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Weekly Current Affairs 23rd to 30th November 2020

1. International Cherry Blossom Festival in Shillong cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic

• India International Cherry Blossom Festival, the calendar event of Meghalaya which attracts record number of tourists annually in Shillong, has been cancelled this year in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic. • The capital, Shillong hosts the only Cherry Blossoms festival in India. These beautiful flowers can be spotted across Meghalaya during this time of the year. It is expected that the flowers will continue to bloom till the end of November. But people of Meghalaya celebrate festivals through virtual mode. • The beautiful hill station Shillong in Meghalaya has turned pink with blooming cherry blossoms. • Every year, the Cherry Blossom Festival in Shillong hosts a plethora of events like fitness art, fashion show, rock concerts and much more. This time, the pomp and fervour of the festival will be missed. Due to the COVID -19 pandemic, the Cherry Blossom Festival held annually in Shillong has been cancelled this year. But, the wispy pink-and-white blooms that adorn the town’s trees around this time of the year have kept their promise, bringing cheer to the people. Local tourist is happy to see blooming cherry flowers and they are sharing the latest pictures and videos about cherry blossom on a social media platform for friends and relatives. • Everyone hopes if everything will be normal that they will celebrate the cherry blossom festival next year.

Source:- Newsonair 2. PM Narendra Modi lays foundation stone of rural drinking water supply projects worth Rs 5,555 cr in Uttar Pradesh

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of rural drinking water supply projects worth Rs 5,555.38 crore in Mirzapur and Sonbhadra districts of Vindhyachal region of Uttar Pradesh. • Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone via video conference and also interacted with Village Water and Sanitation Committee/ Paani Samiti Members during the event. • The projects will reportedly provide household tap water connections in all rural households of 2,995 villages and will benefit about 42 lakh population of these districts. The projects are planned to be completed in 24 months. • PM Modi said, "During the last one and half years from the start of Jal Jeevan Mission, more than 2 crores 60 lakh families have been provided piped drinking water connection to their homes including lakhs of families in Uttar Pradesh as well."

Source:- Zee News

3. Department of Fisheries presents first Fisheries Awards

• The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India celebrated the ‘World Fisheries Day’ 2020 at NASC Complex, Pusa, . The Minister of

2 www.gradeup.co State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Pratap Chandra Sarangi, was the Chief Guest at the occasion. • Shri Sarangi said that this sector is responsible for providing nutritional security, livelihood support and employment to millions of Indians. It is estimated that the world’s population will exceed 9 billion by 2050. With the increase in the population, the demand for nutritional security also goes on parallel lines. The agriculture and the allied sectors have to contribute the food demand and supply will play an important role combined with other food sectors to meet the nutritional demands of the growing population. • Aquaculture activities have to be taken up in India as the alternative way of meeting the growing demand of nutritional security. Shri Sarangi also said that Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada at a total estimated investment of Rs. 20,050 crores intends to address critical gaps in fish production and productivity, quality, technology, post-harvest infrastructure and management, modernisation and strengthening of value chain, traceability, establishing a robust fisheries management framework and fishers’ welfare. • During the event, for the first time in Fisheries Sector, the Government of India awarded best performing States for 2019-20 namely, Odisha (amongst Marine states), Uttar Pradesh (amongst Inland states) and Assam (amongst Hilly and NE states). The Govt. also awarded best Organisations for 2019-20 [Tamil Nadu Fisheries Development Corporation Ltd. (for Marine); Telangana State Fishermen Cooperative societies Federation Ltd (for Inland), and Assam Apex Cooperative Fish Marketing and Processing Federation Ltd. (for Hilly region)]; Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh as best Marine District; Kalahandi, Odisha as best Inland District; Nagaon, Assam as Best Hilly and NE District. Besides, it also felicitated the best Fisheries Enterprise; best performing Fisheries Cooperative Societies/FFPOs/SSG and best Individual entrepreneurs; best Marine and Inland Fish Farmer; and best Finfish and Shrimp hatcheries as well, in recognition to their accomplishments in the field and their contribution into the growth of the sector.

Source:- Indianews

4. PM Modi thanks Saudi Arabia for hosting G20 Summit in Riyadh successfully

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has thanked Saudi Arabia for hosting G20 Summit in Riyadh successfully and welcomed Italy as it takes over the G20 presidency in 2021. • It was decided that the G20 Presidency will be held by Indonesia in 2022, India in 2023 and Brazil in 2024. • External Affairs Ministry said that at the end of the two day Summit, a G20 Leaders’ Declaration was issued which called for coordinated global action, solidarity, and multilateral cooperation to overcome the current challenges and realize opportunities of the 21st century for all by empowering people, safeguarding the planet, and shaping new frontiers.

Source:- Newsonair

5. Health Minister Harsh Vardhan addresses Boston Center of Excellence for Health & Human Development

• Health Minister Harsh Vardhan addressed the Boston Center of Excellence for Health and Human Development through Video Conference.

3 www.gradeup.co • Saluting millions of front-line health workers who bravely carried on with their duty in spite of risk and adversity, including professionals other than doctors and nurses, Dr. Vardhan elaborated India’s strategy to contain COVID-19. • In this regard, the Health Minister observed that it is not the first one and definitely not the last one but this COVID 19 will soon be a past episode of the 21st century. • He said, our treatment protocol for COVID patients is well defined now. • He said, vaccines will be available soon and the cases will significantly go down in the next few months. • Detailing that India has already mastered all components of Modern medicine from antibiotics to emergency care, surgery, immunization, and vaccine, Dr Vardhan noted that the focus is now on the cost, quality, and affordability.

Source:- HT

6. Indian Navy participates in two-day trilateral exercise SITMEX-20 in Andaman sea

• The Indian Navy is participating in the two-day trilateral maritime exercise SITMEX-20 in the Andaman sea along with the navies of Singapore and Thailand, senior military officials said on Sunday. • Indian naval ships, including indigenously-built anti-submarine warfare corvette Kamorta and missile corvette Karmuk, are participating in the 2nd edition of the trilateral exercise was held on Sunday and Monday. • The two-day maritime drills will witness the three navies participate in a variety of exercises, including naval manoeuvres, surface warfare exercises and weapon firings. The SITMEX series of exercises are conducted to enhance mutual interoperability and to imbibe best practices between the Indian Navy, Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and Royal Thai Navy (RTN). • The first edition of SITMEX, hosted by the Indian Navy, was conducted off Port Blair in September 2019. • The 2020 edition of the exercise is being hosted by the RSN.

Source:- ET

7. NASA-ESA Launch SENTINEL-6 MICHAEL FREILICH SATELLITE to monitor the oceans

• A US-European satellite designed to extend a decades-long measurement of global sea surface heights was launched into Earth orbit from California on Saturday. • A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the satellite blasted off from Vandenberg Air Force Base at 10:47 pm IST (9:17 am PST) and arced southward over the Pacific Ocean. The Falcon’s first stage flew back to the launch site and landed for reuse. • The Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite was released from the second stage about an hour later. It then deployed its solar panels and made the first contact with controllers at a ground station in Alaska Sentinel-6a will be the first of two identical satellites -- the second to be launched in five years -- that will provide measurements of unprecedented precision until at least 2030. • The twin satellites will measure sea-level rise, tracking changes threatening to disrupt tens of millions of lives within a generation.

4 www.gradeup.co • Each Sentinel-6 probe carries a radar altimeter, which measures the time it takes for radar pulses to travel to Earth’s surface and back again. • The satellites will circle the planet in the same orbit as earlier missions that supplied sea-surface height data over the last three decades, mapping 95 percent of Earth’s ice-free ocean every ten days.

Source:- First Post

8. India Becomes 4th Nation To Get IMO Nod For Navigation Satellite System

• India has become the fourth country in the world to have its independent regional navigation satellite system recognised by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) as a part of the World Wide Radio Navigation System (WWRNS). • The other three countries that have its navigation systems recognised by the IMO are the US, Russia and China. • The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) was designed to provide accurate position information services to assist in the navigation of ships in Indian Ocean waters. The Director General of Shipping (DGS) had approached the IMO for granting recognition to the IRNSS as a component of the WWRNS, similar to the US-owned Global Position System (GPS) or Russia’s Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) – a process that took two years. • Calling it a significant achievement towards the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative of the Union government, the statement said, “The Maritime Safety Committee of IMO during its recent meeting held from 4 to 11 November 2020 has approved the recognition of the IRNSS as a component of the World-wide radio navigation system.”

Source:- Indian Express

9. Naseeruddin Shah awarded 2020 Aditya Vikram Birla Kalashikhar Puraskar

• Renowned actor Naseeruddin Shah has been honoured with 2020 Aditya Vikram Birla Kalashikhar Puraskar at annual Sangit Kala Kendra Awards. • Beside him, Neel Choudhary and Irawati Karnik were honoured with Aditya Vikram Birla Kalakiran Puraskars. • Aditya Vikram Birla Kalashikhar and Kalakiran Puraskar awards were instituted in 1996 by Sangeet Kala Kendra (SKK) • SKK founded in 1973 by Aditya Vikram Birla to honor excellence in theatre and performing arts.

10. All India Presiding Officers' Conference held virtually

• 80th All India Presiding Officers' Conference (AIPOC) will be organized at Kevadia, Gujarat on 25th November. • This two day conference will be inaugurated by President • Theme: Harmonious Coordination of Legislative, Executive and Judiciary - Key to a Vibrant Democracy • Various sessions will be organised in which presiding officers will exchange their views and shared best practices on Parliament and Legislative Assemblies.

5 www.gradeup.co 11. Indian Navy to Host Exercise SIMBEX-20 in Andaman Sea

• Indian Navy is hosting 27th edition of India - Singapore Bilateral Maritime Exercise titled as SIMBEX-20 from 23 to 25 November 2020 in Andaman Sea. • SIMBEX exercises is conducted between IN and Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) since 1994 to enhance mutual inter-operability and imbibing best practices from each other. • 2020 edition will witness participation by Indian Navy ships including destroyer Rana with integral Chetak helicopter and corvettes Kamorta and Karmuk.

12. CCIM issues notification to streamline Ayurveda education

• Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM) has issued notification to streamline provisions of the regulations including clarity and definition concerning Post Graduate Ayurveda Education • CCIM is the statutory body that regulates the Indian Medical systems of Ayurveda, Siddha, Sowa- Rigpa and Unani Medicine • Notification is related to Shalya and Shalakya streams of Post Graduate Education in Ayurveda that specifies 58 surgical procedures.

13. Jal Shakti Ministry's Technical Committee recommends 5 technologies

• Multi-disciplinary Technical Committee in Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti has recommended 5 technologies in Drinking Water and Sanitation to provide Field Level Solutions • List of Technologies: o Grundfos AQpure, solar water ultra-filtration treatment plant o Janajal Water on Wheel o Presto Online Chlorinator o Johkasou technology o FBTec® a site assembled in a decentralised sewage treatment system using fixed filter media.

14. Karnataka Bank launches CASA campaign

• Karnataka Bank has launched CASA (current account, savings account) mobilisation campaign, that will run from November 17 to March 4, 2021. • Campaign will mobilise over 4.10 lakh current and savings accounts with ₹650 crore of business. • This will facilitate basic banking services to unbanked sections of society along with popularising digitally-powered CASA products of the bank for the next level of customers based on their requirements • MD-CEO: Mahabaleshwara MS

15. AIM–Sirius Innovation Programme 3.0 held for school students

• AIM–Sirius Innovation Programme 3.0 for school students has been concluded. • It was a 14-day-long event that saw the participation of several dignitaries from India and Russia and a special showcase by the students of both the countries.

6 www.gradeup.co • The programme was focused on developing technological solutions (web-based and mobile applications) to address the grassroot problems of the two countries. • 48 students worked in teams to create virtual products and mobile app.

16. Ministry of Tourism organises ‘India’s Hidden Gems’ webinar

• Ministry of Tourism has organised Dekho Apna Desh Webinar series titled ‘India’s Hidden Gems’ focused on hidden gems of India. • Webinar was presented by Ms. Bindu Menon • Travel journey started from Amarambalam, Nilambur, which lies in the North of Kerala. • This place is renowned for ‘Conally’s Plot’ or the oldest teak plantation in the world, along with Great Hornbill resorts • Dekho Apna Desh Webinar Series is presented in technical partnership with National e Governance Dept.

17. Malaysia Hosted 2020 APEC Summit

• The 2020 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting was held on 20 November 2020 under the Chairmanship of Malaysian Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. • This was the first time that all 21 APEC Economic Leaders met virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. • The theme of the APEC Malaysia 2020 was “Optimising Human Potential Towards a Resilient Future of Shared Prosperity: Pivot. Prioritise. Progress”. • The APEC 2020 ended with the adoption of the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040 and the 2020 Kuala Lumpur Declaration. • This would have been the first APEC Meeting for Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape, the host Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and Peruvian President Francisco Sagasti after their inaugurations and appointments on May 30, 2019, March 1, 2020, September 16, 2020 and November 17, 2020 respectively. It was the also last APEC meeting for United States President Donald Trump (who will step down on 20 January 2021 following the 2020 United States presidential election and the inauguration of Joe Biden) respectively. • Two Presidents not attend is Vietnamese President Nguyễn Phú Trọng and Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Trọng sent Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc in his place and Obrador represented by Mexican Minister of Economy Graciela Márquez Colín respectively.

Source:- HT

18. President Ram Nath Kovind boards One- B777 aircraft for inaugural flight to Chennai

• President Ram Nath Kovind today boarded the Air India One- B777 aircraft for inaugural flight to Chennai. • The President will be visiting Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh to offer prayers at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple.

7 www.gradeup.co • He commended the pilots, crew members and the entire team of Air India and for operating the state-of-the-art aircraft and facilitating VVIP movements within India and on state visits abroad.

Source:- Newsonair

19. Ravi Shankar Prasad launches international version of UMANG App

• To mark the occasion of 3 years of UMANG and 2000 plus services milestone, an online conference was organized under the chairmanship of Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Ravi Shankar Prasad. • On this occasion, Mr Prasad launched the UMANG’s international version in coordination with Ministry of External Affairs for select countries that include USA, UK, Canada, Australia, UAE, Netherlands, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand. It will help Indian international students, NRIs and Indian tourists abroad, to avail Government of India services, anytime. It will also help in taking India to the world through ‘Indian Culture’ services available on UMANG and create interest amongst foreign tourists to visit India.

Source:- Newsonair

20. Deep Depression over South West Bay of Bengal intensifies into cyclonic storm ‘Nivar’

• The Deep Depression over the South West Bay of Bengal has intensified into the cyclonic storm “Nivar,” early Tuesday morning. • It has triggered widespread rain in several districts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Chennai and its suburbs have witnessed intermittent rain since last evening. The MET Department in Chennai says the • Cyclone Nivar is moving north westwards at a speed of 5-km per hour for the past six hours. It currently lies 450 km south east of Chennai and 410 km south east of Puducherry. It is very likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm in the next 24-hours. • It is set to cross the coast between Karaikal and Mamallapuram, close to Puducherry, Wednesday evening. During its landfall, the wind speed is expected to be in the range of 100 to 110 km an hour, gushing to 120 km per hour. • Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswamy about the preparatory measures being undertaken by the administration to tackle the cyclone.

Source:- DDNEWS

21. Leaders of G-20 economies vow to ensure affordable & fair distribution of COVID-19 vaccines

• Leaders of G-20 economies have said that that they will ensure an affordable and fair distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, drugs and tests around the world so that poorer countries are not left out. • According to a final summit communique, the leaders said that they supported a global project for vaccines, tests and therapeutics - called Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator - and its COVAX facility to distribute vaccines.

8 www.gradeup.co Source:- NOA

22. J&K Sports Council inks MOU with Cricketer Suresh Raina's Cricket Academy to develop budding Cricketers in UT

• In the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council enters into MOU with Cricketer Suresh Raina's Cricket Academy to develop budding Cricketers in the Union Territory. • In yet another step to tap the immense sports potential & to realise vision of Lieutinent Govorner Manoj Sinha of making Jammu & Kashmir a centre of sporting excellence, J&K Sports council today entered into a MoU with Suresh Raina Cricket Academy to develop budding cricketers to National & International level. • On the occasion, LG Manoj Sinha, Chief Secretary BVR Subrahmanyam, Principal Secretary to LG Nitishwar Kumar, Secretary Sports, Sarmad Hafeez, Secretary J&K Sports Council Naseem Choudhary and Cricketer Suresh Raina were present. • The LG observed that the MoU will provide an opportunity to budding cricketers to hone their skills & to showcase their talent in various levels of national & international competitive tournaments.

Source:- DDNews

23. Pilibhit Tiger Reserve and the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department bagged the first international award TX2.

• The Pilibhit Tiger Reserve and the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department bagged the first international award TX2. The Pilibhit Tiger Reserve was awarded for doubling its number of tigers in four years. The target set was to double the numbers in ten years. The target was set by the partners of the award in 2010. The partners are Global Tiger Forum, United Nations Development Programme, Conservation Tiger Standards and Lion’s Share. • In 2010, with tiger numbers at an all time low, the tiger range governments committed to an ambitious and visionary goal of Tx2- to double wild tigers by 2022. • The initiative was started in 2010 at the St. Petersburg Tiger Summit. • The Tx2 approach looks at doubling the number of tigers in the wild, rather than just saving the animal in each of the countries in which it is present. This strategic focus looks at not only protecting tigers but protecting landscapes including source sites and corridors, according to World Wildlife Fund.

Source:- One India

24. Daniil Medvedev beat Dominic Thiem to win ATP Tour 2020

9 www.gradeup.co • Daniil Medvedev came from behind to beat US Open champion Dominic Thiem in a gripping encounter and win the biggest title of his career at the ATP Finals in London. • The Russian fourth seed was second best for large periods at the empty O2 Arena but found a way back into the contest and prevailed 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-4. • In the doubles final, Dutch-Croatian duo Wesley Koolhof and Nikola Mektic claimed their first title together after surpassing Jurgen Melzer and Edouard Roger-Vasselin.

Source:- TOI

25. RBI names 2 startups as a part of its regulatory sandbox programme

• Reserve Bank of India has announced the names of two startups that have been selected as a part of its regulatory sandbox programme. RBI said, it has shortlisted six companies out of 32 entities that had applied for the ‘Test Phase’ of the first cohort. • The two companies are Jaipur based Natural Support Consultancy Services Private Limited and New Delhi based Nucleus Software Exports Limited. While the former has named its product ‘eRupaya’, which will facilitate offline Person-to-Merchant transactions and offline digital payments in remote locations; the second company’s product 'PaySe', proposes to help in digitisation of payments in rural areas, starting with Self Help Groups, through an offline payment solution and a digitised SHG-centered ecosystem.

Source:- HT

26. Uttarakhand gets its first ‘Moss Garden’ in Nainital

• First Moss Garden of India has been inaugurated at Khurpatal in Nainital district of Uttarakhand. • This iconic garden has been developed by Uttarakhand forest department and is spread over an area of 10 hectares. • It houses around 30 different species of moss and other bryophyte species. • This will enable conservation of various species of moss along with creating recreation centre for tourists • Mosses are non-vascular flowerless plants belonging to Bryophyta division

27. Cabinet Secretary chairs National Crisis Management Committee Meeting

• Union Cabinet Secretary, Rajiv Gauba has chaired National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) meeting to review impending Cyclone status through video conferencing with Chief Secretaries of Andhra Pradesh, TN and Puducherry. • Cabinet Committee on Security and NCMC are the key committees at national level for Disaster Management • Composition: o Cabinet Secretary (Chairman). o Secretaries of Ministries / Depts and agencies with specific Disaster management responsibilities.

10 www.gradeup.co 28. India to host G-20 Summit in 2023

• India will host the G20 Group Summit in 2023, instead of 2022 • G20 summit for the year 2022 will be hosted by Indonesia now • G20 Summit will be hosted by Italy in 2021, Indonesia in 2022, India in 2023 and Brazil in 2024. • India and Indonesia have swapped their respective hosting year of G20 as Indonesia would also chair Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2023 • G20: International forum comprising of 19 countries and European Union, which was founded in 1999

29. Indian Navy gets 9th P-8I anti-submarine warfare aircraft from Boeing

• Indian Navy have received its ninth P-8I long range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft. • First contract with Boeing was signed by India in 2009 for eight P-8Is to replace Indian Navy’s aging Tupolev Tu-142M maritime surveillance turboprops. • 9 aircraft deal was signed in 2017. • Aircraft landed at INS Hansa, Goa and will be used in Ladakh for surveillance besides IOR • India had become 1st international P-8 aircraft customer of Boeing.

30. Former Assam CM Tarun Gogoi passes away in Guwahati

• Former Chief Minister of Assam Tarun Gogoi (86 years) passed away in Guwahati due to COVID- 19 complications. • He was the member of and led the party to record three consecutive electoral victories • He was the longest serving CM of Assam (2001 to 2016) • He represented Jorhat and Kaliabor constituencies in Lok Sabha. • He also served as an Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Food and Ministry of Food Processing Industries.

34. AAI observes Aviation Safety Awareness Week 2020

• Aviation Safety Awareness Week 2020 (23rd November to 27th November 2020) is observed at all airports and ANS locations by Airports Authority of India (AAI) • Airport Directors will be organizing awareness programme in school/colleges on role of local residents in aviation safety spreading awareness about their role in ensuring safety of aircraft operation in local airport. • Ministry of Civil Aviation aims to achieve Zero fatality by 2030 • AAI’s chairman: Arvind Singh

35. Telugu Poet Shaik Khaja Hussain passes away in Hyderabad

• Noted Telugu poet, journalist, scriptwriter Shaik Khaja Hussain (70 years) passed away after brief illness in Hyderabad. • He was popularly known as Devi Priya.

11 www.gradeup.co • He was conferred with Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award in 2017, for his book Gaali Rangu. • He was also known for his political satirical cartoons and poetry. • His books: Gareebi Geetaalu, Amma Chettu Chepa Chiluka. • Jambhal Bhari Bhai song written by him was very popular.

36. Education minister launches 46 online ATAL Faculty Development Programmes

• Union Education Minister has rolled out 46 online AICTE Training and Learning (ATAL) Academy Faculty Development Programmes (FDPs) to train teachers of higher education institutions associated with All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) • FDPs will be conducted in 22 Indian states according to new National Education Policy 2020 • Book of World Records, London has recognized FDPs as a world record, under which 1,000 online FDPs will benefit 1 lakh faculty members

37. Amit Shah inaugurates mobile COVID-19 RT-PCR Lab at ICMR, Delhi

• Home Minister Amit Shah has inaugurated mobile COVID-19 RT-PCR Lab at Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi. • The lab has been developed jointly by Spice Health and ICMR. • The lab will add more capacity to COVID-19 testing and is accredited by NABL. • Tests conducted here will be free of cost making COVID-19 testing affordable and more accessible to the common person. • Test report will be available within 6 to 8 hours.

38. Tribes India launches New Socially Impactful, Immunity Boosting Products

• Tribes India has added more new products to attract customer helping millions of tribal enterprises get larger markets. • One product introduced is Saheli, eco-friendly sanitary pads made by Vasavatribals under Gram Sangathan Kambodiya in Gujarat • It will fall under Forest Fresh Naturals and organics range • Other excellent gifting and decoration options will also be available on Tribes India outlets, mobile vans, Tribes India E-marketplace (tribesindia.com) and e-tailers.

39. Cabinet approves equity infusion of ₹6,000 crore into NIIF

• To drive infrastructure creation in the country, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the infusion of ₹6,000 crore equity in National Infrastructure Investment Fund’s (NIIF’s) debt platform in the next two years. This move will help the entity raise ₹1.10 lakh crore by 2025 for financing infrastructure projects. • "Union Cabinet has approves equity infusion by government of ₹6,000 crores in NIIF Debt Platform sponsored by National Investment and Infrastructure Fund, comprising of Aseem Infrastructure Finance Limited and NIIF Infrastructure Finance Limited," said Union minister Prakash Javadekar. • Out of the proposed amount, ₹2,000 crore will be infused in the current financial year, Javadekar added. "In view of the unprecedented financial situation and availability of limited fiscal

12 www.gradeup.co space due to the prevailing COVID-19, the proposed amount may be disbursed only if there is readiness and demand for debt raising," the central government said. • The proposal to invest ₹6,000 crore as equity into NIIF is part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat 3.0 package announced earlier this month. • The NIIF Strategic Opportunities Fund has set up a debt platform comprising an NBFC Infra Debt Fund and an NBFC Infra Finance Company. NIIF through its Strategic Opportunities Fund (‘NIIF SOF’) owns a majority position in both the companies and has already invested Rs.1,899 crore across the platform. • The Strategic Opportunities Fund (SOF fund) through which the NIIF investment has been made, will continue to support the two companies apart from investing in other suitable investment opportunities.

Source:- Livemint

40. SDG Investor Map for India launched by UNDP and Invest India

• The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Invest India has launched the SDG Investor Map for India, laying out 18 investment opportunities areas (IOAs). • These IOAs are in six critical SDG (sustainable development goals) enabling sectors that can help India push the needle forward on Sustainable Development, the UNDP, which works to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through the sustainable development of nations. • Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the SDG financing gap has widened by an estimated USD 400 billion in developing countries, adding to the pre-COVID shortfall of USD 2-2.5 trillion per annum, it said • Whilst the government continues to show strong support for the SDGs and a sustainable recovery, mobilizing this kind of capital and supporting the on-ground innovation needed to meet the SDG targets by 2030, requires the collective efforts of the public and private sector transition from short-term recovery to long-term sustainability, said the release. • The 6 SDG-enabling sectors include education, healthcare, agriculture & allied activities, financial services, renewable energy & alternatives and sustainable environment. • These sectors and the IOAs within them were selected through a rigorous analytical process that included extensive consultations with a number of major domestic and international investors, government stakeholders and think-tanks. • This ensured that the Map''s findings were truly reflective of market sentiment, the UNDP said. • Of the 18 IOAs identified, 10 are already mature investable areas that have seen robust private equity and venture capital activity, and feature companies that have been able to unlock scale and demonstrate profitability. • The remaining eight IOAs are emerging opportunities, which have seen traction from early-stage investors, said the UN development agency. • The UNDP said nearly 50 per cent of the shortlisted IOAs have historical investments that have yielded IRRs (internal rate of return) in excess of 20 per cent. While 84 per cent of the IOAs have investment timeframes ranging from the short term (less than 5 years) to the medium-term (between 5- 15 years).

Source:- IndiaNews

41. Constitution Day to be celebrated across country tomorrow

13 www.gradeup.co • Constitution Day or Samvidhan Diwas will be celebrated across the country tomorrow. The day is also known as National Law Day and commemorates the adoption of the Constitution in India. On 26th November in 1949, the Constituent Assembly of the country formally adopted the Constitution of India which came into force on 26th January 1950. • The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in the year 2015, notified the decision of the Government to celebrate 26th November as 'Constitution Day'. The day is celebrated to promote values of the Constitution among citizens. The Day is also celebrated as a mark of tribute to India's first Law Minister Dr. B R Ambedkar, who played a pivotal role in drafting the Constitution.

Source:- Newsonair

42. PM Modi to inaugurate RE-INVEST 2020 tomorrow

• The 3rd Global Renewable Energy Investment Meeting and Expo (RE-INVEST 2020) will be held tomorrow. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually inaugurate this event. • During the two day virtual conference, all the leading companies will display their latest technological development in the field of renewable energy and discuss various options available for energy transition. Several world leaders, Energy Ministers of 70 countries and 200 eminent speakers will take part in the event. • Mr. RK Singh said that India has done tremendously well in the renewable energy sector and every major company in the world is interested in investing in India.

Source:- HT

43. Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel passes away

• Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel, died at a Gurgaon hospital on Wednesday morning. He was 71. The veteran politician had been at a private hospital since his health worsened after a Covid infection. In a tweet at around 4 am, his son, Faisal Patel, said that the MP from Gujarat had passed away at 3.30 am today. • Messages of condolences and tributes poured in soon after the announcement of Mr Patel's death. President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have expressed grief over the demise of the veteran Congress Leader Ahmed Patel.

Source:- TH

44. New Zealand's Greg Barclay elected as new independent chairman of ICC

• New Zealand's Greg Barclay has been elected as the new independent chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). The head of the New Zealand Cricket team, NZC, Barclay beat Imran Khwaja in the second round of voting. Imran was interim chairman after Shashank Manohar stepped down from the post in July this year. • In the first round of voting last week, Barclay had 10 votes to Khwaja's six, and needed 11 votes for a two-thirds majority of the 16-person ICC Board. That vote arrived from Cricket South Africa in a second round of voting. Barclay is the second independent chairman of the world body, after Shashank Manohar of India.

14 www.gradeup.co • A commercial lawyer by trade, Barclay has served as a director of NZC since 2012. He was a director of 2015 Men's World Cup, held in Australia and New Zealand. He is also an experienced company director holding board positions with various New Zealand and Australian companies.

Source:- Newsonair

45. Delhi Crime bags Best Drama Series at International Emmy Awards 2020

• Netflix show, Delhi Crime has been conferred with Best Drama Series award at the 48th International Emmy Awards 2020. • It defeated Germany's Charité 2 Season 2, UK's Criminal UK and Argentina's El Jardín de Bronce (The Bronze Garden) Season 2 for this category • Amazon Prime Video's Four More Shots Please was nominated for Best Comedy Series but lost out. • Delhi Crime is directed by Richie Mehta and showcase Shefali Shah as Deputy Commissioner of Police

46. K Sivan Conferred with honorary doctorate by Karnataka Governor

• ISRO Chairman K Sivan has been conferred with Doctor of Science honorary doctorate at Visvesvaraya Technological University under Government of Karnataka • The honour was presented to the ISRO Chief by Karnataka’s Governor Vajubhai Vala. • K Sivan is an Indian space scientist and is current Secretary (Space) and ex-officio chairman of ISRO and Space Commission. • He has previously served as Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Center and the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre.

47. Tenth edition of National Science Film Festival inaugurated virtually

• Tenth edition of National Science Film Festival has been inaugurated in virtual mode by Deputy CM of Tripura Jishnu Dev Verma • Orgnaiser: VigyanPrasar jointly with Tripura State Council of Science and Technology • It a 4-day long film festival that offers a unique platform to showcase the science films made by professionals, amateur and student filmmakers under various themes. • A total of 115 films in different languages have been shortlisted for festival this year.

45. HP govt launches ‘Him Suraksha Abhiyan’ to sensitize people about Covid-19

• Himachal Pradesh govt has launched ‘Him Suraksha Abhiyan’ to sensitize the people regarding Covid-19 pandemic. • The abhiyan will also collect information regarding symptoms of TB, Leprosy, sugar and blood pressure • The campaign will continue till coming 27th December • Composition: 8000 teams out of Health, Ayurveda, Women and Child Development, Panchayati Raj Departments, District Administration and NGOs • It would ensure door to door data collection of of people's health

46. India test-fires land-attack version of BrahMos missile

15 www.gradeup.co • Indian Army successfully test-fired land-attack version of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from Andaman and Nicobar Islands • About BrahMos supersonic cruise missile o It is the world`s fastest operational system in its class o It is a long-range missile system, that can be launched from land, sea and air. • DRDO has recently extended the range of BrahMos missile system from existing 298 km to around 450 km. • The missile has been jointly developed by DRDO and NPOM, Russia

47. China launches historic ‘Chang’e-5’ mission to moon

• China has launched historic mission ‘Chang’e 5‘ to moon to collect ‘first lunar samples’ from Long March-5 rocket from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site on southern island province of Hainan province. • It is China’s first attempt to retrieve samples from an extra-terrestrial body. • US and Soviet Union are the only nation to collect lunar sample • Aim: Investigation of landing area for on-site analysis data of lunar samples as well as systematic, long-term laboratory analysis

48. India announces major high-impact projects for Afghanistan

• India has announced over 100 high-impact community projects in Afghanistan worth $80 million (Rs 592 crore) as development portfolio in war-ravaged nation has reached over $3 billion so far • Project announcement was made during 2020 Afghanistan Conference in virtually by External Affairs Minister of India, S. Jaishankar • The Conference was co-hosted by UN, Govt of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and Govt of Finland • Project includes construction of Shatoot Dam.

49. Popular TV actor Ashiesh Roy passes away in

• Famous television actor Ashiesh Roy (55 years) passed away due to kidney dailure at his residence in Delhi. • He began his acting career in 1997 • Famous television shows: Movers & Shakers, Yes Boss, Remix, Baa Bahoo Aur Baby, Chaldi Da Naam Gaddi, Burey Bhi Hum Bhale Bhi Hum, Sasural Simar Ka, Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi, Mere Angne Mein, Aarambh. • Ashiesh Roy was also a voice actor who has been dubbing for foreign films

50. International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women: 25 Nov

• International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is being observed on 25 November every year. • Aim: To raise awareness of the fact that women around the world are subject to various forms of violence and true nature of the issue is often hidden. • United Nations designated this day on December 17, 1999.

16 www.gradeup.co • 2020 Theme: Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect! • It was first celebrated in 2000.

51. Union Agriculture Minister rolls out training programme ‘Sahakar Pragya’

• Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has unveiled ‘Sahakar Pragya’ to impart training to primary cooperative societies in rural areas. • Sahakar Pragya is a part of National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) and has 45 new training modules. • It will impart training in rural areas along with Lakshmanrao Inamdar National Cooperative Research and Development Academy(LINAC). • It will impart training through elaborate network of 18 Regional Training Centres

52. Narendra Singh Tomar inaugurates Mega Food Park in Punjab

• Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Narendra Singh Tomar has virtually inaugurated Sukhjit Mega Food Park (MFP) at Phagwara, Punjab • It is built at a cost of Rs 107.83 crores and spread over 55 acres of land. • It will benefit about 25000 farmers, generating employment for 5000 persons. • It is equipped with Raw Material/Finished goods Warehouses, Silos, Cold Storage, IQF & Deep Freezer & other related food processing facilities.

53. PM Narendra Modi chairs 33rd Pragati interaction

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the Pragati meeting today. It marked Prime Minister’s thirty-third interaction through PRAGATI - the ICT based multi-modal platform for Pro- Active Governance and Timely Implementation, involving Central and State governments. • In today’s Pragati meeting, multiple projects, grievances and programmes were reviewed. The projects taken up were of the Ministry of Railways, MORTH, DPIIT and Power Ministry. These projects, with a total cost of Rs 1.41 lakh crore, were related to ten states and union territories, including Odisha, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. • Prime Minister asked the concerned Secretaries of the Union Government and Chief Secretaries of the State Governments to ensure that they complete the work before time.

Source:- DDNEWS

53. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to attend the 19th SCO Heads of Govt meet hosted by India on 30th Nov

• China today announced that Premier Li Keqiang will attend the 19th meeting of the Council of Heads of Govt. of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states to be held under India's chairmanship on Nov. 30th. • This is the first time after joining the SCO in 2017 that India has got the opportunity to host this meeting which will be held through video link.

17 www.gradeup.co • Last week, SCO Secretary General Vladimir Norov at a Press conference in Beijing said that economic cooperation will remain the focus area during the upcoming 19th meeting of the Council of Heads of Govt (HOG). In the run up to the 19th HOG under its chairmanship, India has held many events and activities including launch of SCO startup forum, meeting of SCO Trade Ministers, Law Ministers, Health Ministers and forum on traditional medicine among others. • Created in 2001, the SCO is a political, economic, and security bloc comprising eight members – India, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan. SCO member states account for around 42% of the world’s population, 22% of the land area, and around 20% of global GDP. SCO countries collectively account for more than 1/7th of global goods trade and nearly 1/8th of world trade in commercial services.

Source:- TOI

54. PM inaugurated Global Renewable Energy Investors Meet and Expo

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has virtually inaugurated the 3rd Global Renewable Energy Investors Meet and Expo (RE-INVEST 2020) today. During the three-day virtual conference, all the leading companies will display their latest technological development in the field of renewable energy and discuss various options available for energy transition. • Several world leaders, Energy Ministers of 75 countries and 200 eminent speakers will take part in the event. The summit is organised by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. It aims to accelerate the worldwide effort to scale up development and deployment of renewable energy and connect the global investment community with Indian energy stakeholders. • The theme for RE-Invest 2020 is ‘Innovations for Sustainable Energy Transition’.

Source:- Newsonair

54. 12th anniversary of Mumbai 26/11 attack

• On the 12th anniversary of November 26 attack on Mumbai, Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, state Home Minister Anil Deshmukh and Environment Minister Aaditya Thackeray paid their respects on Thursday at the newly-built memorial at the police headquarters in south Mumbai. • Floral tributes were paid to the martyrs who laid down their lives while fighting terrorists who attacked Mumbai on this day November 26, 2008. Family members of some of the martyred police personnel also paid tributes at the memorial. There were less people in attendance in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. • On November 26, 2008, 10 Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists from Pakistan arrived by sea route and opened fire, killing 166 people, including 18 security personnel, and injuring several others during the 60-hour siege in Mumbai. • The then Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) chief , Army Major , Mumbai's Additional Police Commissioner , Senior Police Inspector and Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Tukaram Omble were among those killed in the attack. • The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, the Oberoi Trident, the Taj Mahal Hotel, Leopold Cafe, Cama Hospital and the Nariman House Jewish community centre, now renamed Nariman Light House, were some of the places targeted by terrorists.

18 www.gradeup.co • Nine terrorists were later killed by the security forces, including the NSG, the country's elite commando force. • was the only terrorist who was captured alive. He was hanged four years later on November 21, 2012.

Source:- Zeenews

55. National Constitution Day being observed on 26th November

• National Constitution Day or Samvidhan Divas is being observed every year on 26 November to commemorate the adoption of Constitution of India. • It was previously known as National Law Day and was declared as Constitution Day on 19 November 2015 • November 26 is chosen to commemorate Constitution Day as on this day on 1949, Constituent Assembly of India adopted Constitution of India, that came into effect on 26 Jan 1950. • Indian constitution is the supreme law of India

56. Kiren Rijiju launches 2nd edition of ‘Fit India School Week’ program

• Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju has rolled out second edition of Fit India School Week program virtually • Schools have to register themselves on fitindia.gov.in/fit-india-school-week to participate in this program. • Aim: To encourage kids to inculcate physical activity and sports in their daily routine. • Fit India School week program was launched in November 2019 and saw participation from over 15 thousand schools across the country.

57. India Post Payments Bank launches PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana

• India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) has rolled out low-cost insurance scheme ‘Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)’ to bring large sections of the underserved and unserved population into financial mainstream. • For this, IPPB has collaborated with PNB MetLife India Insurance Company • Beneficiary: Person with savings account with IPPB. • Age limit: 18 to 50 years • Sum assured: Rs 2,00,000 per life • Maturity age : Completion of 55 years • Premium: Rs 330 annually

58. National Milk Day being observed today

• National Milk Day is observed every year in India on November 26 to commemorate birthday of father of India’s White Revolution, Dr. , since 2014 • It is being celebrated jointly by National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), Indian Dairy Association (IDA), along with 22 milk federations

19 www.gradeup.co • About V Kurien o He is also known as Milkman of India o He was pioneer of Operation flood that made India largest milk producing nation and Anand dairy cooperatives

59. Legendary Argentine footballer, Diego Maradona passes away

• Legendary Argentine footballer, Diego Maradona (60 years) passed away following a heart attack. • Diego Armando Maradona was regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. • He was one of the two joint winners of FIFA Player of the 20th Century award. • He was given the nickname El Pibe de Oro (The Golden Kid). • He played in four FIFA World Cups, including 1986 World Cup in Mexico where he captained Argentina and won the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player.

60. Cabinet approves amalgamation scheme of Lakshmi Vilas Bank with DBS Bank

• Union Cabinet, chaired by PM, Narendra Modi has approved amalgamation of crisis-ridden Lakshmi Vilas Bank Limited (LVB) with DBS Bank India Limited (DBIL) • LVB was under 30-day moratorium period from November 12 by RBI that restricted cash withdrawal at Rs 25,000 per depositor. • DBS will invest Rs 2,500 crore in the equity of the bank, to improve the capital position of the merged entity that will end the tenure of 94-year-old lender LVB.

61. DRDO flags off first ‘Varunastra’ Heavy Weight Torpedo Unit for Indian Navy

• DRDO has flagged off the first Production unit of Heavy Weight Torpedo (HWT), Varunastra to manufacture torpedo for the Indian Navy • Varunastra has been designed and developed by Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL) of DRDO while Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Vishakhapatnam. • It is a ship launched, heavyweight, electrically propelled anti-submarine torpedoes to engage quiet submarines in deep and shallow waters. • DRDO Chairman: G Satheesh Reddy.

62. All fixed to mobile calls to be dialled with prefix '0' from 15 January

• Dept of Telecommunications in line with TRAI Recommendation on ‘Ensuring Adequate Numbering Resources for Fixed Line and Mobile Services’ has decided to install prefix ‘0’ for all Fixed to Mobile calls from 15th Jan 2021. • However, there will be no change in dialing plan from fixed to fixed, mobile to fixed and mobile to mobile calls. • 2539 million numbering series is expected to be generated from the above that will free up sufficient numbering resources for future use.

63. UP passes Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Ordinance, 2020

• UP Cabinet has approved Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Ordinance, 2020 to ban religious conversion for marriage.

20 www.gradeup.co • This new law will put the reponsibility on the defendant to prove that conversion was not for marriage. • 1-5 years imprisonment if an accused fails to prove that conversion was not for marriage or by force etc. • Jail sentence will be 3-10 years if the woman is from SC/ST community or mass conversion. • Notice period to district magistrate: 2 month

64. National Portal for Transgender Persons’ and Garima Greh inaugurated

• Union Minister Thaawarchand Gehlot has e-launched ‘National Portal for Transgender Persons’ and ‘Garima Greh: A Shelter Home for Transgender Persons’ in Vadodara, Gujarat • Portal has been developed within 2 months of Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020 notification to help a transgender in applying for Certificate and Identity card digitally • Garima Greh will run in association with Lakshya Trust to provide shelter to Transgender with basic amenities

65. Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad unveils newly instituted UMANG Awards

• Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has unveiled UMANG Awards for Partner Departments of Centre and States based on the highest transactions number • Central Department o Platinum Partner award: EPFO o Gold Partner award: Digi Locker o Silver Partner award: ESIC and Bharat Gas services o Bronze Partner award: HP Gas, Doordarshan, National Consumer Helpline, CBSE, PMAY-U, & Jan Aushadhi Sugam. • State Governments Award o Gujarat o Haryana o Madhya Pradesh

65. Railway launches digitised online Human Resource Management System (HRMS)

• Indian Railway has rolled out fully digitized online Human Resource Management System (HRMS) to improve efficiency and productivity of Railway system • HRMS: High thrust project for Indian Railways to leverage improved productivity & employee satisfaction. • This will create a big impact on the functioning of all the employees, making them more tech savvy. • HRMS comprises of: o Employee Self Service (ESS) module o Provident Fund (PF) Advance module o Settlement module

65. Sports Ministry restores recognition of Archery Association of India

• Sports Ministry has restored government recognition to Archery Association of India (AAI) as a Nation Sports Federation (NSF) for promotion and regulation of Archery Sport in India.

21 www.gradeup.co • AAI’s government recognition was withdrawn 8 years back on account of failure to conduct its elections in accordance with National Sports Development Code of India. • The move comes after AAI's independent elections and revocation of suspension by World Archery and Indian Olympic Association.

66. Ministry of Ports issues Merchant Shipping Bill 2020 for public review

• Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has issued Merchant Shipping Bill, 2020 draft for public consultation for promoting transparency in Shipping sector • It will replace Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 and Coasting Vessels Act, 1838. • Objectives: o Improve welfare and safety of Indian seafarers on abandoned vessels o Promote ease of doing business o Enables electronic registration, and grants statutory recognition to electronic agreements o Increase India’s tonnage

67. Films Division organizes folk art and painting film festival ‘Lok Virasat’

• Films Division (FD) is organizing a festival of films on folk art and painting, titled as Lok Virasat from 27 to 29 November 2020 on FD website and You Tube channel. • It is an exclusive bouquet of documentary films on folk art and paintings • Films to be streamed: o Bastar-Rhythm of Progress o The Kingdom of God o Bhavai-Fading Memories (Gujarat Art) o Naman-Khele (ancient folk art of Maharashtra) o Sahi Jata o Therukoothu: Dancing For Life (old Tamil folk art)

68. CBDT to validate UDIN from ICAI portal during Tax Audit Reports

• Finance Ministry has approved CBDT to validate Unique Document Identification Number (UDIN) generated from ICAI portal at the time of upload of Tax Audit Reports. • ICAI in its gazette notification had made generation of UDIN from ICAI mandatory for every kind of certificate/tax audit report to curb fake certifications by non-CAs misrepresenting themselves as Chartered Accountants. • UDIN: Unique 18 digit number to documents attested by Chartered Accountants in Practice.

69. Scotland becomes 1st nation to make sanitary products free

• Scottish parliament has passed landmark legislation that made period products like sanitary pads and tampons free of cost to those people who need them • Bill is titled as ‘Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Bill’ and was passed unanimously, making Scotland the first country to take such a step. • Aim: Tackling period poverty and ending the silence and stigma • Period poverty: Certain circumstances make access to sanitary products difficult for women and trans people

22 www.gradeup.co 70. India signs MoU with Finland for Environment and biodiversity conservation

• India signed MoU with Finland for developing cooperation in the field of Environment protection and biodiversity conservation. • MoU will advance both nations partnership and support, exchange best practices in areas like prevention of Air and water pollution; Waste management; Promotion of circular economy, low- carbon solutions and sustainable management of natural resources including forests; Climate change; Conservation of Marine and Coastal Resources; etc.

71. Father of Indian IT industry, F.C Kohli passes away

• Indian industrialist Faqir Chand Kohli (96 years) passed away in Mumbai due to cardiac arrest • He was the founder and the first CEO of Tata Consultancy Services, and was also associated with Tata Power Company and Tata Elxsi • He served as President of NASSCOM. • He is known as Father of the Indian IT Industry, for his contributions to the establishment and growth of the Indian IT industry • Award: Padma Bhushan in 2002, Dadabhai Naoroji Memorial Award in 2000.

72. Prakash Javadekar unveils e-compendium of articles on Constitution

• Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar has launched an e-compendium of articles on the Constitution, Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties in New Delhi • Compendium is an important piece of document that is compilation by Press Information Bureau and has articles penned by eminent personalities. • It will act as a single point reference book for related content. • The compendium was launched on Constitution Day (26 November).

73. APEDA holds Virtual Buyer Seller Meet with Germany

• Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) organized virtual Buyer Seller networking meet with German importers to promote export of fresh fruits and vegetables from the country • The meet was organized by APEDA in collaboration with Embassy of India, Berlin and German Agribusiness Alliance • Event provided a platform to showcase India’s strength in export of fresh fruits and vegetables strengthening confidence of German buyers.

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