Daily Current Affairs - 20 Nov 2020

Daily Current Affairs Capsule

20th November 2020

National

Government of India launches Safaimitra Suraksha Challenge.

Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri launched ‘Safaimitra Suraksha Challenge’.

1. It has been launched on the occasion of World Toilet Day for the safety of sewer or septic tank cleaner.
2. It will ensure that no person lost their life due to entering a sewer or septic tank.
3. It will promote mechanized cleaning and will fend off the hazardous cleaning of sewers and septic tanks.
4. In 2013, the Government of India had enacted the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act to restrict hazardous cleaning.

Dr Harsh Vardhan addresses 33rd Stop TB Partnership Board meet virtually

The Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan addressed the 33rd Stop TB Partnership Board meet in New Delhi through a Video Conference.

1. The minister has stressed on the need to create a mass movement for elimination of TB with strategized advocacy, thought leadership, disruptive social entrepreneurship, powerful, societal and political commitment.
2. India is running the “TB Harega, Desh Jeetega” campaign that targets to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal target related to TB by 2025, five years ahead of the global target of 2030.

India ranks 77 in global bribery risk matrix

India is at 77th position with a score of 45 in a global list that measures business bribery risks of 2020.

1. The list by TRACE, an anti-bribery standard setting organisation, measures business bribery risk in 194 countries, territories, and autonomous and semi-autonomous regions.
2. According to this year’s data, North Korea, Turkmenistan, South Sudan, Venezuela and Eritrea present the highest commercial bribery risk, while Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden and New Zealand present the lowest.
3. In 2019, India’s rank stood 78 position with a score of 48 while in 2020 the country was ranked 77 with a score of 45.

PM Modi to inaugurate RE-INVEST 2020 on Nov 26

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the virtual 3rd Global Renewable Energy Investment Meeting and Expo (RE-INVEST 2020), on 26th of this month.

1. The 3rd RE-Invest will build upon the success of the first two editions held in 2015 and 2018.
2. It will provide an international forum for investment promotion in renewable energy.
3. RE-INVEST 2020 will include a two-day virtual conference on renewables and future energy choices and an exhibition of manufacturers, developers, investors and innovators engaged in the clean energy sector.

Vijayanagar to be Karnataka’s 31st district

The world heritage site of Hampi, the erstwhile capital of Vijayanagar empire, will soon be part of a new district.

1. The State Cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa, gave in-principle approval for creation of the Vijayanagar district, which will be carved out of Ballari district, to become the 31st district in the state.
2. It will be named after the Vijayanagar empire that ruled from this region.

Karnataka Bank launches CASA campaign

Karnataka Bank launched CASA (current account, savings account) mobilisation campaign which will run from November 17 to March 4, 2021.

1. Campaign intends to mobilise over 4.10 lakh current and savings accounts with an accretion of ₹650 crore of business.
2. With this campaign, the bank intends to introduce its attractive and superior line of digitally powered savings and current account products to its customers.
3. Karnataka Bank CEO: Mahabaleshwara M. S
4. Headquarters: Mangalore

NCRTC and NDB sign USD 500m for Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Rapid Transit System Project

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, National Capital Region Transport Corporation Limited and the New Development Bank signed a loan agreement for lending 500 million dollars for the ‘Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System Project’.

1. The Rapid Transit System will provide a fast, reliable, safe and comfortable public transport system in the National Capital Region.
2. Due to lack of efficient public transport options, the number of private vehicles in NCR has increased.
3. It can take about 3 to 4 hours to travel between Delhi and Meerut in Uttar Pradesh by road during peak hours.
4. Fast transit system will support in achieving the goal of sustainable urban development in NCR region including National Capital Territory of Delhi.

Appointments

Maia Sandu Elected as First-Ever Woman President of Moldova

Maia Sandu, a former World Bank economist, has won Moldova’s 2020 Presidential election to become the President-elect of the country.

1. She is the first woman to be elected as the President of Moldova and would assume office on 23rd December 2020.
2. She was the former Prime Minister of Moldova from 8 June 2019 until 14 November 2019.
3. Meanwhile the incumbent President of Moldova, Igor Dodon received 42.28% of the vote.
4. Capital: Chișinău
5. Currency: Moldovan leu

Former CM Jitan Ram Manjhi sworn in as pro-tem speaker of newly elected 17th Bihar Legislative Assembly

In Bihar, former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi was sworn in as pro-tem speaker of the newly elected 17th Bihar Legislative Assembly.

1. Governor Phagu Chauhan administered him the oath of office at a function organized at Rajbhavan in Patna.
2. 74 years old Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) Chief Jitan Manjhi who has been elected from Imamganj assembly constituency is among the senior most members of the house.
3. Mr Manjhi will administer oath to newly elected members of Bihar assembly on 23rd and 24th November.

Sports

BCCI announces MPL Sports as Team India's kit sponsor till 2023

The BCCI formally announced MPL Sports apparel and accessories as the official kit sponsor and merchandise partner of both the national men's and women's sides as well as the U-19 team, replacing Nike.

1. Nike had a five-year deal during which they paid Rs 370 crore from 2016 to 2020.
2. MPL Sports, the sports merchandise brand from Mobile Premier League, an e-sports platform, offers a wide range of sports wears and cricket equipment, along with other accessories such as masks, wrist bands, footwear and headgear.
3. As per the newly-inked strategic partnership, MPL Sports has entered into a three-year agreement from November 2020 to December 2023.