NATIONAL NEWS
PM Modi Addresses World’s Largest Financial Technology Festival Fintech In Singapore
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that financial inclusion has become a reality for 1.3 billion Indians as he pitched India as a favourite destination for investment at the Fintech Festival in Singapore.
- Modi became the first world leader to address the festival which was launched in 2016 and is in its third edition. The Singapore Fintech Festival (SFF) is already the world's largest event on financial technology or fintech.
- The SFF involves a three-day conference, and exhibition of FinTech firms and capabilities, a global competition of FinTech solutions and a platform for matching entrepreneurs and investment capital.
UP cabinet approves renaming of Faizabad as Ayodhya, Allahabad as Prayagraj
The state Cabinet cleared the proposal to rename Faizabad and Allahabad divisions as Ayodhya and Prayagraj respectively. The decision was taken on the basis of a proposal submitted by the Faizabad district magistrate on November 10.
- Ayodhya was the capital of the ‘Ikshvaku dynasty’, to which the Hindu god Ram belonged, and that it is popular known as his birthplace.
- The Cabinet also approved a proposal to purchase 269 houses and buildings to widen the road from the Ganga to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi. The estimated cost of this would be about Rs 413 crore.
ISRO launches GSAT-29 communication satellite
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched GSLV-MK-III D2 carrying GSAT-29 satellite from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
- The satellite launch is the second test flight for the GSLV Mark III rocket, which is also ISRO's heaviest rocket. The rocket is capable of introducing four-tonne class satellites into a geostationary transfer orbit.
Cyclonic storm ‘GAJA’ over West central and adjoining East central & South Bay of Bengal
The Cyclonic storm ‘GAJA’ over Westcentral and adjoining Eastcentral & South Bay of Bengal moved west-northwestwards with a speed of 12 kmph. It is likely to move west-southwestwards and intensify further into a Severe Cyclonic Storm.
- While moving west-southwestwards further, it is likely to weaken gradually and cross Tamil Nadu coast between Pamban and Cuddalore as a Cyclonic Storm.
Iceland is the safest country to visit, while India is the fourth dangerous: Report
Iceland topped the charts with the lowest risk of a natural disaster as well as crime rates, while India ranked as the fourth most dangerous country to visit. The data was extracted from reports in the World Economic Fund on crime rates, the World Risk Report on natural disasters, the NHS Fit For Travel website on health and the Foreign Office’s assessments of the risks of terrorism.
- Despite the risk of terrorist attack marked as being “likely”, UAE which is home to one of the most popular holiday destinations, Dubai, was ranked second. Singapore which stood in third place was also ranked highly across all categories.
- On the other hand, South Africa came last owing to a high risk of crime, health and terrorism.
2-day annual meeting of WEF Global Future Councils begins in Dubai
In the UAE, the two day annual meeting of World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Future Councils began in Dubai. Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum attended the opening session.
- The objective of the Annual Meeting of the Global Future Councils is to convene the world’s best network of experts to identify new ideas and models that can be applied to critical global challenges.
Shri Ramayana Express flagged off from Safdarjung station
The Shri Ramayana Express, a special tourist train to run on the Ramayana circuit to cover major spots related to the Hindu epic was flagged off from Safdarjung Railway Station in New Delhi.
- The train will complete its journey till Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, in 16 days covering all important destinations associated with the life of Lord Shri Ram.
- The train will then cover the important destinations of Ramayana circuit such as Nandigram, Sitamarhi, Janakpur, Varanasi, Prayag, Shringverpur, Chitrakoot, Nasik, Hampi and Rameshwaram.
- Named as Shri Ramayana Yatra-Sri Lanka, the pilgrimage circuit will have two travel components one each in India and Sri Lanka.
Andhra launches AWS Cloud-based initiative to skill 60,000 students
The Andhra government launched a Cloud-based skill initiative with Amazon Web Services (AWS), Amazon's Cloud arm, where it will skill 60,000 students across the state's over 300 engineering and non-engineering colleges by 2020.
- An MoU to build skills and literacy under the mission titled "Cloud For All-Knowledge and Skills Mission," was exchanged between Sambasiva Rao, CEO, Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC) and Sunil PP, India Education Lead, Public Sector, Amazon Internet Services Private Limited in Vijayawada.
Kochi signs MoU with Vilnius
As part of the European Union (EU) project 'International Urban Cooperation', Kochi Corporation and Vilnius, the capital city of Lithuania, have signed a memorandum of understanding. The primary focus of the cooperation would be urban planning, corporate planning, transport, solid water management and water management.
- The MoU was signed during the visit of Kochi Corporation delegation which included deputy mayor T.J. Vinod, standing committee chairmen P.M. Haris, K.V.P Krishna Kumar and opposition leader K.J. Antony to Vilnius.
- Extra info.:
Lithuania Currencies: Euro, Lithuanian litas
Odisha inks pacts with FICCI, firms to promote training ecosystem
The Odisha government signed several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with industry lobby group FICCI as well as with companies to promote a robust ecosystem of training and recruitment in the state.
- During the 'Make in Odisha' Conclave in Bhubaneswar , the Odisha Skill Development Authority (OSDA) signed an MoU with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
- FICCI will facilitate and develop a framework for creating awareness about apprenticeship training, especially National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS).
Delhi Police Commissioner launches e-learning portal 'NIPUN'
In consonance with the spirit of digital India, the Delhi Police launched an e-learning portal 'NIPUN' to impart in-service training to its personnel.
- Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik lauded the efforts of the Training Division in using the technology to reach out to a large number of police personnel to keep them updated about any changes in the law. The e-learning portal aims at imparting online training and information through specialized courses designed by experts.
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
RBI to pump liquidity worth Rs 12,000 cr
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) would inject Rs 12,000 crore into the market by purchasing government securities. The decision comes amid concerns of a liquidity crisis in the economy after the financial services company Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS) reported defaults in September.
- The Reserve Bank has decided to conduct purchase of government securities under Open Market Operations for an aggregate amount of Rs 120 billion through multi-security auction using the multiple price method.
- Extra info.:
IL&FS Headquarters: Mumbai
IT spending in India to touch $90 bn in 2019: Gartner
Driven by digital business transformation initiatives from both private and public enterprises, India's IT spending is poised to hit $89.2 billion in 2019, an increase of 6.7 per cent from the estimated spending of $83.6 billion in 2018, Gartner said.
- This has led to the rising Average Selling Price (ASP) of mobile phones in India, positioning it as having the third-fastest device market growth.
- Spending on IT services is projected to experience the highest growth in 2019 with a 13.5 per cent increase (YoY).
- Extra info.:
Gartner Headquarters: Stamford, Connecticut, US
SPORTS
Czech Republic beat US to clinch sixth Fed Cup in eight years
The Czech Republic won their sixth Fed Cup title in eight years as world doubles number one Katerina Siniakova outlasted American Sofia Kenin in a marathon match in front of a boisterous.
- Siniakova held off the 19-year-old Fed Cup debutante to give the Czechs a win in the best-of-five final before being embraced by team mates in front of the fans at the O2 Arena, London.
Odisha to host national football team camps
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Odisha government under which Odisha will host the national team camps as well as act as the home of the Indian Arrows.
- The MoU was signed in the presence of state Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at a packed Kalinga Stadium complex in Bhubaneswar.
- Extra info.:
AIFF Headquarters: Dwarka, Delhi
APPOINTMENTS
Government Appoints Sanjay Mishra As New Enforcement Directorate Chief
Indian Revenue Service officer Sanjay Mishra was appointed as the new Enforcement Directorate Director (ED) in an additional capacity for three months. He has also been appointed as the Principal Special Director in the same agency.
- Karnal Singh, the present ED chief, is set to retire after heading the agency for more than two-and-half years.
Sadananda Gowda, Narendra Singh Tomar given charge of Ananth Kumar's portfolios
Following the demise of Union Minister and Karnataka BJP leader Ananth Kumar, Union Ministers DV Sadananda Gowda and Narendra Singh Tomar were assigned additional portfolios of the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers and the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, respectively.
- While Gowda is in charge of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Tomar holds the portfolio of the Ministry of Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Mines. The two ministers were assigned the additional portfolios which were earlier held by Ananth Kumar.
Hima Das appointed UNICEF India's youth ambassador
Asian Games gold-medallist sprinter Hima Das has been appointed as the first ever youth ambassador of United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) India.
UNICEF India works with central government to ensure that each child born in this country gets the best start in life, thrives and develops to his or her full potential.
AWARDS/ RECOGNITION
Dr Martha Farrell receives Lifetime Achievement Award
Late Dr. Martha Farrell has been honoured with the "Lifetime Achievement Award" at the 6th Indian Social Work Congress in New Delhi. Dr. Farrell is being recognized for her lifelong work towards gender equality, women's empowerment and prevention of sexual harassment at workplace.
Mumbai girl wins 'Doodle for Google 2018' contest
Google declared 13-year-old Pingla Rahul More from Mumbai the national winner of its "Doodle for Google" competition where art-loving students brought their imaginations to life for the search engine giant's logo.
- Over 75,000 contestants participated in the contest from around the country and displayed doodles in response to this year's theme of "What inspires me".
- The winning Doodle was featured on the search engine giant's homepage on November 14 to celebrate Children's Day and reflects the artistic merit, creativity and expression of the theme.
OBITUARIES
Comic Legend Stan Lee passes away
Stan Lee, the creative dynamo who revolutionized the comic book and helped make billions for Hollywood by introducing human frailties in superheroes such as Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four and the Incredible Hulk, passed away. He was 95.
- As the top writer at Marvel Comics and later as its publisher, Lee was widely considered the architect of the contemporary comic book.
Veteran sports journalist Roshan Lal Sethi passes away
Veteran sports journalist Roshan Lal Sethi has passed away after a prolonged illness. Sethi started his sports journalism career in 1964 with 'Motherland' newspaper and remained associated with it till 1975 as sports editor.
- He also worked with the Indian Express, Hindustan Times, National Herald and Navbharat Times.
IMPORTANT DAYS
World Diabetes Day
World Diabetes Day 2018 is observed on November 14. This day is undoubtedly one of the biggest health events of the year, with the condition being very common in India. According to the World Diabetes Federation, over 425 million people are currently living with diabetes.
- This year, the theme of World Diabetes Day is "The Family and Diabetes". The aim of World Diabetes Day theme is to raise awareness about the impact of diabetes on the family and how to provide a support network to those who are affected by diabetes.
World Antibiotic Awareness Week
Every year, a week in November is dedicated towards spreading awareness about antibiotics, the consumption of which widespread across the world. Known as the World Antibiotic Awareness Week, this event is aimed at spreading awareness about the importance of antibiotic resistance.
- World Antibiotic Awareness Week 2018 is observed from November 13 to November 19. With the overall theme of “Antibiotics: handle with care”, the campaign aims to raise awareness of antibiotic resistance and how changing our behaviour can make a difference.
World Kindness Day
World Kindness Day is celebrated annually on 13th November. On this day, participants attempt to make the world a better place by celebrating and promoting good deeds and pledging acts of kindness, either as individuals or as organisations.
- It was introduced in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement, a coalition of nations' kindness NGOs. World Kindness Day is to highlight good deeds in the community focusing on the positive power and the common thread of kindness which binds us.
World Pneumonia Day
World Pneumonia Day is observed every year on the November 12th to raise awareness about pneumonia. Word Pneumonia Day was established in 2009 and seeks to spread awareness of the diseases as a public health issue. Pneumonia is the world's leading infectious killer of children under the age of 5.
- Every year World Pneumonia Day has its own theme. This year, the theme of World Pneumonia Day is to “Stop Pneumonia: Invest in Child Health”.
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