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Current Affairs Weekly PDF – December 2020 3rd

Week (16-23)
NATIONAL AFFAIRS

NITI Aayog released ‘Vision 2035: Public Health Surveillance in India’, a White Paper
On December 14, 2020, NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog publicized a white
paper titled “Vision 2035: Public Health Surveillance in India” which was released by NITI Aayog Vice
Chairman Dr Rajiv Kumar; Member (Health) Dr Vinod K Paul; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Amitabh
Kant; and Additional Secretary Dr Rakesh Sarwal. The white paper was co-developed by NITI Aayog and
University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada. Both organizations inked a Letter of Agreement (LoA) for the
same in 2020.

9th Sustainable Mountain Development Summit 2020 organized by IMI held virtually in
Dehradun
9th Sustainable Mountain Development Summit 2020 (SMDS IX) organized by Integrated Mountain
Initiative (IMI) and hosted by Sustainable Development Forum Uttaranchal (SDFU), Dehradun took
place virtually in Dehradun from December 11-14, 2020. The Summit was held on occasion of the
United Nations (UN) International Mountain Day 2020. Theme for 2020 SMDS IX – ‘Emerging Pathways
for Building a Resilient Post COVID-19 Mountain Economy, Adaptation, Innovation & Acceleration’.

FICCI’s Annual Convention & 93rd Annual General Meeting held Virtually
The FICCI’s (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry) Annual Convention & 93rd
Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held virtually amid COVID-19 on the theme “Inspired India” on
December 11, 12 & 14, 2020. It was inaugurated by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on December
12, 2020. On December 11, 2020 he inaugurated the year-long FICCI Annual Expo 2020 (FAE 2020), a
one-of-its-kind virtual event in India focusing on manufacturing and services sectors.

PM Narendra Modi Laid Foundation Stone Laid for 1st-of-its-kind World’s Largest Renewable
Energy Park in Kutch, Gujarat
On December 15, 2020, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi undertook a visit to Dhordo in Kutch,
Gujarat where he virtually laid the Foundation Stone of several development projects in the State viz.
world’s largest hybrid renewable energy (RE) park, a desalination plant Mandvi, Kutch and a fully
automated milk processing and packing plant at Sarhad Dehri in Anjar.

QCI Launched Recognition Scheme for Hygiene Rating Audit Agencies

After the launch of Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) by Food Safety and Standards Authority of
India (FSSAI), on December 15, 2020, Quality Council of India (QCI) has come out with a Scheme for
approval of Hygiene Rating Audit Agencies. The scheme aims to allow consumers to make informed
choices/decisions pertaining to the food outlets where they eat by encouraging food businesses to
improve their hygiene and safety standards.

Bihar’s 1st Migratory Birds Festival held in Bhagalpur, Bihar

Bihar’s 1st Migratory Birds Festival was organized for 3 days from 11th to 13th December, 2020 in
Bhagalpur, Bihar.The event will Showcase hundreds of Migratory birds yearly visiting the Bhagalpur
region during the winter season. Event was jointly organised by Bhagalpur forest division, non-profit
Bombay Natural History Society and the Bhagalpur based Mandar Nature Club.

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Ladakh New Year ‘Losar’ celebrated on December 15, 2020

On December 15, 2020, Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) celebrated the ‘Losar’ festival to mark the
beginning of Ladakhi New Year. ‘Losar’ is celebrated in the 11th month of the Tibetan calendar.
‘Tarchen’ – a religious and traditional flag was hoisted to mark the beginning of the new year. LBA’s
Youth Wing and Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh jointly organized the prayers &
celebrations at the Chokanga Vihara in Leh.

5th India Water Impact Summit (IWIS) 2020 held Virtually; Inaugurated by Gajendra Singh
Shekhawat
On December 10-15, 2020, the 5-day long virtual 5th India Water Impact Summit (IWIS) 2020 was
organised by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and Centre for Ganga River Basin
Management and Studies (cGanga) on the theme “Arth Ganga – River Conservation Synchronised
Development”. The summit was inaugurated by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Ministry of
Jal Shakti (MoJS).

MoHF&W approves Health Data Management Policy of NDHM

On December 14, 2020, Union Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
(MoHF&W) has approved the health data management policy of the National Digital Health Mission
(NDHM) to protect and manage personal data of patients using the digital services of the scheme. The
policy has laid minimum standards for data privacy protection in order to ensure compliance with
relevant and applicable laws, rules and regulations. It will acts as a guidance document across the
National Digital Health Ecosystem (NDHE).

G Kishan Reddy inaugurates 1st of its kind Establishment, NCDE in Hakimpet, Hyderabad
Minister of State (MoS) for Home Affairs, G Kishan Reddy inaugurated 1st of its kind Establishment
National Centre for Divyang Empowerment (NCDE) at CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) Group
Centre in Hakimpet, Hyderabad. The Centre has been set up for re-skilling and rehabilitation of Divyang
Warriors of the CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) who sustained life threatening injuries in the line
of duty. Centre will impart training to the ‘Divyang Warriors’ in Artificial Intelligence, Cyber security or
warfare, data analytics.

Cabinet Approvals on December 16, 2020

On December 16, 2020, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi has approved
the following proposals
Approved the proposal of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications
to conduct spectrum auction worth Rs. 3,92,332.70 crore (at reserve price).
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the revised cost estimate of the North Eastern
Region Power System Improvement Project (NERPSIP) for six states at an estimated cost of Rs 6,700
crore.
CCEA also approved an assistance of Rs 3,500 crore for sugarcane farmers or Ganna Kisan that will be
directly credited into farmers’ accounts on behalf of sugar mills against cane price dues and subsequent
balance.
Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) headed by PM Narendra Modi has accorded approval for the
National Security Directive on Telecommunication sector.
Cabinet approval with foreign countries on December 16, 2020
Union Cabinet has given its nod for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Central
Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), India and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC),
United States of America (USA).

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India’s 1st Maritime Theatre Command to get its final shape in 2021
India’s 1st Maritime Theatre Command (MTC) will get its final shape in 2021 and its headquarters will
be set up at Karwar Naval Base, Karnataka. It will be the first new “Geographical” Theatre command to
be created as part of military restructuring plans.

India, UK to Set Up Joint Task Force for Mutual Recognition of Academic Qualifications
On December 16, 2020, During the bilateral meeting between Union Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal
‘Nishank’, Ministry of Education (MoE) and Foreign Secretary of United Kingdom (UK) Dominic Raab, in
New Delhi stated that India and the UK agreed to set up a joint task force consisting of designated
higher education organisations from both the countries to work towards mutual recognition of
academic qualifications over the next year.

Telangana’s Nehru Zoological Park becomes 1st Indian zoo to receive ISO certification
9001:2015
Nehru Zoological Park (NZP) in Hyderabad, Telangana has become the first in India to acquire ISO
(International Organization for Standardization) 9001:2015 Quality Management Standards
Certification from Accreditation Service for Certifying Bodies (ASCB) United Kingdom (UK) as the zoo
passed the extensive documentation of every activity. In 2004 African Safari was the first ever animal
park in the world to gain ISO 9001 certification.

Ministry of Home Affairs approves Rs. 90.6 Crore to Land Ports Authority of India for new ICP
in Tripura
On 16th December, 2020 the Ministry of Home Affairs approved Rs.90.6 crores to the Land Ports
Authority of India (LPAI) for construction of a new Integrated Check Post (ICP) along the India-
Bangladesh border at Sabroom in South Tripura.This will be the 6th multi-facilitated ICP in the India-
Bangladesh Border.

FADA, ASDC partner with Google India to bridge digital skills gap in India’s auto dealerships
On December 16, 2020, Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) & Automotive Skills
Development Council (ASDC) announced partnership with Google India to reduce the digital skill gap in
India’s auto dealership sector. The Training programme will be conducted under Google India’s ‘Grow
with Google’ initiative.

India to have 350mn 5G connections by 2026: “The Ericsson Mobility Report 2020”
Sweden based networking and communication company Ericsson released a report “The Ericsson
Mobility Report 2020” which estimated India’s 5G connection to surpass 350 million, accounting 27%
of all mobile subscriptions by 2026. The report also notified India’s first 5G connection to be rolled out
by 2021.

51st International Film Festival of India will be held in Goa in Hybrid format
On 17th December, 2020 Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar
announced that the 51st edition of International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will be held in Goa from
January 16 to January 24, 2021. The event will be held in hybrid format i.e., in both Physical and Virtual
format featuring a total of 224 films.

CinemaSCOpe – India’s exclusive movie series for members of SCO Organisation

Indian Embassy in Beijing, China has launched “CinemaSCOpe” exclusively for the members of the
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), more than a 2 dozen Indian films will be dubbed in Russian.

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Screenings will continue till India’s Chairmanship of the SCO ‘Council of Heads of State’ meeting in 2023.
The movie series will coincide with “SCO Year of Culture” in 2021.

DAC Approves Military Hardware Procurement worth Rs 28,000 cr during a Meeting in New
Delhi
On December 17, 2020, a Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) meeting was held under the Chairmanship
of Union Minister Rajnath Singh, Ministry of Defence (MoD) in New Delhi where 7 Capital Acquisition
proposals regarding military hardware worth Rs. 28,000 Crore were approved. This was the first
meeting under the new regime of Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP), 2020 and these are the first set
of Acceptance of Necessity (AoNs).

VP Venkaiah Naidu virtually Inaugurates the 12th GRIHA Summit 2020

Vice President (VP) Venkaiah Naidu virtually inaugurated the 12th GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated
Habitat Assessment) Summit 2020 organized by GRIHA Council, Hyderabad, Telangana & TERI (The
Energy & Resources Institute) from December 15-16, 2020. The Summit was a Virtual Conference.
Theme of the 12th GRIHA Summit – ‘Rejuvenating Resilient Habitats’.

IndiGrid Collaborates with IBM for Digital Transformation of Critical Power Infrastructure
On December 17, 2020 India Grid Trust (IndiGrid) and IBM enters into a multi-year collaboration
agreement to build asset management platform that is enabled with AI for Digital Transformation of
Critical Power Infrastructure. The Enterprise asset management (EAM) is important to obtain the
insights and the visibility needed to maintain and control intelligent assets and equipment.

Union Ministry of Culture plans a Museum for Netaji Subash Chandra Bose in Kolkata, West
Bengal
The Union Culture Ministry was planning a museum for Netaji in Kolkata, an exhibition at the Victoria
Memorial and cultural performances in West Bengal, as a part of the commemoration of Netaji Subash
Chandra Bose’s 125th birth anniversary in 2022. Historical documents, photos and other materials
would be brought together at one place for display. The commemoration would also be the start of the
celebrations of 75 years of Independence in 2022.

Minister of Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal launched “Australia Economic Strategy Report
2020”
On December 18, 2020, Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry launched Australia
Economic Strategy Report 2020 prepared by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) team, led by
Ambassador Anil Wadhwa, Former Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, with contribution from
KPMG, India. The Report was launched during the CII’s virtual session on Enhancing India Australia
Bilateral Economic and Trade Relationship.

35th edition of IND-INDO CORPAT 2020 held between the Indian Navy and the Indonesian Navy
On December 17-18, 2020, the 35th edition of India-Indonesia Coordinated Patrol (IND-INDO CORPAT)
2020 between the Indian Navy and the Indonesian Navy was held to strengthen inter-operability and to
build strong bonds of friendship across the Indo Pacific. The Indian side was represented by Indian
Naval Ship (INS) Kulish, an indigenously built missile corvette along with P8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft
(MPA) while Indonesian side was led by Indonesian Naval Ship KRI Cut Nyak Dien, a Kapitan Pattimura
(Parchim I) class corvette and a MPA of the Indonesian Navy.

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Overview of British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab’s 4-day visit to India

Dominic Raab, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, United Kingdom
(UK) paid 4-day visit to India from December 14-17, 2020. The meeting assumes significance as the UK
is keen to promote its ties with India in Post-Brexit era. Both Countries emphasized on 5 themes in a
10-year roadmap to deepen the ties between the two countries.
List of MoUs & Agreements signed:
• MoU between Karnataka Government & British Council
• UK & India will jointly invest 5 Million Pounds into the NEEV fund to support green recovery.
• India’s CDSCO & UK Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (UK MHRA) sign MoU
for frequent discussion on UK-India vaccine and pharmaceutical regulations, improving
standards.
• New Virtual UK-India vaccines hub announced by both countries to help in the shared fight
against Coronavirus.

MoFPI Signed Joint Communique with MoTA along MoUs with 5 Govt.entities
On December 18, 2020, Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) signed a Joint Communique
with Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) and also inked MoUs with 5 government entities TRIFED, ICAR,
NSFDC, NAFED and NCDC for the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro food
processing Enterprises (PM-FME) Scheme. MoFPI with Union Bank of India as nodal bank for PM FME
scheme.

RK Singh Launches India’s 1st CoE for Skill Development in Power Sector at NISE, Haryana
On December 18, 2020, Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), RK Singh
virtually launched India’s 1st Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Skill Development in Power Sector at the
campus of National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), Gurugram, Haryana. The CoE was established as a
result of a MoU between MSDE, Government of India & the Ministry of National Education & Youth,
Government of the French Republic and Schneider Electric.

EAM Jaishankar virtually Addresses the 2020 GTS – 5th Edition organized by MEA, CI
External Affairs Minister (EAM), Jaishankar virtually addressed the 2020 Global Technology Summit
(GTS) – 5th Edition, it was jointly organized by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Carnegie India
(CI) from December 14-18, 2020. The Theme of 2020 GTS is “Geopolitics of Technology”. GTS is one of
the four Flagship annual conferences organized by MEA, the other three being – Raisina Dialogue, the
Geo-Economic Dialogue & the Indian Ocean Conference.

Indian Navy, INCOIS sign MoU to Share Ocean Services Data

On December 18, 2020, a virtual Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Indian
Navy (IN) and Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) under the administrative
control of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India on sharing of ocean services, data, and
expertise in the field of operational oceanography. The MoU was signed by Dr T.Srinivasa Kumar,
Director INCOIS and Commodore AA Abhyankar, who heads Indian Navy’s Oceanology and Meteorology
Directorate.

ASSOCHAM Foundation Week 2020 observed on Dec 15-19, 2020

Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) Foundation Day 2020 was
commemorated on December 12, 2020. To mark this occasion, the chamber organized a 5-day virtual
event “ASSOCHAM Foundation Week 2020” from 15th to 19th December 2020 on the theme “India’s
resilience: Aatmanirbhar roadmap towards a US$5 trillion economy”. During the same day ASSOCHAM

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Enterprise of the Century Award” was presented to Ratan Tata, who received the award on behalf of the
TATA Group.Click here to read of some targets set by Indian Energy Sector:

8th edition of North East Festival (NEF) 2020 Held in Guwahati, Assam for 1st time
On December 19-20, 2020, the 8th edition of the North East Festival (NEF) 2020 was held at Radisson
Blu Hotel in Guwahati, Assam .It was for the first time that Guwahati hosted this annual two-day event.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Ministry of Development of
North Eastern Region (DoNER) as the Chief Guest of the festival, Assam Chief Minister (CM) Sarbananda
Sonowal, and Tripura CM Biplab Deb among other dignitaries. The focus of this year was on ‘Growth
Agenda for North East Post COVID-19’.

UP Launches India, South-Asia’s 1st of its Kind Project on P2P Trading of Rooftop Solar Power
in Lucknow
On December 17, 2020, Uttar Pradesh (UP) launched India’s and South Asia’s 1st blockchain-enabled
Peer to Peer (P2P) Trading Platform for Rooftop Solar Power Producers in Lucknow, UP. The Pilot
project will be implemented by India Smart Grid Forum (ISGF), Power Ledger (Australia based
Blockchain technology partner) & Abajyon Consulting. The project will be hosted by Uttar Pradesh
Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL), Madhyanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (MVVNL) & Uttar
Pradesh New & Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA).

RIL, BP commence Gas production from Asia’s Deepest Gas Field ‘R-cluster’
Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), BP (formerly known as The British Petroleum Company plc) have
commenced Gas production from Asia’s Deepest Gas Field ‘R-cluster’ situated in the KG-D6 block,
Krishna-Godavari basin of the Bay of Bengal (eastern coast of India). ‘R-cluster’ is the 1st operational
project of the 3 deep-water gas projects. Plateau Gas Production (i.e Constant Production Rate) at the
‘R-Cluster’ is expected to reach ~ 12 Million standard cubic meters per day in 2021.

GOI sets up HLC to Commemorate 125th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
On Dec 22, 2020, the Government has decided to constitute a High-Level Committee (HLC), to be
headed by Union Minister Amit Shah, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), for commemoration of 125th
Birth Anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.Netaji was born on January 23, 1897 at Cuttack,
Bengal Presidency, British India (present-day Odisha, India). A permanent exhibition and a ‘Light and
Sound show’ on Netaji has been planned to be set up at Kolkata at the historic Victoria Memorial
building.

CGWB and CSIR-NGRI sign MoA for High-Resolution Aquifer Mapping & Management in Arid
Region of NW India
On December 21, 2020, a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed between Central Ground
Water Board (CGWB), Ministry of Jal Shakti and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–National
Geophysical Research Institute (CSIR-NGRI) in Hyderabad (Telangana) for use of advanced heliborne
geophysical survey and other scientific studies in parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Haryana under the
Aquifer Mapping Programme. This is the first time MoJS will use the state of the art technology for
identification of aquifers in large/semi-arid areas. The estimated cost of phase- I of the project would be
Rs 54 Crore.

“JSA II: Catch the Rain” Awareness Generation Campaign Launched by NWM & NYKS
On December 21, 2020, National Water Mission (NWM), Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) in collaboration
with Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MoYAS) launched the
“JSA II: Catch the Rain” Awareness Generation Campaign in New Delhi. JSA stands for Jal Shakti Abhiyan.

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The awareness generation phase of the campaign will run from mid-December 2020 to March 2021
with the tagline “catch the rain, where it falls, when it falls”.

PM Narendra Modi addresses 6th India-Japan SAMVAD Conference

On December 21, 2020, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi virtually addressed the 6th India-Japan
SAMVAD Conference. During the Address, PM proposed to create a Library in India containing
Traditional Buddhist Literature, Scriptures including digital copies from across the world. The
conference was hosted by Nikkei Inc & Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF). The main objective
is to examine how Buddhist messages can guide the modern world against contemporary challenges
such as poverty, racism, extremism, gender discrimination, climate change and others.

MPEDA launches India’s 1st Aquafarmers Call Centre at Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) has launched India’s 1st Call Centre for
Aquafarmers at Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. The call centre will handle calls in English & Hindi.
Through the Call Centre, MPEDA will address the technical issues, and impart knowledge about efficient
farming methods. The call centre will primarily cater to the needs of aqua farmers in Andhra Pradesh,
as it is responsible for 60% of India’s marine products export basket. The headquarters of MPEDA is
situated in Kochi, Kerala.

Ministry of Road Transport & Highways proposes adoption of E20 Fuel to curb vehicular
emissions
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has proposed the adoption of E20 – a blend of 20% of Ethanol
& Gasoline as automobile fuel to reduce vehicular emissions & also to cut India’s oil import bill. Ethanol
is a biofuel, it is a common by-product of biomass left by Agricultural feedstock like Corn, Sugarcane,
Hemp, Potato. At present, only 10% of ethanol blend is permissible in India, but India has reached only
5.6%.

International Gita Mahotsav 2020 begins in Haryana’s Kurukshetra

The International Gita Mahotsav 2020(17 to 25 December) commenced in Kurukshetra, Haryana. Jai
Ram Thakur, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Haryana Tourism and Education Minister Kanwar Pal,
Kurukshetra MP Nayab Singh Saini among the others inaugurated the festival. The highlight of the day
is when 55,000 school students will collectively recite 19 verses from the Bhagavad Gita on the
concluding day.The international festival is held every year, where about 9,000 students will be from
Kurukshetra and the remain will be from the rest of 21 districts in the state.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

1st TWG Meeting between India, Iran, Uzbekistan on Joint use of Chabahar Port in Iran held
virtually
On December 14, 2020, The First Trilateral Working Group (TWG) meeting was held virtually between
India, Iran & Uzbekistan to discuss the joint use of Chabahar port in Iran to increase regional
connectivity within the 3 countries. The meeting was jointly chaired by Sanjeev Ranjan, Secretary
(Shipping), Government of India, D.Dehkanov, Deputy Minister of Transport of the Republic of
Uzbekistan and Shahram Adamnejad, Deputy Transport Minister of Islamic Republic of Iran. Uzbekistan
& Iran supported India’s proposal of holding “Chabahar Day” on the side line of the International
Maritime Summit, which will be hosted by India in January 2021.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi Virtually addressed Climate Ambition Summit 2020
On December 12, 2020, the virtual Climate Ambition Summit 2020 was held to provide a platform for
government and non-governmental leaders to demonstrate their commitment to the Paris Agreement
and the multilateral process. It was co-hosted by the United Kingdom (UK), the United Nations (UN) and
France, in partnership with Chile and Italy. This summit also regarded as a “sprint to Glasgow” as the
26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 26) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate
Change (UNFCCC) is scheduled to take place from 1–12 November 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland.

Global electricity demand in 2020 expected to fall by 2% due to Pandemic - Electricity Market
Report 2020
According to the 1st Ever ‘Electricity Market Report’ 2020 produced by International Energy Agency
(IEA), the Global electricity demand is expected to fall by 2% due to Pandemic. The decline is the
biggest annual decline since the mid-20th century. The 2% drop is larger than the drop in electricity
demand of 0.6% due to the 2009 Global Financial Crisis. The report has also stated that the global
electricity demand will grow by 3 % in 2021 and it will be driven by China and India.

India Slips to 131 in Human Development Report 2020 released by UNDP:Norway tops the list
According to the “Human Development Report 2020 – The next frontier: Human Development and the
Anthropocene” released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), India (score of 0.645)
was ranked 131 in the list of 189 countries based on Human Development Index (HDI). Norway topped
the list with a score of 0.957, the second place was grabbed by 2 countries – Ireland (0.955) and
Switzerland (0.955). The report provides HDI ranks for the year 2019. India slipped two spots to 131, it
ranked 129 in 2019 HDI.

Buildings-related CO2 emissions record high level in 2019 in 2020 Global Status Report
According to the 2020 Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction released by Global Alliance
for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC), the Building & Construction sector accounted for 38% of
CO2 emissions, and the CO2 emission increased to 9.95 GtCO2 (gigatonnes of carbon dioxide) in 2019.
This is the 5th Edition of the Annual Report.

India, Indonesia hold the 4th Bilateral JWG meeting on Drug Control Cooperation virtually
On 17th December, 2020 The 4th Bilateral Joint Working Group (JWG) between the Narcotics Control
Bureau (NCB), India and the National Narcotics Board (BNN), Indonesia was held virtually. The Indian
side was headed by Rakesh Asthana, Director General of NCB, Ministry of Home Affairs, India & Puji
Sarwono, Deputy of Legal Affairs & Cooperation, NNB, Indonesia led the Indonesian side. Both sides
agreed to hold the 5th India-Indonesia Bilateral JWG Meeting on Drug Control Cooperation in India in
2021.

3rd Meeting of Joint Working Group on Shipping between India-Denmark held Virtually
On December 17, 2020, the 3rd meeting of Joint Working Group (JWG) on shipping between India and
Denmark was held virtually to identify areas of co-operation between the two countries. Indian
Delegation was led by the Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) Dr. Sanjeev
Ranjan while Denmark Delegation was represented by DG, Danish Maritime Authority, Andreas
Nordseth.

12th Meeting of India-Australia JWG on Counter-Terrorism held virtually

On December 17, 2020, the 12th Meeting of India-Australia Joint Working Group (JWG) on Counter-
Terrorism was held virtually. Mahaveer Singhvi, Joint Secretary for Counter Terrorism in the Ministry of
External Affairs of India led the Indian side & Tony Sheehan, Deputy Secretary International Security,

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Humanitarian and Consular Group, Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade of Australia led the
Australian side. India, Australia strongly opposed the use of terrorist proxies for cross-border
terrorism.

India-Bangladesh Virtual Summit 2020 held between Narendra Modi and Sheikh Hasina
On December 17, 2020, a virtual India-Bangladesh Summit 2020 was held between Prime Minister
Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina which concluded with a Joint
Statement. Haldibari – Chilahati rail link jointly inaugurated by India-Bangladesh Prime Ministers.
Indian Railways spent Rs 82.72 crore to restore the broad-gauge link from Haldibari till the
international border while the rest was up upgraded by Bangladesh railways.Click here to read 7
Memorandum of Understandings (MoU)/Agreements signed during the India-Bangladesh Virtual
Summit

MoD organized India-Maldives Defence Cooperation Webinar and Expo

On 17th December, 2020 Department of Defence Production (DDP), Ministry of Defence (MoD) through
Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) organized India – Maldives Defence
Cooperation Webinar and Expo as a part of the Aero India 21 series of webinar to boost defence
cooperation and engagements with friendly foreign countries.Theme- “Joint Indo Maldives High Level
Defence Engagement”.

20th Meeting of IORA Council of Ministers hosted Virtually by UAE

On December 17, 2020, the 20th Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Council of Ministers (COM)
Meeting 2020 hosted virtually by United Arab Emirates (UAE) where Indian side was represented by
Vellamvelly Muraleedharan, Minister of State (MoS) Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). France became
23rd member of the IORA. The COM was inaugurated by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister
of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of UAE while it was chaired by Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh,
UAE Minister of State. Sri Lanka will be the Vice Chair of IORA for the period 2021-23;

India ranks 111 out of 162 countries in the Human Freedom Index 2020; New Zealand tops the
index
According to the ‘Human Freedom Index 2020: A Global Measurement of Personal, Civil, and Economic
Freedom’ – 6th Annual Report released by Cato Institute of United States & Fraser Institute in Canada,
India ranked 111 in the list of 162 countries. New Zealand (score – 8.87) topped the index followed by
Switzerland & Hong Kong. The Index was prepared by Ian Vásquez and Fred McMahon.
Overall Rank Country Overall Score
111 India 6.43
1 New Zealand 8.87
2 Switzerland 8.82
3 Hong Kong SAR, China 8.74
160 Venezuela 4.08
161 Sudan 4.01
162 Syrian Arab Republic 3.97

India Ranked 63rd in EODB 2020: World Bank

The World Bank (WB) has released the updated the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) 2018 & EODB 2020
reports after correcting the data irregularities submitted by 4 countries - China, United Arab Emirates
(UAE), Saudi Arabia & Azerbaijan. India Ranked 63 in the 17th edition of WB report ‘Ease of Doing
Business 2020-Comparing Business Regulation in 190 Economies’ report remains unchanged.

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According to the corrected list, China has slipped 7 places to 85th Rank in the 2018 report from 78th
Rank before correction.

Around 2.1 billion people in Asia-Pacific lack water supply, sanitation: ADB report
According to ‘Asian Water Development Outlook 2020: Advancing Water Security across Asia and the
Pacific’ released by Asian Development Bank (ADB), 2.1 Billion People (1.5 Billion People in rural areas
& 600 Million in urban areas) lack adequate water supply, sanitation in the Asia-Pacific region. Asian
Water Development Outlook (AWDO) 2020 has been jointly prepared by ADB & Asia-Pacific Water
Forum and supported by the Government of Australia. India remains in Nascent stage in all KDs of the
report.

India-Vietnam Virtual Summit 2020 between Prime Ministers Narendra Modi & Nguyen Xuan
Phuc
On December 21, 2020, the India-Vietnam Virtual Summit 2020 held which was co-chaired by Prime
Minister (PM) Narendra Modi and his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc. It held to review the
entire gamut of bilateral relations, and to discuss regional & global issues of mutual interest, including
post-pandemic economic revival.
• Both sides inked 7 MoUs and also set forth the Joint Vision for Peace, Prosperity and People to
guide the future development of India – Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Agreement was signed for US$5 mn Indian Grant Assistance for Army Software Park at Nha
Trang.
• Implementation of the High Speed Guard Boat (HSGB) Manufacturing Project for Vietnam
Border Guard Command under the US$ 100 million Defence Line of Credit extended by
Government of India (GoI) to Vietnam. In this regard, concrete actions proposed to be taken by
both sides as per Plan of Action for period 2021-2023.

BANKING & FINANCE

Edelweiss General Insurance launches a first of its Kind, Open API Gateway
On December 14, 2020 Edelweiss General Insurance Company Limited launched a first of its kind, Open
Application Programming Interface (API) Gateway to enable full digital collaboration with its business
partners. The authorised partners of Edelweiss General Insurance, with this gateway can integrate their
systems with the technology platform of the company.

Canara Bank Launches ‘FX 4 U’

On December 12, 2020 Canara Bank headquartered at Bangalore, Karnataka launched ‘FX 4 U’, a new
technology(tech) product. This product helps the users of its Internet Banking (IB) to handle forex
transactions. The purpose of Launch is for forex remittance through internet banking. Currently, the
outward remittance module is being activated, the remaining modules will be activated shortly.

Ewire Softtech in Partnership with YES Bank Launched ‘EWIRE - YES BANK Prepaid Card’
On December 11, 2020 Ewire Softtech Pvt Ltd under the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) launched
‘EWIRE – YES BANK Prepaid Card’ in partnership with YES bank to establish its presence across the
country in its digitisation drive.The co-branded digital card will help the common public and corporate
houses with providing loans, insurance and CASA account through its channel partners. This can be
done via its dedicated RuPay prepaid cards platform.

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Department of Posts Conducted Meghdoot Award Function 2020; Launched Digital Payment
App “Dakpay”
On December 15, 2020, Department of Posts (DoP) conducted Meghdoot Award Function 2020 in the
Conference Hall of Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) in New Delhi. It was
attended by Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, MoC, and Ministry of Electronics & Information
Technology (MeitY), as the Chief Guest and Sanjay Dhotre, Minister of State (MoS) for MeitY as Guest of
Honour. .DoP and India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) have virtually unveiled a new digital payment app
DakPay.

SBI Card and BPCL Jointly Launches ‘BPCL SBI Card OCTANE’
On December 15, 2020 SBI Cards headquartered at Gurgaon, Haryanaand Payment Services Limited
(SBI Card) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) jointly launched ‘BPCL SBI Card OCTANE’, a
premium co-branded credit card. The card is designed to offer maximum savings to the affluent
customer segment that spends a significant amount on fuel. For Fuel spends there is no minimum
transaction. This enables the customers to save with every transaction.

SBI General Insurance Partners with IntrCity RailYatri to Provide Insurance

On December 15, 2020 SBI General Insurance Company Limited has partnered with IntrCity RailYatri to
provide domestic travel Insurance to bus customers who travel through IntrCity RailYatri. Every
IntrCity SmartBus traveler can avail complementary travel cover of Rs. 5 Lakhs along with the travel
ticket.

Citibank and NCPA Partners to Offer Scholarships for Young Musicians 2020-21
On December 16, 2020 Citibank headquartered at Mumbai, Maharashtra and National Centre for the
Performing Arts (NCPA) partnered to offer ‘Citi-NCPA Scholarships for Young Musicians 2020-
21(Hindustani Music)’ for vocal – khayal / dhrupad and percussion – tabla / pakhawaj. The value of
scholarship is Rs 10, 000 for one month for one year (April 2021 to March 2022).

BSE Ebix Launches Beta Version of Term Insurance for ICICI Prudential
On December 15, 2020 BSE Ebix Insurance Broking Private Limited partnered with ICICI Prudential Life
Insurance Co. Ltd. for the beta launch of term Insurance of ICICI Prudential on its on-demand advanced
hi-tech platform. With this launch, 12 Insurance Companies have been integrated with BSE Ebix
platform.

Kotak Life Launches 5 city Outdoor Campaign for its 1st Health Insurance Policy, Kotak Health
Shield
On December 14, 2020 Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company (Kotak Life) launched its five-city
outdoor campaign to increase awareness about its 1st health insurance product, ‘Kotak Health Shield’.
The 5 cities are Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Pune.

ADB Launches a $9 billion Vaccine Initiative, APVAX to its Developing Members

On December 11, 2020 The Asian Development Bank (ADB) headquartered at Mandaluyong City,
Manila, Philippines launched a $9 billion vaccine initiative, the Asia Pacific Vaccine Access Facility
(APVAX). This facility will help its developing member economies to procure and deliver an effective
and safe coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine.

NDB inked $1bn Loan Agreement with GoI for Economic Revival
On December 16, 2020, a loan agreement was inked between Government of India (GoI) and New
Development Bank (NDB) headquartered at Shanghai, China under which the latter will lend $1,000

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million ($1 billion) for supporting the former’s economic recovery from COVID-19. The loan has a tenor
of 30 years, including a 5-year grace period. The funding is a part of NDB’s fast-track emergency
response to COVID-19.

World Bank Approves 4 India Projects Worth over $800 million

On December 15, 2020 the World Bank headquartered at Washington, DC, New York, United States has
approved 4 India projects worth over $800 million. $400 million Second Accelerating India’s COVID-19
Social Protection Response Program. $100 million Chhattisgarh Inclusive Rural and Accelerated
Agriculture Growth Project (CHIRAAG). $68 million Nagaland: Enhancing Classroom Teaching and
Resources Project. $250 million Second Dam Improvement and Rehabilitation Project (DRIP-2).

YES Bank Partners with Visa to Enhance Payments Efficiency

On December 16, 2020 YES bank headquartered at Mumbai, Maharashtra partnered with Visa as a
payment processor to enhance salaried and YES FIRST account holders’ payment experience. The bank
has also introduced a new line of vertical Debit cards under the E-series across Mastercard and VISA
cards. This launch enables customers to avail VISA-branded YES bank debit cards along with
Mastercard and RuPay branded debit cards.

RBI Invited Application for 2nd Test Phase of Regulatory Sandbox on Cross Border Payments
After the commencement of Test Phase of First Cohort under the Regulatory Sandbox (RS) by Reserve
Bank of India (RBI) on November 17, 2020, click here to read, now the apex bank has announced the
opening of the Second Cohort on the theme of “Cross Border. The theme of the first cohort was “Retail
Payments” while for third Cohort, the theme will be “MSME Lending”. The window for submission of
applications by eligible entities for the Cohort will be open from December 21, 2020 to February 15,
2021.

IndusInd Bank Partners with Mastercard to Launch its 1st Metal Credit
On December 17, 2020 IndusInd Bank headquartered at Mumbai, Maharashtra in partnership with
Mastercard launched its 1st metal credit card, ‘Pioneer Heritage Credit Card’. This Contactless Credit
Card is designed to meet the needs of High-Net-Worth-Individuals (HNWIs), especially of the affluent
Indian professionals and entrepreneurs. This card is a part of the Mastercard’s ‘World Elite’ platform
that offers privileges to complement the lifestyle of HNI cardholders.

ADB & Govt of India Signs $4.21 million PRF Facility for Tripura Urban and Tourism
Development Project
On December 18, 2020 The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Government of India signed a $4.21
million (Around 31 Crore Rupees) Project Readiness Financing (PRF) facility for Tripura Urban and
Tourism Development Project. This is ADB’s 1st PRF facility for a North-eastern state of India. Dr. C. S.
Mohapatra, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance signed the
facility on behalf of Govt of India and Takeo Konishi, Country Director of ADB’s India Resident Mission
on behalf of ADB.

RBI Further Extends Restrictions on PMC Bank till March 31, 2021
On December 18, 2020 The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) further extended the restrictions of Punjab and
Maharashtra Cooperative (PMC) Bank headquartered at Mumbai, Maharashtra Limited for a period of 3
months from December 23, 2020 to March 31, 2021. All other terms and conditions of the Directives
under reference shall remain unchanged. Earlier the restriction was imposed till June 23, 2020 and then
changed until December 22, 2020.

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RBI extended CKYCR to Legal Entities from Individual Accounts w.e.f. April 1, 2021: December
2020
On December 18, 2020, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has amended the Master Direction (MD) on
“Know Your Customer (KYC)”, dated February 25, 2016, by extending the applicability of centralized
KYC registry to legal entities (LEs), from individual accounts w.e.f. April 1, 2021.In this regard,
Regulated entities (REs) will upload the KYC data pertaining to the accounts of LEs opened on or after 1
April 2021, on to CKYCR in terms of Rule 9 (1A) of the PML (Prevention of Money-laundering) Rules.

PayU Collaborates with Google Pay to Introduce Tokenised Payments Flow for Merchants
On December 18, 2020 PayU headquartered at Netherlands collaborated with Google Pay to introduce
tokenised payments flow for merchants in India. This collaboration enables the merchants of PayU to
offer Google Pay users the option to use their debit cards, credit cards, or Google Pay UPI to make
repeated payments without the need to physically share their card details.

NPCI Introduced RuPay Contactless (Offline) feature

On December 16 2020 National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has introduced RuPay
Contactless (Offline) feature, that also provides reloadable wallets within RuPay Card, for daily transit
payments. NPCI has also introduced RuPay Contactless (Offline) feature for retail payments on pilot
basis. All these additional features will expand the total transaction experience for RuPay cardholders
and also transform the overall card payment ecosystem.

IIFL Home, ICICI Bank join hands for affordable housing, MSME loans
On December 19, 2020, IIFL (formerly India Infoline Limited) Home Finance Ltd, the subsidiary of IIFL
Finance has joined hands with ICICI (Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation of India) Bank for
sourcing and servicing arrangement to provide affordable housing and MSME (Micro, Small and
Medium Enterprises) loans.

ADB Approves $231 Million Loan to Construct Lower Kopili Hydroelectric Power Plant
On December 19, 2020 The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a $231 million (Around Rs 1,705
crore) loan to construct the Lower Kopili Hydroelectric Power (LKHEP) plant in Central Assam, India.
This loan is the 3rd and largest tranche of the $300 million (about Rs 2,200 crore) Assam Power Sector
Investment Program that was approved by ADB in 2014.

ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund Launched ‘ICICI Prudential Business Cycle Fund’, an Open-Ended
Equity Scheme
On December 21, 2020 ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund launched ‘ICICI Prudential Business Cycle Fund’,
an open-ended equity scheme following business cycles-based investing theme. The New Fund Offer
(NFO) opens on December 29, 2020 and closes on January 12, 2021. The scheme will invest in equity
and equity-related securities in Indian markets with a focus to ride business cycles through dynamic
allocation between various sectors and stocks at different stages of business cycles.

Central Bank of India in association with NPCI Launches ‘RuPay Select’ Contactless Debit Card
On December 21, 2020, the occasion of Central Bank of India’s 110th foundation day, the bank in
association with National PaymentsCorporation of India (NPCI) launched ‘RuPay Select’, a unique
variant of contactless debit card. It is the bank’s one-of-its-kind health & wellness focused card. On this
occasion, the Central Bank of India also launched FASTAG (for electronic toll collection) in association
with OSTA.The Headquarters of Central Bank of India is Mumbai,Maharashtra.

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BoB Signs MoU with Defence Forces for its Newly Launched ‘Baroda Military Salary Package’
On December 21, 2020 Bank of Baroda (BoB) headquartered at Baroda,Gujarat to offer special
customized banking services through ‘Baroda Military Salary Package’ has signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard and renewed its existing MoU with the
Indian Army.This package was also presented to the Indian Air Force. The bank has covered all 4-
Armed Forces under the Ministry of Defence.

ADB, Northern Arc Capital Ltd Signed a $40 million loan to Support Microfinance Borrowers
and MSMEs in India
On December 21, 2020 The Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $40 million (around Rs 295 crore)
loan to Northern Arc Capital Ltd (NACL) for on lending to microfinance borrowers, Micro, Small, and
Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and affordable housing finance companies in India who are facing
difficulties to attract debt funding from investors. As part of ADB’s ongoing COVID-19 response, this
rupee denominated loan is given to NACL.

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

Fitch revised India GDP forecast for FY21 to -9.4% from -10.5%
On December 8, 2020, Fitch Ratings in its recent Global Economic Outlook-December 2020 upgraded
the India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) forecast to – 9.4% in FY21 from a previously projected
contraction of 10.5% (-10.5%). The Fitch projections regarding GDP for FY22 and FY23 remained
unchanged at 11% and 6.3% respectively. In FY20, there was a GDP growth of 4.2%.

ADB Revised India’s GDP Forecast for FY21 to -8% from -9%
The Asian Development Bank’s ‘Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2020 Supplement: Paths Diverge in
Recovery from the Pandemic’- December 2020, has revised India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) FY21
rate upwards to -8% (contract by 8) from -9% projected in Asian Development Outlook 2020 Update in
September 2020. The Growth will return in 2021 at 8.0% in India.

CRISIL Revised India’s GDP for FY21 to -7.7% against -9% Predicted in September 2020
On December 14, 2020, Rating agency CRISIL (Credit Rating Information Services of India Limited)
projected a slower contraction of 7.7% (-7.7%) for India’s real gross domestic product (GDP) in FY21 as
compared to the -9% forecast in September 2020. The key reason behind this upward revision is faster-
than-expected recovery in the Q2FY21 (July-September 2020). For FY22, CRISIL projected a GDP
growth of 10% due to weak base and global ‘rising tide’ effect.

S&P Revises India’s Real GDP Forecast for FY21 to -7.7% from -9%
On December 15, 2020 Standard & Poors(S&P) Global Ratings has revised India’s real Gross Domestic
Product (GDP) FY21 rate upwards to -7.7% (contract by 7%) from -9% projected earlier on rising
demand and falling COVID infection rates. The growth of India will rebound to 10% in FY22. In FY21
India’s GDP contracted by 7.5% (-7.5%) in the July-September quarter and in April-June quarter
contracted by 23.9% (-23.9%).

India’s FY21 GDP to Contract by 7.4% from -10.9%: SBI’s Ecowrap Report
On December 2020 , Ecowrap report of the State Bank of India (SBI) has estimated that India’s Gross
domestic Product(GDP) will contract by 7.4%(-7.4%) from -10.9% projected earlier based on the better
than expected recovery. It also projected that the GDP growth in FY22 will be at 11% due to base effect.
On the basis of SBI ‘Nowcasting Model’ with 41 high frequency indicators associated with industry
activity, service activity, and global economy, the bank has revised the GDP estimates.

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Snapdeal Partners with NPCI to Enable Doorstep QR Code Payments for Orders
On December 17, 2020 Snapdeal partnered with National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to
enable buyers to make Quick Response (QR)-based digital payments on getting delivery of their
orders.New or first-time users who are not comfortable to pay in advance for items at the time of
purchase.

India’s GDP to contract by 7.8% in FY2021: ICRA

ICRA Limited in its GDP Outlook- December 2020 projects that India’s GDP in real terms will contract by
7.8% (-7.8%) in FY2021. This is due to the agency’s forecast that the technical recession in Indian
economy will end in Q4 of FY2021, with a slow 1.3% growth benefitting from a real recovery and the
low base effect. India will be fastest growing Asian economy in 2021 at 9.9% projected by Nomura.

India’s Retail inflation Declined to 6.93% in November 2020: CPI Data

As per the Consumer Price Index (CPI) data released by the Government of India, India’s retail inflation
based on the CPI declined to 6.93% in November 2020 from 7.61% in October 2020. The inflation rate
for rural area was 7.20% and urban area 6.73% in November 2020 against 7.75% and 7.33% in October
2020.

India’s GDP to Contract by 7.3% in FY21: NCAER

On December 22, 2020 The ‘2020-21 Mid-Year Review of the Indian Economy’ of National Council of
Applied Economic Research (NCAER) has forecasted that India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in FY21
will contract by 7.3%(-7.3%) from -12.6% estimated in September 2020 with anticipation that the
economy will register marginal growth in the December quarter. NCAER’s GDP forecast of -7.3% for
FY21 is higher than the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)’s forecast of -7.5%

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

UNEP announces 6 Recipients for 2020 Champions of the Earth Award

On December 11, 2020, the United Nations (UN) Environment Programme (UNEP) virtually announced
6 Individuals as recipients of the 2020 Champions of the Earth Award, which is UN’s highest
environmental honour. The award is given across 5 categories – Policy Leadership, Inspiration & Action,
Science & Innovation, Entrepreneurial vision & LifeTime Achievement Award. The ‘Champions of earth’
awards are the successor to UNEP’s Global 500 Roll of Honour.
Awards:
Recipient Category Contribution
Frank Bainimarama, for global climate action work, and commitment to
Prime Minister of Fiji Policy Leadership climate-responsive national development
Dr Fabian Leendertz,
(Germany) Science & Innovation Discovery in Zoonotics & work in One Health
Mindy Lubber (United Entrepreneurial for commitment to convert capital markets green
States of America) Vision by mobilizing top investors and companies
Leadership and unifying work with indigenous
Nemonte Nenquimo communities to halt drilling in Ecuador’s Amazon
(Ecuador) Inspiration & Action rainforest
for teaching traditional nature-based solution to
Yacouba Sawadogo farmers for regeneration of soil to turn barren land
(Burkina Faso) Inspiration & Action into arable land in Africa
Professor Robert D. Bullard Earth Lifetime For commitment and service to environmental
(United States of America) Achievement Award justice

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Kylie Jenner tops Forbes 2020 Highest Paid Celebrity List

On 15th December, 2020 Famous American Media Personality and founder of Kylie Cosmetics, Kylie
Jenner topped the Forbes 2020’s highest paid celebrity list with an earning of USD 590 million in 2020.
She was followed by popular American singer Kanye West in the second spot with 170 million.
Rank Celebrity Earning (USD in million)
1 Kylie Jenner 590
2 Kanye West 170
3 Roger Federer 106.3
4 Cristiano Ronaldo 105
5 Lionel Messi 104

UNEP announces 7 recipients for “Young Champions of the Earth” 2020 Prize; Indian
Entrepreneur Vidyut Mohan features in the list
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) announced 7 recipients for the “Young
Champions of the Earth” 2020 Prize, Indian Entrepreneur Vidyut Mohan featured in the list for his
Social Enterprise “Takachar”. The prize is given to global change-makers who use innovative ideas and
ambitious action to solve the world’s most important environmental challenges. By 2030, Takachar will
impact 300 million farmers, and create USD 4 Billion per year equivalent in additional rural income and
jobs, besides reducing 1 Gigaton of CO2 per year.
List of Winners of “Young Champions of Earth” 2020 Prize:
Recipients Country Name of firm & Contribution
Takachar
Vidyut Mohan India (Asia and the Pacific) Harvesting Value from Agricultural waste.
MyH2O
A data platform that tests and records the quality
Xiaoyuan Ren China (Asia and the Pacific) of groundwater
Gjenge Makers
Low-cost construction materials from recycled
Nzambi Matee Kenya (Africa) plastic waste and sand
Lefteris Enaleia
Arapakis Greece (Europe) Mediterranean cleanup.
Max Hidalgo Peru(Latin America and the YAWA
Quinto Caribbean) Sustainable Technology for Access to Water
Niria Alicia United States of America(North Run4Salmon
Garcia America) Indigenous Lead Conservation
Fatemah Eco Star
Alzelzela Kuwait (West Asia) Trees for Waste

SAIL Wins Golden Peacock Environment Management Award 2020

On December 15, 2020 Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) won the Golden Peacock Environment
Management Award(GPEMA) 2020 in the steel sector during a virtual ceremony of the 2nd cycle of
Golden Peacock Awards 2020. Golden Peacock Awards 2020 were presented by the Institute of
Directors (IOD).Along with SAIL, 14 organisations received GPEMA 2020 in different categories. Other
awards that were given are Golden Peacock Eco-Innovation Award (GPEIA),Golden Peacock
Occupational Health & Safety Award (GPOHSA) and Golden Peacock Award for Energy Efficiency
(GPAEE).Click here to know the other winners

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Poland Footballer, Robert Lewandowski won Best FIFA Men Player Award 2020
On 17th December, 2020 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) awarded Robert
Lewandowski, captain of Poland National Team as the Best FIFA Men’s player for 2020 in its annual
award ceremony. The event also saw the distribution of 9 awards related to football.Lucy Bronze of
England won the Best FIFA Women’s player for 2020. Best FIFA Men’s Coach Award 2020 was won by
Jurgen Klopp for a record second time.
Award Recipient
Best FIFA Men’s player Robert Lewandowski (Poland)
Best FIFA Women’s player Lucy Bronze (England)
Best FIFA Men’s Coach Jurgen Klopp (Currently Managing Liverpool Football Club)
Best FIFA Women’s Coach Sarina Wiegman (Currently Coaching Netherland Football National Team)
Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (Germany)
Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper Sarah Bouhaddi (France)
FIFA PUSKÁS Award Son Heung Min (Korea Republic)
FIFA Fan Award Marivaldo Francisco da Silva (Brazil)
FIFA Fair Play Award Mattia Agnese (Italy)

Amar Singh College Receives ‘Award of Merit’ in the 2020 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for
Cultural Heritage Conservation
On December 16, 2020 Amar Singh College, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir received the ‘Award of Merit’ in
the 2020 UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Asia-Pacific
Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. It is one of the 7 award winners of the 2020 awards. It is the
first international award given to cultural heritage in Kashmir. Sunder Nursery of New Delhi, Mumbai
received ‘Special Recognition for Sustainable Development’ and Award of Excellence.

Union Minister & MoS of Ministry of Communications Presents Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay
Telecom Skill Excellence Awards 2018
On December 18, 2020 Ravi ShankarPrasad, Union minister and Sanjay Shamrao Dhotre, Minister of
State of Ministry of Communications presented the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Telecom Skill
Excellence Awards 2018 in, New Delhi, India. Sreenivas Karanam, Bangalore, Karnataka received first
prize and Subrat Kar, Professor at Bharti School of Telecommunication Technology and Management
and Department of Electrical Engineering received second prize.

Singapore’s Foodie “Hawker” Culture Given UNESCO Recognition

Singapore’s tradition of communal dining at hawker centres has been included in the UNESCO’s (United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) “Representative List of the Intangible
Cultural Heritage of Humanity” for its cultural significance. Singapore hawker culture got this
recognition two years after Singapore submitted a bid to be included in the list. Singapore must submit
a report every six years to UNESCO, showing the efforts made to safeguarding and promoting its
hawker culture.

US President Donald Trump confers ‘Legion of Merit’ to PM Modi & other leaders of QUAD
forum
On December 21, 2020, United States (US) President, Donald Trump conferred the ‘Legion of Merit’
(Degree: Chief Commander) to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi .The Honor was also bestowed
upon Scott Morrison, Prime Minister of Australia & Former Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe. Legion

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of Merit is conferred to members of the US Military, as well as Military & Political figures of foreign
government for meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements.

FIICC Honoured Ratan N Tata with the title ‘Global Visionary of Sustainable Business and
Peace’
On December 21, 2020 The Federation of Indo-Israel Chambers of Commerce (FIICC) honoured Veteran
industrialist Ratan Naval(N) Tata (82 years old) with the title of ‘Global Visionary of Sustainable
Business and Peace’ for promoting ‘unity, peace and sustainability. During the event, FIICC announced
the global partnership with Dubai headquartered IFIICC, an independent organisation that was recently
launched as an international platform for collaboration between Israel and the Indian migration.

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

RBI Approves Re-appointment of Uday Kotak as MD & CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank
On December 14, 2020 Reserve Bank of India(RBI) approved the reappointment of Uday Kotak as
Managing Director(MD) and Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of Kotak Mahindra Bank(KMB) for a period of
3 years effective from 1st January 2021. RBI also granted approval for reappointing Prakash Apte as
Part –time Chairman and Dipak Gupta as joint MD for 3 years period with effect from January 1, 2021.

Nana Akufo-Addo, President of Ghana Won 2nd Term as the President

On 9th December 2020, Incumbent President of Ghana Nana Akufo-Addo(76 year old) from centre-right
New Patriotic Party (NPP) won the presidential election with 51.302%(6730587 votes) of the vote. In
accordance with the constitution of Ghana, this will be his 2nd and final term as the president of Ghana.
This is Ghana’s 8th presidential election since the constitution of Ghana was redrawn in 1992. Ghana’s
Capital- Accra and Currency- Ghanaian Cedi .

Shashi Shekhar Vempati CEO of Prasar Bharati Elected as Vice President of Asia-Pacific
Broadcasting Union
On 16th December 2020, Shashi Shekhar Vempati, CEO of Prasar Bharati was elected as the Vice
President of Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), one of the World’s largest broadcasting
associations. He will be serving for a three-year term, which starts on 1st January 2021. Ibrahim Eren,
Chairman and Director General of Turkish Radio Television Corporation (TRT) has been elected as the
President of ABU. He is the first Turk to become the president of ABU.

Sukhbir Singh Sandhu Chairman of NHAI gets 2nd Extension of 6 Months

On 17th December 2020, the Appointment committee of the cabinet approved the 2nd 6-month
extension of Sukhbir Singh Sandhu’s Central deputation as the Chairman of National Highways
Authority of India (NHAI), Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways. His term as the chairman has
been extended beyond 21st January 2021 to 21st July 2021. He received his first extension in July 2019
which is due to end on 21st January 2021.

ACQUISITION & MERGERS

Warburg Pincus Sells 4.47% stake in AU Small Finance Bank for Rs 1,247.69 crore
On December 18, 2020 Redwood Investment Ltd, an entity owned by Warburg Pincus sold a 4.47%
stake(13.7 million shares)in AU Small Finance Bank for Rs 1,247.69 crore through open market
transactions. As per the latest shareholding data, Warburg Pincus held 4.58% of AU Small Finance Bank.

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SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

INS Himgiri, 2nd Project 17A Stealth Frigate, Launched at GRSE Yard in Kolkata
On December 14, 2020, the 2nd ship of Project 17A class of stealth frigates, namely, Indian Naval Ship
(INS) Himgiri, built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) was launched at its facility in
Kolkata (West Bengal). The chief guest of the launch ceremony was General Bipin Rawat, Chief of
Defence Staff (CDS) while the INS was launched by spouse of CDS, Smt Madhulika Rawat as a part of the
naval traditions.

Russia Test Launches ‘Angara A5’ Heavy Lift Space Rocket from Plesetsk Cosmodrome
On 14th December, 2020, Russia Successfully test launched ‘Angara A5’ - Heavy Lift Space Rocket from
Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Northwest Russia. This is the 2nd successful test flight of the vehicle after 1st
successful test flight in 2014. Angara is a new series of space launchers being built by Russia after the
collapse of Soviet Union. The Angara Rocket series is developed & manufactured by Khrunichev State
Research and Production Space Centre.

Indian Coast Guard’s OPV ‘Sujeet’ commissioned in Goa

On 15th December, 2020, Indian Coast Guard’s (ICG) Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) ‘Sujeet’, which is
second in the series of 5 OPVs was commissioned at the Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) in Vasco Town, Goa
by Raj Kumar, Secretary (Defence Production). The vessel has been designed and built indigenously by
GSL.The 1st ship in series - ICGS Sachet was commissioned by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in
May, 2020.

SpaceX’s 1st Super Heavy-lift Starship exploded during Return- landing attempt
SpaceX's first super heavy-lift Starship Prototype “SN8 rocket” explodes during a return-landing
attempt after it was launched from the company's rocket facility in Boca Chica, Texas. Elon Musk's
private space company plans to carry humans and 100 tons of cargo on future missions to the moon
and Mars through SN8 rockets. Propelled by three of SpaceX's newly developed Raptor engines the
flight reached an altitude of 41,000 feet, But the self-guided rocket blew up as it touched down on a
landing pad.

ICGS C-454 commissioned in Hazira Plant, Gujarat; Built by Larsen & Toubro
On December 15, 2020, indigenously built Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) – C-454 Interceptor boat was
commissioned at Hazira, Surat, Gujarat by Surat Police Commissioner Ajay Tomar. The ship has been
built by Larsen & Toubro (L&T). The ship will be used for tightening security along Gujarat’s 1600 km
maritime borders.C-454 Interceptor Boat is the 54th boat built by L&T for ICG.

Israel successfully Test fires 3 Missile Defence Systems over Mediterranean Sea
On December 15, 2020, Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO) together with United States Missile
Defense Agency (MDA) successfully test fired a series of Israel’s 3 multi-range missile defence systems
namely – “Arrow”, “David’s Sling” & “Iron Dome” over the Mediterranean Sea. The tests are being
conducted amidst heightening tensions between Israel & Iran.” Arrow Missile” – An anti-ballistic missile
intercepts long-range missile, “David’s Sling” – shoots down medium-range missiles, and “Iron Dome”
air defence system to engage incoming rocket fire.

ICG Launches 5th & Final OPV ‘Saksham’ in Goa; to be delivered to ICG by October, 2021
On December 14, 2020, Indian Coast Guard (ICG) launched the 5th & Final Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV)
‘Saksham’ into water at Vasco da Gama, Goa. The OPV is being built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) and
is expected to be delivered to the ICG by October 2021. The ship was launched by Jayanthi Natarajan,

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wife of K Natarajan, Director General (DG) of Indian Coast Guard. It will be used for protection of
Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) in India.

ISRO sets up ‘NETRA’ – Dedicated Control Centre for Space Situational Awareness
Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has set up ‘NETRA’ (NEtwork for space object TRacking and
Analysis) – an dedicated Space Situational Awareness (SSA) Control Centre at ISTRAC (ISRO Telemetry,
Tracking and Command Network) Campus at Peenya, Bengaluru, Karnataka. The main objective of
NETRA is to protect Indian Space Assets from Space debris close approaches and collisions. NETRA was
formally inaugurated by ISRO Chairman K Sivan on December 14, 2020.India successfully test fires two
Prithvi-2 Missiles from Odisha’s Balasore Coast.

China’s Chang’e-5 spacecraft brings home first moon samples in 40 years

China’s Chang’e-5 spacecraft successfully landed in Siziwang Banner, China bringing home the first
samples of the moon in 40 years. It was China’s 1st attempt to get materials from an extraterrestrial
body. The mission marks the successful conclusion of China’s 3 step lunar exploration programme
which began in 2004.

ISRO’s PSLV-C50 successfully launches CMS-01 satellite from SDSC, Sriharikota

On December 17, 2020 India’s communication satellite CMS-01 was successfully launched by Indian
Space Research Organization’s (ISRO) PSLV-C50 (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) from the Satish
Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The satellite CMS-01 was successfully
launched into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). CMS-01 is the first communication satellite that
ISRO has orbited under its new satellite naming scheme.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar launches Economic Diplomacy website

On 16th December, 2020 Minister of External Affairs(MEA) S. Jaishankar launched an economic
diplomacy website to highlight India’s economic, sectoral and state wise strength. This website paves
way for the Global business community to utilise India’s ease of doing business initiatives and enhance
trade with India. Website will provide multidimensional global business thereby creating a dynamic
“Brand India”.

Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh hands 3 DRDO Developed systems to Chiefs of 3 Armed Forces
On December 18, 2020, Union Minister for Defence, Rajnath Singh handed over 3 New Indigenous
Systems – Border Surveillance System (BOSS), Indian Maritime Situational Awareness System (IMSAS)
& ASTRA MK-I Missile all developed by Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) to the
Chiefs of 3 Armed Forces – Indian Navy, Indian Air Force (IAF) & Indian Army at a function held in
DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi.

Russia launches 36 UK Telecom Satellite into Space

On 18th December, 2020 Russian space agency Roscosmos Space Agency launched a Soyuz rocket
carrying 36 UK telecommunications and internet satellites into space from Vostochny launch site. The
satellites were made by British company OneWeb. This was the first launch of OneWeb satellites from
the Vostochny spaceport.

Rajnath Singh Inaugurated India's First Hypersonic Wind Tunnel Test Facility at Telangana
On December 19-20, 2020, Union Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh inaugurated India’s first advanced
Hypersonic Wind Tunnel (HWT) test facility in Hyderabad, Telangana during his visit Defence Research
and Development Organisation’s (DRDO’s) Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex. He was accompanied
by Union Minister of State (MoS) Gangapuram Kishan Reddy, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and G

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Satheesh Reddy, DRDO Chairman. Gangapuram Kishan Reddy also laid the foundation stone of
Explosive Test Facility for Propellant and Explosive Systems.

ENVIRONMENT

New species of Pygmy Grasshopper named “Tettilobus trishula” after Shiva’s Trishul
A new species of wide-nosed Pygmy Grasshopper documented by researchers in Eravikulam National
Park (Idukki, Kerala) in January, 2018 has been named ‘Tettilobus Trishula’ (common name Shiva’s
pygmy trishula) as its protrusion in pronotum resembles the three-pronged spear ‘Trishul’ used by
Lord Shiva. The discovery has been published in the Journal Zootaxa.

India records 60% rise in Leopard population across the Country: Status of Leopards in India,
2018 report
On December 21, 2020, Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC), Prakash
Javadekar released the ‘Status of Leopards in India, 2018’ report. The report states that India has
recorded a 60% rise in Leopard population across the country and it now has 12, 852 Leopards. The
states Madhya Pradesh (3, 421), Karnataka (1, 783) & Maharashtra (1, 690) recorded the most number
of leopards.

SPORTS

Ankita Raina ITF doubles title in the 23rd Al Habtoor Tennis Challenge held in Dubai
Indian tennis player Ankita Raina and Georgia’s Ekaterine Gorgodze clinched the ITF (International
Tennis Federation) Doubles title at the 23rd Al Habtoor Challenge 2020 held in Dubai by defeating
Aliona Bolsova Zadoinov (Spain) and Kaja Juvan (Slovakia). This is Ankita Raina’s 3rd Doubles Title of
the 2020 season. The al Habtoor Challenge is a hard-court event. Ankita Ravinder Krishan Raina hails
from Ahmedabad, Gujarat. She is the current Indian No.1 in both women’s singles (WTA Ranking - 180)
and Doubles (WTA Ranking - 117).

Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) selects Qatar to host Asian games 2030 and Saudi Arabia as host
for 2034 Edition
On 16th December, 2020 the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) general assembly selected the countries to
host 2030 and 2034 editions of Asian Games through virtual voting. Qatar’s Doha city will be host of
2030’s edition, while the runner-up in voting, Saudi Arabia will host 2034 edition of Asian games at
Riyadh city.The OCA General Assembly meeting held in Muscat, Oman. Qatar will also be hosting the
2022 Edition of FIFA Football World Cup.

India Pledges USD 1 Million to WADA’s Scientific Research Budget towards doping free sport
On December 17, 2020, India pledged to contribute USD 1 Million (Approximately INR 7.35 Crores) to
the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) Scientific Research Budget. The amount will be India’s
contribution to WADA’s initiative of raising a corpus of USD 10 Million.This will contribute greatly
towards WADA’s mission for doping-free sport. The contribution will be used for the development of
innovative anti-doping testing and detection methods.

Pakistan Cricketer Mohammad Amir Announces Retirement from International Cricket

On December 17, 2020 Pakistan’s Fast Bowler Mohammad Amir announced retirement from
International Cricket at the age of 28. Amir had already announced his retirement from Test Cricket in
July, 2019. He was born in Gujar Khan, Pakistan and is a Left-arm Batsmen & Left-arm Bowler. Amir, the
Left-arm bowler has claimed 119 Wickets in Tests, 81 Wickets in ODIs & 59 Wickets in T20Is.

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AYUSH Ministry & Youth Affairs and Sports Ministry recognises Yogasana as a Competitive
Sport in India
On 17th December, 2020 Ministry of AYUSH and Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports jointly announced
the formal recognition of Yogasana as a Competitive sport in India. The ministries also plan to conduct
‘National Individual Yogasana Sports Championship’ in February 2021. Yogasana will be included in
Khelo India and other University games making its way for National games.

Anshu Malik wins India’s First Medal at the Wrestling-Individual World Cup 2020
On 16th December, 2020 India’s Women wrestler Anshu Malik won the Silver medal in the 57 Kg
category at the Individual World Cup 2020 held at Belgrade, Serbia. She won the first and only medal
winner in the event where Indian side was represented by 24 wrestlers.In the Gold medal fight, Anshu
Malik lost to reigning European champion Anastasia Nichita of Moldova.

Sports Ministry approves inclusion of 4 Indigenous Games to be part of Khelo India Youth
Games 2021
Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports has approved the inclusion of 4 Indigenous Games – Punjab’s Gatka,
Kerala’s Kalaripayattu, Manipur’s Thang-Ta and Madhya Pradesh’s & Maharashtra’s Mallakhamba as
part of the 4th Edition Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) in 2021 set to take place at Panchkula, Haryana.
Along with the 4 games, Yogasana will also be a part of the Khelo India Youth Games 2021.

Indian Boxers bag 9 medals at the Cologne Boxing World Cup 2020
Indian Boxers bagged 9 Medals - 3 Gold, 2 Silver & 4 Bronze at the Cologne Boxing World Cup 2020 held
from December 16-20 at Cologne, Germany. India finished 2nd in the overall Medals List, Germany
topped the list with 16 medals. The Cologne Boxing World Cup 2020 was hosted by the European
Boxing Confederation (EUBC).
Winners Medal Category
Amit Panghal Gold 52 kg, Men’s Category
Manisha Moun Gold 57 Kg, Women’s Category
Simranjit Kaur Gold 60 Kg, Women’s Category
Sakshi Chaudhary Silver 57 Kg, Women’s Category
Satish Kumar Silver #ERROR!
Sonia Lather Bronze 57 Kg Women’s Category
Pooja Rani Bronze 75 Kg Women’s Category
Gaurav Solanki Bronze 57 Kg Men’s Category
Mohamed Hussamudin Bronze 57 Kg Men’s Category

Vijaykumar Yo Mahesh, Former TamilNadu and CSK Bowler Announced Retirement from All
Forms of Cricket
On December 20, 2020 Vijaykumar Yo Mahesh, who played for TamilNadu and Chennai Super
Kings(CSK) announced retirement from all forms of cricket. The right-arm medium-fast
bowler(seamer) has also played for Delhi Daredevils. He took 108 wickets in 50 first-class games and
93 wickets in List A cricket at an average of 24.67.

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OBITUARY

Padma Awardee & Eminent Aerospace Scientist Roddam Narasimha Passed Away at 87
On 14th December 2020, the eminent Aerospace scientist, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan
Awardee, Roddam Narasimha passed away at the age of 87 at a private hospital in Bengaluru,
Karnataka. He was born on 20th July 1933, Bengaluru, Karnataka. He received the Padma Bhushan in
1987 and Padma Vibhushan in 2013 for science and Engineering. He authored the book “Developments
in Fluid Mechanics and Space Technology” along with former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.

Sahitya Akademi Award winning Malayalam Writer UA Khader passes away at 85

On 12th December, 2020 famous Malayalam writer UA Khader, with 5 decades of dedicated
contribution to the Malayalam Literature passed away at the age of 85 due to prolonged respiratory
ailments. Khader received the prestigious Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award in 2009 for his most
acclaimed work 'Thrikkottur Peruma' and Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 1983.He was Born in 1935
at Bilin, Myanmar.

Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini, PM of Eswatini Passed Away at 52

On December 13, 2020 Ambrose Mandvulo(M.) Dlamini, Prime Minister(PM) of Eswatini passed away
at the age of 52 at South African Hospital.He was the 1st World Leader who died of Covid-19 while
serving as Prime Minister.He was the youngest PM in the country’s history. He was born on 5th March
1968 in Mbekelweni, Manzini Region, Eswatini.

Indian Navy’s Senior Most Submariner, Vice Admiral Srikant passed away
On 15th December, 2020 Indian Navy’s Senior Most Submariner and the current director general of
Project Seabird, Vice Admiral Srikant passed away after suffering from COVID-19 infection. Vice
Admiral Srikant is the current Director general of Indian government’s largest infrastructure project
“Project Seabird”.

Father of Fiber Optics Narinder Singh Kapany India born American Physicist Passed Away at 94
On 4th December 2020 Narinder Singh Kapany, known as the “Father of Fiber Optics”, who coined the
term Fiber optics in 1956, passed away at the age of 94 in California, United States. He was an India
born American physicist who was named as one of the seven “Unsung Heroes” in Fortune’s
“Businessmen of the Century” issue of November 1999. He was born in 1927 in Moga, Punjab.

Former Liverpool manager & France Football Coach, Gérard Houllier Passed Away at 73
On December 14, 2020 Gérard Paul Francis Houllier, former Liverpool manager & Football Coach,
Manager of French National Team passed away at the age of 73 after having a heart operation in Paris,
France. He was the head of global football for Red Bull. He was born on 3rd September 1947 in
Thérouanne, France. He also served as the manager of Paris Saint-Germain, Lens and Aston Villa. He
was also the coach of Olympique Lyonnais.

Veteran Congress Leader & Former CM of MP Motilal Vora Passed Away at 93

On 21st December 2020, Motilal Vora, a veteran congress leader who twice served the Chief
Minister(CM) of Madhya Pradesh(MP), passed away at the age of 93 in a private hospital in Delhi. He
died due to post COVID-19 complications. He was born on 20th December 1927 in Nimbi Jodha, near
Jodhpur, Rajasthan.

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BOOKS & AUTHORS

Om Birla Released a book ‘The Shaurya Unbound-Tales of Valour of the Central Reserve Police
Force’
On the occasion of the 19th anniversary of the Parliament attack 2020 ( December 13)Om Birla,
Speaker of the Lok Sabha released a Hindi version of a book, ‘The Shaurya Unbound-Tales of Valour of
the Central Reserve Police Force’ at the parliament house, New Delhi, India.The book is co-authored by
Ms Nitu, Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and M. Dhinakaran, DIG
CRPF along with their team consisting of Mr Amit, Assistant Commandant CRPF and Inspector Deepak
Saxena.

VP Venkaiah Naidu Released “Oh, Mizoram”, Book of English Poems by P S Sreedharan Pillai
Governor of Mizoram
On 18th December 2020, M Venkaiah Naidu, Vice President of India virtually released the book titled
“Oh, Mizoram”, a collection of poems written by P S Sreedharan Pillai, the Governor of Mizoram. The
book is published by Indus Scrolls Press. This is the first poem collection written by P S Sreedharan
Pillai. The book displays his love for nature and the poems portray the magnificence of Mizoram at its
best.

EAM S. Jaishankar launched book titled, “Reporting India: My Seventy 0Year Journey As A
Journalist”
On 18th December, 2020 External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar virtually launched the book
‘Reporting India: My Seventy-Year Journey as a Journalist’ written by Asia News International (ANI)
Chairman Prem Prakash. The book came as an outcome of the author’s experience over the years,
where he has interacted with almost all the Prime Ministers of India.

IMPORTANT DAYS

International Tea Day 2020

International tea day was annually celebrated by the tea growing countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka,
Nepal, Vietnam, Indonesia, Kenya, Malawi, Malaysia, Uganda, India and Tanzania on 15th December
since 2005 to highlight the benefits and importance of tea in everyday life. The first UN’s International
Tea Day was observed on 21st May 2020. United Nations choose the 21st May as International tea day
since its marks the beginning of tea production season in most of the tea producing countries.

49th Vijay Diwas – 16th December 2020

Vijay Diwas is annually celebrated across India on 16th December which marks India’s victory over
Pakistan in 1971 which resulted in the liberation of Bangladesh from Pakistan. The 16th December
2020 marks the 49th Vijay Diwas and also marks the beginning of the celebration of “Swarnim Vijay
Varsh” – 50th anniversary of India’s victory over Pakistan. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled the
logo for “Swarnim Vijay Varsh” on the occasion of the 49th Vijay Diwas.

International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers – 17th December 2020
International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers (IDEVASW) is annually observed across the
globe on 17th December to remember the people who lost their lives due to violence, marginalisation
and stigma faced by the sex workers across the globe. The 17th December 2020 marks the 17th annual
observance of the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers.

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World Arabic Language Day 2020 – 18th December

United Nations (UN)’s World Arabic Language Day is annually celebrated across the world on 18th
December to create and spread awareness about the history, culture and development of Arabic
language. The day provides an opportunity to celebrate the richness and global significance of Arabic
language which is one of the oldest and most widely spoken languages in the world. The theme of the
World Arabic Language Day 2020 is “Arabic Language Academies: Necessity or Luxury?”.

International Migrants Day 2020 – December 18

UN’s International Migrants Day is annually observed across the globe on 18th December with an aim
to ensure effective and full protection of human rights of the migrants and to spread the information on
the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all migrants. The theme of 2020 International Migrants
Day is “Reimagining Human Mobility”, which highlights that migration should be a choice and not a
necessity.

Minorities Rights Day 2020: December 18

Minorities Rights Day is celebrated every year on December 18 across India by the National
Commission for Minorities (NCM). The day aims to educate people about the rights, problems of
minorities and eliminate all forms of discrimination against them as a moral obligation. The day also
aims to safeguard the constitutional guaranteed freedoms of them. The day was first observed on
December 18, 2013.

International Human Solidarity Day 2020 - December 20

United Nations(UN)’s International Human Solidarity Day is annually observed across the globe on 20th
December to celebrate the unity in diversity across the world. The day creates public awareness and
reminds the governments to honour their commitment to international agreements.The International
Human solidarity Day has been observed since 2006.

National Mathematics Day 2020 – December 22

The National Mathematics Day is annually observed across India on 22nd December to mark the birth
anniversary of the renowned mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan. The day aims to create awareness
among people about the importance of mathematics. The 2020 SASTRA Ramanujan Prize (10000 USD)
will be awarded to Shai Evra of Princeton University, United States and Hebrew University of Jerusalem,
Israel for her research which concerns locally symmetric spaces of arithmetic groups and their
combinatorial, geometric and topological structure.

STATE NEWS

IBM Collaborates with TASK to offer online Skill Development Programs in Telangana
On 14th December, 2020 Technology giant International Business Machines (IBM) announced
collaboration with Telangana Academy for Skill and Knowledge (TASK) to offer free degree and
polytechnic courses on emerging technologies to empower 30,000 students yearly through IBM’s free
digital education platform “Open P-TECH” for a period of one year.

Andhra CM Jaganmohan Reddy launches ‘YSR Free Crop Insurance Scheme’ for Farmers
On 15th December, 2020, Andhra Pradesh (AP) Chief Minister (CM) Jaganmohan Reddy launched ‘YSR
Free Crop Insurance Scheme’ for farmers who have lost their crops during Kharif 2019. An amount of
INR 1, 252 Crores was directly credited into the bank account of around 9.48 Lakh farmers. The AP
government has paid the entire premium on behalf of the famers, it has paid around INR 971 crore as
premium for the period 2019-20.

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Uttar Pradesh CM Named Jewar Airport as ‘Noida International Greenfield Airport’

On December 18, 2020 Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, approved the name, design
and logo of the international airport to be constructed in Jewar, Noida, Uttar Pradesh.Name– Noida
International Greenfield Airport.Logo– Image of ‘sarus’ (stork), the state bird.

Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik launches PAReSHRAM portal with 22 online services of Different
Labour Laws
On December 17, 2020 Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister of Odisha virtually launched PAReSHRAM portal
with 22 online services of different labour laws and Employees State Insurance (E.S.I) Department
under the 5T initiative of the state govt.5T– Technology, Transparency, Teamwork and Time Leading to
Transformation. The portal will provide 52 types of services shortly.

Justice S Muralidhar was Elevated as CJ of Orissa High Court

Justice S Muralidhar, Judge of Punjab & Haryana High Court has been elevated as the Chief Justice(CJ) of
Orissa High Court(HC). Prior to his transfer to Punjab & Haryana HC he served as the judge in his parent
high court in Delhi. The elevation was recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium chaired by Chief
Justice of India (CJI) SA Bobde Mohammad Rafiq, the current CJ of Orissa has been transferred to
Madhya Pradesh HC.

SIDBI Signs MoU with Assam Govt to Develop MSME Ecosystem in the State
On December 19, 2020 The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI)signed MoU with the
Government of Assam to develop the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) ecosystem in the
State. As per the MoU, a Project Management Unit (PMU) will be set up by SIDBI in Assam. SIDBI’s
partnership with Assam is part of SIDBI’s initiative to set-up PMU to strengthen the MSME ecosystem in
11 states namely Gujarat, Odisha, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, New Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar
Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka .

UP CM launches 1st of its kind Campaign, ‘Varasat’& will Launch Kisan Kalyan Mission
On December 15, 2020 Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh launched a first of its kind 2-
month campaign, ‘Varasat’(natural succession) drive to end property and related disputes in rural areas
of the state. UP govt to double the farmers’ income will launch ‘Kisan Kalyan Mission’.Aim of the
campaign is to eliminate the exploitation of the villagers in the name of ‘Varasat’ of land and property.

UN Women Signs MoU with Kerala Govt’s Gender Park for India’s first Gender Data Hub
On December 21, 2020 UN Women signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kerala Govt’s
Gender Park to establish India’s first Gender Data Hub at the Gender Park at 24-acre Kozhikode campus,
where International Institute for Gender and Development is also present.Gender Park will function as
the South Asian hub for gender equality that aims to share knowledge and experiences from the region.

DITECH, Haryana & India Accelerator sign MoU to improve startup ecosystem in Haryana
Startup Haryana setup by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics, and Communication
(DITECH), Government of Haryana has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India
Accelerator (IA) to build a strong startup ecosystem in Haryana. The MoU will help in bridging the gap
between Industry & startups.

Gujarat, Cerestra Ventures sign MoU to set up Gujarat-Special Education Region at Dholera
On December 21, 2020, Government of Gujarat & Cerestra Ventures entered into a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of Gujarat-Special Education Region (G-SER) at the Dholera

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Special Investment Region (SIR). The establishment of G-SER will help in overall development of the
region, and in the establishment of Gujarat as a knowledge-driven economy.

GA Questions Asked in Exams

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