Current Affairs (15-31 October, 2021)
National:-
A Public Affairs Center (PAC) study on governance performance, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana emerged as winners among 18 major states in governance performance.
The 6th Pune Dialogue on National Security (PDNS) 2021 was inaugurated by the Pune International Center (PIC) on October 28, 2021.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India Sushil Chandra led a three-member delegation to Uzbekistan to oversee the presidential election held on October 24, 2021.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has proposed an India-ASEAN start-up festival on October 28, 2021.
The Government of India reconstituted the seven-member Economic Advisory Council (EAC) to the Prime Minister on October 27, 2021.
The National e-Governance Division (NeGD) of the Ministry of Electronics and IT organized “AI Pe Charcha (AI Dialogue)” on 28 October 2021. The theme of the dialogue AI Pe Charcha was organized under the theme “AI for Debt-Driven Governance”. “
The Union Health Ministry has asked the States and Union Territories to come up with a district-level plan and launch the “Har Ghar Dastak” campaign in poorly performing districts.
India applied for a $2 billion loan from Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) to buy around 700 million COVID-19 vaccines.
Swasth Mahila, Swasth Goa Initiative was launched in Goa by “YouWeCan Foundation”. YouWeCan Foundation is run by international cricket icon and humanitarian Yuvraj Singh.
As a part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to celebrate 75 years of Independence, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism GK Reddy launched the “Amrit Mahotsav Podcast”.
The Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurated the first direct flight on the Shillong-Dibrugarh sector on October 26, 2021. This flight was made operational under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh on October 25, 2021. The mission was launched to improve public health infrastructure in urban and rural areas.
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has recently started a toll-free helpline number for the job aspirants.
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is all set to host the ‘Aadhaar Hackathon 2021’ from October 28, 2021. About Aadhaar Hackathon The Aadhaar Hackathon is set to identify young innovators in the field of Information Technology.
Defense and National Security:-
The team of Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Indian Air Force (IAF) has successfully test-fired the indigenously developed Long-Range (LR) bomb on October 29, 2021.
The seventh warship of the P1135.6 class was launched for the Indian Navy on October 28, 2021.
Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Director General K Natarajan commissioned the indigenously built Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) “Sarthak” on October 28, 2021.
India has successfully test-fired Agni-5 surface-to-surface ballistic missile on October 27, 2021.
India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC) named Vikrant commenced the second phase of sea trials on October 24, 2022, in the backdrop of its planned induction into the Indian Navy by August 2022.
To celebrate the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Indian Navy is organizing an offshore sailing boat race under the aegis of the Indian Naval Sailing Association (INSA).
The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) successfully test-fired a High-Speed Expandable Aerial Target (HEAT) named Abhyas on October 22, 2021.
The United Kingdom (UK) and India are set to begin their biggest ever joint military exercise named “Konkan Shakti”.
Appointments And Resignations:-
- Commodore Amit Rastogi (Retd.), after serving in the Indian Navy for 34 years, has taken over as the Chairman and Managing Director of the National Research Development Corporation.
Science And Technology:-
India is in the final stages of approving a national cyber security strategy following increasing cyber-attacks and threats from nation-state actors against India.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), using Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin globally requires additional clarification from manufacturers to conduct a Final Emergency Use List (EUL) risk-benefit assessment.
On October 23, 2021, India’s first IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization) calf of Banni breed of buffalo was born at a farmer’s house in Gir Somnath district of Gujarat.
The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) has developed a new ‘Decision Support System’ (DSS) as well as an ‘Air Quality Early Warning System’ (AQEWS). DSS and AQEWS systems were launched for better air quality management in Delhi- NCR.
Government Initiatives:-
According to the Minister of Science and Technology and Skill Development, the Government of Karnataka is to set up a Center of Excellence for FinTech or Financial Technology in Karnataka.
The Andhra Pradesh cabinet has decided to request the Center to conduct a caste-based census to mention Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in the 2021 National Census.
Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Mansukh Mandaviya launched the 6th edition of the National Formulary of India (NFI) on October 25, 2021.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is organizing a “Deep Dive Online Training Program” with an aim to strengthen the cyber security ecosystem in India.
The Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman, is on an official visit to Italy to attend the ‘G20 Joint Finance and Health Ministers’ Meeting’ in Rome.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation launched the “Krishi Udan 2.0 Scheme” on October 27, 2021.
The Central Government has notified a four-year “Integrated Teacher Education Programme” in line with the New Education Policy (NEP).
A National Steering Committee (NSC) has been constituted to implement the NIPUN India Mission on October 25, 2021. This mission was launched by the “Department of School Education and Literacy” in July 2021.
The central government plans to set up a committee for the National Employment Policy (NEP), which seeks to prepare a roadmap for improving employment opportunities in India. The committee will include representatives from the labor ministry and other ministries.
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced a free education scheme for those whose verified family income is less than Rs. 1.80 lakh per annum.
NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) launched a new Digi-book titled “Innovation for You” to showcase the success stories of start-ups established under the Atal Innovation Mission in various domains.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal inaugurated the 250 mm Seer water supply scheme during his two-day visit to the Pahalgam district of Kashmir.
NITI Aayog launched the Geospatial Energy Map of India on October 18, 2021. This geospatial energy map of India provides a holistic picture of all energy resources such as oil and gas wells, petroleum refineries, conventional power plants, coal fields, and coal blocks.
Finance, Economy And Commerce:-
According to the financial details of the “Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) Scheme”, it is running out of funds in 21 states.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed to make micro-loans collateral-free for all lenders instead of just microfinance institutions (MFIs).
The Chennai-Mysore-Chennai Shatabdi Express has become the first Integrated Management System (IMS) certified train of Southern Railway.
Indian Railways has introduced a special train 01684/01683 named Gati Shakti Express to clear the extra rush of passengers during the festive season like Diwali and Chhath Puja.
The Government of India is to set up a private sector-led non-profit company to fast-track the implementation of the proposed “Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) Initiative”. The Open Network for Digital Commerce initiative will be implemented by the department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
The Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises launched the “Sambhav National Level Awareness Program, 2021” in New Delhi on October 27, 2021.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on October 22, 2021, announced scale-based regulation of non-banking finance companies.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has declared a state-owned company named “PEC Limited” as ‘fit and not fit.
PEC Limited is a 100 percent government-owned company. It has been declared ‘fit and not fair’ as it acts as a broker and carries out illegal trading.
Ministry of Rural Development launched 152 Saksham Kendras under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). These centers were launched as a part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
HDFC Bank, Mastercard, and USAID have committed $100 million in credit facilities aimed at lending to small businesses.
Intel has announced the launch of the “Intel Unnati Program” on October 21, 2021, to help equip engineering students in India with data-centric skills that are relevant to the industry.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed monetary penalty on two payment system operators namely Paytm Payments Bank Limited (PBBL) as well as Western Union Financial Services Inc.
Indian Railways has ordered the dissolution of “Indian Railway Station Development Corporation” based on the recommendation of Sanjeev Sanyal, Principal Economic Adviser to the Ministry of Finance.
National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) announced the launch of the NPCI Tokenization System (NTS) on October 20, 2021, to facilitate the tokenization of cards as an alternative to storing card details with merchants.
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has dedicated a fund of Rs 1000 crore for providing credit guarantees to around 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
MoU / Summits / Conferences / Bilateral trade :-
India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) and HDFC Bank have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for providing home loans to around 4.7 crore customers of the payments bank.
The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $4.5 million Project Readiness Financing (PRF) loan on October 26, 2021. The loan agreement will support project preparation and design activities to improve urban mobility in the capital city of Aizawl and Mizoram State.
India and Kyrgyzstan held their first strategic dialogue in New Delhi on 26 October 2021. During the summit, both the countries agreed to enhance security and defense cooperation. The collaboration seeks to address common threats and challenges facing them.
India and Sweden celebrated the 8th Innovation Day on 26 October. During the online event, they discussed various aspects of climate change and possible solutions to bring about a green transition.
India has handed over to the Nepal government a 34.9-km-long cross-border rail link that connects Jaynagar in Bihar with Kurtha in Nepal. The ceremony took place on 22 October 2021.
India’s Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and British Foreign Secretary, Liz Truss hold talks on infrastructure and defense on October 22, 2021.
India and Russia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cooperate in the mining and steel sector.
India and the Taliban are set to meet face-to-face in the “Moscow Format” meeting, which will be hosted by Russia on October 20, 2021.
Sri Lanka has received the first consignment of non-harmful Nano Nitrogen Liquid Fertilizer from India on October 20, 2021.
India and Israel have agreed to resume talks on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) from November 2021. The two countries will negotiate an FTA with the aim to conclude the long-pending deal by June 2022.
The 8th Ministerial Meeting of the “India-United States (US) Economic and Financial Partnership Dialogue” was held in Washington DC on October 15, 2021.
Awards And Recognition:-
A team from 5th Battalion-4 (5/4) Gorkha Rifles (Frontier Force), representing the Indian Army, won a gold medal in the prestigious Cambrian Patrol exercise held in the United Kingdom.
51st Dadasaheb Phalke Award was conferred to actor Rajinikanth.
Kangana Ranaut won the Best Actress award for her performances in Manikarnika and Panga.
Manoj Bajpayee won the Best Actor Award for Bhonsle.
Dhanush won the Best Actor award for Asuran.
Vivek Agnihotri’s The Tashkent Files bagged the best dialogue and his wife Pallavi Joshi won the best supporting actress award for the same
Important Days:-
World Day for Audio-Visual Heritage is observed every year on 27 October.
Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is observing “Vigilance Awareness Week 2021” from 26 October to 1 November 2021.
National Tribal Dance Festival will be organized in Raipur from 28 October to 30 October.
United Nations Day is celebrated every year on 24 October.
The Indian state of Karnataka is celebrating “Kittur Rani Chennamma Jayanti” on October 23, 2021.
National Police Commemoration Day is celebrated every year in India on 21 October.
World Food Day is celebrated every year on 16 October.
International Day for Rural Women is observed every year on 15 October.
Global Handwashing Day observed across the world on 15 October.
International:-
Facebook Inc. changed its name and logo to Meta Platforms Inc. on October 28, 2021, has done.
The 13th meeting of the Heads of National Statistical Offices of BRICS countries was held virtually on 28 October 2021 under the chairmanship of India.
The CII Asia Health 2021 summit was held on October 28, 2021.
Bangladesh’s Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Dr. Hassan Mahmood inaugurated the Bangabandhu Dialogue Center on October 28, 2021.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released its Greenhouse Gas Bulletin. According to the bulletin, in the year 2020, the abundance of heat-trapping greenhouse gases in the atmosphere again reached a new record. The annual rate of growth was above the 2011-2020 average.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) of the United Nations released its annual report titled “Climate Status in Asia” on October 25, 2021.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) of the United Nations released its annual report titled “Climatic Situation in Asia” on October 25, 2021. According to the report, in 2020, Asia faced its hottest year on record. The report said extreme weather is having a huge impact on the continent’s development.
The United States issued the first passport with the “X” gender marker, a milestone in recognizing the rights of those who do not identify as male or female.
ESA’s Proba-1 minisatellite was launched into orbit two decades ago, on 27 October. It has been completed for 20 years.
On October 26, 2021, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reshuffled his cabinet. He has appointed Indian-origin Canadian politician Anita Anand as the new Defense Minister of Canada.
Saudi Arabia launched the “National Infrastructure Fund” on October 25, 2021, to invest 200 billion riyals in projects over the next decade.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has opened the “Saudi Green Initiative Forum” on October 23, 2021. The Forum will discuss environmental efforts undertaken by Saudi Arabia with guests including international figures and high-profile government leaders.
China passed its new education law on October 23, 2021, aimed at easing the “double pressure” of homework and off-site tutoring in core subjects.
The Fourth General Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) was held virtually between October 18 and October 21, 2021.
The United States has successfully test-fired hypersonic missile technology on October 20, 2021.
South Korea has launched its first space rocket on October 21, 2021. It is the first rocket fully developed and manufactured in South Korea.
Global terror financing watchdog, Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has retained Pakistan on the ‘Grey List of Countries’.
The Caribbean island called Barbados has elected its first president to become a republic.
The United Nations has set up a special trust fund for Afghanistan on October 21, 2021, to provide urgently needed cash to Afghans.
The tenth edition of the Global Food Security Index was published recently. India is ranked 71st on the index.
Former US President, Donald Trump has launched his own social media network called “Truth Social”.
The second United Nations Global Sustainable Transport Conference concluded recently, in which India strongly opposed China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and CPEC projects.
Mount Aso volcano in Japan, on October 20, 2021, erupted and emitted a massive column of ash nearly thousands of meters into the sky.
The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) recently released its report titled “2021 Production Gap Report”.
Technology giant, Microsoft has launched a program called “AI Innovate Program” to nurture and grow start-ups.
The prestigious “Martial Arts Education Prize 2021” was presented to world-renowned kung fu nuns of the Drukpa order of Buddhism.
The South American country of Ecuador has declared a state of emergency due to a wave of crime.
Alibaba Group Holding Limited has launched a new server chip based on advanced 5-nanometer technology.
India, Israel, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are set to build on the momentum created by the “Abraham Agreement” by holding the first meeting of their foreign ministers on October 18, 2021.
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed every year on 17 October.
The US space agency, NASA, on October 16, 2021, launched the first of its kind mission to study the Trojan asteroids of Jupiter.
