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October 13 - International Day for Disaster Reduction

October 16 – World Food Day

October 17 - International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

October 17 - World Trauma Day

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CURRENT AFFAIRS: INDIA

India banned the import of refrigerators & Air Conditioners completely

India has recently banned the import of refrigerants and air-conditioners completely

tightening norms on “non-essential” imports. This has been done to reduce imports from

China and tighten local manufacturing.

This says that an importer cannot fill in the refrigerant outside India. Thus, he will have

to create assembly units using the local work force. This will increase employment in the

country.

Lancet: Life Expectancy in India increases to 70.8 years

The recently published Lancet medical report says that the life expectancy of India has

increased since 1990.

The life expectancy of India has increased from 59.6 years in 1992 to 70.8 years in 2019.

Kerala has the highest life expectancy. In Kerala life expectancy has increased to 77.3

years. The life expectancy of Uttar Pradesh was 66.9 years.

Kerala State if India

Capital Thiruvananthapuram

Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan

Governor Arif Mohammad Khan

India to become free of Trans Fat by 2022

On October 16, 2020, the Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan announced that India

has set a target of becoming trans-fat free by 2022. This target is year ahead of the target

of World Health Organisation.

The announcement was made when the Minister presided over an event organised by the

food safety and Standards Authority of India to celebrate the World Food Day. The

World Food Day is celebrated by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation

every year on October 16.

FSSAI Government ministry

Founded August 2011

Agency executive Rita Teaotia (Chairperson)

Union Minister of AYUSH launched Regional Raw Drug Repository

Union Minister of AYUSH launched Regional Raw Depository at the National Institute

of Siddha, Chennai. The Regional Raw Repository is the significant segment of National

AYUSH Mission.

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Ministry of AYUSH Government Ministry

Officeholder Shripad Naik (MOS independent charge)

Founded 9 November 2014, India

Headquarters New Delhi

Union Cabinet endorses Rs 5,718 Cr World Bank’s Project STARS

Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi affirmed the project

STARS aided by the World bank

The cabinet has approved Rs 5,718 crores of aid from World Bankto execute venture

STARS. STARS is Strengthening Teaching Learning and Resources for States.The

undertaking is to be actualized by division of school instruction and proficiency working

under Ministry of Education. The task will likewise arrangement and backing the

PRAKH, the public evaluation place.

World Bank Headquarters Washington, D.C., United States

Parent organization World Bank Group

Founded July 1944

Founders John Maynard Keynes, Harry Dexter White

National Rural Livelihood Mission: Union Cabinet approves Rs 520 crores for Ladakh and

Jammu and Kashmir

On October 14, 2020, Union Cabinet approved the special package of Rs 520 crores

under National Rural Livelihood Mission for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

The cabinet has approved the package for a period of five years till 2023-24. The

National Rural Livelihood Mission enables to increase household income.

The mission was launched in 2011 and is a restructured version of Swarna Jayanti Gram

Swarozgar Yojana. It aims to create effective institutional platforms.

Jammu and Kashmir A region formerly administered by India as a

state from 1954 to 2019

Founded 26 October 1947

EVIN: India’s Plan to store COVID-19 Vaccines

The Government of India has started to identify private facilities and government

facilities to create a hub to store COVID-19 vaccines. India is under the plan of rolling

out multiple vaccines for COVID-19. The Government of India is to use the Electronic

Vaccine Intelligence Network (EVIN) to store the vaccine.

The Government is making logistical arrangements to procure, store, and distribute

COVID-19 vaccines for their uninterrupted delivery. The expert group on Vaccine

Administration under Dr V K Paul was deployed earlier. The group has mapped the cold

storage units in the country.

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Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyan: 32 Cr man days of employment generated

The Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyan is currently on fifteenth week of implementation. So

far 32 crore man days of employment was provided. GoI has spent Rs 31,577 Crs in these

15 weeks to create employment opportunities under the programme.

Under the arrangement, huge no of structures were made. This incorporates 1,32,146

water preservation structures, 16,253 network clean buildings, 35,329 cows sheds, 35,529

cows sheds, 4,12,214 provincial houses.

Jal Jeevan Mission: Lab on Wheels launched

On Oct12, 2020, State govt of Haryana launched “Lab on Wheels” to test the water

quality in state. The water nature of Haryana is basically influenced by fluoride, iron,

nitrate and alkalinity.

Lab on wheels is a mobile laboratory. The mobile laboratory have launch under Jal

Jeevan Mission.

Delhi Cabinet approves "Tree Transplantation Policy"

Delhi Cabinet has been approved the ‘Tree Transplantation Policy’ for preservation of

trees in Capital. The Cabinet additionally endorsed the establishment of the subsequent

brown haze tower on the planet at Connaught Place inside ten months.

Under the policy, a minimum of 80% of trees affected by a development or construction

project will be transplanted. Over 80% of the transplanted trees must survive after

transplantation.

PM Modi: Rs 100 Dedicatory Coin in honour of Vijaya Raje Scindia

PM Narendra Modi is to release the Dedicatory coin of 100 rupees in appreciation of

Vijaya Raje Scindia. Vijaya Raje Scindia also known as Rajmata of Gwalior.

The coin is being delivered to commend the birth century of Vijaya Raje Scindia. She

was one of the Originator individuals from the Bharatiya Janata Gathering.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: DEFENSE

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurates 44 bridges

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated 44 bridges that were worked by the Border

Road Organization. Minister also established foundation stone of Nechiphu tunnel in

Arunachal Pradesh.

The 44 bridges inaugurated are located in 7 States & Union territories and will draw out

another period of network and advancement in the distant of the nation.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

Preceding Ministry Department of Defence (1938–47)

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Founded 15 August 1947

Officeholders Rajnath Singh (Minister), Subhash Bhamre (Minister of State)

Headquarters New Delhi

CURRENT AFFAIRS: BUSINESS

Covid-19: Pearls, Gems, jewellery industry demonstrated resilience during troublesome

occasions, says Piyush Goyal

MUMBAI: Gems & jewellery industry has indicated that versatility through these testing

times and utilized innovation to exhibit the intrinsically created pieces to buyers across

the globe on the India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) Virtual stage, Union minister

Piyush Goyal said on Monday.

"Truth be told, this climate of innovation to arrive at clients all over the world shows the

resilience of Indian industry & the govt to serve customers, particularly with the

celebration round the corner, both in India and across the world," Commerce and Industry

Minister Piyush Goyal said at the debut function of the five-day IIJS Virtual composed

by the Diamond and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC).

CURRENT AFFAIRS: ECONOMY

GoI sets up Panel of Secretaries to streamline telecom spectrum allocation

GoI has constituted a panel under the cabinet secretary Rajiv Gauba to streamline

telecom spectrum allocation. The panel has been constituted with secretaries of railways,

defence, home, telecom, department of space and Information and Broadcasting.

The spectrum auction had been held by GoI for six times. They are 2010, 2012-16.

However, there was no clarity on frequency of future airwave sale.

Operation Green: 50% Freight Subsidy for agricultural perishables

The Ministry of Food Processing and the ministry of Railways have jointly provided

subsidised rate of 50% for freight transportation of perishable agriculture produce such as

vegetables and fruits. The step is being implemented to boost Operation Green. Operation

Green is implemented by Ministry of Food Processing.

The ministries will provide 50% subsidies to farmers transporting surplus agricultural

produce such as vegetables and fruits by train. Also, the ministry will provide 50%

subsidy to cold chain storage of Agricultural commodities. In order to receive the

subsidies, the farmers have to submit self-certified documents on “Sampada” portal. The

portal is maintained by the Ministry of food processing.

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Finance Minister announces celebration Advance scheme, LTC Money Voucher Scheme

FM Nirmala Sitaraman reported the Special Festival Advance plan & LTC Cash Voucher

plan. The schemes were launched to boost the demand in the country.

Under the plan, central govt employees will get pre-stacked Rupay cards. They can be

withdrawn at ATMs. These advances shall be repaid by the employees in 10 installments.

The plan is to provide one-time festive advance of Rs 10,000 to all the govt employees.

This will boost the consumer demand to Rs 8,000.

Union Minister of Finance- Minister

responsible Nirmala Sitharaman, Cabinet Minister;

Founded 29 October 1946

Officeholders

P. Radhakrishnan (Minister of State), Shiv

Pratap Shukla (Minister of State), Nirmala

Sitharaman (Minister)

Headquarters New Delhi

India, Asian Development Bank (ADB) Signed USD 300 Million Loan to Develop

Secondary Towns in Rajasthan

GoI & ADB signed a $300 million credit on twelfth October to fund comprehensive and

feasible water flexibly and sterilization foundation and administrations in 14 optional

towns of the territory of Rajasthan.

The undertaking will give reasonable water gracefully and disinfection (WSS)

administrations in the task towns in Rajasthan. The point is to improve personal

satisfaction in these towns, including for poor people and defenseless subsequent to

consenting to the advance arrangement.

The interests in WSS with 10-year activity and upkeep agreements will guarantee

improved and practical help conveyance in accordance with the express government's

metropolitan area advancement plan.

Asian Development Bank(ADB) Headquarters Mandaluyong, Philippines

President Masatsugu Asakawa

Founded December 19, 1966

Purpose Economic development

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Bepi Colombo Spacecraft reaches Mercury in its journey towards Venus

The BepiColombo Space Craft was launched jointly by Japan Aerospace Exploration

Agency and European Space Agency to planet Mercury. The space craft has now crossed

Venus on its way to Mercury.

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Highlights

o The mission BepiColombo consists of two satellites launched together. They are

Mercury Planetary Orbiter and Mercury Magentospheric Orbiter. The two

satellites will separate on arriving Mercury.

o The mission will perform study of mercury. This will include characterisation of

magnetosphere, magnetic field in both interior and on the surface of the mercury.

o The spacecraft Bepicolombo was launched on Ariane 5 rocket.

o It will arrive Mercury in 2025.

o The Mission is a part of the Horizon 2000+ Programme of European Space

Agency and was the last mission of the programme.

Gov Tech- Thon 2020 to be held from 30th October

GoI's NIC(National Informatics Centre), IEEE Computer Society (Institute of Electrical

and Electronics Engineers) and Oracle Corporation will organize Gov Tech- Thon

2020 commencing from October 30, 2020, to November 1 2020.

Gov Tech-Thon 2020, a pan India 36 hours virtual Hackathon to be organized

from October 30 to November 1, 2020. It is launched under the Government of India's

Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

EpicVacCorona: Second COVID-19 Vaccine approved by Russia

The Russian Authorities have approved a new COVID-19 vaccine called

“EpicVacCorona”. It is a two shot vaccine.

EpiVacCorona is a peptide-based vaccine. Sputnik V was the first vaccine developed by

Russia. Russia is to conduct the vaccine trial of EpicVacCorona on 40,000 volunteers.

The first phase of the vaccine is to be held through open trials. It will include men and

women of age 18 to 30 years. The second phase of the trial is placebo-controlled. It will

include men and women of the age group 18 to 60 years.

Russia President Vladimir Putin

Currency Russian Rouble

Prime minister Mikhail Mishustin

Capital Moscow

India to turn out FELUDA Paper strip tests for Corana Virus

On October 11, 2020, the Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan reported that India is

to roll out Feluda Paper Strip test in next few weeks.

The minister made the announcement during the 5th edition of “Sunday Samvaad”.

Sunday Samvaad is anintuitive meeting held by the pastor in online media.

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The minister also said that under the Middle's Immunizations technique, the prioritization

of gatherings of Coronavirus antibodies depends on two key conisderations as follows

o Risk of Exposure to infection and Occupational Hazard

o Risk of developing severe disease and increased mortality.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: INDUSTRY

Tata Power: Simultaneous stumbling at MSETCL facilities caused power outage

MUMBAI: On Monday Tata Power said there was "simultaneous substation tripping" at

state-run MSETCL's two facilities, which prompted a significant force blackout in the

budgetary capital and encompassing zones.

It said tripping at the Kalwa and Kharghar sub-stations at 1010 hours caused a

tremendous dunk in recurrence in the Mumbai transmission framework, prompting the

stumbling of intensity flexibly.

Tata Power Electric power distribution company

CEO Praveer Sinha (1 May 2018–)

Headquarters Mumbai

Parent organization Tata Group

Revenue 8,309.01 crores INR (US$1.2 billion, 2020)

CURRENT AFFAIRS: INTERNATIONAL

Webinar between India Kazakhstan Defence Cooperation Hosted

Ambassadors of both countries and senior Ministry of Defence (MoD) officials from both

sides participated in the webinar. A webinar between India and Kazakhstan was held on

October 15 2020.

Theme of webinar - " Make In India For The World, India – Kazakhstan Defence

Cooperation: Webinar and Expo".

Webinar was organized under the aegis of Department of Defence Production, Ministry

of Defence through FICCI.

This webinar is the part of the series of webinars which are being managed with friendly

foreign countries to boost defence exports and achieve defence export target of $5 billion

in the next five years.

Kazakhstan Country in Central Asia

Capital Nur-Sultan

Currency Kazakhstani tenge

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President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev

Official languages Kazakh, Russian

India Hosts Virtual Summit of Ministers of Justice of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

7th Meeting of Ministers of Justice of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Shri

Ravi Shankar Prasad hosted the Member States, Minister of Law & Justice,

Communication and Electronics & Information Technology on October 16, 2020.

India today hosted the virtual Summit of Ministers of Justice of Shanghai Cooperation

Organisation, SCO.

The summit highlighted the initiatives taken by the Indian Government for providing

affordable and easy access to justice for all and also about Pro Bono Legal Services to

provide free legal aid to marginalized sections of the society.

Israeli Parliament Approves Historic Peace Deal with UAE

The Parliament of Israel, approved the historic normalization deal or the peace deal called

as the Abraham Accord with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on October 15, 2020.

Israeli Parliament initially signed the agreement in Washington on September 15, 2020.

Eighty were voted in favour of the deal while 13 were opposed it. Israeli Prime Minister

Benjamin Netanyahu called for peace with Lebanon which is Israel's neighbour in the

north.

The UAE and Bahrain became the first Gulf countries to agree upon the formulation of

official relations with Israel.

Israel Country in Middle East

Capital Jerusalem

Currency Israeli Shekel

Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu

India to host 7th Justice Ministers Meet of SCO

On October 16, 2020, the Union Minister of law and Justice Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad is

to host the seventh meeting of ministers of justice of Shanghai cooperation organisation.

The ministers during the meet will share the information on establishing favorable

climate to advance question goal system, criminological exercises and other legitimate

administrations.

5th Meeting through video conferencing: India-Mexico Bilateral High Level Group on

Trade, Investment & Cooperation Held

5th meeting of India and Mexico Bilateral High-Level Group on Trade, Investment

& Cooperation was held through video conferencing on 9th October 2020. In this

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gathering both the nations evaluated their two-sided exchange, speculation and business

relations.

The official discussed several topics including the Bilateral investment treaty,

Cooperation Framework on phytosanitary and sanitary products, Audiovisual co-

production, Technical barriers to trade, Market access for Agricultural Products,

Cooperation in intellectual property rights and Promotion of tourism and the

improvisation of people to people contact.

FATF: Pakistan to remain on “Grey List”

On October 12, 2020, the Financial Action Task Force reported that Pakistan will

continue to remain under “grey list” of the association.

The asia-pacific gathering of FATF presented a report named “Follow up report on

mutual evaluation of Pakistan”. The report is first of its kind. The choice of putting

Pakistan under grey list was taken based on this report.

Pakistan A country in South Asia

Currency Pakistani rupee

Prime minister Imran Khan

India to attend 7th Justice Ministers Meet of SCO

On October 16, 2020, the Union Minister of law & Justice Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad is to

attend 7th meeting of ministers of justice of Shanghai cooperation association.

The ministers during the meet will share the knowledge on establishing favorable climate

to advance debate goal instrument, scientific exercises and other legitimate

administrations.

European Union to sanction Russia & Belarus

On October 12, 2020, the European Union consented to force sanctions on Russia for

harming the resistance chief Alexei Navalny. Imposition of authorization was started by

France and Germany.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Facebook India chooses Sunil Abraham as Public Policy Director for Data & Emerging

Tech

New Delhi: Facebook India on Monday reported arrangement of Sunil Abraham as the

Public Policy Director for Data and Emerging Tech to lead and shape the organization's

position on tech strategy issues in India.

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He will answer to Facebook India Public Policy Director Ankhi Das, and will be liable

for building associations and commitment with key partners in the public approach

territory of information security, customer assurance, and AI-drove development for new

items and administrations, an announcement said.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: ENVIRONMENT

IMD launches improved SILAM & ENFUSER models to screen Air Quality in the nation

On Oct 14, 2020, the Indian Meteorological Department operationalised improved air

quality estimate models. hey were SILAM and ENFUSER.There are in excess of 40 air

quality checking frameworks in Delhi.

SILAM - System for Integrated Modeling of Atmospheric Composition. The model has

been improved by actualizing Global outflow inventories, for example, CAMS-GLOB

and EDGAR for mineral fine anthropogenic particulate issue at 10 kilometer goal.

It was developed by the Finish Meteorological Institute. The model gives data, for

example, balance barometrical arrangement and Wildfire smoke. It is equipped for

tackling the reverse scattering issue. The model is fit for taking information from

assortment of sources, for example, ocean salt, Pollen and blown residue.

Graded Response Action Plan comes into force in Delhi

The Anti-Pollution measure Graded Response Action Plan is to come into force in Delhi.

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee has banned the operation of electricity generator

sets. The Environment Pollution Authority had earlier directed Punjab, Delhi, Rajasthan

and Haryana Governments to implement air pollution control measures under Graded

Response Action Plan.

The Graded Response Action Plan are institutional measures that are to be adopted when

the air quality deteriorates. It is an emergency measure. It was prepared by Environment

Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority. It aims to prevent Particulate Matter PM 10

and PM 2.5 go beyond “moderate” Air Quality Index.

Uttarakhand to Start Plantation Drive to Clear Compensatory Afforestation Backlog in

Other states

Uttarakhand Forest Department is to set up a plantation drive in Bundelkhand region

of Uttar Pradesh and parts of Rajasthan to clear the backlog for compensatory

afforestation over the following two years. The Compensatory afforestation is done

against the transfer of forest land for non-forestry purposes.

In compensatory plantation, 1,100 vegetation are planted over an area of one hectare.

Uttar Pradesh State of India

Capital Lucknow

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Governor Anandiben Patel

Chief minister Yogi Adityanath

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AGRICULTURE

India releases commemorative coin to mark 75th anniversary of Food & Agriculture

Organization

On Oct 16, 2020, PM Modi release category coin of Rs 75 denomination to mark the 75th

anniversary of United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. The Prime Minister

will likewise commit 17 bio-sustained assortments of eight yields.

The dispatch of dedicatory coin will check the most noteworthy need given by the

Government of India to horticulture and nourishment.