Current Affairs December 07th 2021| Current Affairs News

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CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

International Day of Banks: 04 December

• The United Nations General Assembly decided to keep December 4 as International Day of Banks and it was celebrated for the first time in 2020.
• It was celebrated to recognise the importance of multilateral and international development banks in financing sustainable developments.
• It is also observed in recognition of the vital role of banking systems in Member State in contributing to the improvement of the standard of living.
• The day is celebrated to the recognition of the significant potential of multilateral development banks and other international development banks in financing sustainable development and providing know-how, and also in recognition of the vital role of the banking systems in the Member States in contributing to the improvement of the standard of living.

World Soil Day- 5 December:

• World Soil Day (WSD) is held annually on 5 December as a means to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil and to advocate for the sustainable management of soil resources.
• An international day to celebrate soil was recommended by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) in 2002.
• “Halt soil salinization, enhance soil production” is the theme for World Soil Day 2021.
• The day aims to raise awareness about soil degradation. Industrialisation or poor management of agricultural land worsens the condition of the soil.
• In 2002, the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) recommended an international day to celebrate soil. Under the leadership of the Kingdom of Thailand, the FAO supported the establishment of WSD.
• In December 2013, the UN General Assembly officially designated December 5th as World Soil Day, commemorating the birthday of the late H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej. He was the King of Thailand and one of the leading proponents of this initiative.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL NEWS

Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Amendment) Bill, 2021 introduced in Lok Sabha:

• The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Amendment) Bill, 2021 was introduced in the Lok Sabha.
• N.K. Premachandran of RSP opposed the introduction of the Bill.
• The legislation is in violation of Article 21.
• The government is giving retrospective effect to a criminal penal offence.
• BJD leader Bhartruhari Mahtab also asked government to redraft the legislation.

1st ever India – Russia 22 Ministerial Dialogue underway in New Delhi:

• The first-ever India Russia 22 Ministerial Dialogue is underway in New Delhi.
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar are representing the Indian side in the 22 Dialogue and the Russian side is being represented by their Foreign Affairs Minister and Defence Minister.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin will arrive in New Delhi on an official visit to India for the 21st India-Russia Annual Summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• The leaders will review the state and prospects of bilateral relations and discuss ways to further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries.
• The Summit will be an opportunity to exchange views on regional, multilateral and international issues of mutual interest. Both leaders will also hold one-on-one talks.
• The Annual Summit meeting between India and Russia is the highest institutionalized dialogue mechanism in the strategic partnership between India and Russia.
• So far, 20 Annual Summit meetings have taken place alternately in India and Russia.

About Russia:

• President: Vladimir Putin Trending
• Capital: Moscow
• Currency: Russian ruble

EAM S Jaishankar has addressed 5th Indian Ocean Conference in Abu Dhabi:

• External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has stressed on the importance of respecting and facilitating freedom of navigation and overflight and unimpeded commerce in a globalised world, while addressing the fifth Indian Ocean Conference in Abu Dhabi.
• As a result of this, there is now an ongoing debate on the changed nature of power and influence whether it is connectivity, technology or trade.
• The Minister pointed out that two developments have significantly heightened uncertainties that the Indian Ocean countries contemplate.
• One is the American withdrawal from Afghanistan and the second is the impact of Covid on a region that is particularly vulnerable to health and economic stresses.
• Quad has developed a robust agenda covering many areas including maritime security, cyber security, climate action, vaccine collaboration, critical and emerging technologies, higher education, and resilient supply chains.
•  The Minister held a meeting with his UAE counterpart Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the sidelines of the conference in Abu Dhabi.

About UAE:

• Capital: Abu Dhabi
• Currency: dirham
• President: Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh attends MSME Conclave organised by Ministry of Defence & SIDM:

• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has called upon Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to invest more in research & development and manufacture new products & technologies and thereby contribute to the security and progress of the country.
• In the inaugural address at the MSME Conclave, organised by Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence in partnership with Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) in hybrid mode, in New Delhi.
• Rajnath Singh urged MSMEs and SIDM to create an industrial base in India, on the lines of ‘Mittelstand’ (Mittel-Stunt) of Germany, which has been recognised by the whole world for manufacturing metal equipment.
• These schemes extend financial assistance for development of defence technology and hand-holding by user services, thus providing necessary impetus to MSMEs, startups and individual innovators.
• They are being funded with financial grants to provide innovative solutions to the problem statements prepared by the Services and new technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics and Robotics can be used.
• Ministry of Defence’s approval of a central sector scheme for iDEX with a budgetary support of about Rs 500 crore for the next five years from 2021-22 to 2025-26.
• The scheme will provide financial assistance to around 300 start-ups/MSMEs/individual innovators and about 20 partner incubators through Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO).

NCC launches ‘Azadi ki Vijay Shrankhla’ and ‘Sanskritiyon ka Maha Sangam’ to honour bravehearts of 1971 War:

• National Cadet Corps (NCC) is conducting ‘Azadi ki Vijay Shrankhla aur Sanskritiyon ka Mahasangam’ event as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.
• ‘Azadi ki Vijay Shrankhla’ is being conducted from November 28 to December 10, 2021 wherein bravehearts of 1971 War are being honoured at 75 locations throughout the country.
•  Out of these 75 locations, five have been earmarked for live webcast on Gallantry Awards portal (https://www.gallantryawards.gov.in/).
• ‘Sanskritiyon ka Maha Sangam’, a special national integration camp will be conducted in Delhi wherein candidates from all over the country will participate in cultural exchange.
• The finale of the event will be conducted at the NCC Camp Auditorium in the national capital where the cadets of border and coastal areas will showcase the beautiful local dances of their respective states and integration song which will be sung in 22 languages.
• The objectives of this mega event are to felicitate the family members of the bravehearts of 1971 War at 75 locations and showcase the same to entire Nation.
• The event will also showcase cultural diversity of India, especially from border and coastal areas where NCC has been introduced recently to strengthening ‘Unity in Diversity’.

AZADI KA DIGITAL MAHOTSAV:

• As the nation celebrates 75 years of independence with Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, MyGov has lauded the citizens who actively participated in the MyGov challenges, shared their logo ideas, and helped the government in formulation of policies and programmes.
• MyGov was launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ,just two months after he assumed office, as Government of India’s principal online citizen engagement platform which collaborates with multiple Government bodies/ Ministries to engage with citizens for policy formulation and seeks the opinion of people on issues/ topics of public interest and welfare.
• As enunciated by the Prime Minister in many speeches, including in his speech from the Red Fort, MyGov aims to promote ‘Jan Bhagidari’ or participative governance.
• Logos and slogans for prominent national programs such as Swachh Bharat, 100 crore vaccination, Digital India campaign, and National Education Policy were also crowdsourced from the MyGov platform.
• Yaseen Haroon Sudesara for the ‘100 cr Vaccination Logo’, Prashant Mishra for ‘Lokpal’, Sai Ram Goud Ediji for the ‘Bamboo Mission Logo’, and Rana Bhaumik for the ‘Digital India’ logo.
• MyGov ‘Saathi’ (companions) who actively contributed to MyGov even during the COVID-19 pandemic were also felicitated by Hon’ble Minister of State, Culture, Ms. Meenakshi Lekhi.
• The winners include: Nagara Ju from Jagital, Telangana, Anoop Mishra from Indore, Rushikesh Rajendra Ugale from Nassik, Sanjay Sarkar from Raiganj, and Suthahar P from Chennai.
• Innovation Challenge on e-waste Management was won by Amit Sharma, and Aruna Kumari; Drug Discovery Hackathon was won by Dr KaliRajan Rajagopal

Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurates DRI’s 64th Foundation Day Celebrations:

• The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), the apex anti-smuggling intelligence and investigation agency functioning under the aegis of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), celebrated its 64th Founding Day
• The celebration commenced with Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurating a function at the Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi.
• The finance minister has lauded DRI’s compact strength of about 800 officers for their relentless efforts despite the imminent risks and expressed her respect and condolences to the brave hearts of DRI who lost their lives during the pandemic.
• The Union Finance Minister unveiled the “Smuggling in India Report 2020-21” which analyses organised trends on topics such as smuggling of gold, narcotics drugs and psychotropic substances, wildlife etc., commercial frauds and international enforcement operations & cooperation
• The Founding Day celebrations were also followed by 7th Regional Customs Enforcement Meeting (RCEM) for effectively engaging with partner Customs organisations and International agencies like World Customs Organisation, Interpol, UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Regional Intelligence Liaison Office – Asia Pacific (RILO AP).
• The RCEM was attended by representatives of six countries physically and more than 10 Countries virtually.

Union Minister for Tourism Shri Kishan Reddy inaugurates Tourist Facilitation Center and Public Utilities on Colva Beach:

• Union Minister for Tourism Shri G Kishan Reddy inaugurated tourist facilitation center and public utilities and changing room on Colva Beach in South Goa.
• It was constructed as part of Development of Coastal Circuit II projects under the Swadesh Darshan scheme by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
• The Minister also unveiled foundation stone plaques for tourism infrastructure development works, parking and illumination at Colva and Benaulim beaches, and construction of public amenities at beaches in South Goa at a function held at Colva Residency, Colva Beach.
• The beaches of Colva and Benaulim are among the world’s famous beaches.
• Located along the coastal belt of Goa, these beaches are visited both by the domestic and international tourists throughout the year.
• Ministry of Tourism under Government of India has sanctioned funds under Swadesh Darshan Scheme – II since the areas demand proper development, upgradation plan, facelift which can accommodate all touristic facilities for boosting the tourism industry in Goa.
• Swadesh Darshan Scheme: is a Central sector scheme launched by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, for the integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits.
• The scheme aims for integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits in the country. The scheme is envisioned to synergize with other Government of India schemes like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Skill India, Make in India etc.
• with the idea of positioning the tourism sector as a major engine for job creation, driving force for economic growth, and building synergy with various sectors to enable tourism to realise its potential.

MeitY Startup Hub celebrates the Iconic week of “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” with its Tech-Startup Summit:

• As part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” celebrations, MeitY Startup Hub held its Tech-Startup Summit earlier this week.
• MeitY Startup Hub (MSH), an initiative of the Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY), focussed on promoting technology innovation, start-ups, and creation of intellectual properties.
•  It ensures synergies among all the incubation centres, Centres of Excellence on Emerging Technologies for facilitating crisscrossing of technology resources, sharing best practices and ideas to foster creativity as well as research skills combined with entrepreneurship, thus striving for “Atmanirbharat” or “Self-sufficiency” propagated by the Government of India through its initiative – Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM).
• The Tech- Summit was held with 2 Plenary Panel discussions, a Startup Expo and BSF-Bhumi Challenge Award Ceremony

President’s standard to be awarded to 22 killer squadron:

• Shri Ram Nath Kovind, the Honourable President of India, will award the President’s Standard to the 22nd Missile Vessel Squadron, also known as the Killer Squadron at a ceremonial parade to be held at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai on 08 Dec 21.
• To mark the occasion, a Special Day Cover along with a commemorative stamp will also be released by the Postal Department.
• The ceremony is expected to be attended by the Governor, Chief Minister of Maharashtra and Chief of the Naval Staff as well as several other civil and military dignitaries.
•  The President’s Standard is the highest honour bestowed by the Supreme Commander to a military unit in recognition of the service rendered to the nation.
•  The Indian Navy was awarded the President’s Colours on 27 May 1951 by the then President of India, Dr Rajendra Prasad.
• The President’s Standard is the same honour as the President’s Colours, awarded to a relatively smaller military formation or unit.
• The 22nd Missile Vessel Squadron was formally established at Mumbai in Oct 1991 with ten Veer Class and three Prabal Class missile boats.
• The President’s Standard being awarded to this fearless formation is a well-deserved tribute to the men who, over the years have rendered invaluable service to the nation as a part of the ‘Killer Squadron’.

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CURRENT AFFAIRS: INTERNATIONAL NEWS

11th edition of Exercise EKUVERIN between India and Maldives to be conducted at Kadhdhoo Island:

• The 11th edition of Exercise EKUVERIN between India and Maldives will be conducted at Kadhdhoo Island, Maldives.
• The exercise will enhance synergy and inter-operability between the Armed Forces of both nations in terms of understanding transnational terrorism both on land and at sea, conducting Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Insurgency Operations and sharing best military practices and experiences.
• Besides rigorous training, the joint military exercise will also include cultural and sports activities to enhance defence cooperation and bilateral relations.
• the exercise will go a long way in strengthening India’s relations with the Maldives amidst emerging security dynamics in the Indian Ocean Region.

About Maldives:

• Capital: Malé
• President: Ibrahim Mohamed Solih
• Currencies: United States Dollar, Maldivian rufiyaa

World Cooperative Monitor report 2021- IFFCO Topped:

• The Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) has been ranked ‘number one Cooperative’ among the top 300 cooperatives in the globe.
• The ranking is based on the ratio of turnover over the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita.
• It signifies that IFFCO is contributing significantly to the GDP and economic growth of the nation.
• The 2021 edition of the 10th Annual World Cooperative Monitor (WCM) report, withholding its position from the 2020 edition.
• The 2021 WCM report is published by the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) and European Research Institute on Cooperative and Social Enterprises.

About IFFCO:

•  Founded: 1967.
• Headquarters: New Delhi.
• MD & CEO: DR. U. S. Awasthi.

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CURRENT AFFAIRS: STATE NEWS

Sarbananda Sonowal has announced AYUSH Development packages for Manipur:

• Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and AYUSH Sarbananda Sonowal has announced AYUSH Development packages for Manipur.
• The Ministry of AYUSH has decided to construct fifteen AYUSH Dispensaries, seven 10 bedded hospitals and fifty Health and Wellness Centres in Manipur.
• Manipur is resourceful in medicinal plants and the AYUSH ministry has decided to develop sixteen nurseries in every district of the State and another hundred schools of herbal gardens.
• Sonowal appealed to Chief Minister of Manipur N. Biren Singh and his cabinet colleagues to implement these AYUSH Schemes in a specific time frame and assured that his Ministry is ready to extend all possible support to the Manipur Government in the future.
• Mr Sonowal also inaugurated a fifty-bed Integrated AYUSH Hospital constructed at Moreh, the border town of Manipur through video conferencing.
• Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, Union Minister of State for Education and External Affairs Dr. R K Ranjan and others attended the inaugural program. Mr Sonowal reached Imphal yesterday on a two-day visit to Manipur.

About Manipur:

• Capital: Imphal
• Chief minister: N. Biren Singh
• NP: Keibul-Lamjao (Loktak Lake) National Park, Yangoupokpi-Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary, Bunning Wildlife Sanctuary, Dzuko Valley, Jiri-Makru Wildlife Sanctuary, Kailam Wildlife Sanctuary, Zeilad Lake Sanctuary.

Himachal Pradesh becomes first state in country to vaccinate its entire eligible population:

• Himachal Pradesh government will organize a mega event at AIIMS Bilaspur to mark the achievement of hundred percent COVID vaccination of second dose for its eligible population.
• On this occasion, the Union Health Minister will felicitate the health workers of the state who have played significant role in completing the entire vaccination campaign in the state.
• BJP National President Jagat Prakash Nadda will also inaugurate OPD at AIIMS Bilaspur.
• LED screens have been installed at prominent places across the state to watch the live telecast of the function.
• Union Health minister will also review the progress of AIIMS Bilaspur.
• It may be recalled that the state had become a champion in meeting the 100 percent target of the first dose across the country and now is has achieved the 100 percent target of the second dose of covid vaccination and became the first state which fully vaccinated against covid 19.

Central grant of Rs. 1,667 Crore released to Maharashtra under Jal Jeevan Mission:

• Union Government led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi accords top priority to make provision of tap water connection in every rural household across the country.
• With a focus to expedite the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission in Maharashtra, the Government of India released 1,666.64 Crore to the State.
• Central fund of ₹7,064.41 Crore has been allocated to the State for 2021-22 for the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission, which is nearly four times the allocation for 2020-21.
• There are 142.36 lakh rural households in the State, out of which 96.46 lakh households (67.76%) have tap water connection. In 2021-22, the State plans to provide tap water connections to 27.45 lakh households.
• Top priority is accorded by the Union Government to Jal Jeevan Mission as evidenced by the massive increase in budgetary allocation to Rs. 92,309 Crore in 2021-22, from Rs. 23,022 Crore in the preceding year.
• Further in 2021-22, Rs 2,584 Crore is allocated to Maharashtra as 15th Finance Commission grant for water & sanitation to Rural Local Bodies/ PRIs and there is an assured funding of Rs 13,628 Crore for the next five years i.e. up to 2025-26 to the rural local bodies.

About Maharashtra:

• Governor: Bhagat Singh Koshyari
• Capital: Mumbai
• Chief minister: Uddhav Thackeray

KVIC Rolls Out Project RE-HAB in Assam to Prevent Elephant – Human Conflicts Using Tiny Bees:

• Buoyed by the success of its innovative Project RE-HAB (Reducing Elephant-Human Attacks using Bees) in Karnataka, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has now replicated the project in Assam.
• Chairman KVIC, Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena launched Project RE-HAB at Village Mornoi in Goalpara district of Assam which severely grapples with elephant-human conflicts.
• The project has been implemented in Assam with the support of the local forest department. Surrounded by dense forests, a large part of Assam is infested by elephants with 332 human deaths reported between 2014 and 2019 due to elephant attacks.
• Under Project RE-HAB, “Bee-fences” are created by setting up bee boxes in the passage ways of elephants to block their entrance to human territories.
• The boxes are connected with a string so that when elephants attempt to pass through, a tug or pull causes the bees to swarm the elephant herds and dissuade them from progressing further.
• It is a cost-effective way of reducing human-wild conflicts without causing any harm to the animals. It is scientifically recorded that elephants are annoyed by the honey bees.
• Elephants also fear that the bee swarms can bite their sensitive inner side of the trunk and eyes. The collective buzz of the bees is annoying to elephants that force them to return.

About Assam:

• Capital: Dispur
• Chief minister: Himanta Biswa Sarma
• Governor: Jagadish Mukhi
• WLS: Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary, Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary, Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary, Nambor-Doigrung Wildlife Sanctuary

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Drinking water supply schemes of Rs. 267.66 Crore approved under Jal Jeevan Mission in Uttarakhand:

• Drinking water supply schemes of Rs 267.66 Crore were approved under Jal Jeevan Mission in Uttarakhand in the State-level scheme sanctioning committee (SLSSC) meeting held on 2nd December, 2021.
•  All 13 water supply schemes sanctioned are multi-village schemes. It will provide tap water connection to more than 23,000 rural households.
• Thus, in the past one week drinking water supply scheme worth Rs 492.90 Crore for 681 villages spread across 9 districts benefitting 42,000 households have been approved for Uttarakhand.
• As on date, out of 15.18 lakh rural household in the State, 7.43 lakh (49%) are getting tap water supply in their homes.  In 2021-22, the State plans to provide tap water connections to 2.64 lakh household.
• Uttarakhand plans to provide tap water connections to 15.18 lakh rural households by 2022. Rs. 1,443.80 Crore central allocation to Uttarakhand under Jal Jeevan Mission for 2020-21.
• Rs. 256 Crore have been allocated to Uttarakhand as 15th Finance Commission tied grant for water & sanitation to Rural Local Bodies/ PRIs in 2021-22. There is assured funding of Rs. 1,344 Crore tied grant for the next five years i.e. up to 2025-26.

About Uttarkhand:

• Governor: Gurmit Singh
• Chief minister: Pushkar Singh Dhami
• Capitals: Dehradun
• NP & WLS: Jim Corbett National Park & Tiger Reserve, Gangotri National Park, Govind National Park, Nanda Devi National Park, Rajaji National Park, Valley of Flowers National Park, Askot Musk Deer Wildlife Sanctuary, Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

Oppo, IIT-Delhi sign MoU for scholarship programme:

• Aimed at strengthening its commitment towards empowering young minds of the country, Oppo India on Monday introduced the Genius+ programme to provide scholarships to outstanding students pursuing engineering courses at premium institutes.
• To start with the programme, the smartphone maker has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with IIT Delhi to offer scholarships covering academics expenses for the shortlisted students.
• Oppo will also be extending the programme for Masters and PhD students to invest in the future of technological leaders in the industry
• The selection of first-year applicants for the Genius+ scholarship programme is based on the JEE rank of the students, and this will be further renewed for the second to fourth year if the selected students have a minimum CPI (CGPA) of 8.0 or above.

ONGC inks MoU with SECI to develop renewable, ESG projects:

• To realize its green energy objectives, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd (ONGC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI).
• The MoU was signed by ONGC CMD Subhash Kumar and SECI MD Suman Sharma on behalf of the two national energy companies, 2 December 2021, in New Delhi.
• The MoU provides a broad, overarching framework for ONGC and SECI to collaborate and cooperate for undertaking renewable energy projects including solar, wind, solar parks, EV value chain, green hydrogen, storage, etc.
• ONGC, India’s leading oil & gas company, has been pursuing green energy agenda through various alternatives and renewable sources of energy.
• It has set a target of producing a minimum of 10 GW of renewable power by 2040 while continuing its focus on the core E&P business.
• ONGC is first non-American company to be a part of Global Methane Initiative (GMI). Considering the strategic significance of CCUS technology towards transition to Net-Zero Emissions.
• The project will utilize CO2 captured from IOC’s Koyali refinery for injecting in to the depleted reservoirs of Gandhar oil field in Gujarat.
•  ONGC is also considering India’s first 200-300 MW demonstration Wind offshore power project for which feasibility study is carried out jointly with NTPC ltd.

About ONGC:

• Headquarters: New Delhi
• CEO: Subhash Kumar
• Founded: 14 August 1956

IREDA and THDCIL sign MoU for Green Energy collaborations:

• To provide its techno-financial expertise in developing Renewable Energy projects, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with THDC India Ltd (THDCIL).
• The MoU was signed by Shri Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman & Managing Director (CMD), IREDA and Shri Rajeev Kumar Vishnoi, CMD, THDCIL
• Under the MoU, IREDA will undertake Techno-Financial due diligence of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency &Conservation projects for THDCIL.
• IREDA will assist THDCIL in developing an action plan to create and acquire Renewable Energy projects for the next 5 years.
• IREDA will also extend its techno-commercial expertise to THDCIL for Environmental & Social (E&S) due diligence of RE projects as per the internationally accepted E&S standards.

NMPB and CSIR-CIMAP Lucknow Signed MoU to promote the production of Medicinal Plants:

• The National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, (CSIR-CIMAP), Lucknow signed an MoU for extending joint collaborative efforts to promote the production of quality planting material (QPM) of medicinal plants.
• The MoU will facilitate development of QPM of medicinal plants and herbs identified by NMPB and help in establishment of their nurseries for QPM development, promotion, conservation and cultivation of the appropriate medicinal plants in different agro-climatic zones.
• CSIR-CIMAP Lucknow, can also undertake research on mass multiplication, agro-technology development, Quality Planting Material generation of selected medicinal plants and herbs.
• During the tenure of MoU, NMPB will work through its implementing agencies i.e. State Medicinal Plant Boards, State Horticulture Departments, Regional-cum-Facilitation Centres across India in conjunction and collaboration with CSIR-CIMAP Lucknow and support projects related to QPM Development of Medicinal Plants Species.
• Working under the Ministry of Ayush, NMPB is mandated to coordinate all matters relating to medicinal plants and support Policies and Programs for growth of trade, export, conservation and cultivation of medicinal plants.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: BANKING AND ECONOMY

SBI listed USD 650-million Green Bonds on India INX and LuxSE:

• State Bank of India (SBI) listed its USD 650-million green bonds simultaneously on the India International Exchange (India INX) and the Luxembourg Stock Exchange (LuxSE).
• This dual listing is in line with 2021’s topic of the World Investor Week (WIW), ‘sustainable finance’, as indicated by the regulatory body International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA).
• India INX has now emerged as the leading bond listing venue with over $33 billion.
• India INX, the international arm of BSE, had announced its memorandum of understanding with the Luxembourg Stock Exchange (LuxSE) for cooperation in financial services industry, maintenance of orderly markets in securities respective country, ESG (environmental, social and governance) and green finance in the local market
• The listing of green bond with the Luxembourg Stock Exchange will open up new avenues for market development and fundraising opportunities in the green bond space.

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CURRENT AFFAIRS DEFENCE NEWS

Indian Navy – Innovating towards Nation Building                      

• On the occasion of Navy Day Dec 04, 2021, The Innovation Pavilion, set up at the Navy House, was inaugurated by Hon’ble Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh.
• The pavilion showcased how Indian Navy has synergised innovation and Indigenisation efforts and collaborated with Academia and Industry, in keeping with the theme for this year’s Navy Day “Indian Navy – Innovating towards Nation Building”, towards larger emphasis on Nation Building whilst keeping its focus on own Self-Reliance.
• The innovations presented in accordance with the vision of Mission Raksha Gyan Shakti and displayed stalls on four major aspects.

1. Innovations for Healthcare
2. Partnering with Academia for Technology Evolution
3. Engaging with Young India
4. Innovation for Self-Reliance and Beyond

Innovations for Healthcare:

• It displayed certain ‘game changing’ Medical innovations including those undertaken jointly with IIT, Mumbai like Aadyant ORS (O2 Recycling System) for enhanced safety in ICUs, Sanitizer using Nano-technology effective on MRSA bacteria, AI-based Nebulizer, and a Low-cost digital stethoscope for telemedicine, especially for rural/remote areas.

Partnering with Academia for Technology Evolution:

• It displayed Dental Dome, Navrakshak gowns, Autonomous Boat, and Quad-Copter which was a result of the agreement between the Indian Navy and Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) for licensing of in-house developed technology, to MSMEs for mass manufacture.

Engaging with Young India stall

• It displayed products developed by the Indian Navy in conjunction with National Forensic Science University (NFSU).
• These included Limpet Mine Detection System, Caged Drone for firefighting, Autonomous Beach Check Survey Device (ABCD) and Portable UW Diver Delivery System which is being handed over to NFSU for further refinement.

Innovation for Self-Reliance and Beyond:

• It displayed Indigenisation efforts by the Indian Navy to reduce import dependency and provide export potential.
• These included Tactical Mobile Fiber Optic Cable with Jetty Enclosure, Upper Deck Paint, Autonomous Modular Inflatable Target (AMIT), Remote Embedded Systems Support (RESS) and 30 mm Pre-fragmented Shells.

Note:

• Indian Navy Day is celebrated on December 4 to commemorate the launch of Operation Trident by the Indian navy against Pakistan during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.

About Ministry of Defence:

• Minister of Defence : Rajnath Singh
• Minister of State for Defence : Ajay Bhatt
• Defence Secretary : Dr Ajay Kumar

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CURRENT AFFAIRS: APPS & SERVICES

Union Minister Giriraj Singh launches BanAdhikar App & NGDRS   

• Union Rural Development Minister Giriraj Singh launched the National Generic Document Registration System (NGDRS) and Banadhikar App.

Note:

• Tripura is the first state in the country to introduce such a BanAdhikar app.
• The App has been initiated by the Directorate of Land Records, Tripura in collaboration with the North Eastern Space Application Centre and Tripura Space Application Centre.

Key Features:

• Banadhikar is a GPS-based mobile application for the demarcation of forest ‘patta’ (land rights) for the landless indigenous people under the Forest Rights Act.
• NGDRS will provide land registration services to the citizens.

Benefits:

• It will help in reducing the cost and number of visits required for forest patta land demarcation and registration.
• It will also help in solving the majority of land disputes and our indigenous communities will get benefits of all land related govt schemes effectively.
• Under this, 3 lakh tribal people in Tripura, who got forest lands under the Banadhikar mobile application, would get a uniform map of their land.
• The new schemes, each and every ‘patta’ land in the state would get a unique ID and the registration process would become very easy.

About Tripura:

• Capital: Agartala
• Chief minister: Biplab Kumar Deb
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Sepahijala WLS, Trishna WLS, Gomati WLS, Rowa WLS
• National Parks: Clouded Leopard National Park, Bison National Park
• Zoological Parks: Sepahijala Zological Park

About Ministry of Rural Development:

• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Union Minister: Giriraj Singh
• Minister of State: Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, Faggan Singh Kulaste
• Secretary of Department of Rural Development: Nagendra Nath Sinha

CURRENT AFFAIRS: ENVIRONMENT

New Butterfly Species ‘Chocolate-Bordered Flitter’ Discovered in Sikkim

• The new butterfly species Zographetus dzonguensis was founded in the Namprickdang area, Noom Panang Village in upper Dzongu, North District, Sikkim.
• A study on the new species was published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Zootaxa.
• This is the second butterfly species new to science from the Northeast after 2015.
• The team of researchers who discovered the species have proposed the English name ‘Chocolate-bordered Flitter’ as it has a chocolate coloured border around both the wings.
• The team of researchers included Krushnamegh Kunte, Sonam Wangchuk Lepcha, Tarun Karmakar, and Dipendra Nath Basu.
• The chocolate-brown spots on the hindwing of the Sikkim species are smaller, and the white spots on the forewing are also more sharply defined.
• The species appears to be very local and seasonal, occurring below 1,000 metres in mixed evergreen and semi-evergreen broad-leaved forests of North Sikkim District.
• It is active on sunny days from early morning to mid-day.
• It has largely been observed feeding on bird droppings in shaded stream beds.
• The species is very similar to two recently described species– pangi from Guangdong and Z.hainanensis from Hainan in China.

About Sikkim:

• Capital: Gangtok
• Governor: Ganga Prasad
• Chief minister: Prem Singh Tamang
• Wildlife Sanctuarie : Pangolakha WLS, Barsey Rhododendron WLS, Fambong Lho WLS, Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary, Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, Maenam WLS, Kitam (Bird) WLS
• National Parks: Khangchendzonga National Park

CURRENT AFFAIRS: BOOKS & AUTHORS

Rachna Bisht Rawat’s New Book titled 1971: Charge of the Gorkhas and Other Stories

• A New Book Titled 1971: Charge of the Gorkhas and Other Stories written by author Rachna Bisht Rawat.
• The Book will hit the stands on December 10 & it is published by Penguin Random House India (PRHI).

About the Book:

• The book unearths true stories of the 1971 Indo-Pak war showcasing the exemplary courage and fortitude of Indian soldiers at the warfront.
• It is the story of the flight lieutenant who went missing after his plane crashed inside Pakistan in the ‘last khukri attack’ in modern military history.
• On December 3, 1971, Pakistan Air Force attacked the Indian airfields of Srinagar, Avantipur, Pathankot, Uttarlai, Jodhpur, Ambala and Agra.
• The 13-day military conflict December 3,1971- December 16, 1971 — was one of the shortest wars in history.
• It ended with a decisive win for India and led to the creation of Bangladesh.

About Rachna Bisht Rawat :

• Rachna Bisht Rawat is the author of six books by Penguin Random House India, including the bestsellers The Brave and Kargil.
• She lives in Gurugram, Haryana.
• A 2005 Harry Brittain fellow, her first story, ‘Munni Mousi’ was declared the winner of the 2008–09 Commonwealth Short Story Competition.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Ajaz Patel becomes third bowler to take 10 wickets in an innings

• New Zealand’s Mumbai-born spinner Ajaz Patel claimed all 10 Indian wickets in the second Test, becoming only the third bowler in cricket history to achieve the feat.
• He achieved the feat against India in the ongoing second Test here at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
• The left-armer spun a web around India’s batting order and bowled 47.5 overs, conceding 119 runs.
• Patel is currently playing his 11th Test match for the Kiwis.
• Earlier, Australia’s Jim Laker was the first cricketer to scalp 10 wickets in a Test innings in 1956 and that was followed by India’s Anil Kumble in 1999 against

About Ajaz Patel :

• Ajaz Patel was born in Mumbai in October 1988
• He made his international debut for the New Zealand cricket team in October 2018.
• In May 2020, New Zealand Cricket awarded him with a central contract, ahead of the 2020–21 season.

India’s Ananya Bansal Wins Silver at Asian Youth Paralympic Games

• India’s Ananya Bansal won the country’s first silver medal in shot put in the F-20 category at the Asia Youth Paralympic Games in Manama, Bahrain.
• Ananya Bansal is an athlete with an intellectual impairment.
• Also, Varsha Sannuthi from India has participated in the 2021 Asia Youth Para Games as the first International Paralympic Committee Trainee Classifier for Intellectual Impairment – Athletics.

About Bahrain 2021 Asian Youth Para Games:

• This is the fourth edition of the Asian Youth Para Games which was held in Manama, Bahrain from December 2-6, 2021.
• An estimated 800 athletes under 23 years of age are expected to compete at the Games.
• It was organised in conjunction with the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) of Bahrain with the support of the local government.
• The previous edition of the AYPG was held In Dubai, UAE in 2017 & in that Japan finished on top of the medals table with 43 golds in their total of 98 medals meanwhile Iran and China followed with 39 and 27 gold medals.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: OBITUARIES

Former AP CM Konijeti Rosaiah passes away

• Former Chief Minister of Undivided Andhra Pradesh, Konijeti Rosaiah passed away at the age of 88.

About Konijeti Rosaiah :

• Konijeti Rosaiah was Born on July 4, 1933 at Vemuru village of Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh.

Political History:

• 1968-85 Member, Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council
• 1979-83 Minister, Roads and Buildings, Housing, Transport and Home, Andhra Pradesh
• 1989-94 Member, Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly and Minister, Finance and Transport, Andhra Pradesh
• 1992-93 Leader of House, Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly
• 1998 Elected to 12th Lok Sabha
• He became an MP from Narasaraopet Lok Sabha in 1998, after serving as the APCC president from 1995 to 1997.
• 1998-99 Member, Committee on Industry and Member, Library Committee and Member, Consultative Committee, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
• His contribution to the state as its longest serving finance minister is well recognized.
• He had presented a budget 16 times in AP assembly (undivided).
• He served as the 15th chief minister of erstwhile united AP from September 3, 2009 to November 25, 2010.
• In the 2009 elections, he won from the Chirala assembly constituency and became the finance minister in the YSR cabinet.
• He had also served as the Governor of Tamil Nadu from 2011 to 2016 and Karnataka (additional charge) for two months in 2014.

Veteran Indian Journalist Vinod Dua Passes Away                                        

• On Dec 04, 2021, Vinod Dua, a veteran journalist and father of comedian Mallika Dua, passed away on Saturday at the age of 67.

About Vinod Dua :

• Vinod Dua was born on 11 March 1954, New Delhi, India.
• Mr Dua was a pioneer in Hindi journalism, with stints at Doordarshan and NDTV & he was the host of ‘Khabardar India’ and ‘Vinod Dua Live’.
• He was also a regular on election broadcasting.
• More recently, he was known for his political commentary in web shows for digital media platforms The Wire and HW News.

Awards & Honours :

• In 1996, he became the first electronic media journalist to win the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award.
• He was also awarded the Padma Shri for Journalism in 2008 by the Government of India.
• In June 2017, for his lifetime achievement in the field of journalism, Mumbai Press Club awarded him the RedInk Award, which was presented to him by Devendra Fadnavis, former Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

Daily CA On Dec 7th:

• The United Nations General Assembly decided to keep December 4 as International Day of Banks and it was celebrated for the first time in 2020.
• World Soil Day (WSD) is held annually on 5 December as a means to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil and to advocate for the sustainable management of soil resources. “Halt soil salinization, enhance soil production” is the theme for World Soil Day 2021
• The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Amendment) Bill, 2021 was introduced in the Lok Sabha.
• The first-ever India Russia 22 Ministerial Dialogue is underway in New Delhi.
• External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has stressed on the importance of respecting and facilitating freedom of navigation and overflight and unimpeded commerce in a globalised world, while addressing the fifth Indian Ocean Conference in Abu Dhabi.
• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has called upon Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to invest more in research & development and manufacture new products & technologies and thereby contribute to the security and progress of the country.
• National Cadet Corps (NCC) is conducting ‘Azadi ki Vijay Shrankhla aur Sanskritiyon ka Mahasangam’ event as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.
• As the nation celebrates 75 years of independence with Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, MyGov has lauded the citizens who actively participated in the MyGov challenges, shared their logo ideas, and helped the government in formulation of policies and programmes.
• The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), the apex anti-smuggling intelligence and investigation agency functioning under the aegis of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), celebrated its 64th Founding Day
• Union Minister for Tourism Shri G Kishan Reddy inaugurated tourist facilitation center and public utilities and changing room on Colva Beach in South Goa.
• As part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” celebrations, MeitY Startup Hub held its Tech-Startup Summit earlier this week.
• Shri Ram Nath Kovind, the Honourable President of India, will award the President’s Standard to the 22nd Missile Vessel Squadron, also known as the Killer Squadron at a ceremonial parade to be held at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai on 08 Dec 21.
• The 11th edition of Exercise EKUVERIN between India and Maldives will be conducted at Kadhdhoo Island, Maldives.
• The Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) has been ranked ‘number one Cooperative’ among the top 300 cooperatives in the globe.
• Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and AYUSH Sarbananda Sonowal has announced AYUSH Development packages for Manipur.
• Himachal Pradesh government will organize a mega event at AIIMS Bilaspur to mark the achievement of hundred percent COVID vaccination of second dose for its eligible population.
• Central grant of Rs. 1,667 Crore released to Maharashtra under Jal Jeevan Mission:
• Buoyed by the success of its innovative Project RE-HAB (Reducing Elephant-Human Attacks using Bees) in Karnataka, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has now replicated the project in Assam.
• Drinking water supply schemes of Rs 267.66 Crore were approved under Jal Jeevan Mission in Uttarakhand in the State-level scheme sanctioning committee (SLSSC) meeting held on 2nd December, 2021.
• Aimed at strengthening its commitment towards empowering young minds of the country, Oppo India on Monday introduced the Genius+ programme to provide scholarships to outstanding students pursuing engineering courses at premium institutes.
• To realize its green energy objectives, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd (ONGC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI).
• To provide its techno-financial expertise in developing Renewable Energy projects, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with THDC India Ltd (THDCIL).
• The National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, (CSIR-CIMAP), Lucknow signed an MoU for extending joint collaborative efforts to promote the production of quality planting material (QPM) of medicinal plants.
• State Bank of India (SBI) listed its USD 650-million green bonds simultaneously on the India International Exchange (India INX) and the Luxembourg Stock Exchange (LuxSE).
• On the occasion of Navy Day Dec 04, 2021, The Innovation Pavilion, set up at the Navy House, was inaugurated by Hon’ble Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh.
• Union Rural Development Minister Giriraj Singh launched the National Generic Document Registration System (NGDRS) and Banadhikar App.
• The new butterfly species Zographetus dzonguensis was founded in the Namprickdang area, Noom Panang Village in upper Dzongu, North District, Sikkim.
• A New Book Titled 1971: Charge of the Gorkhas and Other Stories written by author Rachna Bisht Rawat.
• New Zealand’s Mumbai-born spinner Ajaz Patel claimed all 10 Indian wickets in the second Test, becoming only the third bowler in cricket history to achieve the feat.
• India’s Ananya Bansal won the country’s first silver medal in shot put in the F-20 category at the Asia Youth Paralympic Games in Manama, Bahrain
• Former Chief Minister of Undivided Andhra Pradesh, Konijeti Rosaiah passed away at the age of 88.
• On Dec 04, 2021, Vinod Dua, a veteran journalist and father of comedian Mallika Dua, passed away on Saturday at the age of 67.