Current Affairs
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Important Current Affairs 20th November 2018 English

National News

SILVER JUBILEE OF SIMBEX 2018.
 Commemoration Ceremony to mark the 25th edition of SIMBEX, “Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise” was held onboard INS Sahyadri at Visakhapatnam.
SIMBEX is the longest un-interrupted bilateral maritime exercise that India has had with any navy.
 The 25th edition of SIMBEX is the largest in terms of complexity, weapon firings and maritime geography. He concluded by reminding the audience the motto of the Republic of Singapore Navy ‘Beyond Horizon’ while that of the Indian Navy ‘Sam No Varunah’ which translates to ‘May the Ocean Gods be Auspicious Unto Us’. 
Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) is an annual bilateral naval exercise conducted by the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).


Western Peripheral Expressway: PM Modi inaugurates:
PM inaugrated Kundli-Manesar-Palwal Expressway in Haryana’s Gurgaon district – a project that will divert heavy polluting vehicles from Delhi. 
Also, known as the Western Peripheral.
The Western Peripheral Expressway links to the National Highway 1 (Panipat to Delhi), National Highway-8 (Jaipur-Gurgaon-Delhi road), National Highway-10 (Hisar-Rohtak-Delhi road).
DIFFERENT NATIONAL HIGHWAYS FROM DELHI
National Highway 1 or (NH 1): New Delhi to the town of Attari in Punjab near the Indo-Pakistani border.
National Highway 2 (NH 2) :  Delhi-Kolkata.
National Highway 8 (NH 8) : Delhi - Mumbai.
National Highway 10 (NH 10) : Delhi and ends at the town of Fazilka in Punjab near the Indo-Pakistani border.
National Highway 24 : Delhi to Lucknow .


PM launches Ease of Doing Business Grand Challenge 
Aim: to invite innovative ideas based on Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Big Data Analytics, Blockchain and other cutting edge technology to reform Government processes. The platform for the Grand Challenge is the Startup India Portal.
ABOUT EASE OF DOING BUSINESS
Ease of doing business is an index published by the World Bank. It is an aggregate figure that includes different parameters which define the ease of doing business in a country. 

Suresh Prabhu launches AirSewa 2.0 
Launched the upgraded version of AirSewa 2.0 web portal and mobile app.
Aim : to provide a superior user experience with enhanced functionalities. Major improvements include features such as secure sign-up and log-in with social media, chatbot for travellers support,improved grievance management including social media grievances, real-time flight status and details flight schedule. 

International news


Maldives to cancel China Trade Deal

aldive’s new government will put out of a FTA with China because it was a mistake for the tiny nation to strike such a pact with the World’s second biggest economy. 
Huge trade deficit.
China is not buying anything from us. It’s a one way treaty. – government.
ABOUT MALDIVES
President: Ibrahim Mohamed Solih Trending
Capital: Malé
Currency: Maldivian rufiyaa


Zverev shocks Djokovic to lift title 
Alexander Zverev emphatically announced his arrival at the top of the men's game by overpowering Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3 to win his first ATP Finals title on Sunday.
Alexander Zverev
He is the first player to beat to both Djokovic and Federer in the same ATP Finals.
Born : April 20, 1997.  

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Important Current Affairs 19th November 2018 English

(International News)

Kilograms get a new definition
Currently, it is defined by the weight of a platinum-based ingot called "Le Grand K" which is locked away in a safe in Paris. On Friday, researchers meeting in Versailles voted to get rid of it in favour of defining a kilogram in terms of an electric current.
The decision was made at the General Conference on Weights and Measures.
Le Grand K has been at the forefront of the international system of measuring weights since 1889. Several close replicas were made and distributed around the globe. But the master kilogram and its copies were seen to change - ever so slightly - as they deteriorated. The fluctuation is about 50 parts in a billion, less than the weight of a single eyelash. But although it is tiny, the change can have important consequences.
General Conference on Weights and Measures
It is the supreme authority of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures.
The inter-governmental organization established in 1875 under the terms of the Metre Convention.
It meets in Sèvres (south-west of Paris) usually once every four years.

(National News)

Government may not issue directions to RBI under Section 7
The Union government may not invoke Section 7 of the RBI Act to issue directions to the central bank, in a bid to reduce the tension between North Block and Mint Road
The central board of the RBI will meet on Monday to discuss contentious issues that figured at the last board meeting — economic capital, governance issues of the central bank, boost for the micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and the prompt corrective action (PCA) framework for banks.
Section 7 has never been used in the 83-year history of the bank.
About RBI Meeting
The Board of Directors of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) meets every month to discuss inspection reports of banks and systemically important financial entities, and other routine issues of supervision.
The Board now has 18 members, inclusive of the Governor and four Deputy Governors and two top bureaucrats from the Finance Ministry. In addition, the government nominates 10 public representatives from different fields of activity to the board.
Always a dull affair, but it has come into news after the government decided to appoint Mr. Gurumurthy, known for his conservative views and swadeshi economics.
The last Board meeting on October 23 was reported to be a stormy affair that lasted about eight hours but ended up discussing only three of the 20 items on the agenda. A public speech on October 26 by Deputy Governor Viral Acharya, in which he said governments that do not respect the central bank’s independence would incur the wrath of the markets sent the RBI-government relations further downhill.
The upcoming meeting is crucial in the backdrop of the fraught relationship between the government and the RBI as it can result either in resolution or lead to a point of no return. The choices are clear: the RBI and the government have to arrive at an understanding on the issues listed above through a spirit of give and take.

Elimination of Trans fat in eatery foods 
The Health Department and the Food Safety wing are joining hands to reduce  trans fatty acids (TFAs), salt and sugar in commercially available foods in the State.
The initiative, with technical support from the World Bank, WHO and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), is being launched as unhealthy diet is pushing up metabolic syndrome and premature deaths due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among Keralites.
WHO recommends that trans fat intake be limited to less than 1% of total energy intake and has called for the total elimination of TFAs in global food supply by 2023. FSSAI has proposed to limit TFA limit in foods to 2% and eliminate trans fats from foods by 2022.
What are trans fats?
There are two broad types of trans fats found in foods: naturally-occurring and artificial trans fats. Naturally-occurring trans fats are produced in the gut of some animals and foods made from these animals (e.g., milk and meat products) may contain small quantities of these fats. Artificial trans fats (or trans fatty acids) are created in an industrial process that adds hydrogen to liquid vegetable oils to make them more solid.
Trans fats raise your bad (LDL) cholesterol levels and lower your good (HDL) cholesterol levels. Eating trans fats increases your risk of developing heart disease and stroke. It’s also associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
World Health Organization
It was established on 7 April 1948, and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
Head: Tedros Adhanom

Ad Filmmaker Alyque Padamsee dies at 90 
Alyque Padamsee, who was known for his role as Muhammad Ali Jinnah in the film Gandhi, died today at the age of 90.
Padamsee was widely regarded as the Father of modern Indian advertising, as he founded Lintas, which is considered one of the top advertising agencies in the country. He was the man who gave us iconic ads like Liril with the girl in the waterfall, Hamara Bajaj, the Kamasutra couple and many such memorable commercials.
He was also an eminent theatre personality. He made his stage debut at the age of 7 in Merchant of Venice, a William Shakespeare play, directed by his brother Bobby Padamsee. The first play that he directed was Taming of The Shrew.

Swachh Bharat Mission to celebrate World Toilet Day 
The focus is on usage  of toilets, which is closely linked to the Prime Minister’s call for a Swachh Bharat by October 2019.
The objective is to engage with communities and reaffirm the national resolve to a sustain the Sanitation achievement.
Since the inception of the Swachh Bharat Mission, the rural sanitation coverage of India has increased significantly, from 39%      in October 2014 to over 96% today. Over 8.8 crore household toilets have been built by rural Indians. As a        result, 25 States/Union Territories, 530 districts, and over 5.2 lakh villages have declared themselves free from open      defecation.   The number of people practicing open defecation in rural India has gone down from 550 million in 2014, to less than 100 million today through the progress made under the Swachh Bharat Mission.
About Swacch Bharat Abhiyan
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBA) or Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) is a nation-wide campaign in India for the period 2014 to 2019 that aims to clean up the streets, roads and infrastructure of India's cities, towns, and rural areas. The campaign's official name is in Hindi and translates to 'Clean India Mission' in English.

(Sports News)

Ankita Raina and Karman Kaur won title in WTA Taipei Open

Ankita Raina and Karman Kaur Thandi -- India's top two singles players -- combined well to win their maiden title on the WTA Tour, grabbing the doubles trophy at the USD 125,000 Taipei OEC Open
Playing first time together on the Pro circuit, the Indians clinched the title when Russia's Olga Doroshina and Natela Dzalamidze opted out of edge-of-seat contest due to latter's injury.
 

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Important Current Affairs 18th November 2018 English

National News

Sixth Indian Social Work Congress held in New Delhi

Dr. Martha Farrell posthumously honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award during this edition of congress for her lifelong work towards gender equality, women’s empowerment and prevention of sexual harassment at workplace. It was jointly organized by National Association of Professional Social Workers in India (NAPSWI) and Department of Social Work (Delhi School of Social Work), University of Delhi. The theme of 6th congress 2018 is “Human Development and Social Inclusion: Imperatives for Social Work Education and Practice”.

Two North East Circuit Projects inaugurated in Arunachal Pradesh

Two important projects under Swadesh Darshan Scheme of Ministry of Tourism, Government of India were inaugurated at PTSO Lake in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. 
The project Development of Bhalukpong- Bomdila - Tawang was sanctioned by the Ministry of Tourism in March 2015 for Rs. 49.77 Crores. Under this project the Ministry has developed facilities like Accommodation, Cafeteria, wayside Amenities, last Mile Connectivity, Pathways, Toilets, Multipurpose Hall at Jang, Sorang Monastery, Lumpo, Zemithang, Bumla Pass, Gritsang TSO lake, PTSO Lake, Thingbu and Grenkha Hot Spring, Lumla, Sela Lake. The project Development of Nafra- Seppa- Pappu, Pasa, Pakke Valleys- Sangdupota- New Sagalee- Ziro- Yomcha was sanctioned by the Ministry of Tourism in December 2015 for Rs. 97.14 Crores.

Nongkrem Dance Festival

Nongkrem dance festival, an annual event during which prayers are offered for good harvest, peace, and prosperity of the community was celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm by the inhabitants of the Khasi Hills in Shillong, Meghalaya.

Government approves 3 new proposals under Nirbhaya Fund.

Union Government has approved three proposals under Nirbhaya Fund including setting up of 1023 Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs). Decision in this regard was taken by Empowered Committee of Officers under Nirbhaya Fund, under Chairmanship of Secretary, Women and Child Development Ministry.

Three proposals

Setting up of 1023 Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs): It was proposal forwarded by Department of Justice under Ministry of Law and Justice) to dispose off pending cases of rape and POCSO Act across the country.

Procurement of forensic kits for sexual assault cases: It was proposal forwarded by Union Ministry of Home Affairs to kick start usage of such kits in States. 

Setting up video surveillance system at 50 Railway Stations: It was proposal forwarded by Konkan Railway Corporation Limited for setting up video surveillance system at 50 Railway Stations.

IIT Kharagpur researchers devise decision support system (DCS) to help maximise LPG connections in BPL

Researchers from IIT Kharagpur have devised decision support system (DCS) to help maximise LPG connections in BPL (below poverty line) households under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana.

Important

It is computer programme that helps in making sound rational decisions using mathematical programming and operation research techniques. It can provide exact values of important parameters over prescribed policy time period, which in turn will help to take important measures to ascertain proper functioning (monitoring) of policy towards the desired goal.

Punjab becomes 3rd state to ban hookah bars or lounges

Punjab becomes third state in the country after Maharashtra and Gujarat  to ban hookah bars or lounges. The ban was announced through law after President Ram Nath Kovind gave assent to Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2018.  

Important
The Bill was Punjab state assembly in March this year with an aim to bring the law in force to check the use of tobacco in various forms and prevent diseases caused by the use of tobacco. The law was enacted due check unregulated growth these hookah parlours and rapid increase in trend of ‘hookah-sheesha’ smoking in the state. 

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Important Current Affairs 17th November 2018 English

National News

Union Government inks $105 million loan agreement with ADB for Hydropower Transmission

Union Government and Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed $105 million loan to continue financing transmission system upgrades in Himachal Pradesh for increased supply of hydropower to state and national grid. It is third tranche part of $350 million multi-tranche financing facility (MFF) for Himachal Pradesh Clean Energy Transmission Investment Program approved by ADB Board in September 2011.
Himachal Pradesh Clean Energy Transmission Investment Program
The program is aimed at developing and expanding transmission network to evacuate clean and renewable power generated from State’s hydropower sources to load centers within and outside State.

Government inks $300 million loan agreement with ADB to support IIFCL

Union Government has inked $300 million Loan Agreement with Asian Development Bank (ADB) to support lending by India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL).
Important
ADB funding is expected to fund at least 13 sub-projects through IIFCL, involving roads and renewable power generation, under the last tranche. It expected to help catalyze the financial closing of $2.4 billion in investments. In addition, attached technical assistance will support IIFCL capacity development and will focus on IIFCL’s financial management and social and environmental safeguards.


India's first elephant hospital opens in Mathura
India's first specialised hospital for elephants was inaugurated by Agra Divisional Commissioner Anil Kumar in Uttar Pradesh's Mathura district - Churmura village. It offers laser therapy, hydrotherapy, quarantine facilities and has a medical hoist to lift elephants.


India International Cherry Blossom Festival Held in Meghalaya
During the programme, the Chief Minister also handed over the Meghalaya Entrepreneurship Recognition Award (MEG-ERA) to Perastill R Sangma, an entrepreneur from Garo Hills. The award consists of a citation and a cash award of one lakh rupees.

Scheme

‘Gau Samridhi Plus Scheme’
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan launched the ‘Gau Samridhi Plus scheme’ or ‘Cow Samridhi Plus Scheme’ to offer insurance coverage to dairy farmers in Kerala. It is a government subsidized scheme. It will provide insurance coverage to dairy farmers at low premium rates. Farmers from general category will receive 50% subsidy on premium. Farmers from Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) category will receive 70% subsidy on premium.
 

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Important Current Affairs 16th November 2018 English

(International News)

India and UK sign MoU for collaboration in cancer research
India and United Kingdom have signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for collaboration in cancer research.   
Facts
The MoU was signed between Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Cancer Research UK (CRUK) for India-UK Cancer Research Initiative for collaboration in cancer research for the next five years. Under it, both CRUK and DBT will invest 5 million pounds each in this five-year pilot project and seek further investment from other potential funding partners.

(National News)

2nd Mega Food Park in Maharashtra
Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal inaugurated 2nd Mega Food Park in Maharashtra, in Wahegaon and Dhangaon village in Paithan taluka of Aurangabad district. It was launched under Mega Food Park Scheme and is promoted by Paithan Mega Food Park Pvt Ltd.
Important
It has been set up in 102 acre of land at cost of Rs 124.52 crore. The facilities at Central Processing Centre (CPC) of this mega food park include dry warehouse of 10,000 metric tonne (MT), cold storage (1,000 MT), pre-cooling facility (10 MT), ripening chambers (400 MT), individual quick freezing (IQF) facility (1.5 metric tonne per hour).


Regional meeting of World Customs Organisation
Four-day regional meeting of World Customs Organisation (WCO) was held in Jaipur, capital city of Rajasthan.  It was attended by representatives of 33 member countries of Asia. The meeting was jointly chaired by WCO Deputy Secretary General Ricardo Travino and Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs Chairman S Ramesh.

Important
The meeting deliberated upon various issues including the steps required for the capacity building and reforms in customs. It also discussed and deliberated upon amended Kyoto protocol, digital customs, e-commerce among other issues.

RURAL JHARKHAND DECLARED ODF
A regional review meeting of the Eastern States was held in Kolkata, West Bengal. Teams from West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar and Odisha joined the review.  The Swachh Bharat Mission Directors from the participating States were also present at the meeting.
Rural Jharkhand was declared ODF. West Bengal currently has a rural sanitation coverage of 97% and is on track to becoming ODF much before the national target of October 2019.
FACTS
There are total 25 ODF states in the country.
Sikkim was the first state to declared as ODF in 2008.

India says ready to import more gas and oil from the United States 
India's foreign secretary said that India is open to import more gas and oil from the US.
The United States early this month re-imposed sanctions against Iran's oil exports to punish Tehran for its involvement in several Middle Eastern conflicts and curb its nuclear programmes. 

Ministry of Tourism rolls out online Certification programme for Tourist Facilitators
The Union Tourism Secretary, Smt. Rashmi Verma rolled out the Incredible India Tourist Facilitator Certification (IITFC) Programme in New Delhi.
Successful completion of this program would enable the learner to become a Certified Tourist Facilitator of Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
The Secretary added that this online programme will have lot of advantages like job creation for local people, harness the local experience and traditional knowledge and also it has the flexibility of any age or any place people to join. 

(Scheme News)

Swadesh Darshan Scheme
Union Ministry of Tourism has inaugurated two important projects as part of Development of North East Circuit under Swadesh Darshan Scheme in Arunachal Pradesh.
Swadesh Darshan scheme
It was launched by Union Tourism Ministry in 2015 with objective to develop theme-based tourist circuits in the country. These tourist circuits developed will be developed under on principles of high tourist value, competitiveness and sustainability in integrated manner. Under this scheme, Government is focusing on development of quality infrastructure with objective of providing better experience and facilities to visitors on one hand and on other hand fostering economic growth.
 

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Important Current Affairs 15th November 2018 English

(International News)

7th RCEP Inter-Sessional Ministerial Meeting concludes in Singapore
•    The Minister for Trade and Industry of Singapore Mr. Chan Chun Sing was the Chair of the meeting as Singapore is currently the Chair of ASEAN this year. 
•    The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is a mega regional free trade agreement being negotiated amongst 16 countries, comprising 10 ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam) plus six ASEAN FTA partners, namely Australia, China, India, Japan, Korea and New Zealand.


‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’ – 2018 
•    Between Indian Army and Japanese Army
•    It is a significant step towards fostering military and diplomatic ties between the two courtiers.

The primary focus of the exercise was to train and equip the contingents to undertake joint counter insurgency and counter terrorist operations in urban and semi urban terrain. 

(National News)

Hima Das appointed first youth ambassador of UNICEF India
Asian Games gold-medallist sprinter Hima Das has been appointed as the first ever youth ambassador of United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) India.
Das, a native of Assam's Nagaon district, had clinched a gold medal in Women's 4 x 400 m Relay event at the 2018 Asian Games.
She had also won a silver medal in Women's 400m Race event with a clock timing of 50.59 seconds.
Hima Das became the first Indian to win a gold medal at the IAAF World Junior championships
UNICEF
Headquarters: New York City, New York, United States
Head: Henrietta H. Fore
Executive director: Henrietta H. Fore
Founded: 11 December 1946, New York City, New York, United States

Manipur: Home ministry extends ban on eight extremist groups for five years
•    The Ministry of Home Affairs Tuesday extended the ban on eight Meitei extremist organisations active in Manipur for five more years for their continued involvement in unlawful and violent activities.
•    The organisations banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act are, Peoples’ Liberation Army generally known as PLA and its political wing, Revolutionary Peoples’ Front (RPF), United National Liberation Front (UNLF) and its armed wing Manipur Peoples’ Army (MPA), Peoples’ Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) and its armed wing, ‘Red Army’, Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) and its armed wing, also called ‘Red Army’, Kanglei Yaol Kanba Lup (KYKL), the Coordination Committee (CorCom) and Alliance for Socialist Unity Kangleipak (ASUK).

Union Agriculture Minister launches NCDC’s new scheme to promote young entrepreneurs in cooperatives 
To cater to the needs and aspirations of the youth, the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) has come up with a youth-friendly scheme ‘Yuva Sahakar-Cooperative Enterprise Support and Innovation Scheme” for attracting them to cooperative business ventures.
The scheme will be linked to Rs 1000 crore ‘Cooperative Start-up and Innovation Fund (CSIF)’ created by the NCDC. It would have more incentives for cooperatives of North Eastern region, Aspirational Districts and cooperatives with women or SC or ST or PwD members.
The funding for the project will be up to 80% of the project cost for these special categories as against 70% for others
NCDC, being the most preferred financial institution in the world of cooperatives, has embarked on Sahakar 22, a Mission for Doubling Farmers’ Income by 2022.
NCDC

National Cooperative Development Corporation 

Formed - 1963 

Headquarter - New Delhi 

Minister - Radha Mohan Singh, Minister of Agriculture

Managing Director - Shri Sundeep Kumar Nayak, IAS 

Ministry - Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare 

(Space News)

ISRO successfully launches its heaviest satellite GSAT-29 from Sriharikota
•     This is India's heaviest satellite. It is boosted by two powerful strap-on solid rocket motors, the nearly 143-foot-tall (43.5-meter) Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mk.3 (GSLV Mk.3). 
•    Marks the completion of the development stage of India’s heaviest launch vehicle, GSLV Mark III, referred to as ‘Bahubali’ because it has double the carrying capacity of its predecessor, GSLV Mark II.
•    This is the second development flight of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III, which will be used for India’s human space flight programme scheduled for 2022 and Chandrayaan-2 in January 2019.
•    It will improve access to communication networks, specifically in the Jammu and Kashmir and North East.

(Sports News)

Former World no. 2 Agnieszka Radwanska announces retirement 
Polish tennis player Agnieszka Radwanska said on Wednesday that she has decided to end her 13 year-long career due to health reasons.Radwanska reached a career high world singles ranking of number two in 2012 after finishing as runner-up at Wimbledon. She won the season ending WTA Finals in 2015.

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Important Current Affairs 14th November 2018 English

National News

Odisha government signed MoU with AIFF
Odisha government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) at the Kalinga Stadium complex, Bhubaneswar, Odisha in the presence of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. As per the agreement, the State government will host National team camps and also I-League side Indian Arrows.

India celebrates the 130th birth anniversary of Pt Nehru
The nation celebrates the 130th birth anniversary of Pt Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of independent India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to the leader and remembered his contribution in India’s freedom struggle. Pt Nehru was born on November 14, 1889. He was known for his love for children and was fondly called Chacha Nehru. Before 1964, Children’s day was celebrated in India on November 20. It was observed as the Universal Children’s Day by the United Nations.

Global Cooling Innovation Summit held in New Delhi
The first Global Cooling Innovation Summit was held in New Delhi.  It was inaugurated by Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan.
Global Cooling Innovation Summit
The two-day summit was first-of-its-kind solutions-focused event organised to explore concrete means and pathways to address climate threat that comes from the growing demand from room air conditioners.

PM Modi inaugurates India’s first multi-modal terminal on inland waterways
The first multi-modal waterways terminal on the Ganga River is part of the Centre's Jal Marg Vikas Project which aims to develop the stretch of the river between Varanasi and Haldia for navigation of large vessels.
National Waterway-1 (Haldia-Varanasi stretch) is being developed with technical assistance and investment support from the World Bank. 

International News

2nd Startup India Investment Seminar in Beijing
Embassy of India in China in partnership with Startup India Association (SIA) and Venture Gurukool organized 2nd Startup India Investment Seminar on 12 November 2018 in Beijing for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among Indian youth.The 1st Startup Indian Investment event was organised in November 2017.


India and Morocco sign Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters
India and Morocco sign an agreement on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, mainly aimed at containing menace of terrorists funding. 
Facts
The agreement will help to strengthen bilateral cooperation between India and Morocco. It will enhance effectiveness and provide broad legal framework for prevention, investigation and prosecution of crimes as well as in tracing, restraint and confiscation of funds meant to finance terrorist acts.
 

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Important Current Affairs 13th November 2018 English

Defence News

Curtain Raiser: INDO-Russian joint exercise INDRA 2018
The joint military exercise between Indian and Russia EXERCISE INDRA 2018 on combating insurgency under the aegis of United Nations (UN) is being conducted at Babina Field Firing Ranges, Babina Military Station from 18 November 2018.

Aim:-
The aim of the exercise is to practice joint planning and conduct to enhance interoperability of the two Armies in the peace keeping/ enforcement environment under the aegis of the UN.

Indian Navy - Indonesian Navy bilateral exercise ‘Samudra Shakti’ begins


INS Rana of the Eastern Fleet based at Visakhapatnam under the Eastern Naval Command is on deployment to the South East Asia and arrived at the port of Surabaya to participate in the inaugural edition of Indian Navy – Indonesian Navy Bilateral Exercise ‘Samudra Shakti’ scheduled from 12  to 18 Nov 18.

The aim of the exercise is to strengthen bilateral relations, expand maritime co-operation, enhance interoperability and exchange best practices.

National News
Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi will inaugurate “Hunar Haat” at India International Trade Fair, New Delhi

Union Minister for Minority Affairs Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi will inaugurate the “Hunar Haat” on 15th November, 2018 at India International Trade Fair (IITF) at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. 

The IITF will be organized from 14th to 27th November, 2018

“Hunar Haat”, being organised across the country by the Ministry of Minority Affairs has proved to be “Empowerment & Employment Exchange” for master artisans and craftsmen.  “Hunar Haat” at Pragati Maidan, is a part of series of “Hunar Haat”, being organised in various parts of the country under a mission to provide market and opportunity to master artisans and craftsmen.

Government approves the process of constitution of new Boards of Governors for the IIMs as per the IIM Act 2017

The Government has approved the process of constitution of new Boards of Governors for the IIMs as per the IIM Act 2017.

This process is in accordance with the provisions of the Section 10 of the IIM Act 2017, and has been approved in consultation with the Ministry of Law and Justice. 

Important:-

The process of constitution of Boards for the IIMs, which have been given full powers of running the institutions, is a major development which signals complete autonomy of quality institutions in higher education and will ensure quality expansion of higher education

International News

PM Modi to leave for Singapore tonight to attend 13th East Asia Summit

•    Prime Minister Narendra Modi is leaving for Singapore tonight to attend the 13th East Asia Summit. 

•    This will be Mr Modi's 5th East Asia Summit and his second visit to Singapore.

•    Mr Modi will also be the first head of government to deliver an address at the Singapore Fintech Festival. 
•    It is one of the largest events on financial technology.
•    Mr Modi will also hold several bilateral meetings including one with US Vice President Mike Pence during his stay.

Sports News

Hong Kong Open Badminton tournament begins today

•    Hong Kong Open Badminton tournament begins in Kowloon today. Rio Olympics Silver medalist PV Sindhu will spearhead the Indian challenge. Sindhu, seeded third, will begin her campaign against Thailand's Nitchaon Jindapol. 

•    Saina Nehwal will face the second seeded Japanese Akane Yamaguchi in the opening round.

Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah maintain top positions in ICC ODI rankings


•    India captain Virat Kohli and premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah maintained their top positions respectively in the latest ICC ODI rankings published today.

•    Kohli remained in pole position with 899 poins while limited overs Vice-captain Rohit Sharma remained second in the list.

•    Rashid Khan of Afghanistan with 353 points is the top-ranked ODI all-rounder in world cricket currently. 

•    In the overall team rankings, India with 121 points, remained second behind England who have 126 points.


Obituary News
American comic book writer Stan Lee dies at 95

American comic book writer and former chief of Marvel Comics Stan Lee has died in Los Angeles. He was 95.  

Lee created the Fantastic Four for Marvel Comics in 1961 and went on to create titles like Spider-Man and The Incredible Hulk.

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Important Current Affairs 12th November 2018 English

Obituary News
Union Minister Ananth Kumar passes away

Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Ananth Kumar passed away on November 12, 2018 at a private hospital in Bengaluru. He was 59. He was diagnosed of lung cancer just three months ago.
About:
A senior BJP leader from Karnataka, Ananth Kumar represented the Bengaluru South parliamentary constituency six times in Lok Sabha since 1996. 

 A graduate in Arts and Law, Kumar was associated with the Akhila Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), a student organisation of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), before joining the BJP in 1987. As an RSS worker, Kumar was arrested during Emergency.

International News
69% Pakistanis between Ages 15 To 65 Don't Know What Internet Is: Survey

 
•    Around 69 percent Pakistanis between the ages of 15 and 65 do not know what the internet is an information communication technology (ICT)-based survey has revealed.
•    The survey was conducted by LirneAsia, a think-tank based in Sri Lanka that carries out ICT research.
•    The report is based on a survey of 2,000 households in Pakistan.
•    LirneAsia claims that the sampling methodology was designed to ensure representation of 98 per cent target population aged 15 to 65 at a national level.
•    Conducted between October-December 2017, this demand side survey helps understand how users use or do not use ICT services.


India and Morocco sign Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters

An Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters was signed by Shri Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State for Home on behalf of the Government of Republic of India and Mr Mohamed Aujjar, Minister of Justice on behalf of the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco, here today.
The Agreement will strengthen bilateral cooperation with Morocco and enhance effectiveness and provide a broad legal framework for prevention, investigation and prosecution of crimes; as well as in tracing, restraint and confiscation of funds meant to finance terrorist acts.

Asian Development Bank grants EESL $13 million to promote efficient energy usage in the country
 
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) would provide USD 13 million loans to EESL to promote efficient energy usage in India.
ADB and the Energy Efficiency Services (EESL) signed a USD 13 million grant, to be provided by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), for the additional financing of an ongoing ADB-supported project that is promoting end-use energy efficiency, it said in a release.

National News    

Public Service Broadcasting Day being observed today

 
The Public Service Broadcasting Day was observed across India on November 12, 2018. The day is observed every year to commemorate the first and last visit of the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi to the studio of All India Radio, Delhi in 1947.

Mahatma Gandhi had on November 12, 1947 visited the studio of All India Radio to address the displaced people from Pakistan who were temporarily settled in Kurukshetra, Haryana after the partition of the Indian subcontinent.

Union Minister Harshvardhan annouces launch of Global Cooling Prize
Science and Technology Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan today announced the launch of the Global Cooling Prize, an international competition to incentivize the development of a residential cooling technology that will have at least five times less climate impact that the standard Room Air Conditioning (RAC) units sold today.
Global Cooling Prize is a competition with global reach and participation to achieve dramatic breakthroughs in cooling technologies.
The objective of this competition would be to develop a cooling technology that requires radically less energy to operate, utilizes refrigerants with no ozone depletion potential and with low global warming potential, and has the potential to be cost-effective at scale. 


Power Minister inaugurates INSPIRE 2018
 
The second edition of was International Symposium to Promote Innovation & Research in Energy Efficiency (INSPIRE 2018) launched in New Delhi.
It was jointly organised by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) and World Bank. 
The three-day symposium focused on enhancing grid management, e-Mobility, financial instruments and technologies for energy efficiency in India. 

 Award News    

Ladakh’s LAMO Centre wins UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award

 
The LAMO Centre of Ladakh won the 2018 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation on November 9, 2018. This aristocratic house was restored from a state of partial ruin.
The centre won the ‘Award of Distinction’ for its systematic restoration project that used local building materials and indigenous construction techniques while skilfully introducing modern amenities to assure its ongoing use.

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Important Current Affairs 11th November 2018 English

(International News)

3rd ASEAN summit begins in Singapore


•    The 33rd ASEAN Summit began today in the city-state of Singapore.

•    The main event is being held at Suntec Singapore Convention Centre, wherein the ten ASEAN members will be discussing key issues on economic, security and cultural cooperation. 

•    The summit is being chaired by Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. 

•    During this summit, the ASEAN leaders are expected to adopt the ASEAN Smart Cities Framework and a broad agreement is likely to be reached on RCEP during the summit. 

•    Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend the East Asia Summit and Associated meetings on 14th and 15th November. 

•    ASEAN - Association of South East Asian Nations.

24th Kolkata International Film Festival begins at Netaji Indoor Stadium

24th Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) began at Netaji Indoor Stadium, Kolkata. 

This festival was inaugurated by Bollywood Actor Amitabh Bachchan in the presence of West Bengal chief minister Mamta Banerjee. 

This festival will serve as a platform to showcase cinemas across the globe.

Around 171 films and 150 short and documentary films from 70 countries will be screened at the festival.
This edition will also celebrate 100 years of Bengali cinema by screening classics by auteurs.

(Day & Dates News)

National Education Day is celebrated on November 11

11th November is National Education Day. This day is observed to commemorate the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the first education minister of independent India, who served from 15 August 1947 until 2 February 1958. 

The Bharat Ratna recipient was not only responsible for streamlining Indian education system but also foresaw the establishment of the first IIT, IISc, and the University Grants Commission in his tenure.

(Appointment News)
3 new members appointed to CBDT

3 senior IRS officers K Dash, Akhilesh Ranjan and Neena Kumar have been appointed as new members of Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT).

Prior to this appointment, Dash was serving as principal chief commissioner of I-T (PCCIT) in Bhopal, Ranjan and Kumar were serving as PCCsIT in Delhi. 

Important Points to Note: 

With these three new joinings, CBDT now has full house strength of five members and chairman. 
The two other members of CBDT are IRS officers Aditya Vikram and P C Mody while the borad’s Chairman is Sushil Chandra.

(Award News)

Super 30 founder Anand Kumar to be honoured with Global Education Award in Dubai

•    Indian educational program Super 30 founder Anand Kumar today honoured with prestegious Global education award 2018 in Dubai.

•    He was honored for his ‘pioneering’ contributions to the field of education.

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