Current Affairs 2 December 2020

We are here for you to provide the important Recent and Latest Current Affairs 2 December 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 25 Current Affairs of 2 December 2020

NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Rajasthan CM inaugurates India’s first “Organ donor Memorial”

On 27th November, 2020 on the occasion of 11th National Organ Donation Day celebration in Jaipur, Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot inaugurated virtually the first of its kind “Organ Donor Memorial” in the country.
key points:-
i.The organ donor memorial has been built near SMS Hospital by the Mohan Foundation Jaipur Citizens Forum and the Jaipur Municipal Corporation.
ii.The memorial is inspired by the famous Jantar Mantar of Jaipur and it was designed by Sameer Wheaton.
About Rajasthan:
Wildlife Sanctuaries- Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary,National Chambal Sanctuary,Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary,Phulwari Ki Nal wildlife Sanctuary,Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary,Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
About Ministry of Health and Family Welfare:
Headquarters– New Delhi
Union Minister– Harsh Vardhan
Minister of State– Ashwini Kumar Choubey
<<Read Full News>>

PM Modi addressed the 8th Convocation of Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the students through video conference on the occasion of 8th Convocation day of Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat.PM laid foundation stone 45 MW Production Plant of Monocrystalline Solar PhotoVoltaic Panel’ and ‘Centre of Excellence on Water Technology’
Other Inaugurations by PM:
1.Innovation and Incubation Centre – Technology Business Incubation
2.Translational Research Centre
3.Sports Complex at Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University
Highlights of PM’s Speech:

• PM remarked on the immense potential for Growth, Entrepreneurship and Employment of the country
• India’s progress in achieving the 30-35% reduction in carbon footprint
• Efforts to increase Natural gas share in energy needs by 4 times in the decade.
• Doubling Oil refining capacity in next five years
• PM asked the students to live a responsible life, to live for the country and join the movement of Atma Nirbhar Bharat.

Note: The Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University (PDPU) was established as a private university through the State Act Act enacted on April 4, 2007.
About Gujarat:
Gujarat is the state with longest coastline in India
World’s tallest statue, Statue of Unity is located in Gujarat
Ports in Gujarat
i.Largest Private port in India, Mundra Port is located near the Gulf of Kutch
ii.Kandla port, renamed as Deendayal Port Trust is a Special Economic Zone(SEZ)
Major Rivers– Narmada, Sabarmati, Tapi, Mahi, Daman ganga

21st edition of Hornbill festival 2020 celebrated virtually First time in Nagaland

On 1st December, 2020 Nagaland started celebrating the 21st edition of Hornbill festival 2020 from 1st-5th of December organised virtually for the first time due to the pandemic.
Hornbill festival known as “Festival of Festivals” is organised by the state tourism of arts and culture department of Nagaland at the Naga Heritage Village of Kisama, Kohima.It is a 10-day event.
Aim- To revive and protect the rich culture of Nagaland and display its extravagant traditions to promote tourism
Events- Mixture of dances, performances, crafts, parades, games, sports, food fairs and religious ceremonies
Started in 2000, the festival is conducted every year from December 1-10 in line with the Nagaland State Foundation day on 1st December.
About Nagaland:
Capital– Kohima
Nagaland state was formed as the 16th state of India on 1st December, 1963
Prominent Tribes- Angami, Liangami, Rongmei, Phom, Konyak, Lotha
Folk Dances:
Modse, Butterfly dance, Aalyuattu, Changai Dance, Khamba Lim, Kukui Kucho, Zeliang Dance
Important Festivals:
Hornbill Festival, Aoleng Festival, Sekrenyi Festival, Maotsii Mong, Min kutt festival, Bushu Dima

Lachit Divas 2020 Celebrated Across Assam on 24th November to Remember Lachit Borphukan, Legendary Ahom General 

The Lachit Divas is annually celebrated across the state of Assam in India on 24th November to remember the valor of Chao Lachit Borphukan, an army general of Ahom Kingdom (now Guwahati, Assam).Lachit Divas is celebrated across India since 2017.
The day is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of the state Hero Lachit Borphukan.
About Lachit Borphukan:
i.Chao Lachit served as the army general, the Commander of Ahom Kingdom during the 17th century.
ii.In the Battle of Saraighat in 1671 against Mughal, He fought against the expansion of Mughal Empire in Assam and he contributed to the reversal of Mughal Territorial gains in the Assam region.
iii.He died from natural causes in April 1672 following the year after the Battle of Saraighat.
Events:
i.On 24th November 2020, Lachit Divas was observed by the Ahom Sabha in Golaghat at Mahabir Lachit Borphukhan and Bagh Hazarika Samannay Kshetra.
ii.The open session of the Lachit Divas was cancelled due to the demise of Tarun Gogoi, Former Chief Minister of Assam.
Key Points:
i.As a part of the celebration of Lachit Divas, the state pays tribute to Chao Lachit at his statues across the State.
ii.To pay tribute to the State’s hero, The State government has announced that an initiative will be taken to introduce a chapter on Lachit Borphukan in school textbooks.

19th session of the SCO CHG hosted by India; 1^st SCO Online International Exhibition on Shared Buddhist Heritage Held

i.On November 30, 2020, India virtually hosted the 19th meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of Government (SCO CHG) which was chaired by Vice President of India Muppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu from New Delhi.
ii.This was the first Summit-level Meeting held under India’s Chairmanship, since it gained full -membership of the organization in 2017. This is an annual summit at the level of Prime Ministers of SCO and deals primarily with the trade and economic agenda of the organization.
iii.It should be noted that India assumed the Chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of Government on 2 November 2019 as per rotation from the previous Chair Uzbekistan. Now with this meeting it completed its year long tenure.
iv.On the lines of the announcement made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Bishkek Summit at the SCO Heads of State in 2019, Venkaiah Naidu launched the first ever SCO Online 3D Exhibition on Shared Buddhist Heritage, during the meeting.
About Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO):
The SCO is a regional grouping of eight member states, India, Russia, China, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. It also has four observer States — Iran, Afghanistan, Belarus and Mongolia
Secretary General – Vladimir Norov
Headquarters – Beijing, China
<<Read Full News>>

Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju launches 2nd Edition of “Fit India School Week” program

Minister of State (MoS) (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs and Sports, Kiren Rijiju virtually launched the 2nd Edition of “Fit India School Week” program on November 25, 2020.
Objective:
i.To encourage kids to incorporate physical activity and sports in their daily routine, emphasis is given on schools as they are the first place where habits are formed.
ii.To Make Every Indian fit
Key points:
i.The Fit India School Week will help in ranking schools based on their performances of students, teachers, infrastructure facility and their participation in activities.
ii.Activities planned for the 2020 Fit India School Week program are Aerobics, Painting, Quiz/Debates, Dance, Step-Up challenge and others.
iii.All the events will be conducted by schools in virtual mode due to pandemic.
Stadium in West Bengal’s Barasat named after Late Diego Maradona 
A Stadium near Barasat, Kolkata, West Bengal has been named after Late Argentinian Footballer, Diego Maradona.
i.It was at this stadium that Diego Maradona had conducted a Football clinic for school students in December, 2017.
About Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports:
Minister of State (MoS) (Independent Charge) – Kiren Rijiju
Headquarters – New Delhi
<<Read Full News>>

HexGn and AFC India Ltd Partnered to promote over 1,000 Agritech Start-Ups in India

i.On 16^th November,2020 HexGn and AFC India Ltd(formerly Agricultural Finance Corporation Ltd) signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) for collaboratively promoting more than 1000 Agritech (Agricultural Technology) Startups in India in the next 5 year.
ii.In this regard, a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) was signed between HexGn and AFC India Ltd on 16th November, 2020 at Delhi, India.
iii.AFC, along with HexGn, seeks to handhold and build a community of entrepreneurs in the field of agri-tech, which creates enormous economic value and employment / self-employment opportunities.
About AFC India Ltd(formerly Agricultural Finance Corporation Ltd):
Established– 1968
Wholly Owned by– Commercial Banks, NABARD(National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) and Export-Import (EXIM) bank of India
Managing Director (MD)– B.Ganeshan
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
<<Read Full News>>

Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Launched ‘Sahakar Pragya’ to Train Farmers in Primary Cooperatives in Rural Areas

On November 24, 2020 Narendra Singh Tomar, Union minister for agriculture and farmers welfare launched ‘Sahakar Pragya’, an initiative of National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC).  The 45 new training modules of Sahakar Pragya of NCDC will impart training to primary cooperative societies in rural areas of India along with Lakshmanrao Inamdar National Cooperative Research and Development Academy(LINAC).

• Sahakar Pragya enhances the NCDC’s training capacity through a network of 18 Regional Training Centres across India by LINAC. LINAC is set up and fully funded by NCDC.

Note– Sahakar Pragya is the latest in the series of farmer focused steps by NCDC.
Aim of Training module

• To impart knowledge and organisational skills.
• To prepare the primary cooperative societies to play a  big role in the government’s AtmaNirbhar Bharat initiative.

Points to be Noted
The 45 training modules that will be delivered at LINAC and the Regional Training Centres will address the need to train the primary cooperatives, FPO-Cooperatives and Self Help Groups federating.
Other Initiatives of NCDC
i.The NCDC has launched the SahakarCooptube NCDC Channel to involve youth in the cooperative movement.
ii.NCDC has launched various initiatives and programmes like SAHAKAR-22 to develop cooperatives in Focus 222 districts, that includes aspirational districts, Nurturing Primary Level Cooperatives.
iii.It has also launched SAHAKAR MITRA, a scheme on Internship Programme, YUVA SAHAKAR, a Start Up Scheme in Cooperatives and AYUSHMAN SAHAKAR, to create healthcare infrastructure and services.
Key Info:
i.India has a huge network of more than  8.50 lakh cooperative societies with about 290 million members.
ii.Around 94% of farmers in India are members of at least one cooperative society.
Additional Info

• India has more than 2.53 lakh gram panchayats.
• There are 86%small farmers in the country.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

India Tops Asia in Bribery, Use of Personal Connections to Access Public Services: 10^th GCB Asia 2020

i.In accordance with the 10^th edition of the report titled “Global Corruption Barometer (GCB)-Asia 2020” by corruption watchdog Transparency International, India has the highest bribery rate of 39% in Asia and the highest rate of people (46%) who use personal connections to access public services.
ii.Nearly 50% people who paid bribes were asked to while 32% of those who used personal connections said they would not receive the service otherwise.
iii.This report is based upon the fieldwork conducted in 17 countries covering nearly 20,000 citizens in June-September 2020 seeking their perception of and experiences with corruption in the past twelve months.
iv.It covered 6 key public services viz: police, courts, public hospitals, procurement of identity documents and utilities.
About Transparency International
Interim Managing Director (MD)– Daniel Eriksson
Headquarter– Berlin, Germany
<<Read Full News>>

India Recorded Largest Reductions in Malaria cases in South-East Asia between 2000-2019: WHO

i.In accordance with the “World Malaria Report 2020” released by World Health Organisation (WHO), India recorded the largest reduction of malaria cases in South-East Asia from 20 million in 2000 to about 5.6 million in 2019.
ii.On the global front, there were about 229 million malaria cases in 2019 and claimed about 409,000 lives, compared to 411,000 in 2018.
iii.The 11 highest burden countries account for 70% of the global estimated case burden and 71% of global estimated deaths from malaria. These are Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, India, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania.
About World Health Organization (WHO):
Director General– Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Headquarter– Geneva, Switzerland
<<Read Full News>>

QS Asia University Rankings 2021: 3 IITs in top 50; National University of Singapore topped

i.The global higher education think-tank, Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) has released the QS Asia University Rankings 2021 in association with King Abdulaziz University (KAU) , Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) for the Asia’s best higher education institutions in 2021. The ranking has been topped by National University of Singapore (NUS) for the 3rd consecutive year.
ii.On Indian front, three Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) have made it to the top 50 viz. IIT-Bombay (37), IIT-Delhi (47) and IIT-Madras (50) but no Indian university got placed in top-10 list.
iii.This ranking compared 650 Asian institutions from 18 locations based on 11 key parameters making it the QS’s biggest Asia Ranking that ever published.
iv.Out of the 650 institutions 124 were from Mainland China, followed by 107 from India, 105 from Japan, 88 from South Korea, 43 from Taiwan, 40 from Pakistan, 35 from Malaysia, and 30 from Indonesia.
About Quacquarelli Symonds (QS):
Headquarter– London, United Kingdom (UK)
<<Read Full News>>

Lahore tops list of World’s Most Polluted Cities: Air Pollution Data released by US Air Quality Index 2020

According to Air Pollution Data released by United States (US) Air Quality Index 2020 on November 30, 2020 Lahore, Pakistan topped the list of World’s most Polluted Cities. It reported a Particulate Matter (PM) rating of 423 (Hazardous). New Delhi with a PM of 229 (very unhealthy) came Second followed by Nepal’s Kathmandu with a PM of 178 (unhealthy).
Key Points:
i.To reduce the pollution, Pakistan has sealed around 613 Brick Kilns, 2, 148 industries and seized 8, 578 vehicles.
ii.According to AQI, the index between 0-50 is “Good”, 51-100 is “Moderate”, 101-150 is “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups”, 151-200 is “Unhealthy”, 201-300 is “Very Unhealthy”, 301-Higher is “Hazardous”.
About Pakistan:
Prime Minister –  Imran Khan
Capital – Islamabad
Currency – Pakistani Rupee (PKR)
<<Read Full News>>

Foreign Secretary Shringla inaugurated three schools in his Nepal visit 

On November 27,2020 Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla inaugurated Three schools built under Indian assistance in Nepal’s Gorkha district. He also inaugurated a Buddhist renovated Tashop (Tare) Gompa Monastery in the Manang district with India’s assistance during his visit to Nepal. Gorkha district is one of the most affected region in April 2015 earthquake in Nepal.
India’s Reconstruction Program in Nepal:

• 71 Educational Institutes across 9 districts were built by India
• An assistance of USD 50 million is provided under India’s reconstruction assistance in the education sector
• Over 3000 scholarships are provided by India to Nepalese students
• India has built nearly 270 educational campuses in Nepal since 2003
• After 2015 earthquake, India restored 30 heritage locations in Nepal

Border Dispute:
Recently Nepal released New map, which included Kalapani-Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura of India under the Nepalese Territory, leading to cartographic aggression.
Discussed the boundary matters and exchanged views on completing the boundary work in the remaining segments”.
Outcome of the visit:
i.Talks on Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project a 5,040 MW hydropower project on River Mahakali on the India-Nepal border
ii.Plan to start Travel bubble between India and Nepal
iii.Enhancement of multilevel bilateral engagement between India and Nepal
About Nepal:
Capital– Kathmandu
President– Bidya Devi Bhandari
Prime Minister– K.P. Sharma Oli
Indian Army Chief General M.M. Naravane is conferred the rank of Honorary Chief of Nepal Army 

BANKING & FINANCE

SIDBI in Partnership with ISARC Launches ARM-MSME, an Asset Restructuring Web Module for MSMEs; Indian Bank Signs MoU with SIDBI for this Module

i.On November 30, 2020 Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) in partnership with India SME Asset Reconstruction Company (ISARC) has launched
Asset Restructuring Module for MSMEs-Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises(ARM-MSMEs) in other words Do-It-Yourself (DIY) web module.
ii.This web portal helps MSMSEs to get benefit of the Reserve Bank of India(RBI)’s one-time debt restructuring.
iii.Indian bank has signed a MoU with SIDBI to enable MSME borrowers of the Bank to use the product.
About India SME Asset Reconstruction Company (ISARC):
Established under– The Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Securities Interest Act, 2002 (also known as the SARFAESI Act, 2002)
Chief Executive Officer(CEO)– Rishi Dwivedi
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
About Indian Bank:
On April 1, 2020, Allahabad Bank amalgamated with Indian Bank.
Incorporated– March 5, 1907
Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)– Padmaja Chunduru
Headquarters– Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Tagline– Your Own Bank
<<Read Full News>>

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS          

Varsha Joshi Appointed as Interim Chairperson of NDDB

On 30th November 2020, The Government of India appointed Varsha Joshi, the Joint Secretary(CDD), Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, as the new interim Chairperson of National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). 
Varsha Joshi succeeds Dilip Rath on the completion of his tenure as the chairman of NDDB on 30th November 2020.
Joshi’s appointment is effective from 1st December 2020 until further orders.
About Varsha Joshi:
i.Varsha Joshi, Senior AGMUT cadre IAS Officer of 1995 Batch, served as the Commissioner of North Delhi Municipal Corporation.
ii.She has also served as the Secretary Power and Commissioner Transport, Government of NCT Delhi.
iii.She served as the Secretary Power and Chairman and Managing Director of Delhi Transco Ltd (DTL) and Delhi’s Genco.
iv.She has also served as the Secretary-cum-Commissioner Transport, Government of NCT Delhi.
v.She has also been the Joint Secretary in the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy.
vi.She served as the Director with the office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.
Key Points:
i.The Chairmanship of NDDB was held by dairy professionals which has been shifted to IAS officers since 2014.
ii.T Nanda Kumar, a retired IAS Officer was appointed as the Chairman of NDDB in March 2014, who resigned in 2016 before completing this 5-year tenure.
iii.Dilip Rath became the Chairman following the retirement of T Nanda Kuman, IAS.,.
About National Dairy Development Board (NDDB):
Chairman– Varsha Joshi
Headquarters– Anand, Gujarat

Sandeep Kataria, Becomes 1st Indian to be Appointed as Global CEO of Bata; Succeeds Alexis Nasard

On November 30, 2020 Sandeep Kataria, the Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of Bata India has been elevated as the CEO of Bata Organization. He becomes the 1st Indian to be appointed as the global CEO of Bata. He succeeds Alexis Nasard.
About Sandeep Kataria:
i.Sandeep Kataria joined Bata India in 2017 as Country Manager of India.
ii.Before joining Bata India, he served as the chief commercial officer of Vodafone India.
iii.He also has served in leading global firms like Unilever, Yum Brands in India and Europe.
About Alexis Nasard:
i.Alexis Nasard has been CEO at Bata since April 2016.
ii.Prior to this, he has been in a broad range of leadership roles such as Global Chief Marketing Officer and President of Europe.
iii.He worked for 17 year with Procter and Gamble (P&G) in Senior Management role.
About Bata Corporation:
Founded– 1894
Headquarters– Lausanne, Switzerland

Central Govt Forms 5-Member Panel to Oversee Construction of New Parliament Building

i.The central government has formed a 5 member committee to oversee the construction of the new Parliament house.
ii.The committee will also ensure that the design elements are followed and the heritage character of the old Parliament building is maintained.
iii.After the request from  Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, the committee is being formed.
Members

• The committee will comprise joint secretaries from the Lok Sabha Secretariat, CPWD(Central Public Works Department), and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs(MoHUA).
• Along with them, there will be representation from Tata Projects and HCP.

<<Read Full News>>

 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

India’s GMRT accorded ‘Milestone’ facility status by IEEE ; becomes India’s 3rd IEEE Milestone Facility

The Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) Observatory situated at Khodad, Pune, Maharashtra has been accorded ‘Milestone’ facility status by Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The status recognizes GMRT’s contributions for exploring the Universe through the field of Radio Astronomy.
It is the 3rd Indian Project in 125 years to get such a recognition.
IEEE’s ‘Milestone’ facility status:
i.The IEEE Milestone programme aims to recognize important technical achievements which have global or regional impact.
ii.The science facility or experiment should have served humanity for at least 25 years.
About Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE):
President & Chief Executive Officer – Toshio Fukuda
Headquarters – New York, United States
<<Read Full News>>

HAL delivers Biggest Ever Cryogenic Propellant Tank ‘C32-LH2’ to ISRO

On November 30, 2020, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) delivered ‘C32-LH2’ Cryogenic Propellant Tank to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in Bengaluru, Karnataka. It is Biggest ever cryogenic propellant tank fabricated by HAL.
C32-LH2 is made of aluminium alloy and has been designed to improve the payload capability of GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) MK-III launching vehicle.
Key Points:
i.The 4-metre diameter tank is of 8-metres length to load around 5, 755 Kg propellant in the 89 Cubic Metre Volume.
ii.The welds have been done to meet 100% quality requirements on radiography, dye penetrant check and leak-proof.
About Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL):
Chairman & Managing Director – R. Madhavan
Headquarters – Bengaluru, Karnataka
About Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO):
Headquarters– Bangalore, Karnataka
Chairman – Kailasavadivoo (K) Sivan
<<Read Full News>>

India Test-Fires Anti-ship version of BrahMos Missile in A&N Islands;Basin Trials of IAC successfully conducted at CSL

i.On December 1, 2020, India successfully Test Fired the Anti-Ship version of the BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile from the Indian Navy’s INS Ranvijay in Andaman & Nicobar Islands Territory.
ii.The Missile had a strike range of 300 Kms.It was the first time that the missile was flight tested by 3 Services of the Indian Armed Forces (Army, Air Force & Navy).
iii.The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile developed by Brahmos Aerospace Private Limited, a joint venture of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India and NPO Mashinostroyeniya (NPOM) of Russia.
iv.On November 30, 2020, the Basin Trials of Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) was conducted successfully at the Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL). The basin trials marked the entry of the warship building project into the final phase.
About Indian Navy:
Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS)– Admiral Karambir Singh
Integrated Headquarters MoD (Navy)– New Delhi
<<Read Full News>>

ENVIRONMENT

Researchers Discovered New Frog Species: Sphaerotheca Bengaluru, Named After Bengaluru City

A team of researchers discovered a new species of Frog – Sphaerotheca Bengaluru, a type of burrowing frog, outside its natural habitat in a barren tract of land near Rajankunte, outskirts of Bengaluru. The new species is a part of the team’s effort in documenting the “Amphibians in the Deccan Plateau parts of Karnataka”. 

• The new species Sphaerotheca Bengaluru was named after the city of Bengaluru to highlight the lacunae in documentation of amphibians from the non forested areas and to restore the habitats of the frogs in Bengaluru.
• The findings about the species are published in the international journal Zootaxa published from New Zealand.

About Sphaerotheca Bengaluru:
i.The new species was described based on the morphological differences and molecular approach with the known species of the borrowing frogs
ii.The species are nor biased to any biogeographic locations or ecosystem and they are documented across India.
iii.For common use, the frog has been named “Bengaluru burrowing frog”.
The team of researchers:

• Deepak P, Assistant professor at Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru.
• Scientist K.P. Dinesh from Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Pune.
• Dr. Annemarie Ohler from The Institute of Systematics, Evolution, Biodiversity, National Museum of Natural History, France.
• Kartik Shanker from Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science(IISc), Bengaluru.
• Scientist B.H Channakeshavamurthy from ZSI, Calicut.
• J.S. Ashadevi, professor at Yuvaraaja’s College, Mysuru.

BOOKS & AUTHORS

Shri Prakash Javadekar along with Shri Hardeep Singh Puri Released the Booklet “PM Modi And His Government’s Special Relationship With Sikhs”

On 30th November 2020, Prakash Javadekar, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting(I&B) along with Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of State(MoS) for Civil Aviation and Housing & Urban Affairs released the booklet titled “PM Modi and His Government’s Special Relationship with Sikhs”.

• The booklet was produced by the Bureau of Outreach Communication under the Ministry of I&B(MIB) was released on the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanthi, the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev ji.

About the Book:
i.The book comprises the steps and decisions taken last year to celebrate the 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak.
ii.The book was released in 3 languages: Hindi, Punjabi and English.
iii.The book “PM Modi And His Government’s Special Relationship With Sikhs” is also available in pdf format.
Key Points:
i.Hardeep Singh Puri highlighted the decisions like no taxation on Langars, Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) Registration to famous Gurdwara Harmandir Sahib, or the Golden Temple, in Amritsar, enabling it to receive foreign donations, revision of ‘Blacklist’ as per demand of Sikh community and others.
ii.He stated that the decision has been made to establish a chair on teachings of Guru Nanak in University in the United Kingdom and Canada.
iii.He also stated that the teachings of Guru Maharaj have been incorporated in the agenda of the Union Government.

“Indian Icon: A Cult Called Royal Enfield” New Book Authored By Journalist Amrit Raj

Senior business journalist Amrit Raj authored his new book titled “Indian Icon: A Cult Called Royal Enfield” which maps the story of the company and the brand “Royal Enfield”, a premium homegrown brand for the global market. The book was published by Westland Books.
About the Book:
i.The book narrates the story behind the making of the Royal Enfield, and the journey of the brand beginning in 1950s to the brand becoming an iconic status in India.
ii.The book holds the behind the scenes takeover drama and the difficulties faced during creating a premium brand.
iii.The deeply researched book narrates the story of the rebirth of the brand “Royal Enfield” and the transformation of the brand into a cult.
About Amrit Raj:
i.Amrit Raj served as the national editor with Mint and he led the national corporate bureau of the Newspaper till April 2019.
ii.His world was focused on Indian corporates, family businesses, and other corporate matters.

IMPORTANT DAYS

World AIDS Day 2020 – December 1

i.The World AIDS (Acquired ImmunoDeficiency syndrome) Day is annually observed across the globe on 1st December to show support to the people infected with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and to remember the people who passed away due to AIDS and other related diseases. The first World AIDS Day was observed in 1988, which was the first international day for global health.
ii.The World AIDS Day is one of the 9 days and 2 weeks that the member states of the World Health Organization(WHO) have mandated as “Official Global Public Health Days”.
iii.WHO theme for World AIDS Day 2020 is “Global solidarity, resilient HIV services”.
iv.The United Nations Children’s Fund(UNICEF) published the 2020 World AIDS Day report titled “Reimagining a resilient HIV response for children, adolescents and pregnant women living with HIV” on 25th November 2020.
About World Health Organization(WHO):
Director-General– Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Headquarter– Geneva, Switzerland
About United Nations Children’s Fund(UNICEF):
Executive Director– Henrietta Holsman Fore
Headquarter– New York, United States of America(USA)
<<Read Full News>>

56th Raising Day of Border Security Force 2020 – December 1

The Border Security Force(BSF) of India annually celebrates its Raising Day on 1st December. The 1st December 2020 marks the 56th Raising Day of BSF. The Border Security Force(BSF), India’s first line of Defence was raised in accordance with an Act of the Parliament on 1st December ,1965, following the India-Pakistan War of 1965.

• The BSF has been guarding India’s borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh since 1965.

56th Raising Day of BSF:
i.On the occasion of the 56th Raising Day of BSF, Prime Minister Naredra Modi wished the BSF personnel who were committed to protect the nation and support and help the citizens during natural calamities.
ii.Amit Shah, Union Minister of Home Affairs saluted the personnels of the BSF for their service and contribution to national security.
Role of BSF:
At Peace Time:

• Promote a sense of security among the people living in the border areas.
• Prevent trans-border crimes, unauthorized entry into or exit from the territory of India.
• Prevent smuggling and any other illegal activity.

At War Time:

• Holding ground in less threatened sectors.
• Protection of vital installations particular air-fields against enemy.
• Performing special tasks connected with intelligence including raids.
• Assistance in control of refugees.
• Anti – infiltration duties in specified area

About Border Security Force(BSF):
Director General– Rakesh Asthana, IPS
Headquarters– Delhi
Formed on– 1st December, 1965
Motto– Duty for Life’ (Jeevan Paryant Kartavya)

STATE NEWS

Amitabh Jain Appointed as Chief Secretary of Chhattisgarh Govt; Succeeds Rajendra Prasad Mandal 

On November 30, 2020 Chhattisgarh Government appointed Amitabh Jain, a  1989-batch IAS(Indian Administrative Service) officer as the state’s chief secretary. He succeeds Rajendra Prasad(R.P.) Mandal who retired from services.
About Amitabh Jain:
i.Prior to his appointment as chief secretary he served as the additional chief secretary
of finance and water resources(additional charge) department.
ii.He served as the Minister (Economic) in the Indian High Commission at London.
iii.He also served as the Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
About Rajendra Prasad(R.P.) Mandal:
i.R.P. Mandal is a 1987-batch IAS officer of Chhattisgarh cadre.
ii.He was appointed as the chief secretary of Chhattisgarh in November 2019.
iii.Prior to this appointment he served as the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of Panchayat and Rural Development department and also for the Forest department.
About Chhattisgarh:
National Park– Indravati National Park, Kanger Ghati National Park
Airport– Swami Vivekananda Airport(Raipur Airport), Bhilai Airport, Raigarh Airport, Bilaspur Airport, Jagdalpur Airport.

Goa CM Pramod Sawant, launches One Time Settlement Scheme

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has launched a One Time Settlement(OTS) Scheme 2020 a state welfare scheme of the Department of Electricity to provide waivers for the pending electricity bill payments.
Highlights of OTS scheme:

• Consumers can pay bills in Installments
• Waivers to the Late Payment fees are applied to the customers based on the initial amount payed or by the minimum time period of repayment
• No limit on the outstanding dues pending for payments

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