Current Affairs 8th and 9th November 2020

 BITA (Banking Institute & TNPSC Academy)

Current Affairs

                             8th and 9th November 2020

NEWS AT A GLANCE

1.     09 November is celebrated as “National Legal Services Day” every year by all Legal Services Authorities, to commemorate the enactment of the Legal Services Authorities Act 1987.

2.     The World Urbanism Day, also known as “World Town Planning Day”, is celebrated on 8 November globally.

3.     The International Day of Radiology (IDoR) is held annually on November 8 to promote the role of medical imaging in modern healthcare.

4.     The Reserve Bank came out with a Co-Lending Model (CLM) scheme under which banks can provide loans along with NBFCs to priority sector borrowers based on a prior agreement.

5.     The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has imposed a cap of 30 percent of the total volume of transactions processed in UPI, on all the Third-Party App Provider (TPAP).

6.     Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the one rank one pension scheme of armed forces has completed 5 years of successful journey.

7.     Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of various development projects worth around 614 crores.

8.     In a first of its kind policy consultation, Science and Technology Minister Harsh Vardhan interacted with the highly-skilled Indian diaspora to facilitate channels for them to contribute to India’s Science Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP) 2020.

9.     The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), a flagship initiative by the NITI Aayog, and Russia’s Sirius (Scientific International Research in Unique Terrestrial Station) has jointly launched ‘AIM–Sirius Innovation Programme 3.0’, a 14-day virtual programme for Indian and Russian schoolchildren.

10. The Government of India has decided to rename the Ministry of Shipping as the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

11. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) announced that it will start providing Malaria outbreak forecast from next monsoon.

12. The Elephant Rehabilitation Centre at Kottoor in Thiruvananthapuram is set to become the largest care and cure centre for elephants in the world.

13. The Virgin Hyperloop that plans to connect Mumbai and Pune in 25 minutes has conducted its first successful passenger ride.

14. The Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat launched India’s first solar-based Integrated Multi-Village Water Supply Project (IMVWSP) in Arunachal Pradesh.

15. The government of Kerala has launched a pioneering eco-sustainable programme called ‘Parivarthanam’, to improve the livelihood of the fishing community.

16. PM Modi is to launch Ro-Pax ferry service between Ghogha and Hazira in Gujarat through video conferencing.

17. Every year on November 9, the Uttarakhand Day is celebrated.

18. In Assam, the Education department will start an Aadhaar enrolment drive for nearly 70 lakh students.

19. India’s longest single-lane motorable suspension bridge has been inaugurated in Tehri-Garhwal district of Uttarakhand.

20. Joe Biden has won the US elections defeating Donald Trump.

21. The United Arab Emirates announced major changes to its Islamic laws.

22. The first flight carrying Israeli tourists to the UAE landed in the city-state of Dubai.

23. The 8th round of India-China Corps Commander Level Meeting was held in Chushul.

24. Chandauli district of Uttar Pradesh has topped the rankings of aspirational districts by government think-tank Niti Aayog for September.

25. The Indian film ‘Natkhat’, starring and co-produced by Vidya Balan, has won top prize at the third edition of Best Of India Short Film Festival 2020.

26. SYSKA Group, India’s leading Fast Moving Electrical Goods (FMEG) company, announced that it has roped in award winning Bollywood actor Rajkummar Rao as the new face of the brand.

27. Former Chief Secretary of Delhi M M Kutty was appointed chairperson of the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas.

28. The Indian Space Research Organization launched an all-weather Earth Observation Satellite, EOS-01 using PSLV-C49 rocket along with nine customer satellites.

29. Bollywood filmmaker Sudarshan Rattan, who was known for his 1986 film Manav Hatya, starring Madhuri Dixit and Shekhar Suman has passed away due to COVID-19.

NEWS IN DETAILS

IMPORTANT DAYS AND THEMES

National Legal Services Day observed on 09 November

·         09 November is celebrated as “National Legal Services Day” every year by all Legal Services Authorities, to commemorate the enactment of the Legal Services Authorities Act 1987.

·         On 11 October 1987, the Legal Services Authorities Act 1987 was enacted, while the act was taking effect on 9 November 1995.

·         The Day is celebrated to make people aware of the various provisions under the Legal Services Authorities Act and the right of the litigants.

World Urbanism Day observed on 08 November

·         The World Urbanism Day, also known as “World Town Planning Day”, is celebrated on 8 November globally.

Objective:

·         to recognise and promote the role of planning in creating liveable communities.

History:

·         WUD is organised by the International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISOCARP).

·         The day was founded in 1949 by the late Professor Carlos Maria della Paolera of the University of Buenos Aires, to advance public and professional interest in planning.

International Day of Radiology observed on 08 November

·         The International Day of Radiology (IDoR) is held annually on November 8 to promote the role of medical imaging in modern healthcare.

History:

·         The day also marks the anniversary of the discovery of x-rays by Wilhelm Roentgen in 1895.

·         World Radiology Day was first celebrated in the year 2012.

Theme:

·         The theme for 2020 is ‘Radiologists and radiographers supporting patients during COVID-19’

BANKING & FINANCE

RBI announces co-lending scheme for banks, NBFCs for priority sector

·         The Reserve Bank came out with a Co-Lending Model (CLM) scheme under which banks can provide loans along with NBFCs to priority sector borrowers based on a prior agreement.

RBI

·         Governor: Shaktikanta Das

·         Headquarters: Mumbai

·         Founder: British Raj

·         Founded: 1 April 1935, Kolkata

·         Deputy Governors: M. D. Patra, B.P. Kanungo, M. K. Jain and M Rajeshwar Rao

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

NPCI imposes 30% cap on transaction volumes via UPI for third party apps

·         The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has imposed a cap of 30 percent of the total volume of transactions processed in UPI, on all the Third Party App Provider (TPAP).

·         It means that all Third-Party App Providers (TPAPs), which provide payments services via UPI, will be allowed to process a maximum of 30% of the total volume of UPI transactions. This will be with effect from January 1, 2021.

NPCI

·         Headquarters location: Mumbai

·         Founded: 2008

·         Founders: Reserve Bank of India, Indian Banks’ Association

GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

One Rank One Pension Scheme completes five years

·         Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the one rank one pension scheme of armed forces has completed 5 years of successful journey.

·         The Government of India has disbursed Rs 42,700 crores to more than 20.6 lakh ex-servicemen in the last five years.

One rank One pension

·         Under the scheme every retired personnel of the Indian Army will be getting the same amount of pension irrespective of the date he retires. The scheme was in practice since 1947.

NATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS

PM Modi to launch development projects of more than Rs 600 Cr in Varanasi

·         Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of various development projects worth around 614 crores.

·         Around 1500 people will participate in the program through video conferencing.

·         There is an arrangement of live display of the program at 6 places in the city on big screens and through 5 LED mobile vans.

·         The 16 projects which will be inaugurated include Sarnath Light and Sound show.

Dr Harsh Vardhan holds first of its kind policy consultations with Indian Diaspora on STIP-2020

·         In a first of its kind policy consultation, Science and Technology Minister Harsh Vardhan interacted with the highly-skilled Indian diaspora to facilitate channels for them to contribute to India’s Science Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP) 2020.

·         India aims to connect the diaspora with Indian scientific and economic ecosystem to accelerate the growth in Science technology and innovation.

Atal Innovation Mission collaborates with Sirius (Russia) to launch ‘AIM–Sirius Innovation Programme 3.0’

·         The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), a flagship initiative by the NITI Aayog, and Russia’s Sirius (Scientific International Research in Unique Terrestrial Station) has jointly launched ‘AIM–Sirius Innovation Programme 3.0’, a 14-day virtual programme for Indian and Russian schoolchildren.

·         It is the first Indo-Russian bilateral youth innovation initiative, which seeks to develop technological solutions, both web-based and mobile-based, for the two countries.

·         The two-week programme will be held from 7–21 November 2020.

NITI Aayog

·         Formed: 1 January 2015

·         Objectives: Foster involvement and participation in the economic policy-making process by the State Governments of India

·         Jurisdiction: Government of India

·         Headquarters: New Delhi

·         Chairperson: Narendra Modi

Centre Renames Ministry of Shipping as Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways

·         The Government of India has decided to rename the Ministry of Shipping as the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

·         This information was given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 8 November 2020, during a launch event of Ropax ferry service between Ghogha (Bhavnagar) and Hazira (near Surat) in Gujarat, which was inaugurated via video-conferencing.

·         The Ro-Pax Ferry Vessel ‘Voyage Symphony’ will reduce the nearly 370 km road distance between the two places to 90 km by sea route.

·         Mansukh L. Mandaviya, currently holds the portfolio as Minister of State (Independent Charge).

Indian Meteorological Department to provide predictions for Malaria from next monsoon

·         The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) announced that it will start providing Malaria outbreak forecast from next monsoon.

·         Also, it announced that India is to ramp up its high-performance computing facility. Under this the existing capacity of 10 petaflop is to be increased to 40 petaflops.

·         According to the recently released NCAER report titled “estimating the economic benefits of investment in monsoon mission and high performance computing facilities“, the investment in high-performance computing facilities is to bring 50 times benefits and profits.

IMD

·         Headquarters: Mausam Bhavan, Lodhi Road, New Delhi

·         Founder: Government of India

·         Founded: 1875

·         Jurisdiction: India

Kottoor Elephant Rehabilitation Centre set to become largest care centre in the World

·         The Elephant Rehabilitation Centre at Kottoor in Thiruvananthapuram is set to become the largest care and cure centre for elephants in the world.

·         The first phase of the Elephant Rehabilitation Centre will be commissioned in February 2021.

·         The project is being implemented at a cost of Rs 108 crore with funding from Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB).

·         The centre has facilities to accommodate 50 elephants including the existing 16 elephants.

First Hyperloop Passenger ride successful

·         The Virgin Hyperloop that plans to connect Mumbai and Pune in 25 minutes has conducted its first successful passenger ride.

·         The test was conducted in Las Vegas.

·         The Hyperloop is a new mode of transport that speeds up to 1000 kilometres per hour.

STATE CURRENT AFFAIRS

India’s first solar-based Integrated Multi-Village Water Supply Project launched in Arunachal Pradesh

·         The Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat launched India’s first solar-based Integrated Multi-Village Water Supply Project (IMVWSP) in Arunachal Pradesh.

·         The solar-based lift water supply project is ‘first of its kind’ in the country, and has been commissioned at a cost of Rs 28.50 crore. However, such projects will be carried out in other parts of the country too.

·         The project would provide drinking water to 17,480 people in 39 villages of Lower Dibang Valley district in Arunachal Pradesh.

Arunachal Pradesh

·         Capital: Itanagar

·         Chief Minister: Pema Khandu

·         Governor: B. D. Mishra

Kerala launches ‘Parivarthanam’ scheme for better livelihood of Fishing Community

·         The government of Kerala has launched a pioneering eco-sustainable programme called ‘Parivarthanam’, to improve the livelihood of the fishing community.

·         Parivarthanam, which means change, will be headed by Kerala State Coastal Area Development Corporation (KSCADC).

·         Apart from this, the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) of Union governments will monitor procurement and processing of fish besides ensuring its quality.

·         The scheme aims at improving the livelihood skills of youngsters along the coastline and also enable socio-economic uplift of the fishermen community.

·         The scheme will promote processing and marketing of clean fish and its fresh products.

Kerala:

·         Capital: Thiruvananthapuram

·         Chief Minister: Pinarayi Vijayan

·         Governor: Arif Mohammed Khan

·         Festivals: Onam, Vishu, Thrissur Pooram, Nehru Trophy Boat Race

·         National Parks: Anamudi Shola National Park, Eravikulam National Park, Mathikettan Shola National Park, Pambadum Shola National Park, Periyar National Park,Silent Valley National Park

·         Wildlife Sanctuaries: Aralam WLS, Chimmony WLS, Idukki WLS, Periyar WLS, Wayanad WLS, Peppara WLS, Neyyar WLS, Kurinjimala WLS, Malabar WLS etc

PM Modi to launch Ro-Pax Ferry Service in Gujarat

·         PM Modi is to launch Ro-Pax ferry service between Ghogha and Hazira in Gujarat through video conferencing.

·         The Ro-Pax ferry vessel called the “Voyage Symphony” is a three-deck vessel. It has a load capacity to load thirty trucks, 100 passenger cars and 500 passengers.

·         The Ro-Pax terminal has a wide range of facilities such as parking area, office building, water tower and a substation.

Gujarat:

·         Capital: Gandhinagar

·         Chief Minister: Vijay Rupani

·         Governor: Acharya Devvrat

·         State formed on: 1 May 1960

·         Literacy Rate: 79.31%

·         National Park: Vansda NP, Blackbuck NP, Gir Forest NP, Marine NP, Gulf of Kutch

November 9 observed on Uttarakhand Day

·         Every year on November 9, the Uttarakhand Day is celebrated.

·         It is also called as Uttarakhand Divas or Uttarakhand State Foundation Day.

·         In 2020, the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Rawat is to inaugurate hot air balloon festival in Mussorie.

·         Apart from the hot air balloon celebrations, the state is also organizing Majestic Uttarakhand photo exhibitions and ‘Heal with Wheels’.

Uttarkhand

·         Statehood Day: 9^th November 2000

·         Capital: Dehradun

·         Governor: Baby Rani maurya

·         Chief Minister: Trivendra Singh Rawat

·         National Park: Jim Corbett NP, Gangotri NP, Nanda Devi NP, Rajaji NP

Assam govt to start Aadhaar enrolment drive for 70 lakh students

·         In Assam, the Education department will start an Aadhaar enrolment drive for nearly 70 lakh students.

·         The drive will cover all government and private school students aged between 6 to 18 years.

·         All the Deputy Commissioners will launch the free Aadhaar enrolment drive today in their respective districts.

·         The drive is expected to be completed by March next year.

Assam

·         Capital: Dispur

·         Chief Minister: Sarbananda Sonowal

·         Governor: Jagdish Mukhi

·         National Park: Dibru-Saikhowa NP, Kaziranga NP, Manas NP, Nameri NP, Rajiv Gandhi Orang NP, Dehing Patkai

India’s longest motorable suspension bridge inaugurated in Uttarakhand’s Tehri-Garhwal district

·         India’s longest single-lane motorable suspension bridge has been inaugurated in Tehri-Garhwal district of Uttarakhand.

·         The Dobra-Chanti Jhula (suspension) bridge, was inaugurated by the Chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat to mark the 21st foundation day of the state on 8th November 2020.

·         The bridge is 725-metre long and has been built in 14 years over the Tehri lake with a cost of Rs. 2.95 crore.

·         It will cut travel time between Tehri and Pratapnagar from 5 to 1.5 hours.

Uttarkhand

·         Statehood Day: 9^th November 2000

·         Capital: Dehradun

·         Governor: Baby Rani maurya

·         Chief Minister: Trivendra Singh Rawat

·         National Park: Jim Corbett NP, Gangotri NP, Nanda Devi NP, Rajaji NP

INTERNATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS

Joe Biden wins Presidency defeating Donald Trump

·         Joe Biden has won the US elections defeating Donald Trump.

·         His Oath of Office as the 46th President of the US will be administered by the Chief Justice of Supreme Court.

·         He is to assume office on January 20, 2021.

About Joe Biden

·         Joe Biden served as the 47th Vice President during Obama administration between 2009 and 2017. In 2009, during the Great Recession, he oversaw the infrastructure spending of America.

UAE allows cohabitation of unmarried couples, relaxes Islamic laws

·         The United Arab Emirates announced major changes to its Islamic laws.

·         It includes loosening of alcohol restrictions, allowing unmarried couples to cohabitate and loosening criminalization of honour killings.

·         Previously the users had to purchase license for liquor and to have alcohol at homes.

·         The new rule now allows Muslims to drink alcoholic beverages freely.

UAE (Capital/Currency): Abu Dhabi/ United Arab Emirates dirham

·         President: Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan

First flight carrying Israeli tourists to UAE land in Dubai

·         The first flight carrying Israeli tourists to the UAE landed in the city-state of Dubai.

·         FlyDubai flight No. FZ8194 landed at Dubai International Airport.

·         The low-cost carrier had sent one of its Boeing 737s to Ben-Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv earlier yesterday to pick up the passengers.

·         The flight flew across Saudi Arabia and then over the waters of the Persian Gulf to reach the UAE.

SUMMITS AND CONFERENCES

India, China hold 8th Corps Commander-level talks at Chushul

·         The 8th round of India-China Corps Commander Level Meeting was held in Chushul.

·         Both sides agreed to earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, ensure their frontline troops to exercise restraint and avoid misunderstanding and miscalculation.

China (Capital/Currency): Beijing/ Renminbi

·         President: Xi Jinping

RANKS AND INDICES

UP’s Chandauli tops aspirational district rankings for September

·         Chandauli district of Uttar Pradesh has topped the rankings of aspirational districts by government think-tank Niti Aayog for September.

·         Bokaro and Purbi Singhbhum (both in Jharkhand) have been placed at second and third positions, respectively, announced by Niti Aayog. Sonbhadra (Uttar Pradesh) has been ranked fourth.

Uttar Pradesh:

·         Statehood Day: January 26, 1950

·         Capital: Lucknow

·         Chief Minister: Yogi Adityanath

·         Governor: Anandiben Patel

·         Literacy Rate: 67.68%

·         Nation Park: Dudhwa National Park

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL AWARDS

Vidya Balan’s short film ‘Natkhat’ becomes eligible for Oscar nomination

·         The Indian film ‘Natkhat’, starring and co-produced by Vidya Balan, has won top prize at the third edition of Best Of India Short Film Festival 2020.

·         By winning the festival, the film has become eligible for 2021 Oscar qualification.

·         The film also won cash prize money of $2,500 (approximately Rs 1,85,497) and an opportunity for a television broadcast deal on ShortsTV.

·         The film has been directed by Shaan Vyas and co-produced by Ronnie Screwvala and Vdya Balan.

·         The Best of India Festival has been established by ShortsTV since 2018 to honor and recognize exceptional work of the Indian (India) filmmaker.

APPOINTMENTS IN NEWS

Syska Group announces Rajkummar Rao as its new brand ambassador

·         SYSKA Group, India’s leading Fast Moving Electrical Goods (FMEG) company, announced that it has roped in award winning Bollywood actor Rajkummar Rao as the new face of the brand.

·         Rajkummar Rao will work closely with the company to promote the Syska products across LED and Fan segments.

M M Kutty appointed chairman of commission on Delhi air quality management

·         Former Chief Secretary of Delhi M M Kutty was appointed chairperson of the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas.

·         Professor Mukesh Khare, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi and Ramesh K J, Ex-Director General, India Meteorological Department (IMD) have been appointed as the full-time technical members of the Commission.

·         Arvind Kumar Nautiyal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change will be the full-time member of the panel.

DEFENCE CURRENT AFFAIRS

ISRO launches all-weather Earth Observation Satellite and nine customer satellites

·         The Indian Space Research Organization launched an all-weather Earth Observation Satellite, EOS-01 using PSLV-C49 rocket along with nine customer satellites.

·         The Earth Observation Satellite launched is a Radar Imaging Satellite.

·         It is the third of the three-spacecraft constellation.

·         The other two are RISAT-2B and RISAT-2BR1.

·         These two satellites were launched in 2019.

ISRO

·         Director: Kailasavadivoo Sivan Trending

·         Headquarters: Bengaluru

·         Founder: Vikram Sarabhai

·         Founded: 15 August 1969

OBITUARY

Filmmaker Sudarshan Rattan passes away due to COVID-19

·         Bollywood filmmaker Sudarshan Rattan, who was known for his 1986 film Manav Hatya, starring Madhuri Dixit and Shekhar Suman has passed away due to COVID-19.