Current Affairs 1 & 2 November 2020

We are here for you to provide the important Recent and Latest Current Affairs 1 & 2 November 2020, which have unique updates of Latest Current Affairs 2020 events from all newspapers such as The Hindu, The Economic Times, PIB, Times of India, PTI, Indian Express, Business Standard and all Government official websites.

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Top 20 Current Affairs of 1 & 2 November 2020

NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Kerala, Goa, Chandigarh emerge as Best Governed States and Union Territory : PAI 2020

Kerala emerged as the Best Governed State in the Large States Category, Goa emerged as the Best Governed State in Small States Category, Chandigarh emerged as the Best Governed Union Territory based on Governance in the 5th edition of Public Affairs Index 2020 (PAI 2020) released by Public Affairs Centre (PAC) on October 30, 2020.

Overall PAI 2020 Index – Scores and Rankings
i.Large States:

ii.Small States:

iii.Union Territory:

About Public Affairs Centre (PAC):
Chairman – K Kasturirangan
Location – Bengaluru, Karnataka
<<Read Full News>>

Indian Railways Launches ‘Meri Saheli’ Initiative for Safety of Women Train Passengers

i.On October 29, 2020 Indian Railways launched the ‘Meri Saheli’ initiative to ensure safety of women passengers on trains across all zones.
ii.Under the initiative, women passengers will be provided safety and security during their entire journey, i.e., from originating station till destination station. Meri Saheli is an initiative of Railway Protection Force (RPF).
About Railway Protection Force(RPF):
RPF was established by the Railway Protection Force Act, 1957. It functions under the Ministry of Railways, Govt of India.
Director General– Arun Kumar, IPS
<<Read Full News>>

Government extends Deadline to Make Payment under Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme till March 31, 2021

On October 27, 2020, Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), Government of India has notified extension of payment deadline for direct tax legacy dispute resolution scheme (Vivad Se Vishwas) from 31st December, 2020 to 31st March 2021.
i.The deadline for making a declaration under the scheme has also been notified as 31st December 2020.
ii.The deadline is an incentive for taxpayers as those who make declaration before the deadlines will have to pay at concessional rates.
This is the third time the date has been extended
Vivad se Vishwas:
i.Direct Tax Vivad se Vishwas Act, 2020 was enacted on 17th March, 2020 to settle tax disputes between individuals and the income tax department.
ii.It would benefit the taxpayers, as they would get instant disposal of the dispute with no further cost of litigation. They will also get monetary benefits in the form of waiver of penalty, interest and prosecution.
About Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT):
Chairperson – Pramod Chandra Mody
Headquarters – New Delhi

NITI Aayog Released a Draft Model Act and Rules for States on Conclusive Land Titling

i.On October 30, 2020 NITI (National Institution for Transforming India)  Aayog released a draft model Act and rules for states on conclusive land titling.
ii.It was released to minimise litigation and ease the land acquisition process for infrastructure projects.
About NITI(National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog:
CEO– Amitabh Kant
Headquarters– New Delhi, India
<<Read Full News>>

Government revises PLI scheme Guidelines to boost local production of bulk drugs, medical devices

On October 29, 2020, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has revised guidelines of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes for promotion of domestic manufacturing of bulk drugs and medical devices.
Revised Guidelines:
i.Replacement of Criteria of ‘Minimum threshold’ investment with ‘Committed Investment’ by the selected applicant.
ii.Provision restricting the sales of eligible products to domestic sales for the purpose of eligibility of receiving incentives has been deleted
iii.Change has been made in Minimum annual production capacity for 10 products.
iv.Change in eligibility criteria of minimum sales limit in line with projected demand, technology trend.
About Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers:
Union Minister – Sadananda Gowda
Minister of State (MoS) – Mansukh Mandaviya
<<Read Full News>>

BANKING & FINANCE

RBL Bank and Visa Launched Instant Payouts “Visa Direct” for FinTechs

i.On October 30, 2020, the RBL Bank (formerly known as Ratnakar Bank) in partnership with Visa has launched the latter’s processing capability “Visa Direct” that allows safe, convenient, real-time and secure funds delivery directly to financial accounts using credit and debit cards. This partnership underlines RBL’s “Partners ka Bank” philosophy.
ii.This Launch will enable RBL Bank to help fintechs in enhancing their offerings with Visa Direct.
About RBL Bank:
Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)– Vishwavir Ahuja
Headquarter– Mumbai, Maharashtra
Tagline– Apno Ka Bank
Chatbot– RBL Cares
<<Read Full News>>

NABARD Sanctioned Rs 8504.30 lakh under RIDF scheme Goa during 2020-21

On October 29, 2020, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has sanctioned loans worth Rs 8504.30 Lakh under Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) to the Government of Goa for the latter’s various Social Infrastructure Projects.

• With this, NABARD achieved 100% of the target fixed for sanction to the Government of Goa during 2020-21.

About Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF):
It was instituted in NABARD with the objective of giving low cost support to State Governments and State owned Corporations for quick completion of projects related to medium and minor irrigation, soil conservation and other forms of rural infrastructure. 
About National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD):
Establishment– 1982
Chairman– Govinda Rajulu Chintala
Headquarter– Mumbai, Maharashtra

GSTN Enables Composition Taxpayers to file NIL statement through SMS

On October 26, 2020, the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN), the IT platform of GST system launched the facility of filing NIL statement in Form GST CMP-08 for Composition Taxpayers through (short message service) and without logging in to the GST portal.

• CMP-08 is a quarterly statement of self-assessed tax to be filed by Composition Taxpayers.
• This will benefit 3.5 lakh taxpayers who file NIL statement under Composition Scheme

Process of Nil returns through SMS:
–Send SMS NIL C8GSTINReturn Period to 14409.
–After sending the SMS, the taxpayer will receive a six-digit verification code through SMS. 
–Send SMS again on the same number 14409 with Verification Code.
–After successful validation of Verification Code, GST Portal will send back Application Reference Number (ARN) to the same mobile number to intimate successful filing.
The facility to file NIL GSTR-3B (Monthly summary return filed by normal taxpayers) and NIL GSTR-1, (Monthly or quarterly statement filed by normal taxpayers to disclose their outward supplies along with their tax liability) has already been provided to the taxpayers in June 2020.

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

HAL inks INR 400 Crore pact with Tech Mahindra for ‘Project Parivartan’

i.On October 29, 2020, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) signed a contract worth INR 400 Crore for a period of 9 years with Tech Mahindra for implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) to support its ‘Project Parivarta’.
ii.Tech Mahindra will play a role in transformation and modernisation of ERP system as an implementation and support partner to enable HAL streamline and standardise its business processes across the organisation.
About Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL):
Chairman and Managing Director – R Madhavan
Headquarters – Bengaluru, Karnataka
<<Read Full News>>

Microsoft India and NSDC Collaborates to Empower over 1 lakh Underserved Young Women in India with Digital skills

i.On October 28, 2020 Microsoft India Private Limited, a subsidiary of American software company Microsoft Corporation, has collaborated with National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) to skill over 1 lakh underserved women in India with digital skills over the next 10 months.
ii.This initiative is an extension of the partnership of Microsoft India and NSDC to 
to provide digital skills to over 1 lakh Indian youth.
About Microsoft India Private Limited:
Headquarters– Hyderabad, Telangana
President– Anant Maheshwari
About National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC):
MD & CEO– Manish Kumar
Headquarters– New Delhi, India
<<Read Full News>>

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS          

ESSCI Appoints PVG Menon as its CEO;succeeds N.K.Mohapatra

On October 30, 2020 Electronics Sector Skill Council of India (ESSCI) appointed PVG Menon as its Chief Executive Officer(CEO).He succeeds N.K Mohapatra.
PVG Menon will be responsible to oversee the operations of ESSCI and will work with is governing Council on strategic issues related to the growth of the electronic systems design and manufacturing (ESDM) industry in India
About PVG Menon
i.Prior to this appointment he was the president and CEO of VANN Consulting.
ii.He has more than 3 decades experience in the development, marketing and management of technology.
iii.He has also led the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA) and has industry experience in the electronics and semiconductor industry.
Gist about ESSCI:
i.ESSCI works with industry, the National Skill Development Corporation(NSDC), and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to provide skilling and re-skilling services to the industry.
ii.It is promoted by six Associations namely, ELCINA Electronic Industries Association of India, India Electronics & Semiconductor Association(IESA), Consumer Electronics and Appliances Manufacturers Association(CEAMA), Manufacturer’s Association for Information Technology(MAIT), Indian Printed Circuit Association(IPCA) and Electrical Lamp and Component Manufacturers’ Association of India(ELCOMA).
iii.It also has 2 government nominees on board.
Head Office– New Delhi, India
Chairman– Ajai Chowdhry

ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS        

Axis Bank to Acquire Up To 19.002% Instead of 17.002% in Max Life Insurance

i.On October 30, 2020 Axis Bank Ltd along with its subsidiaries namely, Axis Capital Ltd and Axis Securities Ltd (together Axis Entities) has agreed to enter into revised agreements with Max Financial Services (MFS) Ltd to acquire up to 19.002% of the equity share capital of Max Life Insurance Co Ltd (Revised Agreements).
ii.This is in accordance with the Para 5(b) of Master Direction- Reserve Bank of India (Financial Services provided by Banks) Directions, 2016.
iii.Earlier the Axis bank was to acquire 17.002% in Max Life Insurance.
About Axis Bank Ltd:
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
Managing Director(MD) and Chief Executive Officer(CEO)–  Amitabh Chaudhry
Tagline– Badhti Ka naam Zindagi
Founded– 1993
About Max Life Insurance Company Ltd:
Headquarters– New Delhi, India
MD & CEO– Prashant Tripathy
<<Read Full News>>

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

India Successfully Test-Fired Air Launched Version of BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile

i.On October 30, 2020, Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully test-fired an air launched version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from a Sukhoi fighter aircraft in the Bay of Bengal. The missile hit the target of the sinking ship with deadly accuracy.
ii.The aircraft, belonging to Thanjavur-based Tigersharks squadron, took off from a frontline airbase in Punjab and it was refuelled mid-air before the missile was released.
About Indian Air Force (IAF):
Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) – Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria
Headquarters – New Delhi
<<Read Full News>>

SPORTS

Amit Panghal,Ashish Kumar & Sanjeet won gold medal in 1st Alexis Vastine International Tournament held in Nantes, France

i.1st edition of Alexis Vastine International Boxing Tournament for elite boxers was held from October 27, 2020 to October 31, 2020 at Nantes, France where nine Indians boxers i.e. five men and four women qualified for the Tokyo Olympics, postponed to next year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
ii.It was organized by AIBA (International Boxing Association), FFBOXE (French Boxing Federation) and EUBA (European Boxing Federation) which saw participation from 10 nations.
List of Indian Winners:

About AIBA (International Boxing Association):
Interim President– Dr Mohamed Moustahsane
Headquarters– Lausanne, Switzerland
<<Read Full News>>

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Cities Day 2020 Observed on October 31, 2020

The United Nations (UN) World Cities Day 2020 is observed annually on October 31. The day is observed to promote global urbanization, address challenges of urbanization and contribute to sustainable urban development around the world. This is the Seventh Global Celebration of World Cities Day, since it was launched in 2014.
i.The Theme of World Cities Day 2020 is ‘Valuing our communities and cities’, The General theme is “Better City, Better Life”.
ii.The Global Celebrations was hosted by the County Government of Nakuru, Kenya.  Kenya Will became the first African Country to host the World Cities Day Global Observance.
About United Nations (UN)-Habitat:
Executive Director- Maimunah Mohd Sharif.
Headquarters- Nairobi, Kenya.
<<Read Full News>>

Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week 2020: October 24- 31

The Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week is held annually from October 24 – 31 since 2012 to tackle disinformation and misinformation. The year 2020 marked its 10th edition under the theme “Resisting Disinfodemic: Media and Information Literacy for everyone and, by everyone”.

• The event led by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was virtually hosted by the Republic of Korea amid COVID-19. It was also joined by the World Health Organization (WHO).
• Through this week stakeholders reviewed and celebrated the progress achieved towards “MIL for All”.
• The week also saw the virtual observance of the 10th MIL and Intercultural Dialogue (MILID) Conference and the Youth Agenda Forum from Seoul, Republic of Korea on October 27-29, 2020.

Point to be noted:
The week is led by UNESCO in cooperation with Global Alliance for Partnerships on Media and Information Literacy (GAPMIL), United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and the MILID University Network. 

World Thrift Day Observed on October 31, 2020

World Thrift Day is observed annually on October 31 since 1925 to promote savings and financial security of individuals and the nation as a whole. This day also raises awareness among the people to save their money in a bank rather than keeping it at home.

• It should be noted that in India this day is celebrated on October 30 as the death of late Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984 coincides with global observance.
• The first International Thrift Congress which was held in Milan, Italy in 1924 where it was declared October 31 as the World Thrift day.
• Spain, had named the first national thrift day on record in 1921. Meanwhile in Germany, confidence in saving had to be revived after many lost their nearly all they owned in the monetary reform of 1923.

Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) observed on October 31, 2020

Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or National Unity Day is observed annually on October 31 to mark the Birth Anniversary of Iron Man of India-Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The year 2020 marks the 145th Birth Anniversary of Vallabhai Patel.
National Unity Day was introduced by the Government of India in 2014.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel:
i.Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel played a crucial role in integration of India from 560 princely states as the First Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of Independent India.
ii.The day is being observed to acknowledge the efforts of Patel to unite India.
<<Read Full News>>

STATE NEWS

Jishnu Baruah Appointed as New Assam chief secretary; Succeeds Kumar Sanjay Krishna

On October 31, 2020 Jishnu Baruah, 1998 batch IAS(Indian Administrative Service) officer took charge as the new chief secretary of Assam Government. He succeeds Kumar Sanjay Krishna.
Note
Jishnu Baruah prior to this appointment was serving as the additional chief secretary for Home and Political, Revenue and Disaster Management and Assam Accord Implementation departments.
About Jishnu Baruah:
i.He had held several important capacities in his service career in the state govt.
ii.He had been on Central Deputation from 2001 to 2006 and had served as Private Secretary to Union Minister of State for Commerce, Planning, Atomic Energy, and Space along with Statistics and Programme Implementation.
iii.He served in the Government of India as Joint Secretary, Services, Vigilance and Training, from 2014-2017.
About Kumar Sanjay Krishna:
i.Kumar Sanjay Krishna is a 1985 batch IAS officer.
ii.He took charge as the chief secretary of the state on January 1, 2020.
iii.Prior to being a chief secretary he was the additional chief secretary Home, Political and Disaster Management
About Assam:
Airports– Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Dibrugarh Airport, Jorhat Airport or Rowriah Airport, Silchar Airport, Lilabari Airport.
Bird Sanctury– Bordoibam Bilmukh Bird Sanctuary, Panidihing Bird Sanctuary, Satajaan Bird Sanctuary

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal Launches ‘Green Delhi’ App to Redress Pollution Complaints

On October 29, 2020 In order to increase citizen participation in the fight against pollution and ensure timely action against pollution sources in Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal, Chief Minister of Delhi launched ‘Green Delhi’ App(application). Citizens using the app can bring pollution causing activities to the notice of the Government.

• At the Delhi Secretariat a ‘green war room’ has been established to monitor the status of complaints.
• A team of 70 ‘green’ marshals to help solve the complaints.

Gist about the App
i.Citizens can click pictures or make a video of pollution causing activities, like burning of garbage, industrial pollution, etc, and upload them on the app.
ii.The app will identify the location and automatically the complaint will be sent to the concerned department for timely redressal.
iii.The app can be downloaded from Google Playstore.
Key Info
i.For each type of complaint a strict timeline has been prepared.
ii.A picture will be posted by the concerned departments after the complaint is addressed.
Other launch to control pollution
Recently, Arvind Kejriwal, launched a mega anti pollution campaign, “Yudh Pradushan Ke Virudh” to reduce pollution levels in Delhi.
About Delhi:
Wildlife Sanctuary– Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary
Airport– Indira Gandhi International Airport or Delhi Airport(Recently in News)

AC GAZE

Union Territory of Ladakh celebrating its first raising day; J&K marks first anniversary of becoming UT

Union Territory of Ladakh celebrated its First Raising Day on October 31, 2020. It was on 31st October 2019 that Ladakh became a Union Territory. Ladakh is celebrating the Union Territory Foundation Day with a theme of One year of Development, Prosperity and Empowerment. A series of foundation ceremonies or dedications were planned in Leh and Kargil districts to commemorate the day. October 31, also marks one year since Jammu and Kashmir acquired the Union Territory status.

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