Current Affairs (01-15 November, 2021)
National
The Indian government has brought two ordinances to extend the tenure of directors of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) by five years.
Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) in collaboration with Sattvik Parishad of India plans to promote “Vegetarian Trains”. These trains will be specially linked to religious places. The “Satvik Certificate” will be awarded by the Sattvik Council of India (SCI).
Bhadla Solar Park located in Rajasthan is the largest solar power park in the world. It is spread over 14,000 acres. The park includes 10 million solar panels in the park.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor project in Varanasi on December 13, 2021.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation on November 10, 2021 declared Shirdi airport as a major airport under the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority Act, 2008.
The world’s longest two-lane road tunnel named “Sela Tunnel” on the Balipara-Charduar-Tawang (BCT) road is being constructed by the Border Roads Organization (BRO) as part of the project. The Sela Tunnel is being constructed near the India-China border at an altitude of 13,800 feet.
India launched an electric vehicle awareness web portal named “e-Amrit Portal” on November 10, 2021.
A regional security summit was hosted by India on November 10, 2021. Eight countries, including Iran and Russia, participated in the summit. The conference was represented by national security advisers from each country.
Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has started the first tour of the Shri Ramayana Yatra Special train on 7th November 2021. This train was launched to promote religious tourism and the ‘Dekho Apna Desh‘ initiative of the central government.
The Union Health Ministry has launched digital registration of all medical facilities and all doctors under the Ayushman Bharat-Digital Mission to digitize health records. Under this initiative, government hospitals have been asked to procure Hospital Information Management System software.
According to Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, around 96 countries have agreed to mutually recognize India’s COVID-19 vaccination certificate.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation declared “Srinagar International Airport” as a “Major Airport” on November 6, 2021.
Ganga Mashal formally started its journey from Rishikesh and Haridwar in Uttarakhand on November 8, 2021. The torch will travel to a total of 23 stations on the banks of river Ganga. This will help in sensitizing the local people and Namami Gange volunteers.
On November 8, 2021, Srinagar has joined UNESCO’s network of creative cities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the inclusion of Srinagar as fitting recognition for the vibrant cultural ethos of this old city. UNESCO has designated Srinagar as the Creative City of Crafts and Folk Arts.
The Supreme Court heard the Lakhimpur Kheri farmer murder case for the third time in recent weeks on November 8, 2021. The court expressed dissatisfaction over how the matter was being handled. The Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance and registered the case.
Prime Minister, Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone in Kedarnath on November 5, 2021 and dedicated several development projects to the nation.
The Government of India has released a draft Arbitration Bill for public consultation, which seeks to protect the interests of litigants by approaching competent judicial forum.
India is set to host the “Security Dialogue on Afghanistan” on November 10, 2021. Russia, Iran and all other Central Asian countries have confirmed their participation in the talks. This is the first time that not only Afghanistan’s immediate land neighbors, but all Central Asian countries will participate.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for ‘One Sun, One World, One Grid’ on November 2, 2021 to improve the viability of solar energy.
On the first day of Ganga Utsav (The River Festival 2021), the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) entered the Guinness Book of World Records.
The Australian government has recognized India’s Covaxin covid-19 vaccine on 1 November 2021.a
Defense and National Security
The Indian Army is set to conduct the sixth edition of the biennial training exercise with the French Army from November 15, 2021 in a series of joint training exercises with friendly nations.
Chief of Defense Staff, Bipin Rawat, prepares to inaugurate the cOcOn 2021 on November 12, 2021.
On November 2, 2021, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that, the Central Government has extended the benefit of “Ayushman CAPF Health Scheme” to all Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel.
Awards and Recognition
India’s Manika Batra and Archana Girish Kamath have won the women’s doubles title at world table tennis competition LASCO 2021.
Google released a new doodle to celebrate the 104th birthday of cell biologist Dr Kamal Ranadive on October 8, 2021.
Business, Economy and Finances
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry released its data on the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) on November 15, 2021. The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) based inflation was recorded at a five-month high of 12.54% in October 2021 as against 66% in September.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued a set of clarifications on November 12, 2021 with regard to its existing asset classification guidelines. Under the guidelines, banks have been asked to specify exact due dates of repayment in loan agreements.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 12, 2021 launched two customer-centric initiatives of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for investors. There are two initiatives- RBI Retail Direct Scheme and Reserve Bank – Integrated Ombudsman Scheme.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor, Shaktikanta Das raised concerns about cryptocurrencies and cautioned investors about the potential pitfalls of the digital currency. From the perspective of macroeconomic and financial stability, cryptocurrencies are a matter of serious concern.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved several measures to support farmers of cotton, sugarcane and jute. CCEA has increased the price of ethanol extracted from sugarcane juice for blending with petrol.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is all set to conduct its first global hackathon with a focus on digital payments, called ‘HARBINGER 2021 – Innovation for Transformation’. The Global Hackathon will be organized under the theme of ‘Smarter Digital Payments’.
State Bank of India (SBI) has released its Financial Inclusion Metrics report. It has been prepared by Soumya Kanti Ghosh, Chief Economic Advisor, SBI Group.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on November 3, 2021 published the details of its commitment to green India’s financial system – NGFS, to contribute towards the global response to meet climate targets.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) panel has suggested changes in the rules to govern Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARC).
Science and Technology
India successfully launched the 41st scientific expedition to Antarctica. The first batch consists of 23 scientists and support staff. Four more batches will land in Antarctica by air using the DROMLAN facility.
A fungal infection affecting paddy called rice blast is affecting farmers growing “Manuvarna rice”. Manuvarna Rice is a new rice selection launched by Kerala Agricultural College in over 250 acres in the Wayanad district.
The first case of norovirus was confirmed in Kerala’s Wayanad district. Norovirus is an animal-borne disease. It is spread through contaminated water and food.
The annual Leonids meteor shower has begun and will be active between November 6th and November 30th, 2021. The meteor shower will reach its peak on November 17. The peak time of a meteor shower occurs when planet Earth passes through the densest part of the debris.
Government Initiatives
The State Cabinet of Arunachal Pradesh, chaired by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, approved “Kaiser-e-Hind” as the state butterfly on November 13, 2021.
Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi announced that Punjabi will now be a compulsory subject for all students in the state of Punjab. It will be made compulsory from class 1-10. Apart from this, it will also be made mandatory in offices.
The Punjab Assembly on November 11, 2021 passed a resolution against the three controversial agriculture laws of the Centre. The resolution was passed after it was claimed that the law had entered the jurisdiction of the state government illegally.
Kerala Start-up Mission and Cisco Launchpad Accelerator Program (CLAP) are set to jointly host a pioneering technopreneurship series. It will start from November 15 and will run till November 19.
The Union Government added over 100 advanced technologies including alternative fuel systems like Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) under the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for Automobiles.
The Delhi government had announced the launch of “Anti-Open Burning Campaign” on November 9, 2021. This campaign was started to prevent incidents of open burning and air pollution in Delhi.
The Government of India is all set to implement a sample-based National Achievement Survey (NAS) for classes 3, 5, 8 and 10 with cycle duration of three years. The last National Achievement Survey (NAS) was conducted on November 13, 2017 to assess the competencies developed by children in classes 3, 5 and 8.
According to the Ministry of Women and Children, there are over 33 lakh malnourished children in India. The data was reported from the Potion Tracker, on which the numbers are directly entered by the Anganwadis and accessed by the central government.
On November 4, 2021, the Assam cabinet approved the “Industrial Relations Rules, 2021” with an aim to protect the rights of employers and employees.
Union Minister for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi announced Haj 2022 at Haj House in South Mumbai on November 1, 2021.
Important Days:-
India has celebrated Tribal Pride Day on November 15, 2021. The day was declared as a part of the celebration of 75 years of India. Independence.
National Education Day is celebrated on 11 November on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.
The Government of Karnataka started celebrating ‘Onake Obavva Jayanti’ on 11 November from the year 2021.
World Science Day for Peace and Development is celebrated every year on 10 November to highlight the importance and relevance of science in our daily lives.
The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) celebrates Legal Services Day in India every year on 9 November.
Uttarakhand Foundation Day is being celebrated on 9th November. This day is celebrated annually to mark the formation of the 27th state of India.
The Gujarati New Year, known as Bestu Varas, was celebrated on 5 November.
National Ayurveda Day was celebrated across the country on 2nd November, 2021 by the Ministry of AYUSH.
Mou/ Patnership:-
To enhance trade ties, India and Bhutan have seven additional entry and exit points for trade. The decision was taken at the Commerce Secretary level meeting, which took place amid the issue of trade and transit between the two countries.
The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), Government of India and Flipkart have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
The Government of India and the World Bank have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a $40 million project to improve the quality of health services in Meghalaya.
Entertainment:-
- The 52nd International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will be held from November 20 to November 28, 2021.
International:-
Starlink, an Internet services project, unveiled a new small and rectangular dish that interested customers can purchase to understand SpaceX’s growing satellite group in low Earth orbit.
On November 12, 2021, the UN peacekeeping chief warned that the crisis in Africa’s Sahel region is unsustainable as insecurity and instability are eroding development prospects and terrorist attacks are killing many every day.
On November 11, 2021, South Korea demonstrated a system for controlling urban air mobility vehicles (UAM). Urban Air Mobility Vehicles will operate as taxis between major airports and downtown Seoul.
During the COP26 conference in Glasgow, it was decided that Egypt would host the COP27 United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2022. Egypt will host the conference at the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.
China’s ruling Communist Party (CCP) passed a rare ‘historic resolution’ to praise the president’s decisive importance in China’s rejuvenation. This resolution has given a great boost to President Xi Jinping’s hold on power.
The United States of America (USA) became the 101st member country to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA). USA joins ISA as a member country to accelerate global adoption of solar energy. This announcement was made at UNFCCC COP26 on November 10, 2021.
Recently, most developing countries such as China, India and African countries have sought about US$1.3 trillion per year from wealthy countries in climate finance starting from 2030.
The President of Chile, Sebastian Pinera, was impeached by the lower house of the Chilean Congress on November 9, 2021, because of allegations from the Pandora Papers.
Russia has unveiled its new forest plan in an effort to combat climate change. The plan highlights Russia’s changed mindset on climate change.
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has issued new rules to govern divorce, inheritance and child custody for non-Muslims in Abu Dhabi.
Astronaut Wang Yaping has become the first Chinese woman to walk in space.
The World Food Program (WFP) report has shown that there has been an increase in acute hunger around the world. As a result, 45 million people in 43 countries are living on the brink of famine.
The Landsat 9 mission, led by NASA and the US Geological Survey, collected and sent its first light images of Earth. The remote coastal islands and inlets of the Kimberley region of Western Australia, Lake Erie, the white sands of Pensacola Beach and the high glaciers in the Himalayas.
Private companies in Australia and Canada are developing a Moon mission in collaboration with the University of Technology Sydney. Under this mission, Australian technology will be sent to hunt water on the moon by the middle of 2024.
China successfully launched three new remote sensing satellites on November 6, 2021 from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center located in southwestern Sichuan province.
Yahoo Inc pulled out of China on November 2, 2021, due to an increasingly challenging business and legal environment.
Elon Musk-owned SpaceX has incorporated its wholly owned subsidiary in India on November 1, 2021 to start local broadband operations.
