We are here for you to provide the important current affairs November 21 2017 which have unique updates of all daily events from all newspapers such as The Hindu, The Economic Times, PIB, Times of India, India Today, Indian Express, Business Standard, all Government official websites. Our complete current affairs helps you to get more marks in Banking, insurance, UPSC, SSC, CLAT, Railway and all other competitive Exams.
- Daily Current Affairs
- Try our Current Affairs Quiz 2017
- Read Our 2017 Current Affairs
- Current Affairs 2017 November
Click here to try Current Affairs Quiz : November 21 2017
Indian Affairs
Center signs 4 MoUs with states/UTs under UDAY scheme
On November 20, 2017, Government of India signed four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) under Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY) Scheme with Nagaland, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadra & Nagar Haveli & Daman & Diu.
More Information about 4 MoUs with States/UTs under UDAY scheme:
- It is to be noted that November 20, 2017 was the 2ndAnniversary of Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY).
- Nagaland, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadra & Nagar Haveli& Daman & Diu have joined UDAY scheme only for operational improvement and shall not undergo financial restructuring as per the basic framework of UDAY scheme.
- As per the terms of the MoU, Nagaland, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadra & Nagar Haveli& Daman & Diu have will now have access to cheaper funds for capital expenditure, reduction in Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) and Transmission losses, interventions in energy efficiency, etc. during the period of turnaround.
- These measures will result in benefits of approximately Rs. 551 crore (Nagaland), Rs. 18 crore (Andaman & Nicobar Islands), Rs. 13 crore (Dadra & Nagar Haveli) and Rs. 10 crore(Daman & Diu)…….. Click here to read more
Karnataka Cabinet approves Electronics System Design, Manufacturing policy
On November 20, 2017, Karnataka State Cabinet approved ‘Karnataka Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (KESDM) Policy 2017-22’ to promote electronic design and manufacturing in the state.
Salient Features of Karnataka Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (KESDM) Policy 2017-22:
i.Under this policy, Karnataka State Government will encourage start-ups involved in electronic design and manufacturing by providing them with right ecosystem.
ii.Electronics design and manufacturing business includes chip design, embedded software, large scale integration which are critical components in computers, cellphones and other gadgets.
iii.Under this policy, five hardware accelerators will be established at Shivamogga, Mangaluru, Kalaburagi, Mysuru, and Bengaluru.
iv.As Electronic design and manufacturing business is currently the fastest growing segment in the Information and Communications technology space, this policy of Karnataka State Government is expected to bring huge investment in the State.
India-Myanmar joint Army exercise “IMBAX-2017” begins in Meghalaya
More Information about IMBAX-2017:
i.This exercise is being held to train Myanmar’s army delegation for participation in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKO).
ii.IMBAX-2017 is being conducted at the recently created Joint Training Node of the Indian Army at Umroi, which is situated 30km away from Meghalaya capital’s Shillong.
iii.15 officers from Myanmar Army and 16 officers from the Indian Army are taking part in IMBAX-2017.
iv.As Indian Army contingents have rich experience of serving in UNPKO, Indian Army officers taking part in IMBAX-2017 will impart training to Myanmar Army delegation on the tactics, procedures, expertise and methodology to be adopted by contingent of member nations while taking part in UNPKO.
Quick Facts about Myanmar:
Capital – Naypyidaw
Currency – Burmese kyat
Current President – Htin Kyaw
Important River – Irrawaddy
FOGSI launches ‘Manyata’ movement for quality maternal care in India
On November 20, 2017, Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India (FOGSI) launched ‘Manyata’, a nationwide movement emphasising the need for quality care for mothers during and immediately after childbirth.
More Information about ‘Manyata’:
i.FOGSI has launched ‘Manyata’ in partnership with MSD for Mothers, MacArthur Foundation and Jhpiego (a non-profit health organsiation affiliated of Johns Hopkins University).
ii.The movement was flagged off by Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty and Maharashtra’s Minister of Rural Development, Women and Child Welfare, Pankaja Munde.
iii.It is to be noted that, for women, risks of life-threatening complications are the highest during and immediately after childbirth.
iv.In India, every year, nearly 45,000 women die during childbirth due to reasons which are preventable if quality care is provided.
v.The movement is aimed at cultivating a mindset that mothers are as important as their babies and access to minimum quality care is her basic right.
vi.Under this movement, private maternity providers will be encouraged and assisted to adopt recognized standards for excellence in maternity services. Facilities that meet these stipulated standards will be assessed and will be awarded ‘Manyata’ certification.
vii.Currently, providers in Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Maharashtra can seek assessment for ‘Manyata’ certification. Gradually it will be rolled out across India.
Maharashtra sets up Gender Budget cell for WCD
Maharashtra’s Minister for Finance and Planning, Sudhir Mungantiwar has announced to set up Gender Budget Cells in his ministry for improving coordination and implementation of various schemes of Women and Child Welfare department (WCD) with other government departments.
More Information about Gender Budget Cell for WCD:
i.The Gender Budge Cell will not only ensure quality and effective implementation of WCD schemes but shall also strive to improve its outcome.
ii.It has been decided that Inter-departmental committees will be set up among the concerned departments and each administrative department will have a nodal officer to monitor the implementation of the schemes of WCD.
iii.Currently, at least 30 per cent of allocation in various schemes of WCD like animal husbandry is earmarked for women.
Quick Facts about Maharashtra:
Capital – Mumbai
Current Chief Minister – Devendra Fadnavis
Current Governor – C Vidyasagar Rao
Important National Park – Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Shia Waqf Board headed by Wasim Rizvi proposes building Ram Temple in disputed Ayodhya land and mosque in Lucknow
On 20th November 2017, the UP Shia Central Waqf Board (UPShCWB), unveiled a proposed solution for an out-of-court settlement of theRamjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case: a Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya and a mosque in Lucknow.
Ram Temple in disputed Ayodhya land and mosque in Lucknow:
i.Shia board chairman Waseem Rizvi said they were in favour of a grand Ram temple at the disputed Ayodhya land, reiterating that the board was the rightful and only claimant to the land on which the demolished Babri mosque once existed.
ii.The Shia Board said the state government may in turn allot one acre of land for a mosque for Shia Muslims in Lucknow’s Husainabad area.
iii.An application seeking permission to file the said settlement proposal has been submitted by the UPShCWB in the Supreme Court.
Some temples of Uttar Pradesh:
Chandrika Devi Temple, Lucknow
Bhandari Devi temple, Ahraura
Dashavatara Temple, Deogarh
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Lucknow
J P Nadda inaugurates 1st World Conference on Access to Medical Products in New Delhi
On 21st November 2017, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, J P Nadda inaugurated the 1st World Conference on Access to Medical Products and International Laws for Trade and Health in the Context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in New Delhi.
1st World Conference on Access to Medical Products and International Laws for Trade and Health:
i.The Conference is being organized by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare with the support of WHO Country Office for India and in partnership withIndian Society of International Law.
ii.The objective of the Conference is to exchange knowledge and expand understanding on contemporary issues in international trade laws and research and innovation for access to medical products to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030 agenda.
iii.J P Nadda stated that the coordination between the National Regulatory Authorities and pharmaceutical sector will enable launch and registration of new health technologies.
About Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030:
Set of targets relating to future international development created by the United Nations
Runs from 2015 to 2030
Consists of – 17 goals and 169 specific targets
Tribal festival Parab takes off in Koraput, Odisha
On 19th November 2017, Parab-2017, the annual cultural festival of Odisha’s Koraput district, showcasing the tribal art and culture, started.
Parab 2017:
i.Parab 2017 started from the shrine of goddess Sankulai Devi of B Singhpur under Borigumma block, with a tribal dance. The objective of this festival is to protect and promote the region’s rich cultural heritage.
ii.Congress chief whip in Odisha Assembly Tara Prasad Bahinipati and Koraput MP Jhina Hikaka performed the first ritual. This festival will go on till 20 December 2017.
iii.As a part of Parab, Rahgiri would be organised at Jeypore in the name of Saheed Laxman Nayak Pathoutsav on 26 November and 17 December 2017. This would include competitions and cultural programmes.
iv.A five-day Pallishree Mela will be organised on 21 December 2017, where a variety of handicraft items will be displayed.
Other festivals celebrated in Odisha:
Durga Puja – 10-day-long festival in the month of September or October
Kumar Purnima – primarily celebrated by unmarried girls who pray for a handsome husband
Prathamastami – households pray for the long life of the first borns
International Affairs
Road-map for Talanoa Dialogue prepared at Bonn UN Climate Change Conference
Highlights of 2017 United Nations Climate Change Conference:
- The conference ended on a mixed note as developing countries including India succeeded in rich nations to discuss their pre-2020 actions under the ‘Talanoa Dialogue’, but could not get any commitment for climate finance.
- However, European Union (EU) has shown willingness to fill the gap which has been created due to US decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord.
- Besides, final decision at COP23 outlined tasks to be performed by all rich nations with regards to their pre-2020 actions under the Kyoto Protocol (KP).
- If negotiators succeed in arriving at consensus under ‘Talanoa Dialogue’, new rules which would be adopted during next Conference of Parties (COP24) in Poland in 2018……. Click here to Read More
India climbs 3 steps to 51 on IMD World Talent rankings
India has ranked 51st out of 63 countries on IMD World Talent Ranking 2017. This marks an improvement of three spots as compared to previous year’s rank.
Highlights of IMD World Talent Ranking 2017:
- India’s overall rank is 51st whereas on three broad categories viz. investment and development, appeal and readiness it has ranked 62nd, 43rd and 29th respectively.
- Arturo Bris, Head of Competitiveness, IMD Switzerland stated that India is not performing well in retaining local talent and attracting foreign labour.
- Among BRICS nations, China ranked 40th followed by Russia at 43rd and South Africa at 48th. Brazil ranked just after India at the 52nd spot……. Click here to Read More
India-Russia sign pact for visa free entry of flight crew
On 21st November 2017, a pact for visa free entry of the crew of chartered and scheduled flights between India and Russia was signed by the two countries.
India & Russia – pact for visa free entry of flight crew:
i.India and Russia have agreed to implement the general declaration for visa free entry of the crew of chartered and scheduled flights between the two countries.
ii.The agreement will facilitate visa free entry, stay and exit of crew of aircraft of the designated airlines as well as other aircraft companies operating chartered and special flights in the respective territories on reciprocal basis.
iii.According to official estimates, around 1,200 scheduled flights fly between India and Russia every year. About 1,100 Russian chartered flights arrive in India every year.
Some of the busiest airports in India:
Indira Gandhi International Airport – Delhi
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport – Mumbai
Kempegowda International Airport – Bangalore
Chennai International Airport – Chennai
13th Asia-Europe Foreign Ministers’ Meeting begins in Nay Pyi Taw
Two-day 13th Asia-Europe Foreign Ministers’ Meeting begun on November 20, 2017 in Nay Pyi Taw, the capital of Myanmar
More Information about 13th Asia-Europe Foreign Ministers’ Meeting:
i.The meeting was inaugurated by Aung San Suu Kyi, the de facto leader of Myanmar.
ii.The meeting was held with an objective to boost cooperation between Asia and Europe in political, economic, social and cultural spheres.
iii.Representatives from 51 countries including Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the European Union (EU) participated in this meeting.
iv.Discussions on ongoing Rohingya Crisis in Myanmar also took place during several bilateral meetings held on the sidelines of 13th Asia-Europe Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
Quick Facts about Asia–Europe Meeting (ASEM):
Established in – 1996
Three Pillars of ASEM Process – Political Pillar, Economic Pillar and Social, Cultural & Educational Pillar
China launches three remote sensing satellites
On 21st November 2017, China launched three remote sensing satellites Jilin-1 04, Jilin-1 05 and Jilin-1 06 from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in China’s northern Shanxi Province.
China’s remote sensing satellites launched:
i.The three remote sensing satellites have been designed to improve observation capability to promote commercial use for the remote sensing industry.
ii.It was the third launch of the Jilin-1 satellite family, a remote sensing system of more than 60 satellites developed by Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co., Ltd.
iii.The system will be used for wide imaging, video imaging and multispectral imaging. Remote sensing data will serve administrations and commercial customers.
iv.The satellites were carried by a Long March-6 rocket, a new generation of liquid-fuelled carrier rocket developed by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.
About China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC):
Headquarters – Beijing, China
Chairman & President – Lei Fanpei
Products – Spacecrafts, Missiles, Electronics
Banking & Finance
Govt increases issue size of Bharat 22 ETF to Rs 14,500 cr
On November 20, 2017, Central Government announced that issue size of New Fund Offer (NFO) of Bharat 22 Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) has been raised to Rs 14500 crore from Rs. 8000 crore earlier.
More Information about Bharat 22 ETF:
i.Bharat 22 ETF was oversubscribed by four times. It received highest subscription for any new fund offer (NFO) in the history of Indian mutual fund industry. The decision to raise the issue size has been taken in order to accommodate this positive response.
ii.Major chunk of this NFO has been subscribed by foreign institutional investors, which reflects confidence on the Indian public sector space.
iii.NFO of Bharat 22 ETF was managed by ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund.
iv.Bharat 22 ETF is a unique blend of shares of key Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), Public Sector Banks (PSBs) and Government owned shares in blue chip private companies like Larsen & Tubro (L&T), Axis Bank and ITC held under the Specified Undertaking of the Unit Trust of India (SUUTI).
v.It comprises 22 companies that represent 6 important sectors of the economy – Finance, Industry, Energy, Utilities, Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) and Basic Materials.
Mastercard, Mswipe tie-up to strengthen digital payment acceptance in India
Mswipe, a domestic maker of Point of Sale (PoS) terminals, has partnered MasterCard to digitise merchant acquisition and can now enable a shopkeeper anywhere in India to acquire a card swipe machine.
Mastercard, Mswipe tie-up:
i.At present, merchants need to sign physical agreements and, in some cases, open new current accounts to become part of a credit card network.
ii.Mswipe will enable a merchant to complete the ‘know-your-customer’ (KYC) requirement using a mobile application that will scan documents and use complex software to compare these with government databases, including the income tax department’s Permanent Account Number (PAN) database and the Shops and Establishments database.
iii.This solution to digitally validate and authenticate KYC documents has been developed by Bengaluru-based startup Signzy.
About Mastercard:
Headquarters – New York
President & CEO – Ajaypal Singh Banga
Chairman – Richard Haythornthwaite
Business
India, World Bank ink $100-million loan agreement for solar parks
On November 20, 2017, India and the World Bank signed a $100-million loan and grant agreement for increasing solar power generation capacity in India.
More Details about India – World Bank $100-million loan agreement for solar parks:
i.Fund procured through this loan for “Shared Infrastructure for Solar Parks Project” will be deployed for financing solar parks across India.
ii.The agreement comprises a $75-million loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), a $23-million loan from the Clean Technology Fund (CTF) and $2 million as interest-free grant from CTF.
iii.Funding through these loans/grants will be instrumental in executing Indian government’s plan to install 100 gigawatt (GW) of solar power out of a total renewable energy target of 175GW by 2022.
iv.First two solar parks to receive funding under this agreement are in Rewa and Mandsaur districts of Madhya Pradesh. These plants will have targeted installed capacities of 750MW and 250MW respectively.
v.Other solar parks in Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Haryana will also be offered supported under this agreement in future.
Mahindra opens Detroit’s 1st car making plant in 25 years
On 20th November 2017, Mahindra opened its new manufacturing plant in the world’s car capital Detroit, which got its first automotive production facility in 25 years.
Mahindra – Detroit’s 1st car making plant in 25 years:
i.Mahindra has opened its new manufacturing plant with an investment of $230 million. The new plant will create 250 new jobs in the US.
ii.In a few weeks, the new facility will produce an off-highway vehicle, designed and engineered by Mahindra Automotive North America (MANA).
iii.By 2020, additional planned projects will result in 400 more jobs and another USD 600 million in local investment over that same period.
iv.In addition, MANA will continue to provide Metro Detroit- based engineering support for new vehicle platform development for India and global markets.
About Mahindra & Mahindra India Limited:
Executive Chairman – Anand Mahindra
MD – Dr Pawan Goenka
Headquarters – Mumbai
World Bank debars Madhucon Projects Ltd for two years
On 20th November 2017, Madhucon Projects Ltd said that, the World Bank has debarred it from participating in the projects aided by the multilateral funding agency for two years.
Madhucon Projects Ltd – debarred by World Bank for 2 years:
i.The World Bank had temporarily debarred Madhucon Projects from participating in World Bank aided projects for a period of three years due to allegednegligence of its project staff in Lucknow-Muzzafarpur Highway projects.
ii.Mudhucon challenged the same before the sanctions Board of World Bank at Washington. Madhucon was exonerated of all allegations except the one pertaining to negligence while claiming two material advances. World Bank has reduced the period of debarment to two years.
About Madhucon Projects Ltd:
Specialises in carrying out projects from conceptualization to commissioning
Founder – N Nageswar Rao
Managing Director – N Seethaiah
Appointments & Resigns
India’s Justice Dalveer Bhandari re-elected as Judge in International Court of Justice
Dalveer Bhandari re-elected as Judge in ICJ:
i.India’s Dalveer Bhandari, has been re-elected to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), winning the last seat, for which elections were held, after Britain pulled out its candidate Christopher Greenwood before the 12th round of voting.
ii.For 11 rounds, the two were locked in a stalemate with Justice Bhandari getting majority support in the United Nations General Assembly and Justice Greenwood in the UN Security Council.
iii.Dalveer Bhandari received 183-193 votes in the General Assembly and secured all the 15 votes in the Security Council after separate and simultaneous elections were held at the UN headquarters in New York.
About International Court of Justice (ICJ):
Commonly referred to as the World Court
Location – The Hague, Netherlands
President – Ronny Abraham
Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim named as UNAIDS Special Ambassador
Associate Scientific Director of the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (Caprisa) Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim has been appointed UNAIDS Special Ambassador for Adolescents and HIV.
Quarraisha Abdool Karim – UNAIDS Special Ambassador for Adolescents and HIV:
i.The executive director of UNAIDS, Michel Sidibe, made this announcement in Cape Town during the launch of a new report by the body, Right to health.
ii.The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths.
iii.In 2013, Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim, was awarded South Africa’s highest honour, the Order of Mapungubwe, for her contribution to the response to HIV.
iv.In her new role, she will focus on adolescents and HIV, while also championing the involvement of young women in science.
About Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS):
Mission – to lead, strengthen and support an expanded response to HIV and AIDS
Executive Director – Michel Sidibe
Ira Joshi appointed director general of Doordarshan News
Ira Joshi – Director general of Doordarshan News:
i.Earlier, Ira Joshi was the Press Information Bureau (PIB) director general. PIB Director General Ghanshyam Goel has been made the new Director General of Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP), replacing Esther Kar, who was put on compulsory wait.
ii.Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has now appointed Ira Joshi as new Director General of Doordarshan News.
About Doordarshan:
Motto – Satyam Shivam Sundaram
Headquarters – New Delhi
Launched in – 1959
Awards & Recognition
Beyonce tops Forbes list of highest-earning women in music
Beyonce has jumped from number 5 last year to clinch the top spot (number 1) in Forbes magazine’s 2017 list for the highest-paid women in music.
Beyonce – highest earning woman in music – 2017:
i.Beyonce’s most praised album “Lemonade,” her sixth No. 1 hit, and her subsequent Formation World Tour accounted for the bulk of the estimated $105 millionshe has earned between June 1, 2016, and June 1, 2017.
ii.This is nearly twice her $54 million last year or her $54.5 million the year before that. English singer Adele has secured the second position for the second year in a row, with an estimated $69 million. Last year’s topper, Taylor Swift, has scored $44 million and reached the 3rd position.
About Beyonce:
Occupation – Singer, songwriter, dancer, actress, record producer
Age – 36
Genres – R&B, pop
Sports
Gates 3 & 4 of Feroz Shah Kotla to be named after Anjum Chopra
The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has decided to name the Gate No. 3 and 4 of the Ferozshah Kotla stadium after Anjum Chopra, who represented India in six World Cups.
Gates 3 & 4 of Feroz Shah Kotla – named after Anjum Chopra:
i.The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has decided to name the Gate No. 3 and 4 of the Ferozshah Kotla stadium after the cricketer-turned-commentator, Anjum Chopra.
ii.The DDCA led by retired Justice Vikramajit Sen, has also planned to host its first Annual Conclave on 29 November 2017.
iii.In addition to that, the DDCA has planned to name two stands of the stadium after former India captain Bishan Singh Bedi and former India all-rounderMohinder Amarnath.
About Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA):
Founded – 1883
Affiliation – Board of Control for Cricket in India
Headquarters – Feroz Shah Kotla
Obituary
Former Wimbledon champion Jana Novotna dies aged 49
Death of Jana Novotna:
i.Jana Novotna was 49 years old. She is former world number one in doubles and number two in women’s tennis singles.
ii.Novotna won 24 singles titles in a 14-year career on the professional circuit with her most famous achievement in 1998 when she finally lifted the Wimbledon crown after twice falling at the final hurdle.
iii.She had won 17 Grand Slam titles in total including 12 in doubles and four in mixed doubles as well as claiming silver medals at the 1988 and 1996 Olympics and a bronze in Atlanta.
About Jana Novotna:
Country – Czech Republic
Occupation – professional tennis player
Style – Right-handed (one-handed backhand)
Important Days
World Fisheries Day – November 21
World Fisheries Day:
i.On 21st November 1997, the working fishermen and women representing World Forum of Fish Harvesters & Fish Workers from 18 countries met at New Delhi and established the World Fisheries Forum (WFF). To commemorate this occasion, every year 21st November is celebrated all over the world as World Fisheries Day.
ii.World Fisheries Day was celebrated on 21st November 2017 at the National Agricultural Science Centre (NASC) Complex, Pusa Road, New Delhi.
iii.The theme for World Fisheries Day 2017 is “2022 Ka Hai Sapna … Kisan Ki Aay Ho Dugna – Sankalp Se Siddhi”.
iv.Radha Mohan Singh, Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare inaugurated the World Fisheries Day Celebrations.
World Forum of Fish Harvesters and Fish Workers:
Headqaurters – Kampala, Uganda
Membership – 48 national organizations in 42 countries
Co-Presidents – Margaret Nakato, Arthur Bogasaon
World Television Day – November 21
On 21st November 2017, World Television Day was observed all over the world.
World Television Day:
i.In December 1996, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 November as World Television Day commemorating the date on which the first World Television Forum was held in 1996.
ii.World Television Day is not so much a celebration, but the philosophy which it represents. Television represents a symbol for communication and globalization in the contemporary world.
iii.World Television Day is a day to renew governments’, organizations’ and individuals’ commitments to support the development of television media in providing unbiased information about important issues and events that affect society.
Similar Observances:
World Radio Day – February 13
International Day of Radiology – November 8
World Standards Day – October 14
