Rajya Sabha Passes The Landmark Dam Safety Bill (2019)
The Rajya Sabha passed the landmark Dam Safety Bill (2019), paving the way for the enactment of the Dam Safety Act in the country. The Union Minister of Jal Shakti Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat had introduced the bill in Rajya Sabha on 1st December 2021. The Dam Safety Bill (2019) was passed by the Lok Sabha on 2nd August 2019. After China and USA, India is the 3rd largest dam-owning nation in the world. There are around 5,700 large dams in the country, of which about 80% are already over 25 years old. Nearly 227 dams that are over 100 years old are still functional. Although India’s track record of dam safety is at par with that of the developed nations, there have been instances of unwarranted dam failures and of poor maintenance issues. The Dam Safety Bill provides for adequate surveillance, inspection, operation, and maintenance of all the large dams in the country so as to prevent dam failure-related disasters. The Bill provides for an institutional mechanism at both Central and State levels to address structural and non-structural measures required for ensuring the safe functioning of dams.
Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Mago takes over as NDC Commandant
Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Mago took over as the 34th Commandant of National Defence College (NDC), New Delhi from Air Marshal D Choudhury who superannuates on November 30, 2021. Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Mago is an alumnus of the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. He was commissioned into the elite 7th Battalion Brigade of the GUARDS on December 15, 1984, and later commanded 16 GUARDS.
Women's Ballon d'Or: Alexia Putellas wins award for being best female footballer in 2021
Barcelona captain Alexia Putellas won the Women's Ballon d'Or, awarded to the best female footballer in 2021. Putellas, 27, scored as Barca beat Chelsea 4-0 to secure their first Champions League crown. She ended the 2020-21 season as the highest-scoring midfielder in Europe with 26 goals in all competitions and was also named Uefa's Women's Player of the Year and Midfielder of the Year. Team-mate Jennifer Hermoso came second, with Chelsea striker Sam Kerr third.
Barbados becomes a republic and parts ways with the Queen
Barbados has officially removed Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state and become the world's newest republic. In an overnight ceremony in the capital, Bridgetown, Dame Sandra Mason was sworn in as president. The Prince of Wales and Barbadian singer Rihanna attended the event, which coincided with the country's 55th anniversary of independence. The new era for Barbados ends Britain's centuries of influence, including more than 200 years when the island was a hub for the transatlantic slave trade. Dame Sandra Mason, 72, the island's governor-general since 2018, was named as president-elect of the nation following a vote in parliament last month. She now replaces the Queen as the head of state.
Magdalena Andersson - Sweden's first female PM
Sweden's first female prime minister has been reappointed to the top job after political turmoil forced her to resign within hours of taking the post last week. MPs backed Social Democratic Party leader Magdalena Andersson by a narrow margin in a new vote. She will attempt to lead a one-party government until an election in September next year.
Vivianne Miedema named BBC Women's Footballer of the Year 2021
Netherlands and Arsenal striker Vivianne Miedema has been named BBC Women's Footballer of the Year 2021. Miedema, who came second behind England defender Lucy Bronze for the 2020 award, is both the Netherlands and Women's Super League all-time leading goalscorer. The 25-year-old also broke the record for most goals scored at a single Olympic Games at Tokyo 2020. Australia and Chelsea forward Sam Kerr came second and Spain and Barcelona midfielder Alexia Putellas third.
Ballon d'Or: Lionel Messi wins award as best player in world football for seventh time
Lionel Messi helped his country win the Copa America, his first international honour, and has scored 40 goals in 2021 - 28 for Barcelona, four for Paris St-Germain and eight for Argentina. Bayern Munich and Poland striker Robert Lewandowski came second, Chelsea and Italy midfielder Jorginho was third and Real Madrid's French striker Karim Benzema finished fourth.
Kerala based start-up wins two prestigious awards at National level
A Kerala-based medical technology start-up has been adjudged the winner of Startup India Grand Challenge 2021 in the medical device category of the Government of India. Sascan Meditech, the start-up incubated at the SCTIMST-TIMed the Technology Business Incubator of Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for MedicalSciences & Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), received a Cash grant of INR 15,00,000 at the Grand Challenge organized by Department of Pharmaceuticals, Govt of India along with Startup India and Investindia.org. The award was announced by Mr. Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Ayog, after a rigorous evaluation process, and “Sascan” was selected from among 310 start-ups that took part in the grand challenge. Sascan Meditech has developed OralScan, a handheld device for early, accurate, and cost-effective detection of pre-cancerous lesions in the mouth. It is a biophotonics technology-based device, and the results of clinical trials have been published in a scientific journal. OralScan was launched in October 2020 and has reached eight states in India.
Constitution Day on 26th November celebrated in the Central Hall of Parliament House
Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav is an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate the 75 years of progressive India and the glorious history of its people, culture, and achievements. As part of this Mahotsav, India is celebrating Constitution Day on 26th November with great fervour and gaiety in the Central Hall of Parliament House.
Prime Minister lays foundation stone of Noida International Greenfield Airport at Jewar, Uttar Pradesh
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of Noida International Greenfield Airport at Jewar, Uttar Pradesh. Noida International Airport is planned in 1334 hectares area at Jewar in the Yamuna Expressway International Development Authority (YEIDA) notified area of district Gautam Budhha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh. The airport will be strategically located at about 72 km from Indira Gandhi International Airport, about 52 kilometers from Noida, about 130 kilometers from Agra, and about 90 kilometers from Multi-Modal Logistics Hub at Dadri. The project will be implemented by Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL), which is a joint-venture company. UP Government will hold a share of 37.5 percent in the company. Other stakeholders are Noida - 37.5 percent, Greater Noida – 12.5 percent, and YEIDA – 12.5 percent. The project will be completed in 4 phases. As per the Concession Agreement, the first phase for 12 million passengers per annum is to be completed and made operational within 1095 days from the appointed date by 29.9.2024. The airport is strategically located with excellent approach roads in all directions. There is a 100 meter wide Yamuna Expressway connecting Greater Noida to Agra. The 100-meter wide Western Peripheral Expressway passes through Yamuna Expressway at Formula-1 Track connecting Palwal, Manesar, Ghaziabad, Baghpat, and Meerut.
Fourth Submarine of Project-75 Ins Vela Commissioned At Naval Dockyard, Mumbai
INS Vela, the fourth submarine in the series of six submarines of Project-75, was commissioned in the presence of Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of the Naval Staff. The formal commissioning ceremony took place at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. The Scorpene Class submarines are being built in India by the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) Mumbai, under collaboration with M/s Naval Group (earlier DCNS), France. The commissioning of the 4th in a class submarine is a major milestone achieved today. INS Vela would form part of the Western Naval Command’s Submarine fleet and would be another potent part of its arsenal. The Scorpene submarines are extremely potent platforms, they have advanced stealth features and are also equipped with both long-range guided torpedoes as well as anti-ship missiles. These submarines have a state-of-the-art SONAR and sensor suite permitting outstanding operational capabilities. They also have an advanced Permanent Magnetic Synchronous motor (PERMASYN) as its propulsion motor. The delivery of Vela is yet another affirmation of the impetus being given by the Indian Navy towards consolidating its position as a ‘Builder’s Navy’ as also indicative of MDL’s capabilities as a premiership and submarine building yard. The commissioning of the submarine is coinciding with ‘Azaadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ and ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ celebrations.
India, ADB sign $300 million loan to improve primary health care in India
The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) yesterday signed a $300 million loan to strengthen and improve access to comprehensive primary health care in urban areas of 13 states that will benefit over 256 million urban dwellers including 51 million from slum areas. Mr. Rajat Kumar Mishra, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance, signed for the Government of India the agreement for Strengthening Comprehensive Primary Health Care and pandemic preparedness in Urban Areas Program while Mr. Takeo Konishi, Country Director of ADB’s India Resident Mission, signed for ADB. After signing the loan agreement, Mr. Mishra said that the programme supports the Government of India’s key health initiatives - Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWC) and Pradhan Mantri Atmanirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana (PM-ASBY) - which has been renamed as Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) - by expanding availability and access to quality primary health care services particularly for vulnerable populations in urban areas.
Mithali Raj retains 3rd spot among batters, Jhulan second among bowlers in ICC ODI rankings
India captain Mithali Raj retained her number three spot among batters while her veteran compatriot Jhulan Goswami maintained her second position among bowlers in the ICC women’s ODI rankings. Raj, who has 738 rating points to her kitty, is behind Lizelle Lee (761) of South Africa and Alyssa Healy (750) of Australia as there was no change in the top-10 batters from the previous rankings. Another India batter Smriti Mandhana also remained on the sixth spot with 710 points.
UNESCO-ABU Peace Media Awards 2021 - Doordarshan and All India Radio
In yet another remarkable feat that has showcased the world Prasar Bharati’s excellence in quality content creation, TV and Radio shows produced by Doordarshan and All India Radio respectively got multiple awards at the recently held ABU - UNESCO Peace Media Awards 2021 at Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. Doordarshan’s programme 'DEAFinitely Leading the Way' won an award under the ‘Living Well with Super Diversity’ category, while All India Radio’s progra?mme??? ‘Living on the edge – The coastal lives’? ??won another award in the category of ‘Ethical & Sustainable Relationship with Nature’. The awards were given by UNESCO in collaboration with Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) under ‘Together for Peace’ (T4P) initiative. The award-giving ceremony was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on November 17, 2021. More than a hundred inspiring stories of individuals and communities were received from 33 countries across 5 continents. The competition was open for Radio, TV, and digital platforms.
El Salvador plans to build the world’s first “Bitcoin City”
El Salvador plans to build the world’s first “Bitcoin City”, funded initially by bitcoin-backed bonds, President Nayib Bukele said on 21st November 2021, doubling down on his bet to harness the cryptocurrency to fuel investment in the Central American country. Speaking at an event closing a week-long promotion of bitcoin in El Salvador.
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2021
Tamil Nadu defend the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20 title with a thrilling four-wicket win over Karnataka in the summit clash. Needing 16 runs off the last over bowled by Prateek Jain, power-hitter Khan kept his cool under pressure to clobber the final delivery over deepsquare leg to take Tamil Nadu to 153 for 6 and seal a famous win.
Alexander Zverev downs Daniil Medvedev to win second ATP Finals crown
Germany’s Alexander Zverev swept aside Russian world number two and defending champion Daniil Medvedev 6-4 6-4 to win the ATP Finals claiming the title for the second time in his career. Zverev, who also beat world number one Novak Djokovic, becomes only the fourth player to beat the top two players in the world in the semis and final of the season-ending tournament. Alexander Zverev has now won six titles in six finals this year - including Olympic gold in Tokyo and two Masters titles in Madrid and Cincinnati.
ICC appoints Geoff Allardice as permanent CEO
Australian Geoff Allardice has been appointed as permanent CEO of the International Cricket Council after serving the role on an interim basis for more than eight months. Allardice thus replaced Manu Sawhney, who had resigned from his position in July.
INS Visakhapatnam commissioned into Indian Navy
INS Visakhapatnam, a P15B stealth guided-missile destroyer, was commissioned into the Indian Navy in the presence of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai on November 21, 2021. The event marks the formal induction of the first of the four ‘Visakhapatnam’ class destroyers, indigenously designed by the Indian Navy’s in-house organisation Directorate of Naval Design and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai.
INS Visakhapatnam commissioned into Indian Navy
INS Visakhapatnam, a P15B stealth guided-missile destroyer, was commissioned into the Indian Navy in the presence of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai on November 21, 2021. The event marks the formal induction of the first of the four ‘Visakhapatnam’ class destroyers, indigenously designed by the Indian Navy’s in-house organisation Directorate of Naval Design and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai.
6th Edition of Indo-France joint military exercise “Ex Shakti 2021” being conducted in France
The Sixth Edition of Indo - France joint military exercise “Ex SHAKTI 2021” has commenced at the Military School of Draguignan, France with an opening ceremony on 15 Nov 21. The Indian Army contingent is being represented by a composite team of three Officers, three Junior Commissioned Officers and 37 soldiers from a battalion of Gorkha Rifles and support Arms. The training so far has focused on aspects of joint planning, mutual understanding of conduct of operations and identification of coordination aspects required for jointly operating in a Counter Terrorism environment under United Nations mandate. The participating contingents have also been put through paces of combat conditioning and tactical training which included firing drills and ‘battle hardening’ work sessions. The exercise is being conducted in two phases which will culminate with a grueling 36 hours exercise to validate the standards achieved during the two phases. The contingent apart from joint training went to visit MAZARGUES War Cemetery in Marseilles where 1,002 Indian soldiers of the First World War have been cremated. The Indian and French contingents together presented a Guard of Honor and paid their homage to commemorate the valour of the fallen bravehearts.
Dream Girl Hema Malini conferred Indian Film Personality of the Year Award at 52nd IFFI
Be it Basanti, Seeta aur Geeta or Dream Girl, Hema Malini has immortalized every character she has played on the big screen, etching herself and the characters she portrayed in the hearts of the audience forever. In recognition of her quintessential contribution to the world of cinema, the 52nd edition of the International Film Festival of India, Goa has conferred the two-time Member of Parliament and veteran actor, dancer, producer, and director of Hindi cinema, with the Indian Personality of the Year Award, at the opening ceremony today, November 20, 2021. For her exceptional contribution to Hindi cinema, Hema Malini is regarded as one of the most successful actors of the Indian film industry.
Hungarian Filmmaker Istvan Szabo conferred with Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement award at IFFI
Noted Hungarian Filmmaker Istvan Szabo has been conferred the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement award by the 52nd International Film Festival of India, at the opening ceremony held in Goa, November 20, 2021. For his outstanding contribution to World cinema, Istvan Szabo has been honored with the award at IFFI 52, which will come to a grand closing on November 28, 2021. An extraordinary artist, Istvan Szabo achieved international success with his film Mephisto in the year 1981. The film is the first Hungarian film to have won an Oscar for the Best Foreign Language Film. His movies broke the barrier of language and touched viewers’ hearts everywhere around the world.
PM inaugurates Purvanchal Expressway
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated Purvanchal Expressway here. He also witnessed the Airshow on the 3.2 km long airstrip constructed on the Expressway in Sultanpur district.
Pochampally village in Telangana selected as one of the best Tourism Villages by UNWTO
The Pochampally Village in Telangana State has been selected as one of the best Tourism Villages by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). The prestigious award will be given on the occasion of the 24th session of the UNWTO General Assembly on 2nd December 2021 in Madrid, Spain.
India launches the 41st Scientific Expedition to Antarctica
India has successfully launched the 41st Scientific Expedition to Antarctica with the arrival of the first batch of its contingent at the southern white continent. The first batch comprising of 23 scientists and support staff reached the Indian Antarctic station Maitri last week. Four more batches shall be landing in Antarctica by air using DROMLAN facility and onboard chartered ice-class vessel MV VasiliyGolovnin by mid-January 2022. The 41st expedition has two major programs. The first program encompasses geological exploration of the Amery ice shelf at Bharati station. This will help explore the link between India and Antarctica in the past. The second program involves reconnaissance surveys and preparatory work for drilling of 500 meters of ice core near Maitri. It will help in improving the understanding of Antarctic climate, westerly winds, sea-ice, and greenhouse gases from a single climate archive for the past 10,000 years. The ice core drilling will be done in collaboration with the British Antarctic Survey and the Norwegian Polar Institute. In addition to accomplishing scientific programs, it will replenish the annual supplies of food, fuel, provisions, and spares for operations and maintenance of life support systems at Maitri and Bharati. The Indian Antarctic program, which began in 1981, has completed 40 scientific expeditions, and built three permanent research base stations in Antarctica, named DakshinGangotri (1983), Maitri (1988), and Bharati (2012). As of today, Maitri and Bharati are fully operational. The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa—an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Earth Sciences - manages the entire Indian Antarctic program.
Cabinet approves declaration of 15th November as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the declaration of 15th November as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas dedicated to the memory of brave tribal freedom fighters so that coming generations could know about their sacrifices about the country. India’s freedom struggle was strengthened by several movements by tribal communities such as Santhals, Tamars, Kols, Bhils, Khasis, and Mizos to name a few. The revolutionary movements and struggles organized by the tribal communities were marked by their immense courage and supreme sacrifice. Tribal movements in different regions of the country against the British colonial rule got linked with the national freedom struggle and inspired Indians all over the country. However, the public at large is not much aware of these tribal heroes. Pursuant to the speech of Hon’ble Prime Minister on Independence Day of 2016, the Government of India has sanctioned 10 tribal freedom fighter museums across the country. The date is the birth anniversary of Sri Birsa Munda who is revered as Bhagwan by tribal communities across the country. Birsa Munda fought bravely against the country against the exploitative system of the British colonial system and spearheaded the movement against British oppression giving a call for ‘Ulgulan’ (Revolution). The declaration acknowledges the glorious history and cultural heritage of tribal communities. The day will be celebrated every year and would recognize the efforts of the tribals for the preservation of cultural heritage and promotion of Indian values of valour, hospitality, and national pride. Tribal Freedom Fighter Museum at Ranchi where Birsa Munda breathed his last will be inaugurated by Hon’ble Prime Minister. The government of India has planned week-long celebrations starting from 15th November to 22nd November 2021 to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of the glorious history of tribal people, culture, and achievements.
Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar to be the next Chief of the Naval Staff
The Government has appointed Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC presently Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command as the next Chief of the Naval Staff with effect from the afternoon of 30th November 2021. The present Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Karambir Singh, PVSM, AVSM, ADC, retires from service on 30th November, 2021.
Delivery of Fourth Scorpene Submarine VELA to Indian Navy
The fourth submarine of the Project – 75, Yard 11878 was delivered to the Indian Navy, 09 November 2021. Project – 75 includes the construction of six submarines of Scorpene design. These submarines are being constructed at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) Mumbai, under collaboration with M/s Naval Group, France. Christened ‘Vela’, the submarine was launched on 06 May 19, and has completed all major harbour and sea trials including weapon and sensor trials despite COVID restrictions. Three of these submarines are already in commission with the Indian Navy. Submarine construction is an intricate activity as the difficulty is compounded when all equipment is required to be miniaturised and is subject to stringent quality requirements. Construction of these submarines in an Indian yard is yet another step towards ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’. The submarine would soon be commissioned into the Indian Navy and enhance the Indian Navy's capability.
WHO approves Bharat Biotech's Covaxin for emergency use
The World Health Organisation (WHO) approved Covaxin, the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Indian pharmaceutical firm Bharat Biotech Ltd, for emergency use. The Technical Advisory Group of WHO, which met earlier in the day to decide on Covaxin, has recommended emergency use listing (EUL) status for the vaccine for use on all age groups above 18. The two doses of the vaccine are to be administered at a gap of four weeks. Covaxin was found to have 78 percent efficacy against COVID19 of any severity, 14 or more days after the second dose, and is extremely suitable for low- and middle-income countries due to easy storage requirements.
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