes would be extended to the family for their holistic socio-economic upliftment. • Ministry will run a pilot program in six cities - Gaya, Indore, Kakching, Nizamabad, Rajkot, and Varanasi. • 125 cities have been selected for implementing the first phase of the programme. • Implementing partner - M/s Quality Council of India (QCI).

1.120 2927 Court complexes across country have been connected by a high-speed Wide Area Network (WAN) as against target of 2992 under e-Courts Project • Recently, Ministry of Law and Justice has informed that 2927 Court complexes across India have been connected so far by a high-speed Wide Area Network (WAN) under e-Courts Project. • It has led to completion of 97.86 % sites out of 2992 sites conceived to be connected with high speed WAN under the project. • Department has also been able to reduce the total Technically Not Feasible (TNF) sites from 58 in 2019 to 14 in 2020. • Department of Justice has also decided to use the newly inaugurated submarine (under sea) cable for providing connectivity to 5 TNF sites in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

1.121 Indian Railways Launches Hospital Management Information System Trial Project • Recently, Indian Railways has launched Hospital Management Information System Trial Project. • It has been launched over South Central Railway.

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1.122 Climate Ambition Summit • Recently, Climate Ambition Summit has taken place, marking the fifth anniversary of the Paris Agreement on the Climate Change. • Launched by – United Nations and Co-hosted by – Britain and France • It has been launched as the United Nations warns current commitments to tackle rises in global temperatures are inadequate. • The United Kingdom pledged to double its climate finance contribution to USD 15.5 billion over the next five years. • The European Investment Bank announced a goal of 50% of investments going toward the climate and environment sectors by 2025. • China’s commitment to lower its carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP by over 65% from 2005 levels by 2030 and the EU’s commitment to reduce GHG emissions by at least 55% from 1990 levels by 2030.

1.123 India and Qatar Agrees to Set Up a Task Force on Energy • Recently, India and Qatar have agreed to Set Up a Task Force on Energy. • It has been set up for promoting Qatari investments. • The minister has also reiterated Qatar’s role as a reliable supplier of LNG and LPG.

1.124 FICCI’s Annual Convention & 93rd AGM • Recently, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry has addressed FICCI’s annual convention & 93rd Annual General Meeting. Important information Shared • Government has been working hard to create the first genuine Single Window System in terms of compliances, ease of approval process. • He has also informed about the Brand India initiative.

1.125 Handicraft and GI Toys exempted from Quality Control Order • Recently, DPIIT has released Toys (Quality Control) Second Amendment Order, 2020. • It has exempted goods manufactured & sold by artisans registered with Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), from use of Standard Mark under licence from Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) [BIS (CA)] Regulations, 2018. • It has also exempted products registered as Geographical Indications from following Indian Toy Standards & compulsory use of Standard Mark licence from Bureau as per BIS(CA)Regulations,2018.

1.126 27 States avail benefits of the “Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Expenditure” • Recently, Ministry of finance has announced that all the States except Tamil Nadu have availed benefits of the “Special Assistance to States for Capital Expenditure”. • It has informed that capital expenditure for proposals of Rs. 9,879.61 crore of 27 States have been approved. Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609

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• An amount of Rs. 4,939.81 crore has already been released to the States as the first instalment. About Special Assistance to States for Capital Expenditure • Aim - To boost capital expenditure by the State Governments who are facing difficult financial environment this year due to the shortfall in tax revenue arising from the COVID 19 pandemic. • The capital expenditure projects have been approved in diverse sectors of economy like, Health, Rural Development, Water Supply, Irrigation, Power, Transport, Education, Urban Development.

1.127 NITI Aayog releases ‘Vision 2035: Public Health Surveillance in India’ • Recently, NITI Aayog has released a white paper titled “Vision 2035: Public Health Surveillance in India.” About Vision 2035: Public Health Surveillance in India

• Joint effort of - Health Vertical, NITI Aayog, and Institute for Global Public Health, University of Manitoba, Canada with contributions from technical experts from the Government of India, States, and International agencies. • It lays out India’s vision 2035 for PHS through the integration of the three-tiered (primary, secondary and tertiary) public health system into Ayushman Bharat. • It contributes by suggesting mainstreaming of surveillance by making individual electronic health records the basis for surveillance.

1.128 Tourism Minister virtually attends the 5th meeting of the National Medical and Wellness Tourism Promotion Board • Recently Union Minister of State for Culture & Tourism has virtually attended the 5th meeting of the National Medical and Wellness Tourism Promotion Board. Relevance • According to Services Export Promotion Council, Ministry of Commerce The Global Medical Tourism Market was worth USD 19.7 Billion in 2016 and estimated to be growing at a CAGR of 18.8 %, to reach USD 46.6 Billion by 2021. • According to the Indian Tourism Statistics, 2018 report, around 22 per cent arrivals from West Asia was for medical purposes, followed by 15.7 per cent from Africa in 2017.

1.129 Amma Mini Clinics to treat poor • Recently, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu has inaugurated the CM’s Amma Mini Clinic Scheme. • Under the scheme, around 2000 mini-clinics will be set up in the state to provide various health facilities to the people. • Each clinic will contain a doctor nurse, and medical staff following with equipment facilities to check the temperature oxygen level blood sugar hemoglobin level blood sugar level.

1.130 Centre approves health data management policy of NDHM • Recently, Centre on Monday approved the health data management policy of the National Digital Health Mission (NDHM).

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• It has intended to digitize the entire healthcare ecosystem of India by creating digital health records and creating and maintaining registries for healthcare professionals and health facilities. Key Highlights • Laid minimum standards for privacy protection in order to ensure compliance with relevant and applicable laws, rules and regulations. • Acts as a guidance document across the National Digital Health Ecosystem (NDHE). • It sets out the minimum standard for data privacy protection that should be followed across the board to ensure compliance with relevant and applicable laws, rules and regulations. • Participation under NDHE will be on voluntary basis. • Use of Aadhaar card for verification will also be voluntary, and failure or refusal to make use of Aadhaar would not result in the denial of access to any health facility or service under the policy.

1.131 MSME Ministry thanks the consumers as MSMEs celebrated not just Diwali but also Atmnirbharata • Recently, Ministry of MSME has informed that it had launched an attractive and innovative social media campaign to promote local products made by artisans and MSMEs before the festival season. • It has been launched with the brand of "उजाले इन उमीद ⴂ के " and hash tag of #msmechampions.

1.132 QCI Launches Recognition Scheme for Hygiene Rating Audit Agencies • Recently, Quality Council of India (QCI) at the behest of FSSAI has launched Recognition Scheme for Hygiene Rating Audit Agencies. • It has been done after the FSSAI has launched a certification system for restaurants, hotels and cafeterias among others under its ‘Food Hygiene Rating Scheme’. • Aim – To allow consumers to make informed choices/decisions pertaining to the food outlets where they eat by encouraging food businesses to improve their hygiene and safety standards. • At present, scheme is applicable for Food service establishments (such as hotels, restaurants, cafeteria, dhabhas, etc), sweet shops, bakeries and meat retail stores.

1.133 Postal Department confers Meghdoot awards to Postal Employees for their achievements in 2019-20 • Recently, Department of Posts has conducted Meghdoot Award Function 2020. • It has been given in the eight categories. Key Highlights • India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) has launched logo of “DakPay.” • Department of Posts has launched an eBook named “India Post meets Covid-19 Challenge.”

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• Department of Posts has signed a memorandum of Understanding with CSC e-Governance Services India Limited that for providing various G2C (Government to Citizen) and B2C (Business to Citizens) services to citizens in rural and remote areas. • It will give a flip to setting a common service centres in more than 10000 Post Offices across India.

1.134 Finance Minister chairs 23rd Meeting of the Financial Stability and Development Council • Recently, Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs has chaired the 23rd Meeting of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC). • It has reviewed the challenges involved in smooth transition of London Interbank Offer Rate (LIBOR) based contracts. About Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) • It focuses on financial literacy and financial inclusion. • Chairman of FSDC is Finance minister and other members include heads of SEBI, RBI, PFRDA, FMC, Secretary (Dept. of financial services, Dept of economic affairs) and Chief Economic Advisor.

1.135 Kamdhenu Chair will be established in Universities and Colleges • Recently, a National Webinar on ‘Kamdhenu Chair in Universities and Colleges’ has been organized. • Organized by - Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog in association with UGC, AICTE and AIU. • The secretary of rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog has appealed all the Vice Chancellors across India and College Heads for starting ‘Kamdhenu Chair’ in every University and College.

1.136 2nd Conference on ‘Good Practices in Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS)/ Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) • Recently, 2nd Conference on ‘Good Practices in Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS)/ Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) has taken place. • Organized by – National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).

1.137 Mastercard, CII come together to help over 3 lakh MSMEs digitise their businesses • Recently, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) along with Mastercard’s Centre for Inclusive Growth and National Institute for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (ni-msme) has launched ‘Digital Saksham.’ • It has been launched to enable 3 lakhs+ MSMEs across India with digital know how and acceptance. • Aim - To educate and train micro and small business owners and entrepreneurs enabling them to integrate into the digital economy and access credit, expand their market access, diversify their customer base, digitize their financial operations and solidify their supply chain.

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1.138 Praja report: No state has devolved all 18 municipal functions to urban local bodies • According to ‘Urban Governance Index, 2020’ of Praja Foundation, no state has managed to devolve 18 municipal functions to urban local bodies. • The study has spanned over three years (2017-2020) in 40 cities across 28 states and National Capital Territory of Delhi. About Urban Governance Index 2020 • The municipal bodies are dependent on the state for funds and decision-making. • The index has ranked the states on a 100-point scale across 42 indicators. • It has ranked the states under four heads: o Empowered elected representatives and legislative structure (30 marks) o Empowered city administration (15) o Citizens (25) o Fiscal empowerment (30 marks). Key Highlights • Top 5 States - followed by Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh. • Bottom 5 states - Jharkhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur and Nagaland. • None of the top five states scored more than 57%, with Odisha scoring 56.86%. • Madhya Pradesh ranked first for active grievance redressal mechanism. • Maharashtra and Kerala ranked first for devolution of financial power and financial accountability.

1.139 WHO Foundation appoints Indian-origin health expert Anil Soni as 1st CEO • Recently, Indian-origin global health expert Anil Soni has been appointed as the first Chief Executive Officer of the WHO Foundation. About WHO Foundation • It an independent grant-making agency headquartered in Geneva. • It was launched to work alongside the World Health Organization (WHO) and the global health community to address the world's most pressing global health challenges. • Launched in – May 2020

1.140 National Centre for Divyang Empowerment becomes operational in Hyderabad • Recently, National Centre for Divyang Empowerment (NCDE) has become operational at the Central Reserve Police Force’s group centre in Hyderabad. • Several market-driven expertise like computer skills and various sports skills will be imparted on the Divyang Warriors to empower them and enable them to serve the force and India. • All possible assistance and cooperation will be extended for the welfare of the Divyang Warriors.

1.141 9thedition of Sustainable Mountain Development Summit begins in Dehradun • Recently, 9th edition of Sustainable Mountain Development Summit has begun in Dehradun. • It has commenced on the occasion of International Mountain Day.

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• Theme – “Emerging Pathways for Building a Resilient Post COVID-19 Mountain Economy, Adaptation, Innovation and Acceleration”. • Organized by – Indian Mountain Initiative (IMI) • Hosted by – Sustainable Development Forum Uttaranchal (SDFU), Dehradun.

1.142 Maharashtra unveils Uniform Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR) • Recently, Maharashtra government has unveiled Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR) to boost real estate activity across the state. • It will be applicable across the state except in places such as Mumbai and other special planning authorities like Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area (NAINA), Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), hill station municipal councils and eco-sensitive zones. • It mandates that permissible FSI will be linked to the length of the adjoining roads. • It has given 60% additional FSI above the permissible FSI for residential and 80% for commercial spaces.

1.143 WHO joins hands with IFRC to strengthen delivery of emergency medical supplies • Recently, The Red Channel Agreement has been signed between the World Health Organization and IFRC (International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies). • It has been signed to implement the Emergency Medical Team Initiative. • The Agreement will allow WHO to provide increased support to Red Crescent Societies and National Red Cross societies.

1.144 Cabinet approves Atmanirbhar Bharat RojgarYojana (ABRY) • Recently, The Union Cabinet has given its approval for Atmanirbhar Bharat RojgarYojana (ABRY). • It has been approved to boost employment in formal sector and incentivize creation of new employment opportunities during the Covid recovery phase under Atmanirbhar Bharat Package 3.0. • It would cost the government Rs 1,584 crore in the financial year 2020-21 and Rs 22,810 crore during the entire period, from 2020 to 2023.

1.145 MP will turn warriors against malnutrition • Recently, Madhya Pradesh government has launched ‘Matru Sahyogini Samiti’ or Mothers’ Cooperation Committees. About Matru Sahyogini Samiti • It will include mothers of beneficiary children as well as represented by pregnant women and lactating mothers, who are enrolled under the scheme. • The mother’s oversight will have a legal sanctity through the NFSA. • The Committees will be selected from different sub-committees, which consist of members of the ward, village and caste and tribe-based colonies known as manjra and phaliya.

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o It will also include a woman ‘panch’ (elected village leader), women active in the community and eager to volunteer their support to the scheme, teachers from the local school, and women heads of self-help groups. • It includes a package of six services, including supplementary nutrition, health services including vaccination. • It provides for vigilance committees as well as social audits or collective monitoring and evaluation of planning and implementation of a scheme.

1.146 Maharashtra clears Bill proposing death penalty for rape • Recently, Maharashtra Cabinet has cleared the draft of a Bill to curb crimes against women and children. • It has been titled as “Maharashtra Shakti Criminal Law (Maharashtra Amendment) Act, 2020”. • It has been prepared on the lines of the Disha Act passed by the Andhra Pradesh government. • Key Highlights o It has proposed death penalty in cases of rape, acid attack, and serious crimes against children. o The detection period has been reduced to 15 office days from the existing two months. o The court period has been brought down to 30 office days from two months. o The appeal period has also been reduced to 45 days from six months. • The state government has also cleared “Special Court and Machinery for Implementation of Maharashtra Shakti Criminal Law 2020.” • It has included new crimes within their ambit. o Threatening and defaming women on social media o False complaint regarding rape, acid attack o Outraging the modesty of women. o Non-cooperation in investigation by social media sites and companies providing mobile and internet services, and elected representatives will be considered a crime. • It has proposed a new judicial system under which 36 special courts will be set up and a special public prosecutor will be made available to each court. • Each district police superintendent or commissionerate will have one special squad to probe crimes against women and children which will mandatorily have one female officer.

1.147 Universal Healthcare Coverage Day celebrated on 12th December 2020. • Union Health minister has released some resourceful apps and guidelines for implementing and monitoring various health programs • The SDG-3 Health Dashboard – It would enable Policy makers and program implementers, to identify key priorities areas that require action and in framing future action plan for achieving Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

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1.148 India slips to 54th rank in home price appreciation: Real estate group • Recently, Knight Frank has released global house price index. Key Findings Global Findings • Top 10 Countries: Turkey, New Zealand, Luxembourg, Slovakia, Poland, Ukraine, Austria, Russia, Netherlands and Croatia. • Bottom 10 Countries: Morocco, Hungary, India, Finland, Spain, Hong Kong, Malysia, Ireland, Singapore and Chile. • Average Annual growth rate – 4.5% • 1 6 % percentage of countries and territories registering annual price declines in Q3 2020 • Ireland, Spain, India and Hong Kong have witnessed the weakest price growth year-on-year. India Specific Finding • India has moved down seven spots in the global home price index to 54th rank in the third quarter (July to September) 2020. • It has been ranked at 47th rank in Q3 2019. • It has seen a decline of 2.4 per cent year-on-year in home prices. • The ranking has remained unchanged to 54th spot among the 56 countries and territories tracked in Q3 2020 index.

About Global House Price Index • It tracks the movement in mainstream residential prices across 56 countries and territories worldwide using official statistics.

1.149 FM Nirmala releases the ‘Smuggling in India Report 2019-20’ • Recently, Finance Minister has released the ‘Smuggling in India Report 2019-20.’ • It has been released during the 63rd Founding Day Celebrations of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). • Key Highlights o The report has analyzed organized smuggling trends on Gold and Foreign Currency, Narcotic Drugs, Security, Environment and Commercial Frauds. o Directorate of Revenue Intelligence has detected 412 cases of smuggling resulting in the seizure of contraband worth ₹1,949 crore in 2019-20.

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o It has arrested 837 economic offenders and also unearthed 761 complex cases of Customs duty evasion amounting to ₹2,183 crore. o Around 120 tonnes of gold were smuggled into India in 2019-20. o The Directorate Revenue of Intelligence did a total of 72 seizures under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances act in the year 2019-20. ✓ The highest number of seizures was reported in Uttar Pradesh followed by Maharashtra, Telangana, Tamil Nadu. o India has become the fourth largest illegal cigarette market in the world. ✓ In 2019-20, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence has seized Rs 76.95 crores of cigarettes.

1.150 Swiggy partners govt to build 'world's largest' street food vendor project • Recently, Swiggy has partnered with Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNibhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) Scheme to build street food vendor project. • It has the potential to become 'world's largest' street food vendor project. Key Highlights • The SVANidhi scheme has received loan applications from 147,000 street food vendors. • Out of the total, Swiggy in Phase I will onboard about 36,000 vendors to whom the loan has been disbursed in 125 cities. • Swiggy has created a special destination on the app where consumers can discover their favourite street food vendors.

1.151 NREGA National Tracker December 2020 • Recently, NREGA National Tracker December 2020 has been released by People's Action for Employment Guarantee (PAEG). Key Highlights • 1.3 crore job cards have been issued under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in 2020. • Total active job cards – 9.02 crore • Total job cards demanding work in 2020 is 7.5 crore. • Only 1.9 million households have finished 100 days of work (mandated under MGNREGA) n 2020 as compared to 4.06 million in 2019. • Highest percentage of active users from total registered job cards – Tamil Nadu had the. • Lowest percentage of active users from total registered job cards - Maharashtra • All-India average percentage of active users from total registered job cards – 30.75 per cent.

1.152 Indian Software as a Solution (SaaS) Companies to reach $18-20 billion revenue by 2022 • According to a recent report titled “India SaaS Report 2020”, SaaS companies founded by Indian Entrepreneurs would reach $18-20 billion revenue by 2022. Key Findings

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• Indian SaaS companies have a potential to capture 7 to 9% share of the global SaaS market by 2022. • Four key types of SaaS companies are expected to grow more, namely: o Small and Medium Sized Business (SMB) focused Saas Companies. o Vertical-specific SaaS companies o Globally competitive companies in emerging technology o India initiators with SaaS and business-to-business (B2B) technology products • Indian SaaS investments have increased to $1.3 billion in 2019, with 60% increase from 2018. • SaaS investments constituted 15% of Venture Capital (VC)/growth equity investments in first half of 2019 and rose to 20% in the same period in 2020. • Zoho, Freshworks, Druva and Icertics have already broken the $100 million Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) Milestone. • Top 5 fund raising rounds: o Freshworks o Postman o High Radius o Pine Labs o Khatabook

1.153 Covid-19 could push 72 million children into ‘learning poverty’: World Bank • According to recent report “Realizing the Future of Learning: From Learning Poverty to Learning for Everyone, Everywhere” and “Reimagining Human Connections: Technology & Innovation at the World Bank”, released by World Bank, Covid-19 could push 72 million children into learning poverty. Key findings: • 72 million primary school children aged under 10 are at the risk of learning poverty (not able to read and understand simple text), as a result of covid-19 related school closures. • It could increase learning poverty levels of primary school children in low and middle income countries to 63% from 53%. • Present Generation students are at the risk of losing about $10 trillion in future life time earnings, which is equal to almost 10% of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP). • The Bank’s overall new commitments in education during the last fiscal year 2019 reached US$5.2 billion • Another $6.3 billion investments have been made in 2020.

1.154 2021 to see 40% increase in people needing Humanitarian Aid due to Covid-19: Global Humanitarian Overview 2021 • According to the recently releases Global Humanitarian Overview 2021, there would be a 40% increase in people needing Humanitarian Aid in 2021, due to extreme poverty caused by Covid-19. Key Findings:

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• Total People in need in 2021: 235 Million • Total People targeted in 2021: 160 Million • Total cost to support the people in need 2021: $ 35 Billion • 1 in 33 people worldwide would require humanitarian aid in 2021. • By 2020 end, acutely food insecure people would be 270 million. • Funding to increase food security requests have increased to $9 billion in 2020 • Over 5 million children under 5 years face the threats of cholera and acute watery diarrhoea. About Global Humanitarian Overview: • It is an annual report. • It is released by United Nations Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA).

1.155 Health Insurance Policies would now cover robotic and bariatric surgeries: IRDAI revised norms • Recently, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has standardized health insurance policies and released the new health insurance regulations. • The new regulations would permit insurers to cover various types of advanced treatments, which were not included earlier. • Aim – Making insurance services more customer friendly to the public. Recent inclusions in Health Insurance as per new Guidelines: • Mental Illness, Obesity, Bariatric surgery, Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinsons’ Disease, Robotic Surgery

1.156 United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) seeks $6.4 billion emergency funds • Recently, the UNICEF has requested $6.4 billion emergency funds for the year 2021, the largest funding appeal ever made to support increased global humanitarian needs amid pandemic. • The funds would cover 300 million people, including 190 million children globally in 2021 • It would cover over 149 countries and territories in 2021. • The funding appeal has increased by 35% from 2020. Top 5 funding appeals: Country / Community Syrian refugees Yemen Democratic Republic of Congo Syria Venezuela

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1.157 MGNREGS workers spend money to collect wages: Length of the Last Mile Report • According to the recent report: “Length of the Last Mile-Delays and Hurdles in NREGA Wage Payments”, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act/Scheme (MGNREGS/MGNREGS) workers in India have been facing various hurdles in collecting the wages. • Published by LibTech India. Key Findings: • Nearly 13% of respondents have faced payment rejections and 77% of the respondents are unaware about the reason for rejection. • As of July 2020, in the last five years, about Rs 4,800 crores of wages have been rejected nad about Rs 1274 crores of wages is yet to be paid to workers. • Only 6.3% workers have registered written complaint regarding payment rejections. • Complaints registered in online mode –1%

1.158 36th South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC) Charter Day observed • Recently, the 36th SAARC Charter Day has been observed. About SAARC Charter Day: • It has been observed annually on 8th December. • It has been observed to mark the signing of SAARC Charter in 1985, at the first SAARC summit held in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

1.159 Union Minister of Commerce and Industry addresses ICAI Startup Manthan Week 2.0 • Recently, the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry has addressed the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) Startup Manthan Week 2.0 • Theme: Startup Trilogy – Compliance, Management and Fundraising. About the event: • It has been organized by the Institute of Chartered Accounts of India (ICAI) • It has been organized to discuss about the eco-system, opportunities and government initiatives to promote startup companies in India. Government Initiatives to promote startup ecosystem. • To provide equity funding support to the startups, government has set aside a corpus fund of Rs. 10,000 crores managed by Small Industries Development Corporation of India (SIDBI). • A total of 7,438 startups have been registered in the Government E-Marketplace (GeM) in 2020.

1.160 EXIM Bank and SIDBI to set up investment fund to provide loan support to SME’s • Recently, the Export and Import (EXIM) and Small Industries Development Corporation of India (SIDBI) together have setup an Alternative Investment Fund (AIF). • Aim – To provide loan support to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) for export promotion in India. About the proposed AIF:

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• It has been first announced in Union Budget for the Fiscal Year FY21. • The AIF has been announced as a part of Ubharte Sitaare Scheme. • As per the Budget, both EXIM and SIDBI would contribute Rs 50 crores each. • Additional debt amounting Rs 900 crores will be provided by various banks. About Ubharte Sitaare Scheme: • It is implemented by Exim Bank • It aims to identify Indian businesses with potential advantages, in technology and processes, along with export potential, but showing under performance. • It assists SME’s through combination of loans, grants, equity and consultancy services.

1.161 TiE Global Summit (TGS 2020) organized in Hyderabad • Recently, The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) Global Summit (TGS 2020) has been organized in Hyderabad, Telangana. • Theme: Entrepreneurship 360 About TGS 2020: • It is the largest virtual entrepreneurial summit, attended by leaders, entrepreneurs, investors and mentors across the globe. • It is presented by CtrlS, Asia’s largest data centre company in Hyderabad. About TiE Global Summit: • It is an annual summit organized by The Indus Entrepreneurs.

1.162 Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare addresses the Inter Ministerial Conference by Partners in Population and Development (PPD) • Recently, the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare has addressed the 17th Inter Ministerial Conference by Partners in Population and Development (PPD). • Organized jointly by - Partners in Population and Development (PPD), the United Nation Population Fund (UNFPA), and National Health Commission of China. • National Health Commission of China chaired the summit for 2020. About Partners in Population and Development (PPD): • Establishment: 1994 • It has been established for the purpose of improving South-to-South collaboration in the areas of reproductive health, population and development. • It plays an important role in expanding the common agenda – ‘Health for All’.

1.163 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) releases the Emissions Gap Report 2020 • Recently, the UNEP has released the 11 edition of the “Emissions Gap Report 2020”. Key findings: • Top 4 emitters of the total GHC emissions without LUC in the last 10 years, contributing 55% of total emissions: o China o United States of America

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o United Kingdom + European Union o India • India, along with other 8 G20 members, are on track to attain 2030 Nationally Determined Commitment (NDC commitments). • Global Green House Gases (GHG) emissions in 2019, has reached a record high of 52.4 Gigatonne carbon equivalent (GtCO2e) (range: ±5.2) without land-use change (LUC) emissions and 59.1 GtCO2e (range: ±5.9) when including LUC.

1.164 Employees State Insurance Corporation announces major policy initiatives for better medical services to workers • Recently, the ESIC during its 183rd Meeting, has made several important decisions to improve the delivery of medical services and other related benefits to workers. • The meeting has been chaired by Union Minister for Labour and Employment Independent Charge (I/C). Key initiatives announced in the meeting: • ESIC has decided to directly run all the newly constructed and those that are approved in future by itself, unless the state government insists to run the hospital. • Under Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana, ESIC has also decided to extent relaxed conditions and the enhanced benefit of 50% of the average per day earning upto a maximum of 90 day to the insured workers who became unemployed due to COVID-19 induced lockdown for a further period of six months, upto 30th June, 2021.

1.165 LVPEI awarded ‘The Greenberg Prize – End Blindness 2020’ • Recently, The L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI), Hyderabad, Telangana has been awarded the prestigious Greenberg Prize – End Blindness 2020, for its contribution to end blindness. • Gullapalli N Rao has been presented with the in the ‘Outstanding Achievement Prize’ category • Dr. R D Ravindran has also been awarded in the ‘Outstanding Achievement Prize’ category.

1.166 NBCFDC & NSFDC signed Memorandum of Agreements (MoA) with Punjab National Bank • Recently, the National Backward Classes Finance & Development Corporation (NBCFDC) and National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC), have signed Memorandum of Agreements with Punjab National Bank. • Purpose: Implementation of Vanchit Ikai Samooh aur Vargon ki Aarthik Sahayta (VISVAS) scheme. About VISVAS Scheme: Launch Year September 2020 Ministry Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment Objective To provide interest subvention to for loans from Self Help Groups (SHG) with 100% Other Backward class (OBC) / Scheduled castes (SC) members Benefits • Maximum loan limit ( SHG) : Rs 4.00 Lakh

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• Maximum loan limit (for individual): Rs 2.00 Lakh • Maximum Subvention Amount: @ 5% per annum. • The interest subvention amount would be credited into the operating account of SHG/ Individual through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Target Year 2024-25

1.167 United Nations declares International Day of Epidemic Preparedness • Recently, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), has declared 27th December as the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness. • Aim - to highlight the importance of the prevention of, preparedness for and partnerships against epidemics such as Covid-19. • United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing 2021-2030, has also been declared in the session.

1.168 NITI Aayog and Patna High Court initiate a drive for technology use to advance access to Justice through Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) • Recently, the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog and Patna High Court, Bihar have initiated a meeting with special focus on Online Dispute Resolution (ODR). • Objective – To provide insights about the efficient use of technology to provide affordable justice for all in the post pandemic world. About Online Dispute Resolutions: • It is the method of resolving disputes, particularly medium value cases using technology and techniques of Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR), without going to courts in person. • ODR’s are done in SAMA Platform, in collaboration with different states by organizing electronic-lok (e-lok) adalats About E- Lok Adalats: ● Launched in July 2020. ● Aim – Virtual settlements of disputes as court proceedings were limited due to the Covid-19 outbreak and lockdown. ● First E-Lok Adalat was launched in Chandigarh High Court.

1.169 World Health Organization applauds India for Fitness Ka Dose Aadha Ghanta Roz campaign • Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) has applauded India for Fitness Ka Dose Aadha Ghanta Roz campaign. About the Campaign: • It has been launched by the Union Sports Minister as a part of Fit India Movement. • Objective: To encourage people to spend 30 minutes a day for fitness.

1.170 Union Finance Minister appreciates efforts in higher procurement and payments to MSMEs upto November 2020 • Recently, the Union Finance Minister has appreciated the efforts made by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, resulting in higher procurement and payment of over Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609

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Rs. 21,000 crores to the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) during May – November 2020.

1.171 HelpAge India awarded with UN Population Award 2020 • According to the recent press release by United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Help Age India has been awarded with United Nations (UN) Population Award 2020 under the institutional category. • HelpAge India is the first Indian institution to receive UN Population Award.

1.172 Maharashtra Government, XED Institute to launch accelerator programme for entrepreneurs • Recently, the Maharashtra Government and XED Institute of Management, Singapore have planned to setup an accelerator programme for entrepreneurs called ‘Cornell Maha 60’. • Objective: to bridge the gap between the existing entrepreneurial skills and the demands of the start-up ecosystem.

1.173 Andhra Pradesh Government launches Jagananna Jeeva Kranthi Scheme • Recently, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh has launched Jagananna Jeeva Kranthi Scheme, to distribute sheep and goat units to women. • Aim – To improve the standard of living of women with less labour and less investment. • It has also launched the distribution of 4.69 lakh units’ cows and buffaloes with Rs 3,500 crore to strengthen dairy sector. Key Highlights of Jagananna Jeeva Kranthi Scheme: • Women between the age group 45-60 from backward classes (BC), scheduled castes (SC) and scheduled tribes (ST) are the beneficiaries of the scheme. • 2.49 lakh sheep and goat units would be distributed to women in three phases:

1.174 World Health Organization releases 2019 Global Health Estimates • According to the recent “2019 Global Health Estimates”, released by World Health Organization, Heart diseases has remained the leading cause of death during 2000-2019. Key Findings: • Top 3 global causes of death in 2019 o Heart diseases o Stroke o Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease • Top 3 global causes of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in 2019: o Neonatal conditions o Heart diseases o Stroke • Heart diseases now represent 16% of total deaths globally. • Number of death from heart diseases has increase to 9 million in 2019 from 2 million in 2000.

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• Lower respiratory infections has accounted for the highest number of deaths in the communicable disease category.

1.175 Cabinet approves public Wifi networks without any fee and telecom development schemes for North East and Lakshadweep • Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved setting up public Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) access network called PM-WANI (Prime Minister Wifi Access Network Interface) and telecom development schemes for Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Lakshadweep. • Objective – To promote the Growth of Public Wifi Networks in India. Key highlights of telecom schemes for Lakshadweep: • Cabinet has approved the provision of submarine optical fiber connectivity between the mainland (Kochi) and the Lakshadweep Islands (KLI Project). • It would provide direct communication link through a submarine optical fibre cable (ofc) between Kochi and 11 Islands of Lakshadweep. • Budget – Rs 1072 crores, including operational expenses for five years. • It would be funded by USOF. • Target – May 2023.

1.176 Maintenance allowance of Rs 20,000 released under Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme (PMSSS) by AICTE • Recently, AICTE has decided to release the instalment of Rs. 20,000/- as maintenance allowance under Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme (PMSSS). • The amount has been released to all the beneficiaries pursuing classes in Odd Semester (July- December 20). • It would be released once the students join physically at their respective institutions based on the verification of continuation certificate issued by the Institution.

1.177 Government of India and World Bank sign $400 million project to protect India’s poor and vulnerable from the impact of COVID-19 • Recently, The Government of India and the World Bank have signed USD 400 million project to support India’s efforts at providing social assistance to the poor and vulnerable households, severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. • It has been titled as “The Second Accelerating India's COVID-19 Social Protection Response Programme.” • Prepared by – Asian Development Bank (ADB), Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and Kreditanstalt Fur Wiederaufbau (KfW). About Accelerating India's COVID-19 Social Protection Response Programme • It has been the second operation in a programmatic series of two. • The first operation of USD 750 million was approved in May 2020.

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1.178 IFSCA issues consultation paper on proposed Aircraft Leasing Regulations • Recently, International Financial Services Centres Authority has released Consultation Paper on proposed International Financial Services Centres Authority (Aircraft Leasing) Regulations for Public Comments. • Objective - To seek comments/views from the public on the proposed regulations for Aircraft Leasing industry in International Financial Services Centre, India.

1.179 Government of India and NDB sign agreement for $1,000 million to provide support to Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan through MGNREG Scheme to support India’s economic recovery from COVID-19 • Recently, The Government of India and the New Development Bank (NDB) have signed a loan agreement for lending USD 1,000 million for ‘supporting India’s economic recovery from COVID-19’. • It has been signed to support expenditures on rural infrastructure related to natural resource management (NRM) and rural employment generation under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).

1.180 Union Minister of Jal Shakti reviews progress made under National Hydrology Project • Recently, Union Minister of Jal Shakti has reviewed progress made under National Hydrology Project (NHP). About National Hydrology Project Launch Year 2016 Initiative of Ministry of Jal Shakti in association with World Bank Type of Scheme Central Sector Aim To improve the extent, reliability and accessibility of water resources information and to strengthen the capacity of targeted water resource management institutions in India. Budget Outlay Rs 3680 Crore to be spent over a period of 8 years

1.181 Deadline for States to implement citizen centric reforms extended till 15th February 2021 • Recently, The Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance has extended the deadline till 15th February 2021 for the States to complete citizen centric reforms in various sectors. • The Government in May 2020 had identified four critical areas for reforms by the States: o Implementation of One Nation One Ration Card System o Ease of doing business reform o Urban Local body/ utility reforms o Power Sector reforms.

1.182 Reform linked borrowing permissions are facilitating Ease of Doing Business reforms • Recently Ministry of Finance has informed that 5 States have so far completed the stipulated reforms in the Ease of Doing Business. Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609

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1. Andhra Pradesh 2. Karnataka 3. Madhya Pradesh 4. Tamil Nadu 5. Telangana 6. Rajasthan • The reforms stipulated in Ease of Doing Business category includes – o Completion of first assessment of ‘District Level Business Reform Action Plan’ o Elimination of the requirements of renewal of registration certificates/approvals/licences obtained by businesses for various activities. o Implementation of computerized central random inspection system under the Acts wherein allocation of inspectors is done centrally.

1.183 Union Minister of Commerce and Industry addresses Ministerial Session at the CII Partnership Summit • Recently, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry has addressed Ministerial Session at the CII Partnership Summit 2020. • Theme - Partnerships For Lives, Livelihood And Growth

1.184 Union Health Minister addresses event by Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) • Recently, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare has digitally addressed an event by Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). • Theme – “Build Back Better: building resilient health infrastructure and supply chains.”

1.185 Union Minister of Chemical and Fertilizer inaugurates the Annual Summit of Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI) • Recently, Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers has inaugurated Annual Summit of the Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI). • During the summit, he has conferred the lifetime achievement and Special Recognition awards. Key Information Shared • Pharmaceuticals export from India has been over 20 billion dollars in the year 2019-20 and is expected to cross 25 billion dollars by the end of 2020-21. • Government has taken decision to support development of three bulk drug parks and four medical device parks with world class infrastructure, pre approved regulatory clearances and centres of excellance to support R&D activities.

1.186 Hunar Haat” being organised at Rampur (UP) • Recently, Hunar Haat” has been organised at Rampur (UP). • Organised by – Union Ministry of Minority Affairs Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609

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• Key Highlights o The cultural programmes on the theme of “Jaan Bhi, Jahaan Bhi” has been presented by the artisans. o “Kavi Sammelan” has been organised on the theme of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat.” o Ramleela has been performed on the theme of “Shri Ram Rajya” by Sushil Ji Maharaj.

1.187 Minister of Petroleum invites India Inc. to join the Atmanirbhar Bharat Urja initiatives • Recently, Union Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas has addressed the ASSOCHAM Foundation Week 2020 on “Energy Transition to Fuel India’s Growth Path”. Key Highlights • The minister has invited India Inc. to join the Atmanirbhar Bharat Urja initiatives. • Energy transition road map of India has defined seven key drivers: 1. Accelerating efforts to move towards a gas-based economy 2. Cleaner Use of Fossil Fuels 3. Greater reliance on domestic sources to drive biofuels 4. Achieving renewables target of 450 GW by 2030 5. Increasing contribution of electricity to de-carbonize mobility 6. Moving into emerging fuels including hydrogen 7. Digital innovation across all energy systems. • Government has created a friendly tax regime for Sovereign Wealth and Pension Funds. • Under the Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) initiatives, Government would be setting up 5000 CBG plants by 2023-24 with production target of 15 MMT with an investment of about USD 20 billion.

1.188 India ranks 111 out of 162 countries on personal freedom index • Recently, Human Freedom index for 2020 has been released. About the Index • Released by - Cato Institute in the United States and Fraser Institute in Canada • It covers 76 indicators of personal, civic and economic freedom o Rule of Law o Security and Safety o Movement o Religion o Association, Assembly, and Civil Society o Expression and Information o Identity and Relationships o Size of Government o Legal System and Property Rights o Access to Sound Money o Freedom to Trade Internationally o Regulation of Credit, Labor, and Business

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Global Finding • It has noted a decrease in personal freedoms since 2008 globally. • Top 3 Countries - New Zealand followed by Switzerland and Hong Kong. • Bottom 3 countries - Venezuela, Sudan, and Syria India Specific Finding • India has been ranked overall at 111 and at 110 in terms of personal freedom and 105 on economic freedom, with an overall score of 6.43 out of 10.

1.189 Karnataka unveils portal for farmers • Recently, The Karnataka government has unveiled an e-governance portal titled as the Farmer Registration and Unified beneficiary Information System (FRUITS). • It has been unveiled to create a repository of farmland information and farm loan details on a single platform. Key Highlights • All farmers will be registered and given an identification number on the portal. • Run by – Canara Bank

1.190 ‘COVID-19 Vaccine and Rural India’ survey • Recently, ‘COVID-19 Vaccine and Rural India’ survey has been conducted across 60 districts in 16 States and one Union Territory. • Conducted by - Gaon Connection

1.191 Ministry of Food Processing Industries signs a Joint Communique and 5 MoUs with Ministry of Tribal Affairs, TRIFED, ICAR, NSFDC, NAFED and NCDC • Recently, Ministry of Food Processing Industries has signed a Joint Communique with Ministry of Tribal Affairs. • It has signed 5 MoUs with o TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India) - help in branding of food products made by tribals under ‘TRIFOOD’ o ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) - help in sharing food processing technolofy, packaging and machinery developed in various organisations o NSFDC(National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation) - would enable capacity building, training, research and development of SC entrepreneurs, SHGs and other groups in foor processing sector. o NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd.) – would help in developing new brand for ‘ NAFED FOOD’ products. o NCDC (National Cooperative Development Corporation) - would help in preparing projects and detailed project reports of members of cooperative societies in food processing sector. • Union Bank of India would help in transferring the subsidy received from Centre and states into loan accounts. • It has also signed an agreement with Union Bank of India as nodal bank for PM FME scheme

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• Under the Scheme, Rs. 800 crores will be available for scheduled caste people.

1.192 Vice President Launches the Society of Coronary Surgeons (SCS) • Recently, Vice President has launched the Society of Coronary Surgeons (SCS). • Place – Hyderabad

1.193 Indian Railways issues draft National Rail Plan • Recently, Indian Railways has issued draft National Rail Plan. • It has been developed to plan infrastructural capacity enhancement along with strategies to increase modal share of the Railways. • Objective o Increase the modal share of Railways from 27% to 45% in freight by 2030 o Forecast growth of traffic in both freight and passenger year on year up to 2030 and on a decadal basis up to 2050. o Reduce transit time of freight substantially by increasing average speed of freight trains from present 22Kmph to 50Kmph. o Reduce overall cost of Rail transportation by nearly 30% and pass on the benefits to the customers.

1.194 Skill India Establishes First Centre of Excellence for Skill Development in Power Sector • Recently, India and Government of France have joined forces to establish first Centre of Excellence for Power Sector. • Inaugurated at campus of - National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) at Gurugram (Haryana). • Aim - to create a robust cadre of certified trainers and assessors in the field of power and solar across India.

1.195 ADB recommends prioritising water security in Covid-19 recovery • Recently, Asian Development Bank has released Asian Water Development Outlook (AWDO) 2020. Key Highlights • 1.5 billion people living in rural areas and 600 million in urban areas still lack adequate water supply and sanitation. • Out of the 49 ADB regional members, 27 face serious water constraints on economic development and 18 are yet to sufficiently protect their inhabitants against water-related disasters.

1.196 Indian Army signs MoU with Bank of Baroda for new 'Baroda Military Salary Package' • Recently, Indian Army and Bank of Baroda have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for 'Baroda Military Salary Package'. • Under the package, services will be offered to serving and retired personnel of Indian Army through the Bank's network.

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1.197 World Bank Signs $500 Million Project to Develop Green, Resilient and Safe Highways in India • Recently, The Government of India and the World Bank have signed USD 500 million project to build safe and green national highway corridors in the states of Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.

1.198 Minister of Tribal Affairs e-Launches New Tribes India Outlet at Guwahati International Airport • Recently, Union Minister of Tribal Affairs has e-Launches New Tribes India Outlet at Guwahati International Airport, Kolkata and Gwalior

1.199 India slips two spots to rank 131 in global Human Development Index • Recently, United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has released Human Development Report for 2020. • It measures average achievement on three basic aspects of human development:- o Life expectancy o Education o Per capita income. • It has introduced a new metric to reflect the impact caused by each country’s per-capita carbon emissions and its material footprint, which measures the amount of fossil fuels, metals and other resources used to make the goods and services it consumes. • It has been named as Planetary Pressures-adjusted HDI or PHDI. Key Findings • Top 5 Countries - Norway followed by Ireland, Switzerland, Hong Kong and Iceland. • Bottom 5 Countries – Niger, Central Africa, Chad, South Sudan and Burundi. • Among BRICS countries, Russia has been ranked at 52nd rank followed by Brazil 84, China 85, South Africa 114 and India 131. • UN has called for urgent shift to planet-friendly development. India Specific Findings • India has been ranked at 131st place in 2019 and was at 129th place in 2018. • Changes Between 1990 and 2019 o India’s life expectancy at birth increased by 11.8 years o Mean years of schooling increased by 3.5 years o Expected years of schooling increased by 4.5 years. o GNI per capita increased by about 273.9%

1.200 Cabinet Committee on Security approves the setting up of a new National Security Directive • Recently, Cabinet Committee on Security has approved the setting up of a new National Security Directive in the telecommunication sector.

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• Aim – To classify telecom products and their sources under the ‘trusted’ and ‘non-trusted’ categories.

1.201 India jumps to 63 in 2020 EODB survey • Recently, World Bank has released its updated Ease of Doing Business Ranking for 2020. Key findings • China’s position has been downgraded by 7 places. • Along with China position of Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, and United Arab Emirates have also declined. India Specific Changes • India had jumped 14 positions at 63rd rank in the World Bank's ease of doing business 2020 survey. About Ease of Doing Business Report 2020 • Released by – World Bank • Top 5 – New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Denmark and Korea. • Bottom 5 – Somalia, Eritrea, Venezuela, Yemen and Libya

1.202 Anti-land grabbing law comes into force; minimum 10-yr jail for violators • Recently, Gujrat Government has passed The Gujarat Land Grabbing (Prohibition) Act. • It has been framed to ensure time-bound and speedy disposal of complaints and protect the interests of farmers and common man, the CM said at a press conference.

1.203 9th policy briefing of Pradhan Mantri - Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) titled, “PM-JAY: The Role of Private Hospitals” by National Health Authority • According the recently released, 9th policy briefing of Pradhan Mantri - Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) titled, “PM-JAY: The Role of Private Hospitals” by National Health Authority, patients seeking treatments in private hospitals are older people and men, as compared to public hospitals.

1.204 Carbon Emissions reduced by 2.4 billion tonnes due to Covid-19 induced lockdowns • Recently, Global Carbon Budget 2020 has been released by University of East Anglia (UEA), United Kingdom (UK), University of Exeter, UK and the Global Carbon Project. • According to the report, covid-19 induced lockdowns has reduced carbon emissions by 2.4 billion tonnes. Global Findings: • In 2020 fossil CO2 emissions are predicted to be approximately 34 Gigatonne carbon (GtCO2), which is 7% lower than 2019 levels. • The level of CO2 in the atmosphere continues to increase by about 2.5 parts per million (ppm) in 2020. India Specific Findings: • In India, fossil CO2 emissions are projected to decrease by about 9%

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1.205 12th GRIHA SUMMIT 2020 inaugurated • Recently, the Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs has launched the 12th Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) Summit 2020, to encourage the development of green and sustainable habitats across India. • Theme: ‘Rejuvenating Resilient Habitats’.

1.206 Maharashtra Police acquired Interpol software to track child pornography • Recently, Maharashtra Cyber has become the first agency in India, to acquire “crawler” software from Interpol’s South Asian Wing to track child pornography and other related crimes. Key highlights: • The software would be used by the Tactical Response against Cyber Child Exploitation (TRACE) team of the Maharashtra Police. • The software would be used as a part of the “Operation Blackface” About Operation Blackface: • It has been launched by Maharashtra police against Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) CSAM. • Launched in - January 2020 to trace offenders targeting women and children in social media

1.207 Union Minister for MSME addresses the valedictory function of MSME Week • Recently, the Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Industries, has addressed the valedictory function of the MSME Finance Week. Key highlights: • MSME sector has been contributing 30% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) • Government aims to take up MSME sector contribution to 40% of the GDP. • The contribution of MSMEs in export sector is 48% that has to be increased to 60%. • MSME sector has created 11 crore jobs so far. About MSME Finance Week: • Organized by - Global Alliance for Mass Entrepreneurship (GAME) • Theme - Financing the Unfinanced.

1.208 Ayush Ministry approves 200 Ayush Health and Wellness Centres in Almora, Uttarakhand • Recently, the Ministry of Ayush has 200 Ayush Health and Wellness Centres (HWC) in Almora in Uttarakhand under National Ayush Mission (NAM) • A tripartite agreement has been signed between Ministry of AYUSH, Uttarakhand and Arvind Lal Vandana Lal (ALVL) foundation. About Ayush HWC: • It has been established under National Ayush Mission (NAM) • In March 2020, AYUSH HWC has been added as a component of Ayushman Bharat Scheme. • Objectives:

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o To establish a holistic wellness model based on AYUSH principles and practices focusing on preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative and palliative healthcare by integration with the existing public health care system. o To spread community awareness about lifestyle, yoga, medicinal plants and provision of medicines for selected conditions as per strength of AYUSH systems • Target: To set up 12,500 AYUSH HWC by 2023-2024.

1.209 Asian Development Bank and Government of India sign $300 million loan to upgrade power distribution network in Uttar Pradesh • Recently, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Government of India has signed $300 million loan for Uttar Pradesh Power Distribution Network Rehabilitation Project • Objective: To provide reliable electricity supply to the consumers in Uttar Pradesh. Key Highlights: • Overall USD 430 million multi-tranche financing facility (MFF) has been approved for the project constituting two tranches. • The MFF would be complemented by $2 million technical assistance (TA) grant from ADB’s TA Special Fund and the Japan Fund for Poverty reduction.

1.210 Union Minister for Commerce and Industry launches India-Australia Economic Strategy Report • Recently, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry has launched the “India-Australia Economic Strategy Report”. • Launched in - Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) session on India Australia Bilateral Economic and Trade Relationship. Key Highlights: • 3B objectives to see exponential growth in India-Australia bilateral trade relationship: o Bigger Trade Basket o Better Trade Basket o Balanced Trade Relationship. Background: • In November 2020, Australia for the first time joined the maritime exercise MALABAR, along with India, Japan, the United States of America • The grouping of India, Japan, USA and Australia is called as QUAD or Quadrilateral Security Dialogue.

1.211 Government notifies Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020 • Recently, the Ministry of Power has notified Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rule, 2020 to DISCOMS (Distribution Companies). • It has been notified as per the powers conferred by Section 176 of the Electricity Act, 2003. • Objective: Empowering consumers through continuous supply of quality, reliable electricity. Key Highlights:

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• 11 key areas covered under the rules: o Rights of consumers and Obligations of Distribution licensees o Release of new connection and modification in existing connection o Metering arrangement o Billing and Payment o Disconnection and Reconnection o Reliability of supply o Consumer as Prosumer o Standards of Performance of licensee o Compensation Mechanism o Call Centre for Consumer Services o Grievance redressal mechanism • Maximum time period for new connection/modification in existing connection: o 7 days in metro cities o 15 days in other municipal areas o 30 days in rural areas

1.212 IMD releases ‘End of the Season – Southwest Monsoon 2020’ report • Recently, Nation Weather Forecasting Centre of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), has released the ‘End of the Season – Southwest Monsoon 2020’ report. Key Findings: • The seasonal (June-September 2020) rainfall in India as a whole is 109% of its Long Period Average (LPA) in 2020. • It has been third highest after 112% of LPA in 1994 and 110 % of LPA in 2019. • Seasonal Rainfall in different regions: o Northwest India- 84% of the LPA o Central India - 115% of the LPA o South Peninsula - 130% of the LPA o Northeast (NE) - 106% of the LPA About NISARGA: • It is a tropical cyclone originated in Arabian Sea that had striked Maharashtra in June 2020. • NISARGA has recorded highest wind speed of 110 Kilometer/Hour (km/h) or 70mph.

1.213 Union Health Minister addresses 75th National Conference of Tuberculosis and Chest Diseases (NATCON) • Recently, the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare has addressed the 75th National Conference of Tuberculosis and Chest Diseases (NATCON). • Organized by – Tuberculosis Association of India Key Highlights: • More than Rs 866 crores have been dispersed to TB patients under Nikshaya Poshan Yojana. • 1 million missing cases have reported in 2017, which has decreased to 2.4 lakhs in 2019.

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• Nearly 7 lakh TB patients have been notified in the private sector. • More than 21,000 microscopic centres are operational in India. • More than 3000 Rapid Molecular Testing devices (CBNAAT and Truenat) have been deployed with atleast one device in each district. • There has been 18 % and 12 % increase in TB case finding under National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) in 2018 and 2019. About National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme • Launched in 1997 • It provides technical and Managerial Leadership to reduce TB in the country. About National Strategic Plan 2017-2025 • It aims to eliminate TB by 2025 in India. About Nikshaya Poshan Yojana: Launch Year April 2018 Implemented by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Aim • To provide nutritional support to TB patients through a Direct Benefit Transfer of Rs 500 per month, till they complete their treatment.

1.214 60% increase in Leopard population across India • According to the “Status of Leopards in India 2018” Report released by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, there has been a 60% increase in Leopard population across India. Key Findings: • At present there are 12,852 leopards in India, as compared to 7910 in 2014. • Top 3 states with highest leopard estimates: o Madhya Pradesh – 3,421 o Karnataka - 1,783 o Maharashtra - 1,690. • Bottom 3 states with lowest leopard estimates: o Assam – 47 o Jharkhand – 46 o Arunachal Pradesh – 11. • Central India & Eastern Ghats has highest leopard population followed by Western Ghats, Shivalik Hills & Gangetic Plains and North East Hills and Brahmaputra Flood Plains. • According to India’s Tiger Census 2018, Tiger range has found home to 12,852 (12,172- 13,535) leopards. • 5,240 adult individual leopards have been identified from leopard photographs using pattern recognition software. • Out of a total 10,602 surveyed grids in India, leopard presence has been recorded for 3,475 grids.

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• There are around 12,800 leopards within the tiger range. Relevance: • In July 2020, India’s tiger Census 2018 has entered Guinness Book of World Records for being the world’s largest camera-trap wildlife survey. About Status of Leopard Report: • It has been prepared by National Tiger Conservatory Authority (NTCA), New Delhi and Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun. • Leopards habituated in tiger ranges have only been estimated in the survey. Status of Leopards • Protected under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. • Listed under Vulnerable category in International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red list. • Appendix I of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

1.215 Ministry of Jal Shakti launches “JSA II: Catch the Rain” campaign • Recently, the Union Minister of Jal Shakti and the Union Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, have jointly launched “Jal Shakti Abhiyaan (JSA) II: Catch the Rain” on water conservation and rain water harvesting. • Conducted by - Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangthan (NYKS) • It would be conducted in 623 districts. • It would run from mid-December 2020 to March 2021 About Catch the Rain Campaign: • It has been launched by National Water Mission. • Tagline: “catch the rain, where it falls, when it falls” • Aim: To encourage people to create Rain Water Harvesting Structures (RWHS) during monsoon. About National Water Mission: Launch Year 2009 Ministry Ministry of Jal Shakti Aim • To ensure integrated water resource management helping to conserve water, minimize wastage and ensure more equitable distribution both across and within states.

1.216 Skill India undertakes Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for workers under Department of Panchayati Raj in Chandauli and Varanasi • Recently the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has started conducting a Special Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program for workers, with Department of Panchayati Raj (DoPR) in Chandauli and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.

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• Objective: to promote decentralization and local governance for better planning and implementation of skill development programme. • Implemented under - Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP) Programme. • Implementing agency – National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) • Uttar Pradesh has set up RPL camps and started training in October 2020, under Phase I. • Phase II has been rolled out in: o 167 gram panchayats in Sevapuri and Baragaon blocks in Varanasi. o 160 gram panchayats in Niyamatabad and Sahabganj blocks in Chandauli. About RPL: • It has been launched as a part of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) About SANKALP Programme: Launch Year January 2018 Implemented by Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Aim • improve short term skill training qualitatively and quantitatively through strengthening institutions, bring in better market connectivity and inclusion of marginalized sections of the society Target Year March 2023

1.217 Tech Startup Digiboxx plans to hire 5,000 engineers • Recently, the technology startup Digiboxx has planned to hire 5,000 employees in the next three years. About Digiboxx: • It is India’s Indigenous cloud storage platform, based in Gurugram, Haryana • It has been launched by National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog • It has started offering up to 20 gigabyte (GB) of free online storage in which an user can store and share file size of up to 2 GB.

1.218 World Bank approves 4 Development Projects worth $800 million • Recently, the World has approved 4 Development Projects in India amounting to $800 million: Key Details about the projects: Project Name Loan approved Chhattisgarh Inclusive Rural and Accelerated Agriculture Growth $100 million Project (CHIRAAG) Enhancing Classroom Teaching and Resources Project, Nagaland $68 million Second Accelerating India's COVID-19 Social Protection Response $400 million Program Second Dam Improvement and Rehabilitation Project (DRIP-2) $250 million

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1.219 Pollution deaths in India increased to 1.67 million in 2019: Lancet report • Recently, The Lancet has released “Health and economic impact of air pollution in the states of India: the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019”. • According to the report, India’s pollution related deaths have been increased to 1.67 million in 2019. Key Findings: • Pollution related deaths have accounted for 17.8% of total deaths in 2019. • Top 3 contributors for pollution deaths: Ambient Particulate Matter (PM 2.5) Pollution followed by Household Air Pollution and Ambient Ozone Pollution • Death rate o Household air pollution has decreased by 64·2%, from 1990 to 2019. o Ambient particulate pollution has increased by 115.3%, from 1990 to 2019. o Ambient ozone pollution has increased by 139·2%, from 1990 to 2019. • The deaths in 2019 has led to a total loss of USD 36.8 billion, or 1.36% of India's gross domestic product (GDP). • Delhi has experienced highest per-capita economic loss due to air pollution, followed by Haryana in 2019. About the study: • It is a special study conducted by the Lancet Planetary Earth Journal. • The last study has been conducted in 2017.

1.220 Bihar cabinet approves proposal of free Covid-19 vaccine • Recently, The Bihar Cabinet has approved a proposal to provide free COVID-19 vaccine to people of the state.

1.221 India – Uzbekistan sign nine agreements to strengthen strategic partnership • Recently, India and Uzbekistan Governments have signed nine agreements at the India- Uzbekistan Virtual Summit to strengthen strategic partnership in the areas of Solar Energy, Digital Technologies, High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP), etc. • Objective: To facilitate investment promotion, trade and economic cooperation. Key highlights: • India has approved a $448 million Line of Credit four development projects in Uzbekistan in the areas of road construction, sewerage development and information technology. Relevance: • India has offered $1 billion Line of Credit to the Central Asian Countries at the “2nd India – Central Asia Dialogue” held in October 2020.

1.222 Amazon India launches Saathi Programme • Recently, Amazon India has launched a peer mentorship programme called Saathi, to benefit 7 lakh sellers on Amazon & Small and Medium Businesses (SMB) across India. • It would help sellers to share their experience of doing an online business.

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• Amazon has hosted 'Amazon Saathi: Meet and Greet 2020' summit as a part of the launch.

1.223 Asian Development Bank launches Covid-19 Vaccine Scheme • Recently, Asian Development Bank has launched a $9 billion Covid-19 vaccine scheme to procure and deliver vaccines. • It has been named as Asia Pacific Vaccine Access Facility (APVAX). • Aim: To provide ‘rapid and equitable support’ to the member countries to deliver effective covid-19 vaccines. • ADB as a part of Trade and Supply Chain Finance Program, has made a $500 million Vaccine Import Facility, to support development of secure vaccines by the member countries.

1.224 Maharashtra experienced seven-fold increase in drought: Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) study • According to a recent report “Preparing India for Extreme Climate Events- Mapping Hotspots and Response Mechanisms”, released by CEEW, Maharashtra has experienced seven fold increase in drought event and six fold increase in extreme flood events since 1970. Key Findings: • India has witnessed 250 extreme climate events during 1970-2005. • 310 extreme weather events have been recorded after 2005. • More than 75% of Indian districts have been identified as hotspots of extreme climate events. • 97.51 million people have been exposed to extreme flood events in India annually. About the report: • It is a first of its kind report published by CEEW. • It has adopted pentad decadal analysis for a timeline of 50 years (1970-2019).

1.225 National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) phase 1 released • Recently, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has released the Phase 1 findings of the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5), for the period 2019-20. • The survey has analysed data of 17 states and 5 Union Territories. • Released by - International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai • The state factsheet released include information on 131 key indicators. • Released on - Universal Health Coverage Day Key findings: • Total Fertility Rate o Out of the 17 states, except for Bihar, Manipur and Meghalaya, remaining states have a Total Fertility Rate of 2.1 or less, indicating attainment of replacement level fertility. 1. Sikkim has recorded the lowest TFR - 1.1 2. Bihar has recorded the highest TFR - 3 • Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR) o All 17 states have showed an increase in use of modern contraceptives or family planning.

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o Himachal Pradesh and West Bengal (74%) have showed the maximum increase in Overall Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR). o All states, except Manipur, have reported an increase in users receiving information about side effects of contraceptives. • Unmet needs of family planning o Except for Meghalaya and Andhra Pradesh women with unmet needs of family planning who want to delay child birth, but who do not use contraceptives have declined to less than 10%. • Full Immunization of Children o More than two-third of children are fully immunized in all the States and UTs except Nagaland, Meghalaya and Assam. o In almost three-fourths of districts, 70% or more children aged 12-23 months are fully immunized against childhood diseases. o 11 out of the 22 states/UTs have shown an increase of over 10 percentage point and in 4 states/UTs it is between 5 to 9 percentage point over the short span of 4 years. • More women are able to make household decisions in 9 states. • More than 60% women in the 22 states/UT have bank accounts. • More women have bank accounts in Assam (78.5%), Bihar (76.7%), Gujarat (70%) and West Bengal (76.5%) • Sex Ratio at Birth o It has remained unchanged or increased in most States/UTs. o Majority of the states are in normal sex ratio of 952 or above. o Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) is below 900 in Telangana (894), Himachal Pradesh (875), Goa (838), Dadra and Nagerhaveli & Diu and Daman (817) • Institutional Delivery o Over four-fifth of the women delivering in institutions in 19 States and UTs. o Institutional delivery is over 90 % in 14 states. o 91% of districts recorded over 70% institutional deliveries of births in the 5 years preceding the survey. o 13 states showed an increase in Ante Natal Care (ANC) visit recommendations by health providers. • Child nutrition o Top 3 states with high Children Under 5 stunting rates: 1. Maharashtra 2. West Bengal 3. Telangana o The percentage of children under 5 with stunting in Kerala has increased to 23.4% in NFHS. o More than half of the children and women are anaemic in 13 states. o Anaemia among pregnant women has also increased in half of the States/UTs • Highest Percentage of men with high Blood glucose levels

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o Kerala followed by Goa. • Sanitization o The use of cooking fuel has increased more than 10 percentage point in all the States and UTs during the last 4 years with over 25 percentage point increase in states of Karnataka and Telangana. • Top 3 states of highest Female Sterilization: o Andhra Pradesh o Telangana o Kerala • Top 3 states showing increase in child marriage: o Tripura o Assam o Manipur About NFHS: • First round of NFHS has been conducted in 1992-93. • Phase 2 survey results of the remaining states would be released by February/March 2021. • Goals: o to provide essential data on health and family welfare needed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and other agencies. o to provide information on important emerging health and family welfare issues. About Universal Health Coverage Day 2020 • It has been celebrated on 12th December annually • Theme: “Health For All: Protect Everyone”.

1.226 Less than 45% households in 5 states use clean fuel for cooking: NFHS-5 Survey • According to the recently released National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) for 2019- 20, by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, less than 45% households use clean fuel for cooking in 5 states. Key Findings: • States with less than 45% households using clean fuel for cooking: o Nagaland o Assam o West Bengal o Bihar o Meghalaya • Top 3 states with over 80% households using clean fuel for cooking: o Goa o Telangana o Mizoram • More than 70% of the population in 16 states are living in households that use an improved sanitation facility. Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609

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• Top 2 states with households living with improved sanitation facility o Lakshadweep o Kerala • Top 2 states with households living with lowest sanitation facility: o Bihar o Ladakh. • More than 90% of surveyed population have been living in households with electricity. • More than 70% of surveyed population have been living in households with improved drinking water sources.

1.227 Women Scientists’ and Entrepreneurs’ Conclave of IISF 2020 • Recently, Women Scientists’ and Entrepreneurs’ Conclave of IISF 2020 has taken place. • Theme “Touching the Skies Showcasing Real Life Journeys”. • Important Speakers o Mrs. Harpreet Singh – First woman to be selected by Air India as the first woman commercial pilot of India. • IISF Conclave on Assistive Technologies and Divyangjan has also taken place • Theme - “Empowering Divyangjan through Science, Technology and Innovations for Self- Reliance.” • During the conclave, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment has discussed about Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan.

1.228 Skill Ministry and Tata launch first batch of Indian Institute of Skills, Mumbai • Recently, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Tata have launched the first batch of Tata-Indian Institute of Skills, Mumbai. • It will commence training with two courses in Factory Automation and will offer an early bird scholarship scheme of 75% has for the first 100 students/trainees.

1.229 DGT - MSDE inks pact with MICROSOFT and NASSCOM FOUNDATION for digital skilling to augment the employability of Young India • Recently, The Directorate General of Training (DGT) has joined hands with Microsoft and NASSCOM Foundation to provide a digital content for ITI students and also future-ready employability skilling program for upskilling and reskilling. • Under the agreement, Microsoft has facilitated access to free content available on Microsoft Learn platform, by linking the Global Skilling Initiative (GSI) through the Bharatskills platform. • It has also supported the digitization of the entire content of a popular course - ‘Computer Operating and Programming Assistant’ (COPA) through the NASSCOM Foundation. About Bharatskills • Launched in – October 2019 • It is a Central Repository for skills which provide National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) curriculum, course material, videos, question banks and mock test etc.

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• Its usage has increased from around 90,000 users in March 2020 to more than 16.55 Lakh users having accessed the portal as on December 2020.

1.230 Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Launches Mobile Application “Swachhata Abhiyan” • Recently, Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment has launched Mobile Application “Swachhata Abhiyan.” • Developed to identify and geotag the data of insanitary latrines and manual scavengers so that the insanitary latrines can be replaced with sanitary latrines and rehabilitate all the manual scavengers to provide dignity of life to them. Key Data Shared • Census 2011 has reported existence of more than 26 Lakh such insanitary latrines in India. • Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 o It has mandated survey of insanitary latrines, their demolition and construction of sanitary latrines in their place.

1.231 TRIFED Signs MoU with MOFPI For Upliftment of Tribal Lives Through the Implementation of PM- FME Scheme • Recently, TRIFED has signed MoU with Minister of Food Processing Industry (MOFPI) For Upliftment of Tribal Lives Through the Implementation of PM- FME Scheme. Note: PMFME Scheme discussed in the October 2020 Magazine.

1.232 National Task Force Discusses testing, treatment and surveillance strategies for COVID-19 in view of the new virus strain from UK • Recently, National Task Force has been convened by ICMR under co-chairpersonship of Prof. Vinod Paul and Prof. Balram Bhargava • It has discussed testing, treatment and surveillance strategies for COVID-19 in view of the new virus strain from UK. Important Information • A genomic surveillance consortium, INSACOG, has been formed under the leadership of NCDC, New Delhi for laboratory and epidemiological surveillance of circulating strains of SARS-CoV-2 in India. About Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Consortia (INSACOG) • Aim - To monitor the genomic variations in the SARS-CoV-2 on a regular basis through a multi- laboratory network. • Coordinated by – Department of Biotechnology (DBT) along with MoH&FW, ICMR, and CSIR.

1.233 KVIC Brings Alive 1000-yrs Old Monpa Handmade Paper Industry in Tawang to Revive the Heritage Art • Recently, KVIC has commissioned a Monpa handmade paper making unit in Tawang. • It has been commissioned to Revive the Heritage Art of Arunachal Pradesh. About Mon Shugu Paper Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609

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• It is fine-textured handmade paper which is integral to the vibrant culture of the local tribes in Tawang.

1.234 PM flags off 100th Kisan Rail • Recently, Prime Minister has flagged off the 100th Kisan Rail from Sangola in Maharashtra to Shalimar in West Bengal. About Kisan Rail • First ‘Kisan Rail’ dedicated to agriculture and farmers runs from Deolali in Maharashtra to in Bihar was begun in August 2020 to connect farmers and markets across India.

1.235 International Blue Flag hoisted at 8 beaches across India • Recently, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change has virtually hoisted the international blue flags in 8 beaches across India. o Kappad (Kerala) o Shivrajpur (Gujarat) o Ghoghla (Diu) o Kasarkod (Karnataka) o Padubidri (Karnataka) o Rushikonda (Andhra Pradesh) o Golden (Odisha) o Radhanagar (Andaman & Nicobar Islands) Background • India has launched its beach cleaning campaign “IAMSAVINGMYBEACH” in 2018 at 13 coastal states. About BEAMS • BEAMS stands for Beach Environment & Aesthetics Management Services. • The program has promoted beach recreation in absolute harmony with nature. • Launched by - Society of Integrated Coastal Management (SICOM, MoEFCC) under its Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (ICZM). • It has been one of the several other projects of ICZM that Govt of India has undertaken for the sustainable development of coastal regions, striving for globally recognized and the coveted eco-label ‘Blue flag”. • Key achievements o It has been introduced in 10 coastal states that have resulted into international level of cleanliness. o Over 500 tonnes of solid waste have been collected, recycled and scientifically disposed that has reduced the menace of marine litter by over 78% and marine plastic by over 83%. o Approximately 11000 KL of water was saved by recycling & reuse with BEAMS program, which has resulted into an increase in footfall at these beaches by over 85% cumulative. About Blue Flag Certification

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• Blue Flag certification is a globally recognised eco-label accorded by "Foundation for Environment Education in Denmark" based on 33 stringent criteria.

1.236 Union Health Minister inaugurates India’s First Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine • Recently, Union Health Minister has inaugurated India’s first Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine named as “Pneumosil.” • Developed by – Serum Institute of India Private Limited (SIIPL) in collaboration with partners like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

1.237 Union Health Minister digitally inaugurates the 7th NHM National Summit on Good, Replicable Practices • Recently, Union Health Minister has digitally inaugurated the 7th National Summit on Good, Replicable Practices and Innovations in Public Healthcare Systems in India and New Health Management Information System (HMIS) along with the Operational Guidelines for TB services and the Operational Guidelines 2020 on Active Case Detection and Regular Surveillance for Leprosy. Key Information Shared • Department of Health and Family Welfare has recently won Digital India award 2020 under Open Data Champion category for the eSanjeevani digital platform. • The number of missing cases has reduced to 2.9 lakh cases in 2019 as compared to more than 10 lakh cases in 2017. Note – First National Summit on Good, Replicable Practices and Innovations in Public Healthcare Systems in India has taken place in 2013 at Srinagar

1.238 Union Health Minister nominated to the Board of GAVI Board • Recently, Union Health Minister has been nominated by the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI) as a member on the GAVI Board. • He will be representing the South East Area Regional Office (SEARO)/ Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO) constituency on the GAVI Board. • Tenure – 1st January 2021 – 31st December 2023.

1.239 Union Minister of Science& Technology, releases the report Action Agenda for an AtmaNirbhar Bharat(AAAN) prepared by TIFAC • Recently, Union Minister of Science& Technology has released the report titled “Action Agenda for an AtmaNirbhar Bharat(AAAN)”. • Prepared by - Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC). Key Highlights • It is a consequential follow-up of the TIFAC’s White Paper on Focused Interventions for ‘’: post COVID -19. • The White Paper highlighted five thrust sectors that would be critical for India’s economic growth post-COVID using technology stimulus and captured sector-specific strengths, market trends and opportunities. Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609

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o Healthcare o Machinery o ICT o Agriculture o Manufacturing o Electronics • A roadmap should be drawn for implementing the key suggestions in the AAAN report by 15th August, 2022. Salient Recommendations: • Innovation and Technology development o Development of Phase Zero Programme for supporting proof of concept to cross the value of death from earlystage research to commercialization by providing necessary infrastructure expertise and personnel, incubation and accelerator facilities • Technology adoption/ diffusion • Manufacturing and Productivity, • Create an ecosystem for the propagation of Industry 4.0 by every Indian manufacturer by 2025 • Trade and globalization • Education and Training & Internet Policy • AI & Data management • Information and Communication Technology

1.240 24 digital governance initiatives/ products by Government entities under 7 categories received Digital India Awards 2020 • Recently, 24 digital governance initiatives/ products by Government entities under 7 categories received Digital India Awards 2020. • The awards have been presented in six categories: o Innovation in Pandemic o Excellence in Digital Governance - MINISTRY / DEPARTMENT (Central) o Excellence in Digital Governance - STATE / UT o Excellence in Digital Governance – DISTRICT o Open Data Champion o Exemplary Product o Jury's Choice Important Awardees o E-committee of Supreme court of India was conferred with the Platinum award for Excellence

1.241 Minister of State for Tourism takes a review meeting of “Adopt a Heritage: Apni Dharohar, Apni Pehchaan” Project • Recently, Minister of State for Tourism and Culture (I/C) has taken a review meeting of the “Adopt a Heritage: Apni Dharohar, Apni Pehchaan” project.

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About Adopt a Heritage: Apni Dharohar, Apni Pehchan Project • It is a collaborative effort by the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture, Archaeological Survey of India and State/ UTs Government for developing tourism amenities at heritage/ natural/ tourist sites spread across India for making them tourist friendly, in a planned and phased manner. • Aim – To encourage companies from public sector, private sector, trusts etc. to become ‘Monument Mitras’ and take up the responsibility of developing and upgrading the basic and advanced tourist amenities at these sites as per their interest and viability in terms of a sustainable investment model under CSR. • Under the project, 27 Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) have been awarded to 12 Monument Mitras for twenty-five (25) sites and two (2) Technological interventions across India.

1.242 KVIC Distributed Rs. 30 crores to Khadi Artisans in J&K During Covid- 19 to Sustain Their Lives • Recently, KVIC has distributed Rs. 30 crore to Khadi Artisans in J&K During Covid- 19 to Sustain Their Lives under its Modified Marketing Development Assistance (MMDA) scheme which is directly linked with the production activities. • KVIC provides Market Development Assistance to the registered Khadi Institutions and 40% of total MMDA is provided to the Khadi artisans engaged in production activity.

1.243 Virtual Agri-hackathon Atmanirbhar Krishi inaugurated • Recently, Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare has inaugurated the Virtual Agri- hackathon 2020. • Organized by - Department of Agriculture and Cooperation and Farmers’ Welfare in association with IARI, Pusa. • It is a first of its kind & the largest virtual event in the history of Indian agriculture. Key Highlights • It will also host speaker sessions called Agri India Meets • Winners will get a cash prize of INR 1,00,000. • The winning innovations will get pre-seed & seed-stage funding of 5 Lakhs & 25 Lakhs.

1.244 Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme gets implemented from 01.01.2021 • Recently, Government has decided to extend the benefit of the Scheme for Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) to all export goods with effect from 1st January, 2021. • The RoDTEP rates would be notified shortly by the Department of Commerce, based on the recommendation of a Committee chaired by Dr. G.K. Pillai.

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1.245 TRIFED Signs MoU with Day-NRLM M/O Rural Development to Foster Tribal Livelihood Development Through Synergies • Recently, TRIFED has tied up with Deen Dayal Antyodaya- National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM) to undertake economic support programmes that will help boost livelihoods especially that of the SHG women, including those from tribal populations in India. Key Highlights • It has been agreed to establish market operatives synergy between the State Implementing Agencies that are implementing MSP for MFP and the State Rural Livelihood Mission (SRLM) to protect tribal gatherers against unfair practices of middlemen. • TRIFED will empanel the Self Help Groups or Farmer Produce Organizations with majority tribal members (as identified by NRLM) and will enable the sale of their products through both its online and offline network.

1.246 Cabinet approves Deepening and Optimization of Inner Harbour Facilities including Development of Western Dock on Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis under Public- Private Partnership PPP mode to handle cape size vessels at Paradip Port • Recently, Cabinet has approved Deepening and Optimization of Inner Harbour Facilities including Development of Western Dock on Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis under Public-Private Partnership PPP mode to handle cape size vessels at Paradip Port. Details of the Project Developed by Selected Concessionaire on BOT basis. Estimated Cost • Rs.3,004.63 Crore. o Development of the new Western Dock on BOT basis - Rs.2,040 Crore o Capital dredging by the selected Concessionaire - Rs.352.13 Crore. • Paradip Port's investment – Rs.612.50 Crore towards providing Common Supporting Project Infrastructure Capacity 25 MTPA (Million tonnes per annum) in two phases of 12.50 MTPA each. Impact • De-congestion of the Port • Reduce Sea freight making coal imports cheaper • Boost the industrial economy in the hinterland of the port leading to creation of job opportunities.

1.247 Assam cabinet approves Bill to make Bodo associate official language of state • Recently, Assam cabinet has approved the Assam Official Language Amendment Bill for making Bodo (in Devanagari script) an associate official language of the state. • It has also approved setting up of the Bodo Kachari autonomous welfare council.

1.248 Vizag is best performing municipal corporation • Recently, Visakhapatnam has been selected as the Best Performing Municipal Corporation in the annual awards announced by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs for implementing the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban Mission.

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• Andhra Pradesh has been ranked at the 3rd position in the ‘Best Performing State’ category and has also won a special category award for innovative construction technology and project monitoring tools. • Three housing beneficiaries of the state, including Satraboina, Durga of Vishakhapatnam have been selected under the “best house construction” category. About the award • It is an annual award for recognizing the contribution to PMAY-Urban. • Presented by - Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry

1.249 Public Health Act Needed to Keep Private Hospitals in Check: Parliamentary Panel • Recently, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs led by Anand Sharma has released a report titled 'Management of Covid-19 Pandemic and Coordination with State Governments.' Key Highlights • Government hospitals bore the largest share of the burden of extending comprehensive healthcare during the pandemic. • It has recommended that there is a need for a comprehensive public health act preferably at the national level with suitable legal provisions to support the government in keeping checks and controls over the private hospitals. • A national database for migrant workers has to be collated swiftly for better “tracking and monitoring mechanism”.

1.250 UNICEF launches tool to track developments in Covid-19 vaccine market • Recently, UNICEF has launched tool to track developments in Covid-19 vaccine market. • Dashboard name - Covid-19 Vaccine Market Dashboard. About Dashboard • It is an interactive tool for countries, partners and industry to follow the developments of the rapidly evolving COVID-19 vaccine market and the efforts of the COVAX Facility to ensure fair and equitable access for every country in the world.

1.251 Himachal Pradesh govt to frame integrated Drug Prevention Policy • Recently, Himachal Pradesh government has decided to frame an integrated Drug Prevention Policy including Drug Prevention, Treatment, Management and Rehabilitation Programme. • It has also decided to introduce a chapter on ill-effects of drug abuse in the syllabus of government schools to sensitize the students.

1.252 Gujarat: State to host India’s first Lithium refinery • Recently, Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister of Gujarat has informed that India’s first Lithium-ion battery manufacturing plant “TDS Lithium-Ion Battery Gujarat Private Ltd” would be operationalized by 2021.

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• Set up jointly by – Toshiba Corporation, DENSO Corporation and Suzuki Motor Corporation to manufacture and supply batteries to Suzuki Motor Gujarat plant in Hansalpur.

1.253 Centre to implement Coal Import Monitoring System from February 1 • The government would be implementing a Coal Import Monitoring System (CIMS) from 1st February. About Coal Import Monitoring System (CIMS) • It requires importers to submit advance information in an online system for import of items and obtain an automatic Registration Number. • The programme will subject to Imports of anthracite coal, bituminous coal, coking coal, and steam coal. • Registration fee – ₹1 per thousand, subject to minimum of ₹500 and maximum of ₹1 lakh on CIF value. • Validity – 75 Days

1.254 Centralised investment clearance cell by April 15 • Recently, ‘Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade’(DPIIT) has announced the deadline of the establishment of ‘Centralised investment clearance cell’. • Deadline – 15th April 2021. About Investment Clearance Cell • It will provide “end to end” facilitation and support, including pre-investment advisory, information related to land banks and facilitate clearances at Centre and State level. • It will work through a portal that will integrate the existing clearance systems of the various Ministries/Departments of Union and State Governments without disruption to the existing IT portals of Ministries.

1.255 Jharkhand Government approves Farm Loan Waiver Scheme • Recently, the Jharkhand Government has approved a Farm Loan Waiver Scheme to provide relief to the farmers in the state, through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

1.256 Tripura to offer government jobs to the families of those lost in political violence • Recently, the Tripura Government has decided to offer government jobs to the families of those lost in political violence till March 2018. Key Highlights: • A six-member committee headed by Shri Ratan Lal Nath set up to scrutinize the applications received under the scheme. • Eligibility Criteria: o Employment will be provided to one member from the victim family which do not have any other earning member. o It would be provided only after the confirmation of incident from the district Superintendent of Police.

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1.257 Prime Minister launches Ayushman Bharat PM JAY SEHAT Scheme in Jammu & Kashmir • Recently the Prime Minister has launched Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana Social Endeavour for Health and Telemedicine (PM JAY SEHAT Scheme) in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). • Aim: To provide Universal Health Coverage to the residents of Jammu & Kashmir. Key Highlights: • It would provide free insurance coverage to all the residents of J&K. • Financial cover upto Rs. 5 lakhs per family would be provided on a floater basis. Note: Ayushman Bharat has been covered in month of November 2020.

1.258 Prime Minister releases the 7th instalment of benefits under PM KISAN • Recently, 7th instalment of financial benefits under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM KISAN) has been released. Key Highlights: • Rs 18,000 crores have been credited to 9 crore farmer families through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). • More than Rs 1 lakh 10 thousand rupees have been credited to farmer accounts by December 2020. Other Important farmer centric schemes by Government to reduce input costs: • Government has fixed 1.5 times the production cost as Minimum Support Price (MSP) as per the recommendations of Swaminathan Committee Report- “National Commission on Farmers”. • More than Rs. 1 crore worth agri products have been trades in Mandis. • Neem Coating of Urea: o Included in Fertilization Control Order (FCO) in July 2004. o Government has mandated all indigenous producers of Urea to produce 100% of urea as Neem coated urea only.

1.259 E- Sampada launched on Good Governance Day • Recently, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has launched E-Sampada web portal and mobile application on the 7th National Good Governance Day. • Aim: To Simplify Processes, Bring Uniformity, promote transparency and good governance In systems across India. Key Highlights: • As a part of ‘One Nation, One System’, four websites and two mobile applications have been integrated into one single portal called E-Sampada. • E-Sampada has been developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC). • Sampada portal and app would facilitate: o Facilities to lodge complaints, submit documents, appear for virtual hearing and a Chatbot facility to address the queries.

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1.260 Jal Jeevan Mission Launches Innovation Challenge for Developing Portable Devices to Test Drinking Water Quality • Recently, National Jal Jeevan Mission, in partnership with Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has launched an innovation challenge for developing portable devices to test drinking water quality. • Objective: to design an innovative, modular, and cost-effective solution to develop portable devices that can be used at the household level to test the drinking water quality instantly, easily and accurately.

1.261 CCEA approves changes in Post Matric Scholarships for SC students • Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has announced major changes in Post Matric Scholarships for Scheduled Caste (PMS - SC) students. • Aim: To increase the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) of SC students, to reach up to the National standards within the 5 year period. Key Highlights: • Investment approved: Rs 59,048 Crores. • Out of the total, Central Government would be spending Rs. 35,534 Cr (60%) and the remaining would be spent by the state governments, replacing the common liability system. • Central Government has funded around Rs 1100 crore annually during 2017-18 to 2019-20 which would be increased to around Rs 6000 crore annually during 2020-21 to 2025-26. About Post Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled castes (PMS-SC) scheme: Launch Year 1944 Implemented Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment By Objectives • To provide scholarships from SC community to study any post matric course from 11th standard onwards.

1.262 Defence Secretary Launched DGNCC digital forum • Recently, the Defence Secretary has launched the digital forum of the Directorate General National Cadet Corps (DGNCC) and applauded the contribution of 1 Lakh NCC cadets in Exercise Yogdan. About Exercise NCC Yogdan: • Launched in – April 2020 by the Ministry of Defence • Under the exercise, cadets have helped state government and municipal authorities in providing relief measures against Covid-19.

1.263 Grand Challenge for strengthening the CoWIN System • Recently, Grand Challenge for strengthening the COVID Vaccine Intelligence Network (CoWIN) system has been announced. • Jointly launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) & Ministry of Information Technology (MeitY) on MeitY Startup Hub (MSH) portal.

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Key Highlights: • MoHFW identifies 7 focus areas of technology development to address the limitations associated with complete and effective vaccine distribution system (VDS) and administration across India. • Top 5 applicants would be provided the CoWIN APIs (Application Programming Interface) to prove the usefulness of their results and would be awarded Rs. 2 Lakhs to meet logistical requirements. • Top 2 contestants from the challenge would be rewarded with Rs. 40 Lakhs and 20 Lakhs. About COVID Vaccine Intelligence Network (CoWIN) system • It is a digitalised platform to be used to effectively roll out and scale up the mechanism for COVID Vaccine Distribution System in India.

1.264 Department of Consumer Affairs celebrates National Consumer Day 2020 • Recently, the Department of Consumer Affairs in association with Centre for Consumer Studies, Indian Institute of Public Administration (CCS-IIPA) has celebrated the National Consumer Day 2020. • Theme: New Features of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. About National Consumer Day: • It has been celebrated annually across India on 24th December. Note: World Consumer Rights day, celebrated on 15th March annually.

1.265 Haryana Government approves new enterprise and employment policy • Recently, the Haryana Cabinet has approved the Haryana Enterprises and Employment Policy 2020 to provide special emphasis on the development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) • Aim: To make Haryana, a favoured destination for investments and attract over Rs 1 lakh crores.

1.266 Government notifies Issue of Electoral Bearer Bonds • Recently, the Ministry of Finance has notified the 14th phase issue of the electoral bearer bonds from 1st January 2021 to 10th January 2021. About Electoral Bearer Bond Scheme: Launch Year January 2018 Implemented by Ministry of Finance Features • It can be purchased by individuals/ group of individuals who are Indian Citizen or incorporated or established in India • It can be issued and encashed only in any one of the 29 Authorized State Bank of India Branches across India. Eligibility • Only the Political Parties registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (43 of 1951) .

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• Secured not less than 1 % of the votes polled in the last General Election to the Legislative Assembly of the State. Validity • Only 15 days

1.267 WHO launches Covid-19 app to counter pandemic misinformation • Recently, World Health Organization has launched a mobile application called the ‘WHO Covid-19 app’ to provide updated information on the covid-19 disease. • Objective: To provide trusted information from both the experts at the WHO and regional partners, with regular updates and notifications as scientific findings progress.” • Currently available only in Nigeria.

1.268 Central Government unveils Global Pravasi Rishta portal & mobile application • Recently, the Ministry of External Affairs has launched Global Pravasi Rishta portal & mobile application. • These would facilitate a dynamic communication platform for the Indian Diaspora all over the world.

1.269 Andhra Pradesh Government to implement 2nd phase of Jagananna Amma Vodi scheme • Recently, the Andhra Pradesh government has decided to implement the 2nd phase of the Jagananna Amma Vodi 2020-21 scheme in January 2021. Key Highlights: • It provides financial assistance to the mothers/ guardians of the students from Class 1 to 12 (Intermediate Education) who are below the poverty line. • Mnimum attendance requirement of 75% of the scheme has been removed, as students couldn’t attend school because of the pandemic. • Financial Assistance - Rs 15,000 out of which Rs 1,000 would be deducted and deposited in the District Toilet Maintenance Fund for construction/maintenance of toilets in school campuses. • Exceptions: students pursuing Indian Institute of Technology (IIT),Polytechnic and Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIIT) courses as they are covered under the Jagananna Vidya Deevena and Jagananna Vasathi Deevena

1.270 India’s economy could prove to be “most resilient” in subregion over long term • Recently, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) has released its annual “Asia- Pacific Trade and Investment Trends - Foreign Direct Investment Trends And Outlook In Asia And The Pacific 2020/2021”. Key Findings: • Global FDI inflows increased by 30% to $1.5 billion in 2019, and FDI outflows increased by 33% to $1.3 billion. • Top 3 countries with major greenfield investments in 2019: o Vietnam Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609

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o India o Sri Lanka India Specific Finding • India’s economy could prove to be “most resilient” in sub region over long term. • It has accounted for 77% of the total inflows to the sub region and received $51 billion in 2019, with 20% increase from 2018. • It has accounted for 80% of total outflows from the sub region, with an investment of $12.1 billion in 2019, with 10% increase from 2018. • 87% of the greenfield flows are for India, although overall greenfield inflows in India decreased by 29%. • FDI from India is projected to decline in 2020, with the largest Multi-National Enterprises (MNEs) revising their earnings down by 25% in early 2020. • By 2025, important digital sectors in India would grow double the size. Facebook and Google’s investment in Jio Platforms in 2020 worth USD 5.7 billion and USD 4.5 billion respectively proves the same.

1.271 Centre proposes university for disability /rehabilitation sciences • Recently, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has released the draft University of Disabilities Studies and Rehabilitation Sciences Bill, 2021. Key Proposals: • A “first of its Kind” university for disability /rehabilitation sciences to be set up in Kamrup district, Assam. • Eight departments — disability studies; rehabilitation sciences; audiology and speech language pathology; special education; psychology; nursing; orthotics, prosthetics and assistive technology; and inclusive and universal design. • Estimated cost of establishing University: Rs 1,320 crores

1.272 ADB to provide $231 mn loan to enhance power generation capacity in Assam • Recently, ADB and the Government of India has signed the loan agreement to provide $231 mn loan to enhance power generation capacity in Assam. • River – Kopili • USD 2-million grant from the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction (JFPR) is also associated with the project to finance equipment and consulting services to improve capacity for resource management and community resilience.

1.273 FSSAI notifies standards for fortification of processed food products • Recently, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has notified norms for permissible levels of micronutrients for fortifying processed food products such as breakfast cereals, biscuits, breads, rusks, pasta, noodles, buns and fruit juices. • These are part of the Food Safety and Standards (Fortification of Foods) First Amendment Regulations, 2020 and will come into effect from 1st July 2021.

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Key Highlights • The Fortified Processed Food shall provide 15-30 per cent of the Indian adult RDA (Recommended dietary Allowance) of micronutrient, based on an average calorie intake of 600 kcal from processed foods. • Defined the levels of the vitamins and minerals per 100 gm.

1.274 Karnataka SDGs Vision 2030 calls for increase in women work participation, land claim • Recently, Chief Minister of Karnataka has launched “Karnataka SDG Vision 2030” that has called for increase in women work participation, land claim. • Released by - Department of Planning, Programme Monitoring and Statistics of Karnataka headed by Shalini Rajneesh. Key Highlights • It called for reducing unemployment to less than 1% from 4.8% (2019) by establishing industries to process farm produce under ‘Atmanirbhar’ scheme. Relevance • NITI Aayog had released its SDG India Index for 2019 in which Karnataka had a composite score of 66 out of 100 and ranked 6th in India.

1.275 Anaemia continues to be a major concern among Indian women and children: Health expert • Recently, HEAL Foundation has organized Unite to Eradicate Anemia E-Summit 2020 to discuss the prospects of an anaemia-free India. Key Highlights • According to the 5th National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), India has the highest total prevalence of anaemia at 39.86 per cent in the world and has more than half of the children and women are anaemic in 13 of the 22 States/UTs. About Anaemia Mukt Bharat • Aim - To strengthen the existing mechanisms and foster newer strategies for tackling anemia.

1.276 Indian entrepreneur among 7 winners of UNEP prize for global change-makers • Recently, Vidyut Mohan from India has been one of the seven winners of the “Young Champions of the Earth” award. • He is the co-founder of “Takachar”, a social enterprise enabling farmers to prevent open burning of their waste farm residues and earn extra income by converting them into value- added chemicals like activated carbon on-site. About "Young Champions of the Earth" 2020 award • It is annually awarded to 7 entrepreneurs under age 30. • Presented by - UNEP to global change-makers using innovative ideas and ambitious action to help solve some of the world's most pressing environmental challenges.

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1.277 All States choose Option-1 to meet the GST implementation shortfall • Recently, Jharkhand becomes the last state to give it acceptance to choose Option-1 to meet the GST implementation shortfall. • Now, All the 28 States and 3 Union Territories with legislature opted for Option-1 to meet the revenue shortfall arising out of the GST implementation. • The window has been operationalized sin ce 23rd October 2020 and the Government of India has already borrowed an amount of Rs.30,000 crore on behalf of the States in five instalments and passed it on to the States and Union Territories, who chose Option-1. • The next instalment of Rs.6,000 crore will be released to the States/UTs on 7th December 2020. • The Government of India has granted additional borrowing permission of ₹1,765 crore to the state government of Jharkhand (0.50 per cent of Jharkhand's GSDP). About Option 1: • Rs.1.10 lakh crore from a special window facilitated by the RBI. • States are also entitled to borrow 0.50% of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) out of the 2% additional borrowings permitted by the Government of India, under Atma Nirbhar Abhiyaan on 17th May 2020. o This is over and above the Special Window of Rs.1.1 lakh crore.

1.278 NSE launches its first agricultural commodity futures contract CDSO • Recently, National Stock Exchange launched its first agricultural commodity futures contract on crude degummed soybean oil. • The contract will facilitate the soybean oils processing and allied industries in India and overseas, a perfect hedging tool for managing their price. • The futures contract is a monthly expiry futures contract with a trading lot size of 10 metric ton (MT) and price basis as Kandla. • The first trade was executed by East India Securities Ltd and Budge Budge Refineries Ltd, one of the premier edible oil refiners. • According to the exchange, day one recorded trading of more than 4,200 tonne with turnover exceeding Rs 44.67 crore indicating positive interest of market

1.279 Government makes it mandatory to mention 8-digit HSN Code for 49 chemical products • Recently, Government made it mandatory to mention 8-digit HSN or tariff code for 49 chemical-based products while issuing Goods and Services Tax (GST) invoice effective from 1st December 2020. • Every supplier of specified chemicals is included irrespective of their scales of operation. Background • Currently, currently 2 digits/4 digits code is mentioned for generating the GST invoice depending upon the turnover. Relevance • Aimed at curbing Tax evasion.

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• Moreover industry players dealing in these goods will have to undertake HSN classification at 8 digit level for their products. About HSN Code • HSN code stands for “Harmonized System of Nomenclature”, it is a 6-digit uniform code that classifies 5000+ products and is accepted worldwide. • Developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and it came into effect from 1988. • India is a member of World Customs Organization (WCO) since 1971. • India was originally using 6-digit HSN codes to classify commodities for Customs and Central Excise. Later Customs and Central Excise added two more digits to make the codes more precise, resulting in an 8 digit classification.

1.280 MCX gets SEBI approval for launch of futures trading in natural rubber • Recently, Multi Commodity Exchange of India Ltd (MCX) has received approval from markets regulator SEBI for the launch of futures trading in natural rubber. • Rubber futures contracts will be available for compulsory delivery for investors who are keen to trade in rubber quality of 'Ribbed Smoked Sheets4' for a minimum lot size of 1 tonne. • The price to be quoted will be for 100 kg as per the ex-warehouse rates, exclusive of all sales and GST with the delivery centre at Palakkad in Kerala.

1.281 IFSCA obtains Membership of International Association of Insurance Supervisors • Recently, The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) has obtained membership of International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS). About IAIS • It is the international standard-setting body responsible for developing and assisting in the implementation of principles, standards and other supporting material for the supervision of the insurance sector. • Voluntary membership organization of insurance supervisors and regulators from more than 200 jurisdictions, constituting 97% of the world's insurance premiums. • Headquarter- Basel, Switzerland Additional Information • 17 leading Insurance entities are operating from GIFT IFSC undertaking offshore Insurance and Reinsurance business.

1.282 GSTN launches taxpayer communication facility on portal • Recently, The GST Network launched the "communication between taxpayer" feature on its portal. • The new functionality will provide communication platform for taxpayers wherein a recipient/purchaser can ask his supplier/s to upload any particular invoice/s that has not been uploaded but is required by the recipient to avail input tax credit (ITC) • Businesses can communicate with their supplier on GSTN portal about invoice uploading or any deficiency therein.

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• Besides, the supplier can send reply to his recipient through the same facility. • Whenever a communication is sent by a taxpayer to his counterpart, intimation by GSTN would also be sent to such counterpart through email and SMS on mobile phone.

1.283 IFSCA notifies International Financial Services Centres Authority (Bullion Exchange) Regulations, 2020 • Recently, IFSCA notified the International Financial Services Centres Authority (Bullion Exchange) Regulations, 2020. • The regulations inter alia cover the Bullion Exchange, Clearing Corporation, Depository, and Vaults. • The regulations are divided into the 16 chapters.

1.284 Bombay Stock Exchange launches e-agricultural spot market platform • Recently, BSE has launched an electronic spot platform for agricultural commodities - "BSE E- Agricultural Markets Ltd. (BEAM)" - through its subsidiary BSE Investments. • Accordingly, the platform functions as a "national level, institutionalised, electronic, transparent commodity spot trading platform. Relevance • With the help of BEAM, farmers in one state will be able to reach out to markets in other states and auction their produce.

1.285 BSE, NSE, MCX gear up for India's first bullion exchange at Gift City • Recently, the government has notified regulations for setting up the bullion exchange in Gift City IFSC. Key Highlights of Regulations • The applicant seeking recognition as a bullion exchange or bullion clearing corporation, as the case may be shall have a minimum net worth of 30 million USD. • The promoter group to hold a maximum 51 per cent equity. This includes equity held by consortium members of the promoter group (domestic or foreign exchange). • The remaining share capital may be acquired or held by any other person (whether Indian or of foreign jurisdiction) with a maximum cap of 5 per cent per investor.

1.286 Reserve Bank announces opening of Second Cohort under the Regulatory Sandbox • Recently, Reserve Bank announced opening of Second Cohort under the Regulatory Sandbox with ‘Cross Border Payments,’ as its theme. Eligibility of Targeted Applicants as per Second Cohort • FinTech companies, including start-ups, banks, financial institutions, and any other company. • Now, Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) and partnership firms are also eligible. • Net worth requirement are also reduced from the existing ₹25 lakh to ₹10 lakh. Background • The Reserve Bank announced the opening of first cohort under the Regulatory Sandbox (RS) with ‘Retail Payments’, as its theme in November 2020. Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609

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About Regulatory Sandbox • RS refers to the live testing of new products or services in a controlled/ test regulatory environment for which regulators may (or may not) permit certain regulatory relaxations for the limited purpose of the testing.

1.287 Paying 1% GST in cash: New GST Rule • Recently, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) had amended rules to make it mandatory for businesses with monthly turnover of over Rs 50 lakh (6 crores annually) to pay at least 1 per cent of their GST liability in cash. • Accordingly, the rule applies only to about 45,000 taxpayers out of the GST taxpayer base of 1.2 crore and genuine dealers and businesses would not be impacted. • The new rule restricts the use of input tax credit (ITC) for discharging GST liability to 99 per cent, effective January 1, 2021. Exemptions • The rule is not applicable in cases where the registered person deposited more than Rs 1 lakh as income tax in each of the last two years and also wherein registered person has received a refund of more than Rs 1 lakh in the preceding financial year on account of export or inverted tax structure. • The rule is also not applicable to government departments, public sector undertakings and local authorities.

1.288 Snapdeal partners with NPCI to enable doorstep digital payments for online orders • Recently, Snapdeal has partnered with National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to allow buyers to make QR-based digital payments at the time of accepting delivery of their orders. • The facility is aimed at new or first-time users who are not comfortable in pre-paying for the goods at the time of purchase. • The facility will work with all UPI-payment options, including Bhim, , Whatsapp Pay, PhonePe, and UPI apps from private & public sector banks like HDFC, SBI, ICICI and others.

1.289 Clear Tax launches investment app ‘Black’ • Recently, the tax-filing portal ClearTax entered the investment space with an app called 'Black.' • The app has been launched with direct mutual funds but will eventually have stocks, national pension system (NPS), PPF, Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme and potentially, cryptocurrency. • The company will charge ₹10,000-15,000 per annum for users with income above ₹15 lakh, while it will be free for lower-income users. • It has obtained a SEBI Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) license to deliver this service. • It will not have features like F&O (Futures and Options) trading.

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1.290 Implementation of CARO order deferred by one year: MCA • According to a recent notification of Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), the Companies (Auditor’s Report) Order, 2020 would come into effect from financial years commencing on or after April 1, 2021. Background • The new reporting regime of CARO 2020–which was introduced by MCA in consultation with National Financial Reporting Authority in February 2020— had superseded CARO 2016. • Under the new regime, an auditor was required to report/certify several details which was so far not required to be certified. As many as 21 items required detailing in the new CARO-2020 • Under this stricter framework, auditors are required to provide detailed disclosures about loan defaults, amount of cash losses and immovable properties as well as other aspects about companies in their annual reports, including whistle blower complaints and default in repayment of borrowings

1.291 Maintaining inflation target at 4% is appropriate: RBI paper • According to a working paper titled “Measuring Trend Inflation in India”- Maintaining the inflation target at 4% is appropriate for India. Background • The inflation target has to be reviewed by end-March 2021. • Section 45ZA of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 mandates that the Central Government shall, in consultation with the Bank, determine the inflation target once in every five years.

1.292 PCMC & UNDP to launch India’s first social impact bond • Recently, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, Maharashtra has signed a MoU with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), to co-create India’s first Social Impact Bond (SIB). • For the first time, a civic body would act as an ‘outcome funder’ in a bond. • The SIB would help PCMC in improving healthcare services for the local residents. About Social Impact Bond • A social impact bond (SIB) is a contract with the public sector or governing authority, whereby it pays for better social outcomes in certain areas and passes on the part of the savings achieved to investors. • Repayment and return on investment are contingent upon the achievement of desired social outcomes. • If the objectives are not achieved, investors receive neither a return nor repayment of principal.

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International News

1.293 UN signs deal with Ethiopia for humanitarian access to Tigray • United Nations has signed a deal with government of Ethiopia to allow unobstructed humanitarian access to the embattled Tigray region. • The deal will allow the first aid to the region of 6 million people that has been cut off due to a fight between the federal and Tigray regional governments. About Ethiopia- • Capital- Addis Ababa • Currency- Ethiopian birr

1.294 Special session of UN General Assembly on COVID-19 • The Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly in Response to the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic has taken place recently in New York. • Aim- To discuss the pandemic’s impact as well as the multi-faceted, coordinated response required to address the greatest global health crisis in decades.

1.295 China signs military deal with Pakistan • Recently, China has signed a new military memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Pakistan. • Aim- To push the military-to-military relationship to a higher level in order to safeguard the sovereignty and security interests of the two countries and safeguard the regional peace and stability.

1.296 Millionaire’s Tax bill passed by Argentina’s senate • Argentina has passed a bill to impose Millionaire’s tax on 12000 of the country’s richest people. • Aim: To generate funds (around 300 billion pesos) for coronavirus measures like medical supplies and relief for poor and small businesses. • Under this people with declared s greater than 200 million pesos will pay a progressive tax of 3.5% on wealth in Argentina and up to 5.25% on wealth outside the country. About Argentina: Capital: Buenos Aires Currency: Peso

1.297 Xi Jinping government eradicated extreme poverty in China • Recently, Xi Jinping (Chinese President) said that Incomes of nearly 100 million people moved above China’s official poverty line. Hence met the party goal of eradicating extreme poverty from China by 2020. • China’s poverty line is slightly below the absolute poverty level of world bank.

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1.298 China successfully launches new Earth observation satellite • Recently, China successfully launched a new Earth observation satellite, Gaofen-14, which can take high-resolution pictures of ground objects across the globe.

1.299 Air force exercise "Shaheen (Eagle)-IX" begins • Recently, the air forces of Pakistan and China have commenced the ninth edition of joint air exercise "Shaheen (Eagle)-IX" in Sindh province of Pakistan. • Aim- To improve the actual level of combat training and strengthen practical cooperation between the two air forces.

1.300 General Lloyd Austin selected for the post of Secretary of Defence in Joe Biden’s government. • Recently, US President Joe Biden nominated retired General Lloyd Austin as the Secretary of Defence for his government. • He became the first black person to take up this role. • Under Trump’s administration, Chris Miller and Mark Esper held this post.

1.301 Akufo-Addo wins second term as the president of Ghana. • Recently, Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo won the election again and secured his second term. About Ghana • Capital: Accra • Currency: Ghanaian Cedi

1.302 PM Modi accepted Boris Johnson’s invitation to accept G7 summit in 2021. • Recently, Mr Modi accepted British PM Boris Johnson’s invitation to attend G7 summit alongside South Korea and Australia. • G7 members include US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Italy and Japan. • This year G7 grouping will include ten democracies naming it D10.

1.25. Australia adopts ‘Go for Zero” Policy to combat Covid-19 • Recently, Australian Government has adopted “Go for Zero” policy to manage and control Covid-19 cases. • Aim: To eliminate Covid-19 completely from Australia. About Go for Zero Policy: • It has been proposed by Grattan Institute, a public policy think tank in Australia. • It adopts strict testing procedures, increased contact tracing, mandatory isolation etc to combat covid-19.

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1.303 U.S. Space Force members to be known as “Guardians” • Recently, on the occasion of first anniversary of the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence announced that the men and women of the United States Space Force will be known as “Guardians”. • United States Space Force was founded on- 20 December 2019. About United States- • Capital- Washington, D.C. • Currency- US Dollar

1.304 China & Russia signs Protocol to extend agreement on notifications of launches of missiles • Recently, China and Russia have signed a Protocol to extend an agreement between the two countries on Notifications of Launches of Ballistic Missiles and Space Missile Carriers. • The validity of Agreement has been extended for a period of 10 years. • Aim- To enhance strategic mutual trust and avoid strategic miscalculation between the two countries.

1.305 Pakistan approves chemical castration of sex offenders • Recently, Pakistan has approved a new law which adds the provision of the “chemical castration of repeat as well as first-time sex offenders” in the Anti-Rape Ordinance 2020. • Under the new law- o Special courts will be established to try cases of rape and sexual abuse against women and children, which must be completed within four months. o Creation of Pakistan’s first national sex offenders register.

1.306 US Federal Bank formally joins Network for Greening the Financial System • Recently, the US Federal Bank has formally joined the Network of Central Banks and Supervisors for Greening the Financial System, or NGFS, as a member. • With this, US Federal Bank has joined 83 other members and 13 observers. About NGFS- • It is a group of Central Banks and Supervisors willing, on a voluntary basis, to share best practices and contribute to the development of environment and climate risk management in the financial sector.

1.307 China worst offender for jailing of Journalists • According to a report by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), an independent press freedom advocacy organization, China that arrested several journalists for their coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic became the world's worst jailer for the second year in a row. • China was followed by Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.

1.308 Couscous added to the Intangible Cultural Heritage List of UNESCO • Recently, UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) added the Berber dish of couscous to its Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

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About UNESCO: • Headquarters: Paris, France. • Parent Organization: United Nations Economic and Social Council.

1.309 Street Hawker Culture declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO • Recently, one of Singapore’s most popular attractions, its vibrant street hawker culture, was designated an Intangible Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). About Singapore • Capital: Singapore • Currency: Singapore Dollar

1.310 Union Cabinet approved opening of 3 Indian missions in Estonia, Paraguay and Dominion Republic • Recently, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the opening of 3 Indian Missions in Estonia, Paraguay and Dominican Republic in 2021. • Objective: To build a conducive environment for India’s growth and development through partnerships with friendly countries.

1.311 US come up with new Tibet law on Dalai Lama • Recently, the Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2020 (TPSA), was passed by the US Senate, calls for the establishment of a US consulate in Tibet’s main city of Lhasa and mentions the absolute right of Tibetans to choose a successor to the Dalai Lama. • This move aims to curb rising Chinese intrusion in Tibet.

1.312 EU bans plastic waste exports to poor nations • Recently, European Union’s new rules amended its Waste Shipment Regulation (2006) which will completely ban exports of plastics deemed “hard to recycle” to less industrialized nations outside the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development). • The new rules also govern plastics shipments within the 27-member EU which is mandatory for signatory nations of the 1989 Basel Convention.

1.313 US President Donald Trump announced a Covid-19 relief funding measure. • Recently, USA President Donald Trump signed a USD 900 billion pandemic relief package that will deliver cash to businesses and individuals.

Appointments

1.314 Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry assumes charge as Director General Border Roads • Recently, Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry has assumed the charge as 27th Director General Border Roads (DGBR). • He has replaced Lt Gen Harpal Singh.

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1.315 Maju Varghese appointed as Executive Director of Presidential Inauguration Committee • Recently, Indian-American Maju Varghese has been appointed as the Executive Director of the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC). • Tony Allen has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of PIC. About PIC- • It will organise the activities surrounding the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.

1.316 Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah re-appointed as PM of State of Kuwait • Recently, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah has been re-appointed as the Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait. About Kuwait- • Capital- Kuwait City • Currency- Kuwaiti dinar

1.317 Vivek Murthy appointed as Surgeon General in Joe Biden's team • Recently, Indian-American Dr Vivek Murthy has been appointed as the Surgeon General in US President-elect Joe Biden's health team.

1.318 Uday Kotak reappointed as chief of Kotak Mahindra Bank. • Recently, RBI reappointed Uday Kotak as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Kotak Mahindra Bank for a period of three years. • He has been serving as the head of the bank for past 17 years already. About Kotak Mahindra Bank: • Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra

1.319 RBI appointed three of its senior officials as executive directors. • Recently, RBI appointed three of its senior officials R. Subramanian, R.S. Ratho and Rohit Jain as executive directors of RBI.

1.320 Raja Chari, an Indian-American chosen by NASA for Space X Crew-3 Mission • Recently, Indian-American US Air Force Colonel Raja Chari has been selected as the Commander of the SpaceX Crew-3 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) by NASA. About SpaceX Crew-3 Mission: • It is the crewed operational flight of NASA as per its contract with SpaceX. • The mission is currently planned to launch in October 2021. • The crew members will spend six months at the International Space Station.

1.321 Shashi Shekhar Vempati elected as the Vice President of Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union • Recently, CEO of Prasar Bharti, Shashi Shekhar Vempati was elected as the Vice President of Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), the largest broadcasting union in the world. • Shri Vempati has been elected to the office for three years.

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1.322 Indian American Bharat Ramamurthi named a member of National Economic Council under Joe Biden’s government. • Recently, US President-elect Joe Biden named Bharat Ramamurti as one of the three new members of the National Economic Council (NEC) that coordinates domestic and international economic policymaking process.

1.323 Nand Kishore appointed as Executive Director of IL&FS • Recently, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs has approved the appointment of Nand Kishore as the executive director of Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services (IL&FS).

1.324 Siddharth Chatterjee appointed as the UN Resident Coordinator in China • Recently, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appointed senior UN official Siddharth Chatterjee of India as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in China. • Most recently, Mr. Chatterjee served as United Nations Resident Coordinator in Kenya.

1.325 J.A. Jayalal becomes President of the Indian Medical Association for 2020-21 • Recently, Laparoscopic surgeon J.A. Jayalal has been made the President of the Indian Medical Association for 2020-21.

1.326 RBI approves Sandeep Batra's appointment as executive director of ICICI Bank • Recently, Reserve Bank of India has approved the appointment of Sandeep Batra as the Executive Director of ICICI Bank.

Sports

1.327 Anthony Joshua defeats Kubrat Pulev in heavyweight championship • Recently, Britisher Anthony Joshua defeated Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev to retain his IBF (International Boxing Federation), WBO (World Boxing Organization) and WBA (World Boxing Association) belts at Wembley Arena. About Bulgaria: • Capital: Sofia • Currency: Lev

1.328 Sports Ministry approved the inclusion of four Indian Games in Khelo India Youth Games 2021 • Recently, The Sports Ministry approved the inclusion of four Indigenous Games to be a part of Khelo India Youth Games 2021. The games include: Gatka, Kalaripayattu, Thang-Ta and Mallakhamba. • The Khelo India Youth games 2021 are scheduled to take place in Haryana. Game State 1. Gatka Punjab 2. Kalaripayattu Kerala

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3. Thang-Ta Manipur 4. Mallakhamba Madhya Pradesh & Maharashtra

1.329 Indian Boxers bags 9 medals in Cologne Boxing World Cup • Indian boxers has bagged nine medals including three golds, two silver and four bronze at the Cologne Boxing World Cup held in Germany. S.No. Player Name Category Medal 1 Amit Panghal Men Gold 2 Manisha Moun Women Gold 3 Simranjit Kaur Women Gold 4 Sakshi Choudhary Women Silver 5 Satish Kumar Men Silver 6 Sonia Lather Women Bronze 7 Pooja Rani Women Bronze 8 Gaurav Solanki Men Bronze 9 Mohamed Hussamudin Men Bronze

1.330 Qatar to host 2030 Asian Games • Recently, the Olympic Council of Asia has announced that Doha, Qatar will host the 2030 Asian Games and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 edition of the Asian Games. About Olympic Council of Asia- • Headquarters- Kuwait

1.331 FIFA Football Awards 2020 announced • Here is the list of award winners of FIFA Football Awards 2020- o Men’s Player: Robert Lewandowski (Poland/Bayern Munich) o Women’s Player: Lucy Bronze (England/Lyon) o Women’s Coach: Sarina Wiegman (The Netherlands) o Men’s Coach: Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool) o Women’s Goalkeeper: Sarah Bouhaddi (France/Lyon) o Men’s Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer (Germany/Bayern Munich) o FIFA Puskás Award: Son Heung-Min o FIFA Fair Play Award: Italy's Mattia Agnese

1.332 Chetan Sharma becomes Chairman of National Selectors • Recently, former India pace troika of Chetan Sharma, Abey Kuruvilla and Debasis Mohanty have been appointed as national selectors. • Chetan Sharma will replace Sunil Joshi as the chairman of the panel. • The selection committee will be as follows-

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o Chetan Sharma (chairman, north zone), Sunil Joshi (south), Abey Kuruvilla (west), Harvinder Singh (central), Debasis Mohanty (east).

1.333 Uday Shankar takes over as FICCI President • Uday Shankar, President of the Walt Disney Company, has taken over as president of Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) for 2020-21. • He has replaced Sangita Reddy as the president of FICCI.

Persons in News

1.334 MDH Spices owner Mahashay Dharampal Gulati passes away • Recently, the owner of MDH Spices Mahashay Dharampal Gulati, popularly known as the ‘King of Spices’ has passed away. • He was also awarded the , India's third highest civilian award, by the Government of India in 2019.

1.335 Lakshwadweep Administrator Dineshwar Sharma passes away • Recently, the Lakshwadweep’s Administrator and the former Intelligence Bureau chief Dineshwar Sharma has passed away. • He was from the state of Bihar.

1.336 Former Golf player Peter Alliss passes away • The former British Golf player Peter Alliss has passed away recently. • He represented England 10 times in golf's World Cup.

1.337 Former Uruguay President President Tabare Vazquez died. • Former President and oncologist Tabare Vazquez has passed away. • He was from Uruguay. About Uruguay: Capital: Montevideo Currency: Uruguayan Peso

1.338 Serum Institute's Adar Poonawalla among 6 named 'Asians of the Year' • Adar Poonawalla, the chief executive of the world's largest vaccine manufacturer Serum Institute of India, is among six people named "Asians of the Year" by Singapore's news daily (The Straits Times) for their work in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. • The other five named in the list are Zhang Yongzhen and Major-General Chen Wei from China, Dr Ryuichi Morishita from Japan, Professor Ooi Eng Eong from Singapore and Seo Jung-jin from South Korea. • Collectively referred to as "the virus busters", they are heroes of a kind, having devoted themselves to the pressing cause of resolving the coronavirus pandemic, each in their own capacity.

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1.339 Dennis Ralston, Hall of Fame tennis player, dies at 78 • Dennis Ralston, a five-time Grand Slam doubles champion from USA died.

1.340 Padma Shri awardee Bannanje Govindacharya passes away • Karnataka’s renowned Sanskrit scholar and Kannada poet Vidyavachaspati Bannanje Govindacharya has passed away recently. • He was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2009.

1.341 Justice Rajesh Bindal to perform duties of office of Chief Justice of Common High Court for UT of J&K and Ladakh • has appointed Shri Justice Rajesh Bindal to perform the duties of the office of Chief Justice of the common High Court for the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir and Union Territory of Ladakh. • He will replace Kumari Justice Gita Mittal.

1.342 Noted environmentalist S. Sitaraman passes away • Recently, noted environmentalist from Kerala, S. Sitaraman has passed away. • He was the face of the people's movements in Ernakulam, Kerala against the indiscriminate human interference on natural resources.

1.343 Former international athlete B. Earnest Das passes away • Recently, former international athlete and technical official of Athletics Federation of India, B. Earnest Das has passed away.

1.344 Sahitya Akademi Award winning poet Manglesh Dabral passes away • Senior poet and writer from Uttarakhand, Manglesh Dabral has passed away recently. • He won the Sahitya Akademi Award for his poetry collection “Hum Jo Dekhte Hain.”

1.345 Eswatini Prime Minister Ambrose Dlamini passes away • Recently, the Prime Minister of Eswatini, Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini has passed away. About Eswatini- • Capital- Mbabane • Currency- Swazi Lilangeni

1.346 Indian Navy’s Vice Admiral Srikant passed away. • Recently, Indian Navy’s Vice Admiral Srikant passed away due to Covid-19 complications. • He was Director General of Project Seabird.

1.347 Roddam Narasimha, an aerospace scientist passed away. • Recently, an aerospace scientist Roddam Narasimha passed away. • He was recipient of Padma Bhushan (1987), Padma Vibhushan (2013) and Bhatnagar Prize.

1.348 Agriculture expert Heli passed away • Recently, an agricultural expert R. Heli passed away at an age of 86. Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609

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• He was from Kerala. • He was the recipient of the first Karshaka Bharathi Award for farm journalism.

1.349 India Contemporary Dancer, Astad Deboo passed way • Recently, Astad Deboo, a contemporary dancer passed away. • He was trained in Kathak as well as Kathakali and went on to combine both the forms to create a unique fusion dance form. • He earned the tag of ‘pioneer of modern dance in India’.

1.350 Shri PS Sreedharan Pillai wrote ‘Oh Mizoram’ • Recently, Vice President released the book ‘Oh Mizoram’ written by Governor of Mizoram, Shri P S Sreedharan Pillai. • ‘Oh Mizoram’ is a collection of English poems.

1.351 Brig Bawa wrote ‘Mashkoh: Kargil As I Saw It’ • Recently, at the 4th edition of Military Literature Festival, Brig Bawa’s book, ‘Mashkoh: Kargil As I Saw It’ was discussed. • He commanded the 17 Jat Regiment during the and was awarded the Vir Chakra for his gallantry in the Mashkoh Valley in 1999.

1.352 RSS ideologue M.G. Vaidya passes away • Recently, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) ideologue and the organisation’s first spokesperson Madhav Govind Vaidya has passed away. • He was from the state of Maharashtra.

1.353 An expert in Urdu Literature Shamsur Faruqi passes away • Recently, Shamsur Faruqi, an Urdu writer from Uttar Pradesh has passed away. • He was best known for his work Kai Chaand The Sare Asmaan.

1.354 England’s former cricketer John Edrich passes away • Recently, England’s former “fearless” opening batsman John Edrich has passed away.

1.355 World Cup winner hockey player Michael Kindo passes away • Recently, India's 1975 hockey World Cup-winning and 1972 Olympics bronze winning team member Michael Kondo has passed away.

1.356 Former England Cricketer Robin Jackman passed away. • Recently, former England Cricketer Robin Jackman died at an age of 75 years.

Science and Technology

1.357 China successfully lands spacecraft on moon • Recently, China has successfully landed a spacecraft on the moon's surface.

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• The lander vehicle that touched down on the moon's surface is one of several spacecraft deployed by the Chang’e-5 probe. • Aim- To collect lunar material to help scientists learn more about the moon's origins.

1.358 Dr. Harsh Vardhan inaugurates Phytorid Technology Sewage Treatment Plant • Union Minister of Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Health & Family Welfare Dr. Harsh Vardhan has recently inaugurated the eco-friendly and efficient Phytorid Technology Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL)-Pune. • Developed by- CSIR- National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur and CSIR-NCL.

1.359 World’s second largest cryptocurrency Ethereum upgraded to “Ethereum 2.0” • Recently, the transition of Ethereum, world’s second largest cryptocurrency, to “Ethereum 2.0” has started, which will take around 2-3 years of time. • After upgradation, it will be launched on a faster, cheaper and more environmentally friendly system. It will also lead to a fall in the cost per transaction.

1.360 Facebook’s block-chain based payment system “Libra” rebranded as “Diem” • Recently, Libra, the block-chain based payment system of Facebook has been rebranded as ‘Diem’.

1.361 HAL delivers cryogenic propellant tank to ISRO • Recently, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has delivered the biggest cryogenic propellant tank (C32 LH2) ever fabricated by the company to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). • Aim- The cryogenic propellant tank has been designed to improve the payload capability of GSLV MK-III launching vehicle.

1.362 MIB issued an advisory for all private satellite TV channels. • Recently, MIB (Ministry of Information and Broadcasting) issued an advisory for all private satellite TV channels stating that they must follow the guidelines issued by Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) on advertisements related to online gaming. Guidelines by ASCI: • Gaming advertisements can’t show a child less than 18 years playing online games and making money. • A print, audio or video ad must carry a disclaimer about possible financial and addictive risks occupying not less than 20% of full space of the advertisement. • Should not present gaming for money as an alternative career option. • Should not present that a person involved in gaming is more successful than others. Additional Information • Recently, NITI Aayog has released a draft report titled ‘Guiding Principles for the Uniform National-Level Regulation of Online Fantasy Sports Platforms in India’.

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1.363 Hayabusa2 spacecraft with samples from Ryugu asteroid to approach earth. • Hayabusa2 spacecraft of Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) will soon approach earth. • Aim: To deliver a capsule containing samples from a distant asteroid Ryugu, that could provide clues about the origin of the solar system and life on earth.

1.364 Jupiter, Saturn to come close to each other on December 21 after 397 years • In a rare celestial event, Jupiter and Saturn will be seen very close (735 million km) to each other on December 21, appearing like one bright star. • The Phenomenon has been termed as "a great conjunction". • The planets will next come comparably close on March 15, 2080.

1.365 NHSRCL adopts aerial LiDAR Survey technique to conduct the ground survey • National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited adopts Light Detection and Ranging Survey (LiDAR) technique to conduct the ground survey for Delhi-Varanasi High Speed Rail Corridor. • The technique uses Laser enabled equipment mounted on a Helicopter for conducting ground survey. • Technique uses a combination of Laser data, GPS data, flight parameters and actual photographs to give accurate survey data. • The tentative length of the corridor is about 800 km.

1.366 Israel launches "Beresheet 2" moon landing project • Recently, Israel has launched the Beresheet 2 project aimed at landing an unmanned craft on the moon in 2024. • It consists of three spacecrafts- an orbiter and two landers which are expected to land at two sites on the moon to conduct scientific experiments.

1.367 China successfully launched two satellites under GECAM mission for gravitational wave detection. • Recently, China successfully launched two satellites under Gravitational Wave High-energy Electromagnetic Counterpart All-sky Monitor (GECAM) mission. • They were launched by a Long March-11 carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in Sichuan Province. • It was carried out by the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

1.368 Hypersonic wind tunnel (HWT) inaugurated at DRDO Hyderabad • HWT, an indigenous development, will play a major role in the realization of highly complex aerospace and defence systems. • After USA and Russia, India is the third country to have such a large facility.

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1.369 Gateway Treaty between Canada Space Agency and NASA. • Recently, NASA and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) finalized an agreement to collaborate on the Gateway, an outpost orbiting the Moon that will provide support for a long-term return of astronauts to the lunar surface as part of NASA’s Artemis program. • This is called as the Gateway Treaty. About Artemis Program: • The Artemis program is an international human spaceflight program that has the goal of landing "the first woman and the next man" on the Moon, specifically at the lunar South Pole region by 2024.

1.370 ISRO sets up dedicated control centre for SSA • Recently, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has set up a dedicated Space Situational Awareness (SSA) control centre “Network for space object Tracking and Analysis (NETRA)”. • Location- ISTRAC campus at Peenya, Bengaluru, Karnataka. • Aim- To monitor, track and protect space assets of India. It will function as a hub of all SSA activities within India.

1.371 Meteorological Centre inaugurated at Leh, Ladakh • Recently, Dr Harsh Vardhan inaugurated Meteorological (Met) Centre at Leh (Ladakh). • Aim: To strengthen weather related Early Warning System in Ladakh. • Located at a height of 3500m, it will be the highest meteorological centre in India. • It will provide a range of weather forecast services, ranging from short (3 days) and medium (12 days) to extended (1 month) period to all the stake holders on a daily basis for both the districts (Leh and Kargil).

1.372 BARC developed Eye Cancer Therapy • Recently, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai developed Eye Cancer therapy in the form of the first indigenous Ruthenium 106 Plaque for treatment of Ocular Tumours.

1.373 Digital Ocean platform developed by INCOIS, MoES • Recently, Dr Harsh Vardhan inaugurated the web-based application “Digital Ocean” developed by INCOIS (Indian National Center for Ocean Information Services) of Ministry of Earth Sciences. • Digital Ocean platform is a first of its kind platform for ocean data management. It will help to share knowledge about the ocean with research institutions, operational agencies, strategic users, academic community, maritime industry, and policy makers.

1.374 Chandrayaan-2 Mission’s initial data released: ISRO • The Indian Space Science Data Centre (ISSDC) is the nodal centre of planetary data archive for the planetary missions of ISRO. • The Chandrayaan-2 data is required to be in the Planetary Data System-4 (PDS4) standard.

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• Chandrayaan-2 was the second lunar exploration mission at the south region developed by Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).

Environment

1.375 Cyclonic Storm Burevi hits Tamil Nadu • Recently, Cyclonic Storm ‘Burevi’ has hit Tamil Nadu with very heavy rainfall and also making a landfall in Pamban town of the state. • Additional Information- Tamil Nadu state was earlier hit by a very severe cyclonic storm, Nivar.

1.376 Bihar held a Migratory Bird Festival at Bhagalpur. • The festival was jointly organized by Bhagalpur Forest Division, non-profit Bombay Natural History and local Mandar Nature Club. • Aim- To create awareness about the preservation and conservation of migratory birds.

1.377 Firefly Bird Diverters installed by MoEFCC and WCS to save species of Great Indian Bustard. • Recently, Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) along with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) India came up with an initiative — a “firefly bird diverter” to protect Great Indian Bustard (GIB) from high-voltage power lines. • GIB is one of the most critically threatened species in India.

1.378 Around 11% of sharks, rays and chimaeras classified as Critically Endangered • Recently, an assessment of sharks, rays and chimaeras by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s Shark Specialist Group in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) has revealed that out of the 170 species around 19 (about 11%) are classified as Critically Endangered. • The IUCN’s assessment of the remaining species of sharks, rays and chimaeras show that 38 of them are classified as Vulnerable (VU), 27 as Near Threatened (NT), 23 are of Least Concern (LC), 20 as Data Deficient (DD), and 13 as Not Evaluated.

1.379 Ladakh’s Tso Kar Wetland Complex declared the 42nd Ramsar Site • Recently, Tso Kar Wetland Complex, a high-altitude wetland complex between two connected lakes, Startsapuk Tso and Tso Kar, in Ladakh was added to the list of recognized sites of international importance under the treaty of Ramsar Convention. • The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.

1.380 New Species of Sun Rose found in Eastern Ghats • Recently, the new species, named Portulaca laljii, a wild Sun Rose discovered from Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh. • The details of the discovery have been published in the ‘Journal of Asia Pacific Biodiversity’.

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• The species has been placed under the ‘Data Deficient’ category of the IUCN List of Threatened Species. Days in News

1.381 Nagaland celebrates statehood day on 01st December • The Northeastern state of Nagaland has recently celebrated its 58th Statehood Day on 01st December 2020. • It became the 16th state of India in year 1963.

1.382 World AIDS Day celebrated on 01st December • Theme for year 2020- Global solidarity, shared responsibility.

1.383 National Pollution Control Day celebrated on 2nd December • The day is also observed to commemorate the thousands of people who lost their lives in the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, when the deadly gas methyl isocyanate leaked out of the Union Carbide plant on the intervening night of December 2-3 in year 1984. • Theme 2020- Raise awareness about the importance of pollution control measure and educate people on how to prevent pollution.

1.384 Agricultural Education Day celebrated on 03rd December • The day commemorates the birth anniversary of , Dr Rajendra Prasad, First President of Independent India. He was also the first Agriculture Minister of the country. • The day is celebrated every year to attract and encourage youngsters towards agricultural education.

1.385 International Day of Persons with Disabilities celebrated on 03rd December • Aim- To promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, and to increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life. • Theme for year 2020- Building back better: towards an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 world by, for and with persons with disabilities. • This year, UNESCO has organized a Global Awareness Raising Campaign- “Tell our stories, enable our rights”.

1.386 DRI celebrates 63rd Founding Day on 4th of December, 2020 • The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has celebrated its 63rd Founding Day on 4th of December, 2020. • On the occasion, a panel discussion on Trade Based Money Laundering has been organized.

1.387 World Soil Day 2020 • World Soil Day (WSD) is celebrated annually on 5 December by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

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• Theme 2020: Keep soil alive, protect soil biodiversity

1.388 International Volunteers day • It is celebrated on 5th December as recognized by United Nations General Assembly. • Theme - “Together we can through volunteering”. • Recently, International Volunteers day event was addressed by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports (Shri Kiren Rijiju). He announced the V-Awardees 2020 during this event.

1.389 Mahaparinirvana Divas • Mahapariniravana Divas is observed on 6th Dec and marks the 64th Death anniversary of Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar, the chief architect of Indian Constitution. • B.R. Ambedkar was born on April 14, 1891 in Madhya Pradesh. • ‘Mahapariniravana’ means the ultimate renunciation of life i.e. death.

1.390 Armed Forces Flag Day celebrated on 07th December • Armed Forces Flag Day is celebrated all over the country on 07th December every year. • Aim- To honour the martyrs as well as men and women in uniform, who valiantly fight on our borders to safeguard the country’s honour.

1.391 Indian Army celebrates 260th Corps Day • Recently, Indian Army celebrated the 260th Corps Day of the Army Service Corps on 08th December 2020. • To commemorate the day, a 260-kilometer Ultra Run, themed ‘Run for Martyrs’ has been organised from War Memorial, Chandimandir to National War Memorial, Delhi.

1.392 International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime • United Nations celebrates the day on 09th December every year.

1.393 International Anti-Corruption Day • Every year 9th December is celebrated as Anti-Corruption Day. • Theme – United Against Corruption About International Anti-Corruption Day: • The United Nations General Assembly designated 9 December as International Anti- Corruption Day.

1.394 Human Rights Day • Every year 10th December is celebrated as Human Rights Day. • Theme – “Recover Better- Stand up for Human Rights”. About Human Rights Day: • Human Rights Day was adopted by United Nations General Assembly in 1948.

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1.395 International Mountain Day • Every year 11th December is celebrated as the International Mountain Day. • Theme - Mountain Biodiversity

1.396 International Migrants Day: 18 December • International Migrants Day is being celebrated on 18 December every year. • Theme for 2020- Reimagining Human Mobility.

1.397 National Mathematics Day • National Mathematics Day is celebrated on 22nd December every year. • It is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of India's famous mathematician Srinivasa Iyengar Ramanujan.

1.398 National Farmers’ Day or Kisan Diwas • It is celebrated on December 23 to honor the Indian Farmers. • It is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of the nation’s fifth prime minister, Choudhary Charan Singh.

1.399 Good Governance Day- 25th December • It is celebrated on 25th December every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of India’s former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. • The day aims to let the citizens, the students, know about the government's responsibilities and duties that it needs to fulfill.

Defence in News

1.400 Indian Navy successfully test-fires naval version of BrahMos Missile • Recently, Indian Navy has successfully test fired the naval version of BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile in Anti-Ship mode. • BrahMos is the supersonic cruise missile jointly developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and NPOM of Russia as a Brahmos Aerospace joint venture, which became Brahmos Aerospace Private Limited.

1.401 Combined Guided Weapons Firing 2020 at AFS Suryalanka • Recently, Combined Guided Weapons Firing 2020 exercise has taken place at Air Force Station Suryalanka in Andhra Pradesh. • Aim- To practice different engagement scenarios during conflicts to shoot down enemy planes. • During the exercise, indigenous Akash Missile System along with Russian short range Igla missiles were fired.

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1.402 DRDO creates new laboratory “Defence Geo Informatics Research Establishment” • DRDO has created a new laboratory “Defence Geo Informatics Research Establishment” by merging two existing labs. • Aim- The new lab will focus on research on terrain and avalanches along the border with China from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh. • The two labs merged to create the above new lab are- “Snow and Avalanche Studies Establishment (SASE)” and “Defence Terrain Research Establishment”.

1.403 Post of Deputy Chief of Army Staff created in Indian Army. • Recently, Defence Ministry approved the creation of post of Deputy Chief for military operations and strategic planning in Indian Army. He will act as the single-point advice person for the Vice Chief. • The officers for military operations, military intelligence, Perspective planning and Strategic Communication will come under him.

1.404 PASSEX conducted between Russian Federation Navy and Indian Navy • Passage Exercise (PASSEX) was conducted between Russian and Indian Navy in the Eastern Indian Ocean Region on Navy Day (i.e. 4th December) About Russia • Capital - Moscow • Currency – Russian Ruble

1.405 Armed Forces Flag Day CSR Conclave held • Under the Corporate Social Responsibility conclave, the Defence Minister emphasized on rising contributions from private sector in the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF) after private sector was allowed to contribute to Defence Sector. About Armed Forces Flag Day Fund: • It is used for the welfare and rehabilitation of family of soldiers who laid their lives on battlefield. • Contribution to AFFDF are considered as a Corporate Social Responsibility under the Section 135 of the Companies Act,2013.

1.406 India Successfully test fired Upgraded Akash missile • Recently, Indian Air Force successfully test-fired the Akash Missiles at Suryalanka test firing range in Andhra Pradesh. • It has been recently upgraded with a seeker to neutralise targets with less effort than before. Moreover can engage with targets at very high altitude locations. • Manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), designed and developed by the DRDO, Akash has the capability to engage aerial threats upto the maximum range of 25 km and up to an altitude of 18 km, operating at a speed range of 1.8 to 2.5 Mach.

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1.407 14th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus • Recently, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, addressed the 14th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) Plus organized online at Hanoi, Vietnam. • It also marked the 10th anniversary of ADMM Plus. • ADMM Plus is an annual meeting of Defence Ministers of 10 ASEAN Countries and eight partner countries. • Additional Information- Brunei Darussalam will take over the ASEAN chairmanship in 2021. About Vietnam- • Capital: Hanoi • Currency: Vietnamese Dong

1.408 Joint Venture Protective Carbine undergoes successful user Trials • Recently, Joint Venture Protective Carbine (JVPC), a Gas Operated Semi Bull-pup automatic weapon, has undergone successful user trials meeting all the stringent performance criteria of reliability and accuracy. • It can be used for Counter Insurgency /Counter Terrorism operations by security agencies. • Developed by- Defence Research and Development Organsiation (DRDO).

1.409 Himgiri, the first of three Project 17A ships launched. • Recently, Himgiri the first of the three Project 17A ships being built at M/s Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE), Kolkata for Indian Navy. • It was launched in the waters of Hooghly River. About Project 17A: • Under this Project, a total of 7 ships will be built indigenously with advanced stealth features at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd. (GSRE). • The P17A is the follow-on of earlier P-17 Shivalik class ‘first indigenously’ constructed stealth warships which are already in operation with Indian Navy.

1.410 Indian Army and SIDM held a webinar on “Agile EME: Facilitating Boots on Ground through Aggressive Industrial Outreach” • Recently, Indian Army in partnership with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) held a one day Webinar on “Agile EME (Electronics and Mechanical Engineers): Facilitating Boots on Ground through Aggressive Industrial Outreach”. • It will help the Indian Army to plan modernization of its Repair Echelons and promote indigenization to reduce dependency on imports and cut cost on repairs.

1.411 F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets compatible with Indian Navy’s aircraft. • Recently, Boeing announced the successful demonstration of the compatibility of its F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets with the Indian Navy’s aircraft carriers and the STOBAR (Short Takeoff but Arrested Recovery) system. Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609

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About STOBAR: • STOBAR is a system used for the launch and recovery of aircraft from the deck of an aircraft carrier.

1.412 35th edition of IND-INDO CORPAT conducted • Recently, 35th edition of India-Indonesia Coordinated Patrol (IND-INDO CORPAT) between the Indian Navy and the Indonesian Navy was conducted. • Indian side was represented by INS Kulish, an indigenously built missile corvette along with P8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA).

1.413 India-Maldives Defence Cooperation Webinar and Expo held • Recently, a webinar and Expo between India and Maldives was held, as part of Aero India 21 series of webinars which is organized to boost defence cooperation and engagements with friendly foreign countries. • Theme: ‘Joint Indo Maldives High Level Defence Engagement’. • Organized by - Department of Defence Production (DDP), Ministry of Defence (MoD) through Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). About Maldives: • Capital: Male • Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa

1.414 Defence Acquisition Council approved procurement of capital worth Rs. 28,000 crores for Indian Forces. • Recently, Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved proposals for capital acquisition of various Weapons or Equipment required by the armed forces at an approximate overall cost of Rs. 28,000 Cr.

1.415 Permanent Commission granted to SSC Officers of Indian Navy. • Recently, a total of 80 SSC (Short Service Commission) Officers have been granted Permanent Commission based on gender neutrality and merit. • The list of officers includes 41 women and 39 male officers.

1.416 Shri Rajnath Singh handed over DRDO systems to Armed Forces Chiefs. • Recently, Shri Rajnath Singh handed over three indigenously developed Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) systems to Army, Navy and Air Force. o Indian Maritime Situational Awareness System (IMSAS) to the Chief of Naval Staff o ASTRA Mk-I Missile to Air Chief Marshal o Bhadauria and Border Surveillance System (BOSS) to the Army Chief

1.417 India successfully test-fires medium range surface-to-air missile (MRSAM) • Recently, India successfully test-fired a medium range surface-to-air missile (MRSAM) from Odisha coast.

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• The MRSAM manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Ltd, will significantly enhance the combat effectiveness of the defence forces. • Developed by- Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries.

1.418 Webinar on India-Nepal Defence Cooperation Webinar and Expo • A webinar on India-Nepal Defence Cooperation Webinar and Expo has been held recently. • Theme of webinar- “Exploring Synergies and Strengthening Defence Cooperation with Nepal”. • Organized by- Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, through Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM).

1.419 Indian Naval Ship Kiltan arrived at Nha Rong Port, Vietnam as part of Mission Sagar III. • Recently, Indian Naval Ship Kiltan arrived at Nha Rong Port, Ho Chi Minh City as part of Mission Sagar-III. • The ship will deliver 15 Tons of HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) stores for the flood-affected people of Central Vietnam. • The current visit seeks to enhance maritime cooperation between the two Navies. About Mission Sagar III: • Mission Sagar-III is part of India’s HADR assistance to "Friendly Foreign Countries" during the Covid-19 pandemic. • Mission Sagar-III is being undertaken in accordance with vision of SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region). • Mission Sagar was launched in May 2020 to deliver Covid-19 related assistance to the countries in the Indian Ocean Littoral states.

1.420 Sailing expedition from Kochi to Androth Island Onboard INSV Bulbul • Recently, A sailing expedition from Kochi to Androth Island in Lakshadweep and Minicoy group of islands was undertaken onboard INSV Bulbul. • Aim: To inculcate a spirit of adventure, nautical skills and foster ocean sailing amongst young Naval personnel.

1.421 DYSL-QT developed a Quantum Random Number Generator • Recently, DRDO Young Scientist Laboratory for Quantum Technologies (DYSL-QT) has developed a Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) which detects random quantum events and converts those into a stream of binary digits.

1.422 First Flight trial of SAHAYAK-NG by DRDO and Indian Navy • Recently, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) along with Indian Navy conducted the successful maiden test trial of ‘SAHAYAK-NG’, from IL 38SD aircraft (Indian Navy) off the coast of Goa. • It will enhance Operational Logistics Capability of Indian Navy.

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About SAHAYAK-NG: • SAHAYAK-NG is an advanced version of SAHAYAK Mk I. • It is India’s first indigenously designed and developed GPS aided Air Dropped Container. • Two DRDO laboratories i.e. NSTL, Visakhapatnam and ADRDE, Agra developed it along with the industry partner M/s Avantel for GPS integration. • It has the capability to carry a payload of upto 50 kg and can be dropped from heavy aircraft.

1.423 Indigenous Bridging System inducted into the Indian Army • The Indian Army has recently inducted Indigenous Bridging System comprising of three sets of 10-metre short span bridges, in close coordination with the private industry and Defence Research and Development Organisation. • The system was formally handed over at the Talegaon facility of Larsen & Toubro Limited in Maharashtra.

1.424 ITBP starts online liquor distribution for troops. • Recently, a first-of-its kind Internet-based liquor distribution system launched for the serving and retired personnel of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), a force guarding the LAC (Line of Actual Control) with China.

Awards

1.425 Gitanjali Rao named as TIME ‘Kid of the Year’ • Recently, Indian-American young scientist and inventor, Gitanjali Rao has been named as the first-ever ‘Kid of the Year’ for her work in using technology to tackle issues ranging from contaminated drinking water to opioid addiction and cyberbullying. • Named by- TIME Magazine

1.426 IISR awarded for organic farming initiatives • A committee of All India Network Project on Organic Farming (AI-NPOF) selected Indian Institute of Species Research, Kozhikode as the best Indian centre for its efforts in the development of organic farming technologies. • Its main achievement was geo tagged characterization of 190 organic growers and its efforts towards popularizing organic farming initiatives.

1.427 Dr. Carolina Araujo wins Ramanujan Prize for Young Mathematicians 2020 • Recently, the Ramanujan Prize for Young Mathematicians 2020 has been awarded to Dr. Carolina Araujo, Mathematician from the Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics (IMPA), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. • She is the first non-Indian to receive this prize.

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1.428 IOCL won Swachta Pakhwada Award while HPCL felicitated with Swachta Hi Sewa Award. • Recently, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas presented Swachta Pakhwada and Swachta Hi Seva 2019 awards for efforts in raising awareness on various aspects of cleanliness, including waste management and eliminating single-use plastics. Swachta Pakhwada Awards Swachta Hi Seva 2019 Awards 1. Indian Oil Corp. Ltd. 1. Hindustan Petroleum Corp. Ltd. 2. Bharat Petroleum Corp. Ltd. 2. Bharat Petroleum Corp. Ltd.

3. Oil and Natural Gas Corp. Ltd. 3. Indian Oil Corp. Ltd. Special Award: Hindustan Petroleum Corp. Ltd.

1.429 India Sports Awards 2020 presented by FICCI • Recently, Shooter Elavenil Valarivan and Wrestler Bajrang Punia bagged sportsperson of the year award at FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry) India Awards 2020 ceremony that was held virtually this year. • The awardees were: o State promoting sports: Madhya Pradesh and Assam. o Organisation promoting sports through CSR: Tata Steel. o Company promoting sports, public sector: Indian Air Force. o Company promoting sports, private sector: Tenvic Sports. o National Sports Federation: Paralympic Committee of India and Wrestling Federation of India. o Sports Persons of the year: Elavenil Valarivan (Shooter) and Bajrang Punia (Wrestler)

1.430 UNESCO set to launch an international prize in the name of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman • Recently, UNESCO has decided to launch an international prize in the field of ‘creative economy’ in the name of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. • It is a 50-thousand-dollar award and will be given once in two years for global economic initiatives of the youth. • UNESCO has declared 2021 as ‘International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development’.

1.431 PM Narendra Modi awarded with ‘Legion of Merit’ by Donald Trump. • Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded with the ‘Legion of Merit’ by U.S. for his leadership in elevating the U.S.-India strategic partnership. • The award was also presented to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

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1.432 SAIL awarded with the Golden Peacock Environment Management Award, 2020. • Recently, Limited (SAIL) was awarded with the prestigious Golden Peacock Environment Management Award for the year 2020 in the Steel Sector. • SAIL has been the winner of this award for successive two years. • World Environment foundation instituted the award and is given to organizations on achievements in the field of Environment Management.

1.433 Tata Group bags the ‘ASSOCHAM Enterprise of the Century Award’. • Recently, PM Shri Narendra Modi delivered a keynote address at ASSOCHAM Foundation Week 2020. • He presented the ‘ASSOCHAM Enterprise of the Century Award’ to Shri Ratan Tata, TATA Group.

1.434 Shri NV Kadam bags DRDO Lifetime Achievement Award-2018. • Recently, DRDO Lifetime Achievement Award – 2018 was given to Shri N V Kadam for his contributions for developing control and guidance schemes for missiles.

1.435 IIT-Delhi’s scientist secured first prize at Innovate4SDG contest by UNDP. • Recently, Prof Kavya Dashora of IIT Delhi has secured first prize at Innovate4SDG contest by ‘UNDP (United Nation Development Program) Accelerator Lab India’ for the innovation of plant-based mock egg. • This innovation addresses SDG 2 and 3 (zero hunger and good health and well-being).

1.436 Sreenivas Karanam bags first prize under Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Telecom Skill Excellence Awards. • Recently, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Telecom Skill Excellence Awards have been awarded to – o First Prize - Sreenivas Karanam from Bangalore o Second Prize - Subrat Kar from Delhi

1.437 Ratan Tata honoured with 'Global Visionary of Sustainable Business and Peace' award • Recently, Ratan Tata has been conferred the title of "Global Visionary of Sustainable Business and Peace" by the Federation of Indo-Israel Chambers of Commerce (FIICC). • He has been awarded for epitomising "unity, peace and sustainability". About Israel- • Capital- Jerusalem • Currency- Israeli Shekel

1.438 NTPC wins the prestigious CII-ITC Sustainability Awards 2020 • Recently, Country’s largest power producer, NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation) ltd has been conferred “Excellence” in the 15th CII-ITC Sustainability Awards 2020 in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Domain. • NTPC won the Award in Corporate Excellence category. Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609

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About CII-ITC Sustainability Awards: • Instituted in 2006, the CII-ITC Sustainability Awards recognize and reward businesses for their efforts towards sustainability and inclusiveness in their activities.

1.439 V.K. Yadav conferred with “Eminent Engineer Award for the Year 2020” • Recently, V.K. Yadav, Chairman & CEO, Railway Board, Ministry of Railways has been conferred with the prestigious “Eminent Engineer Award for the Year 2020” by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

1.440 2020 ATP Awards • Recently, 2020 ATP awards were announced. • Here is the complete list of award winners-

S.No. Award Winner 1 ATP No. 1 Novak Djokovic 2 ATP Doubles No. 1 Mate Pavic & Bruno Soares 3 Comeback Player of the Year Vasek Pospisil 4 Most Improved Player of the Year Andrey Rublev 5 Newcomer of the Year Carlos Alcaraz

Banking

1.441 HDFC Bank rolls out ‘Mouth Shut’ campaign against cyber frauds • Recently, the HDFC Bank has launched the ‘Mouth Shut’ campaign across Tamil Nadu to increase awareness about cyber frauds. • Aim- To sensitise people against sharing card details, CVV, OTP, Net and mobile banking login details and password.

1.442 VISA became a partner of Yes Bank as a payment processor • Recently, Yes Bank announced its partnership with VISA as a payment processor to enhance payments efficiency for salaried and Yes First account holders. • It also introduced a new line of vertical Debit cards under the E-series across Mastercard and VISA cards.

1.443 BoB launches Atmanirbhar Women Gold Scheme • Recently, Bank of Baroda (BoB) has launched the Atmanirbhar Women Scheme as part of its Baroda Gold Loan. • Under the scheme, the bank is offering loans at 0.50 per cent concession for women. • The bank under the gold loan scheme is also offering agri-gold loan at 0.25 percent concession and for retail loan at 0.50 per cent concession. • Scheme is exclusively meant for helping women to be self-reliant.

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1.444 WhatsApp Payments is live with SBI, HDFC, Axis Bank • Recently, WhatsApp has launched it WhatsApp’s Payments feature with support from State Bank of India, HDFC, ICICI and Axis Bank. • WhatsApp designed its payments feature on National Payments Corporation of India’s (NPCI) Unified Payment Interface (UPI) system

1.445 IndusInd Bank launches its first metal credit card ‘PIONEER Heritage’ • Recently, IndusInd Bank in partnership with Mastercard announced the launch of its first metal credit card - ‘PIONEER Heritage’.

1.446 ICICI Bank launches iMobile Pay app Recently, ICICI Bank transformed its state-of-the-art mobile banking app, iMobile, into iMobile Payment app that offers payments and banking services to customers of any bank. Key Highlights of iMobile Pay app • Open for customers of any Bank • Acts like a payments app: It allows customers to scan a QR code of any payments app and send money to any UPI ID, bank account, self. • Offers banking services: It allows them to open an ICICI Bank savings account digitally and instantaneously, apply for a credit card at zero joining fee and get instant approval for home/personal/car loans. • Enables users to link multiple bank accounts

1.447 RBI hikes contactless card transaction limit to Rs 5000 to boost e-payments • Recently, RBI increased the limit for contactless card transactions from Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000, effective from 1st January 2020. • The same has been done for e-mandates for recurring transactions through cards and the Unified Payment Interface (UPI). About Contactless Card • Contactless cards use radio-frequency identification or near field communication for making secure payments. About e-Mandates for recurring Transactions • E-Mandate is a digital payment service initiated by RBI and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). • It serves as an underlying infrastructure for businesses in India to collect recurring payments without any human intervention. • A mandate is a standard instruction that you provide to your issuing bank and other institutions allowing them to automatically debit the mentioned amount from your bank account.

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1.448 New safety features in cheques above Rs 50,000 from 1st Jan 2021 • Recently, RBI announced to introduce the ‘Positive Pay System’ for cheque transactions above Rs 50,000 from 1st Jan 2021 in a bid to enhance safety and eliminate frauds. What is the Positive Pay System? • The concept of Positive Pay involves a process of reconfirming key details of large-value cheques. • Under this process, the issuer of the cheque submits electronically, through channels like SMS, mobile app, Internet banking and ATM, certain minimum details of that cheque (like date, name of the beneficiary, or payee and amount) to the drawee bank, details of which are cross- checked with the presented cheque by Cheque Truncation System (CTS). • Any discrepancy is flagged by CTS to the drawee bank and presenting bank, who then take redressal measures. What type of cheques will come under Positive Pay? • Banks will enable the new system for all account holders issuing cheques for amounts of Rs 50,000 and above. Availing of this facility is at the discretion of the account holder but banks may consider making it mandatory for cheques above 5 Lakhs. Developing Agency • National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is developing the Positive Pay facility and will make it available to banks.

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