Current Affairs Pocket PDF

Current Affairs Pocket PDF
Current Affairs Pocket PDF – November 2018
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INDIAN AFFAIRS
Cabinet Approvals
Cabinet Approvals on November 1, 2018

• On November 1, 2018, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi
approved renaming of Jharsuguda Airport, Odisha as“Veer Surendra Sai Airport,
Jharsuguda”.ii.Approved moving a Resolution for amendment in the first Assembly of
the International Solar Alliance (ISA)..............................Click here to Read more
Cabinet Approvals on 8th November 2018
• Cabinet approves the below
i. leasing out 6 airports – Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram
and Mangaluru through PPP
ii.Apprised of India joining as Member of Advanced Motor Fuels Technology Collaboration
Programme (AMF TCP) under International Energy Agency (IEA) on 9th May 2018.
iii.Approved the filling of Padur Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) at Padur, Karnataka
by overseas National Oil Companies (NOCs).
iv.Approves Amendment to the Central Universities Act, 2009 for setting up of Central
Tribal University in Andhra Pradesh
v.Approved Procurement Quota to M/s ITI Ltd. in procurements made by BSNL,
MTNL and BBNL……………………………Click here to Read more
Cabinet Approvals on November 22, 2018
• Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the following
i.Extension of the term of the Commission examining the issue of Sub-categorization of
Other Backward Classes (in the Central List) for six months beyond 30th November, 2018
and till 31st May 2019.
ii.The Allied and Healthcare Professions Bill, 2018 for regulation and standardization of
education and services by allied and healthcare professionals.
iii.The setting up of Medical College at Silvassa in the Union Territory (UT) of Dadra and
Nagar Haveli.
iv.The expansion of scope of mandatory packaging norms under the Jute Packaging
Material (JPM) Act, 1987………………….Click here to Read more
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STATE WISE NATIONAL NEWS
Andhra Pradesh
Rs 229.05 Crore release of central share from State Disaster Response fund (SDRF) to Andhra
Pradesh approved by Centre
• On October 31, 2018, the Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh approved release
of 2nd installment of Central Share of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) in advance for
the year 2018-19, to help the State in providing relief measures to the affected people. The
amount approved was Rs.229.05 crore.
Supreme court approves separate High Court for Andhra Pradesh
• Supreme Court has approved a separate High Court for Andhra Pradesh and it will start
functioning from 1st January 2019. This will be the 25th High Court in India.A permanent
structure is built in the Justice City complex in Andhra Pradesh’s de-facto capital Amaravati.
Andhra govt revealed its State Emblem inspired by Amaravati art
• On November 15, 2018, after 5 years of bifurcation in 2014, Andhra Pradesh government
unveiled its new emblem for official use. It consists of “Dhamma Chakka” – “the Wheel of Law”
embellished with a ring of Triratnas alternating with pinnate leaves and precious stones.
India, Singapore reaffirmed defence ties at 3rd India-Singapore Defence Ministers’ Dialogue
held in Visakhapatnam
• On November 21, 2018, on concluding day of 3rd India-Singapore Defence Minister dialogue
(DMD) in Visakhapatnam, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitaraman reaffirmed deepening defence
ties between India and Singapore. The 4th Defence Minister’s dialogue was announced to be
held in Singapore in 2019.
6th India Skills Report: Andhra Pradesh topped in employability rate, talent quality
• On November 23, 2018, as per the 6th edition & 2019 version of India Skills Report, Andhra
Pradesh topped the list of states with the highest employability followed
by Rajasthan and Haryana.The report was launched in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
Arunachal Pradesh
Indian, Chinese troops held high level meeting in Arunachal, vow to boost ties
• On November 9, 2018, Indian Army officials and Chinese PLA troops organized a high-level
meeting at Bumla, near Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh to strengthen friendship and
maintain peace along the 4057-km-long Line of Actual Control separates India from China.
Two important North East Circuits under Swadesh Darshan Scheme inaugurated in Arunachal
Pradesh.
• Two important projects were inaugurated on November 15 under Swadesh Darshan Scheme of
Ministry of Tourism, Government of India at PTSO Lake in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh.These
projects are launched as a part of Development of North East Circuit.
Bihar
PMCH to be redeveloped into world’s largest 5462 bed hospital: Bihar Cabinet
• On November 4, 2018, the Bihar cabinet, chaired by CM Nitish Kumar, approved
redevelopment of Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) into world’s largest 5462-bed
hospital. The estimated cost for the project is: Rs. 5540.07 crore.
Bihar approves funds worth Rs 25000 for graduate girls
• On 8th November 2018, Bihar government approved a proposal to offer Rs 25,000 to every girl
graduating in 2018 and onwards. This decision was made at the Cabinet meeting chaired by
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
70-feet tall second highest statue of Lord Buddha unveiled in Bihar
• On November 25, 2018, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar unveiled a 70-feet tall second tallest
statue of Lord Buddha at Rajgir in Nalanda district, Bihar.
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Chhattisgarh
Election Commission sets up ‘Sangwari’ polling booths in various constituencies of
Chhattisgarh to encourage women voters
• Election Commission has set up ‘Sangwari’ polling booths in various constituencies
of Chhattisgarh to encourage women voters to vote in the Assembly elections. ‘Sangwari’
means friend, in Chhattisgarh dialect.
Goa
Goa government announced ban on import of fish for 6 months
• On November 11, 2018, Goa government announced a ban on import of fish into the state
for six months.The decision has been taken in view of continuing uncertainty about the
presence of formalin in imported fish in Goa.
MoS Ayush laid foundation stone for All India Institute of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy in
Goa
• On November 13, 2018, Union minister of state for Ayush Shripad Naik laid the foundation
stone for the All India Institute of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy at Dhargal, North Goa. The
project will be a medical hub and will contribute to research due to its proximity to the
biodiverse Western Ghats and the sea.
Gujarat
Gujarat Government launched Rs. 351Crore project to conserve Gir Asiatic lions for next 5
years
• On November 20, 2018, the Gujarat government launched Rs 351 Crore project for the
conservation of the Asiatic lions for next five years, after the Canine Distemper Virus
(CDV) outbreak,that claimed 23 Asiatic lions lives in their only dwelling Gir National park in
Saurashtra.
Gujarat topped in implementing Ayushman Bharat after 2 months of launch: NHA
• On November 25, 2018, according to the National Health Agency, after 2 months of launch
of Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, Gujarat has emerged as the top
performer among the states, Tamil Nadu ranked second and Chhattisgarh third under the
scheme.
Haryana
P.M Modi laid foundation of India’s first Sri Vishwakarma Skill Development University
• On 19th November 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation of India’s first Sri
Vishwakarma Skill Development University in Palwal district of Haryana.Prime Minister also
inaugurated two projects in Haryana:
Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh government approved implementation of Sashakt Mahila Yojna
• On November 20, 2018,the Himachal Pradesh Cabinet under the Chairmanship of Chief
Minister Jai Ram Thakur approved implementation of Sashakt Mahila Yojna in the State.It also
decided to implement the Himachal Healthcare Scheme (HIMCARE) in the state.
Himachal Pradesh became first State to launch single emergency number ‘112’
• On November 28, 2018, Himachal Pradesh became the first Indian state to launch a single
emergency number “112”, connecting police, fire, health and other helplines through an
Emergency Response Centre (ERC) in the state. The service is part of the Emergency Response
Support System (ERSS) under which ‘112 India’ mobile app is available.
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Jammu and Kashmir

J-K Governor inaugurated annual week-long ‘Jhiri Mela’ festival in Jammu
• On November 23, 2018, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik inaugurated a week
long annual ‘Jhiri Mela’ festival at village Jhiri in Jammu district.The annual fair is celebrated as
a commemoration to the memory of a martyred farmer named, ‘Baba Jittoo’.
Karnataka
Entrepreneurship scheme Samruddhi launched in Karnataka
• On October 31, 2018, Karnataka Social Welfare Department launched the Samruddhi scheme to
boost employment opportunities for SC/ST youth through entrepreneurship to impart skill
development and benefit aspiring, young citizens from rural and tier II cities.
Centre approves additional assistance of Rs 546.21 crore from NDRF to Karnataka
• On 19th November 2018, Centre approved additional assistance of Rs 546.21 crore from
National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) to Karnataka. Karnataka was hit by floods and
landslide in August 2018.
Karnataka Government and Numa launched ‘DataCity’ urban challenge in Bengaluru
• On November 23, 2018, Karnataka government in partnership with start-up accelerator Numa,
launched an initiative called ‘DataCity’ inBengaluru.It will be jointly organised by Bangalore
Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) and French utility company Suez.
Kerala
SMiLE virtual tour guide to give fillip to Malabar tourism: Kerala
• On October 31, 2018, the Kerala Tourism Department launched a 'SMiLE Virtual Tour
Guide' site for the region in north Kerala to boost Malabar tourism.SMiLE is the acronym
for: ‘Small and Medium Industries Leveraging Experiential’ Tourism.
Kerala govt scheme to provide free education to Ockhi-hit kids
• On Nov.8 2018 The Kerala government has commenced a scheme to offer free education and
vocational training to the children of fishermen who died or went missing in the 2017 Ockhi
cyclonic storm.
Kerala Government launches ‘Gau Samridhi Plus scheme’
• On 16th November 2018, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan launched the ‘Gau Samridhi
Plus scheme’ or ‘Cow Samridhi Plus Scheme’ to offer insurance coverage to dairy farmers in
Kerala.
Manipur
Manipur government declares war on drugs
• Manipur government has declared a war on drugs. Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh
announced that the state government and the security forces have initiated projects to
eliminate drug addiction and take strict action against drug dealers.
North East’s first ‘water handloom hut’ inaugurated in Manipur
• On November 12, 2018, Tripura’s forest and tribal welfare minister, Mevar Kumar Jamatia,
inaugurated first ever “Water Handloom Hut” in the North East region at Loktak
Lake in Imphal, Manipur.
Maharastra
The Fourth NITI Aayog- DRC Dialogue Held in Mumbai
• On November 1, 2018, the 4th Dialogue of the NITI Aayog - Development Research Centre
(DRC) of the State Council, Peoples' Republic of China was held in Mumbai. The Fifth edition of
the NITI - DRC Dialogue will be held in Wuhan, China in November, 2019.
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Decommissioned carrier INS Viraat to become a floating museum: Maharashtra cabinet

• On November 2, 2018, the conversion of decommissioned carrier INS Viraat into a floating
museum was approved by the Maharashtra Cabinet.The project is worth Rs. 852 crore and will
be implemented through public-private-partnership (PPP).
Indo-French Conclave held in Nagpur, Maharashtra
• On 2nd November 2018, Indo-French Conclave was held in Nagpur, Maharashtra, in which
French and Indian firms signed 12 agreements worth 200 million euro.The Indo-French
Conclave was organized by Indo French Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IFCCI) and the
Embassy of France in India.
2nd Mega Food Park inaugurated in Maharashtra
• On November 16, 2018, Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Smt Harsimrat Kaur
Badal inaugurated the second Mega Food Park in Maharashtra. It is
located in Wahegaon and Dhangaon village in Paithan Taluka of Aurangabad district and has
been promoted by M/s Paithan Mega Food Park Pvt Ltd.
Maharashtra Cabinet passed Maratha Reservation Bill; introduced new category SEBC
• On November 19, 2018, Maharashtra government led by CM Devendra Fadnavis passed
the Maratha Reservation Bill.As per the bill, Maharashtra will create a new category
called SEBC (socially and educationally backward class) in order to give reservation to
Marathas.
Animation, Gaming & Visual effects Institute to be set up in Mumbai
• On November 19, 2018, the central government announced setting up of Animation, Gaming
and Visual effects Institute in Mumbai . This was announced by Information and Broadcasting
Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore.
1st 2-day Indo-Japan Business Council’s business festival held in Pune
• On 17th & 18th November, 2018, the 2-day 1st Indo-Japan Business Council- KONNICHI WA
PUNE Festival concluded in Pune, Maharashtra.It was organized by the Indo-Japan Business
Council (IJBC).For more information: Click Here.
Maharashtra government passed bill to amend the anti-adulteration law
• On November 22, 2018, Maharashtra government passed the bill to amend the anti-
adulteration law.Also, the adulteration offence will be cognizable and non-bailable.
Mumbai’s largest sewage treatment plant gets green ministry nod
• The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change have given a go ahead to the
Mumbai’s largest sewage treatment plant (STP), worth Rs 2,020 crore, to come up in Malad.
The STP will come up on 35 hectares of mangrove land.
Meghalaya
Meghalaya announced Rs 378cr investment in Aqua Mission 2.0
• On November 8, 2018, Meghalaya government announced Rs 378 crore investment in
the second phase of Aqua Mission. Mission 2.0 aims at addressing the 15,000 MT shortfall of
fish production in the state within the next 5 years beginning April 2019.
4 day 3rd India International Cherry Blossom Festival celebrated in Meghalaya
• On November 14, 2018, the 4-day 3rd India International Cherry Blossom Festival was
celebrated at Polo 5th Ground, Shillong, Meghalaya.The 2018 edition was inaugurated by Chief
Minister Conrad K Sangma in the presence of Japanese Ambassador to India, Kenji Hiramatsu.
Nongkrem dance festival celebrated in Meghalaya
• On 11th and 12th November 2018, Nongkrem dance festival, was celebrated by the people of the
Khasi Hills, in Meghalaya. This festival is celebrated annually. People pray for good harvest,
peace, and prosperity of the community.
36 Ekalavya model residential schools to be set up in Meghalaya
• On 17th November,2018, Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Shri Jual Oram announced setting up
of 36 Ekalavya Model Residential Schools(EMRS) in Meghalaya at a cost of Rs.20 crore for each
school in 36 Blocks of Meghalaya.
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Nagaland
Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio launched GPS mapping of govt schools
• On November 6, 2018, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio launched GPS Mapping
of Government Schools and Personnel Location System in Kohima.This would help in
computerization and digitization of records of all the government schools.
NewDelhi
First-ever India-US Dialogue on Intellectual Property held in New Delhi
• On October 31, 2018, the first ever India-US Dialogue on Intellectual Property was held in New
Delhi to deepen bilateral strategic cooperation on IP policy. The dialogue was launched by US
Chamber of Commerce's Global Innovation Policy Center (GIPC) and FICCI in partnership with
the US-India Business Council.
Emerging Trends in Aviation Engineering and Logistics (AVIAMAT – 2018) held in New Delhi
• On November 1, 2018, a two day seminar on ‘Emerging Trends in Aviation Engineering and
Logistics’ (AVIAMAT-2018) concluded at Air Force Auditorium, Subroto Park, in New Delhi . It
was organized by the Indian Air Force and Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Birender
Singh Dhanoa delivered the key note address.
1st ‘Annual Senior Care Conclave - Igniting Industry for India’s Ageing Sector’
• On November 2, 2018, 1st ‘Annual Senior Care Conclave - Igniting Industry for India’s Ageing
Sector’ held at the Indian Habitat Centre in New Delhi.It was hosted by Confederation of Indian
Industry (CII) in collaboration with Columbia Pacific Communities as their Premium Partner .
12 initiatives for Support and Outreach Initiative for MSME sector launched by PM Modi
• On November 2, 2018, at the launching ceremony of Government’s Support and Outreach
Initiative for MSME at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, PM Narendra Modi announced 12 key
initiatives for the growth and support of the MSME sector. 59 minutes loan portal is to enable
easy access to credit for MSMEs and grant of loans upto Rs. 1 crore through this portal.
Delhi government, Indian Railways partnered for Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra Yojana
• On November 1, 2018, the Delhi government along with the Indian Railways launched a
scheme to give free tourism package for senior citizens travelling to 5 religious circuits.The
name of the scheme is: Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra Yojana.
Overview of Prime Minister of Italy Mr. Giuseppe Conte's 1-day visit to India
• The highlight of the visit was the Italian prime minister's participation at the 24th edition of
the India-Italy Technology Summit was held in New Delhi.Following are the important
discussions that took place
 India-Italy to re-iterate Political cooperation
 India, Italy to fast-track trade, two-way investments
 India, Italy to set up institutional framework to enhance economic Cooperation
 India-Italy to build Centres of Excellence around cultural heritage, research
 India-Italy to enhance Technology Partnership
 India-Italy to strengthen Global Partnership
 India, Italy resolve to expand defence, trade ties.................Click here to Read more
Shri K J Alphons inaugurated Tourist Facilitation and Information Counter at IGI Airport, New
Delhi
• On November 5, 2018, Union Minister for Tourism, Shri K.J. Alphons, inaugurated the Tourist
Facilitation and Information Counter at Indira Gandhi International Airport New Delhi.It will
be 24x7hours information to both domestic and international visitors arriving into IGI Airport,
New Delhi.
Delhi’s Eiffel Tower, Signature Bridge inaugurated in Delhi
• On November 4, 2018, Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal inaugurated the iconic ‘Signature
Bridge’. It is being dubbed as ‘Delhi’s Eiffel Tower’.The estimated cost of the project
is: Rs. 1,594 crore.
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QR-enabled fridge magnets for digital payment of bills launched by NDMC

• On November 4, 2018, New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) launched a "smart" initiative to
distribute quick response-enabled smiley fridge magnets to its consumers to facilitate digital
payment of utility bills.
Global IT Challenge for Youth with Disabilities 2018
• On November 9, 2018, Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Krishan Pal
Gurjar inaugurated 3-day Global IT Challenge for Youth with Disabilities, 2018 event in New
Delhi.
Jashn-e-Virasat-e-Urdu: Festival to celebrate Urdu heritage and culture
• On 10th November 2018, Delhi government announced “Jashn-e-Virasat-e-Urdu”, a six days
festival to celebrate Urdu culture and its heritage.
Power Minister inaugurated 3-day INSPIRE 2018 in New Delhi
• On November 11, 2018, Shri R K Singh, Union Minister of State (IC) for Power and New &
Renewable Energy inaugurated 3-day second edition of INSPIRE in New Delhi. The 2018
edition was organized by: Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) and World Bank.
Overview of First Lady of Republic of Korea’s 4-day visit to India
• On November 4, 2018, First Lady of the Republic of Korea Mrs. Kim Jung-sook arrived in New
Delhi to start her 4-day visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Shri Narendra
Modi.……………Click here to Read more
Union Minister Mahesh Sharma Inaugurates 38th India International Trade Fair
• On 14th November 2018, the 38th edition of India International Trade Fair (IITF) was
inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Culture, Mahesh Sharma at Pragati Maidan, in New
Delhi. Theme of the 38th IITF was: ‘Rural Enterprises in India’.
Union Agriculture Minister launched NCDC’s new scheme to promote young entrepreneurs in
cooperatives
• On November 14, 2018, Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh launched of a scheme
named “Yuva Sahakar-Cooperative Enterprise Support and Innovation Scheme”.This scheme
was launched while inaugurating the 65th All India Cooperative Week organised by
the National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI) in New Delhi.
LEAP and ARPIT: 2 new programmes for higher education faculty launched by MoS HRD
• On November 13, 2018, Minister of State, Ministry of Human Resource Development, Dr. Satya
Pal Singh launched two new initiatives namely, Leadership for Academicians Programme
(LEAP) and Annual Refresher Programme In Teaching (ARPIT) in New Delhi.
4th International Congress on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine inaugurated by Dr Jitendra
Singh
• On November 15, 2018, the Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C),
Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr.
Jitendra Singh inaugurated 4th International Congress on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine
at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. It had the theme: ‘Future of Geriatric
Medicine practice – Are you Ready?’
6 Indian Social Work Congress (ISWC) held in New Delhi
th
• From 1st to 3rd November 2018, 6th Indian Social Work Congress (ISWC) was held in New
Delhi.Theme of 6th ISWC 2018 was “Human Development and Social Inclusion: Imperatives for
Social Work Education and Practice”.
NITI Aayog constituted the Himalayan State Regional Council
• On November 16, 2018, NITI Aayog constituted the ‘Himalayan State Regional Council’ chaired
by the Dr VK Saraswat, Member, NITI Aayog in New Delhi.
Sri Ramayana Express flagged off from Safdarjung railway station in Delhi
• On November 16, 2018, Shri Ramayana Express was flagged off from Safdarjung Railway
Station in New Delhi. The pilgrimage circuit it will travel on, named- Shri Ramayana Yatra-Sri
Lanka, consists of two travel components –one each in India and Sri Lanka.
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15-day Aadi Mahotsav festival commenced in Delhi

• On November 16 2018, 15-day Aadi Mahotsav festival commenced in the national
capital Delhi. The theme of the festival is ‘Celebration of the spirit of tribal culture, craft,
cuisine and commerce’.
2-day 9th Session of the India – Kyrgyz IGC concluded in New Delhi
• On November 16, 2018, the 2-day 9th Session of the India-Kyrgyz Inter-Governmental
Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation (IK-IGC) concluded
in New Delhi. It started on November 15, 2018. The IK-IGC was co-chaired by Union Minister
Suresh Prabhu,and Mr. Kosmosbek Cholponbaev, Minister of Health, Government of the Kyrgyz
Republic.
DIPP Hosts Global Digital Content Market 2018
• On 14th and 15th November 2018,The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP),
Ministry of Commerce and Industry hosts, 2 days conference of Global Digital Content Market
2018 (GDCM 2018) in New Delhi . It was the 2nd edition of the conference, 1st edition was held
in Geneva in 2016.
3 day 6th Indian Social Work Congress held in New Delhi
• On November 1, 2018, the 3-day 6th Indian Social Work Congress commenced in New
Delhi.The theme of the 2018 Congress was “Human Development and Social Inclusion:
Imperatives for Social Work Education and Practice”.
Industrial Park Rating System to be released by Commerce Ministry
• On November 19, 2018, Minister of Commerce and Industry Suresh Prabhu released report
on Industrial Park Rating System at a national workshop in New Delhi. It is a part of centre’s
vision to make India a 5 Trillion Dollar economy out of which 20 per cent is expected to be
generated from industries.
9-day 14th edition of international children’s theatre festival held in New Delhi
• From 17 to 25th November 2018, the 9-day 14th edition of Jashne Bachpan, a theatre festival
for children, commenced at the Sammukh, Abhimanch, Abhikalp and Little Theatre
Group (LTG) auditorium in New Delhi.
Grand challenge for improving Ease of Doing Business in the Startup India Portal launched in
New Delhi
• On November 19, 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a grand challenge, in
the Startup India Portal platform, for improving the Ease of Doing Business in New Delhi.
Institution’s Innovation Council launched by HRD Ministry
• On November 22, 2018, HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar launched the Institution’s Innovation
Council, a innovation cell for higher education institutions through video conferencing at the
AICTE headquarters in New Delhi.
P.M.Modi laid the foundation stone for city gas work in 129 districts of 18 states under
9th bidding round
• On November 22, 2018, Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for City
Gas Distribution(CGD) in 129 districts of 18 states under the 9th CGD bidding round, at Vigyan
Bhawan, New Delhi.This would cover over a quarter of India’s population.
Government to set up a domestic Gold Council in India
• On November 24, 2018, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu announced
government’s intention to set up a domestic Gold Council in India during the inauguration of
the 2nd Edition of India Gold and Jewellery Summit in New Delhi for the growth in the
jewellery sector.
Union Commerce Minister revealed logo and brochure of 3-day Logix India 2019
• On November 27, 2018, the Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Suresh
Prabhu, launched the logo and brochure of Logix India 2019 in New Delhi. 3-day Logix India
2019 is scheduled to take place in New Delhi from 31st January to 2nd February 2019.
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NITI Aayog organized the 2nd phase of Urban Water Management in New Delhi
• On November 26, 2018, NITI Aayog in collaboration with the Singapore Cooperation
Enterprise (SCE) & Temasek Foundation (TF) International organized the 2nd Phase of Urban
Management Programme on ‘Water Recycling and Reuse’ at India Habitat Centre in New Delhi.
Odisha
‘Soura Jalanidhi’ scheme launched in Odisha
• On October 30, 2018, Chief Minister of Odisha Naveen Patnaik launched ‘Soura
Jalanidhi’ scheme to increase use of solar energy for helping farmers in irrigation.
Odisha Aerospace & Defence Manufacturing Policy rolled out by the state government
• On November 3, 2018, Odisha Aerospace & Defence Manufacturing Policy, 2018 was approved
by the state cabinet and rolled out by Odisha government.This was done ahead of the second
edition of ‘Make In Odisha Conclave’ to be held here from November 11 to November 15.
‘Mo bus service’ launched in Odisha
• On 6th November 2018, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched the technology-driven
and citizen-friendly 'Mo bus' service in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Nearly 300 buses will be
launched in 3 phases.
3-member inter-ministerial panel formed to address farmers' issues: Odisha govt
• On November 6, 2018, the Odisha government constituted a 3-member inter-ministerial
committee to address issues raised by farmers. The committee will be headed by: Finance
Minister Shashi Bhusan Behera.
‘Bhubaneswar Me Wi-Fi’ launched by Odisha Chief Minister
• On 5th November 2018, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched the ‘Bhubaneswar Me
Wi-Fi’ project to make Bhubaneswar a fully Wi-Fi enabled city before the Hockey World
Cup. This project has been implemented by the Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited.
Biotechnology Policy 2018 launched by Odisha government to promote biotechnology
investments
• On November 15, 2018, the Odisha government launched a Biotechnology Policy 2018 at
the Make in Odisha Conclave held in Bhubaneswar to make Odisha a top biotech investment
destination in the country.
AAI cancelled UDAN license of Air Odisha and suspended operations in 7 airports
• On November 24, 2018, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) cancelled the UDAN (Ude Desh ka
Aam Nagrik) licence of low-cost carrier Air Odisha for seven airports for poor and
irregular services.
Odisha’s Baliyatra festival inaugurated
• On 23rd November 2018 the historic 10 days long Bali Yatra festival was inaugurated in
Cuttack, Odisha on the occasion of Kartik Purnima by State Finance Minister Shashi Bhusan
Behera.
Odisha government launched a lexicon for 21 rare tribal languages
• On November 27, 2018, Odisha government released lexicons of 21 tribal languages
for multilingual education (MLE) purposes for elementary schools in tribal dominated districts.
This initiative has been prepared by Special Development council which will further enhance
proficiency in tribal languages.
Punjab
Punjab becomes 3rd state to ban hookah bars or lounges
• On 18th November,2018,Punjab becomes 3rd Indian state after Maharashtra and Gujarat to
permanently ban Hookah bars or lounges. The ban was announced after President Ram Nath
Kovind has given assent to a bill passed by Punjab state assembly.
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A National Institute of Inter-Faith Studies to be set up in Punjab

• On November 21, 2018, the Union Minister of Culture, Shri Mahesh Sharma, announced
centre’s proposal to set up a first-of-its-kind institute of Inter-Faith Studies in Amritsar,
Punjab as a part of the year-long activities to commemorate the 550th birth anniversary
of Guru Nanak in 2019.
Vice President of India laid foundation stone for Sikh pilgrimage route in Punjab
• On November 26, 2018, Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone for the
construction of the Dera Baba Nanak-Karatarpur Sahib road corridor in Punjab.The corridor
will be developed by the National Highways Authority of India.
CSIR to establish a High-End Skill Development Centre in Chandigarh
• On 27th November 2018, India’s Premier National Research Laboratory, the Council of
Scientific and Industrial Research – Institute of Microbial Technology (CSIR – IMTECH)
announced a new partnership with a leading German Science and technology
company, Merck to establish a “High End Skill Development Centre” at CSIR- IMTECH
in Chandigarh.
Rajasthan
4-day Regional meeting of World Customs Organisation held in Jaipur
• On November 13, 2018, a 4-day Regional meeting of the World Customs Organisation was held
in Jaipur, Rajasthan.It was attended by representatives of 33 member countries of Asia.
Tamil Nadu
TN got SEBI approval to launch State Shelter Fund
• On November 10, 2018, market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) gave
nod to Tamil Nadu for launching its State Shelter Fundf or attracting investments in the
affordable housing segment. The fund’s name is: Tamil Nadu Infrastructure Fund.
Telangana
India to host 4-day 50th Union World Conference on Lung Health next year in Hyderabad
• On November 23, 2018, the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The
Union) released the agenda to host the 4-day 50th Union World Conference on Lung
Health in Hyderabad on 30 October – 2 November 2019.The theme will be: “Ending the
Emergency: Science, Leadership, Action”.
Telangana Chief Electoral Officer inaugurated five-day exhibition in Hyderabad
• On November 26, 2018, Telangana Chief Electoral Officer Dr Rajat Kumar inaugurated a five-
day exhibition on “Our Vote- Our Future” in Hyderabad.
Tripura
Tribunal set up to decide on ban on two Tripura militant groups
• On November 16, 2018, the Home Ministry set up a tribunal to decide on banning 2 militant
groups from Tripura.The tribunal is headed by Delhi High Court Judge Justice Suresh Kait.
7th International Tourism Mart held for the first time in Tripura
• On 22nd to 24th November, 2018, the 3-day 7th International Tourism Mart (ITM) was held for
the first time at the Pragna Bhawan in Agartala, Tripura.The theme for this year’s ITM is –
“Adventure tourism”.
Uttar Khand
President Kovind inaugurated Gyan Kumbh in Haridwar
• On November 3, 2018, a two-day Gyan Kumbh was inaugurated by President Ram Nath Kovind
at Patanjali Yogpeeth in Haridwar to inculcate good manners and character building in the
students.
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Uttarakhand cabinet approved renaming of Dehradun’s Jolly Grant airport after former PM
Vajpayee
• On November 24, 2018, the Uttarakhand government chaired by Chief Minister Trivendra
Singh Rawat, approved a total of 27 proposals including renaming the Dehradun airport after
former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Uttar Pradesh
UP govt in partnership with Japan to develop ‘food value chain’
• On October 30, 2018, the Uttar Pradesh cabinet presided over by UP Chief Minister Yogi
Adityanath cleared a proposal for the development of ‘Food Value Chain’ in the state.Under the
agreement, in the first five years, Japanese companies will invest in agri-related and food-
related industries.
MHA approved Rs.194.44 crore Safe City Project for Lucknow under Nirbhaya Fund
• On November 1, 2018, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved a Safe City
project for Lucknow at a total cost of Rs.194.44 crore. Centre and State sharing the funding
in 60:40 ratio, under the Nirbhaya Fund Scheme.
NMCG & HCL foundation to engage in Afforestation and Public outreach activities through “Bal
Ganga Mela”
• On November 5, 2018, National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) partnered up with HCL
Foundation and German development agency GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale
Zusammenarbeit) to organize “Bal Ganga Mela” at HCL’s Noida campus to encourage students
to become ambassadors of change.
Faizabad to be known as Ayodhya: Yogi Adityanath
• On November 7, 2018, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi
Adityanath renamed Faizabad as Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram.The Faizabad district
comprises the twin towns of Faizabad and Ayodhya on the banks of the river Saryu.
Lucknow’s Ekana Cricket Stadium has been renamed
• On November 7, 2018, UP Governor Ram Naik approved renaming of Ekana International
Cricket Stadium in Lucknow in the memory of late PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.It was renamed as
the "Bharat Ratan Atal Bihari Vajpayee International Cricket Stadium".
PM in Varanasi, dedicates projects worth over Rs. 2400 crores
• On November 12, 2018, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, visited Varanasi, Uttar
Pradesh. During his visit, he dedicated, inaugurated or laid the foundation stone of projects
worth Rs. 2413 crore.
India’s First Elephant Hospital unveiled in Mathura, UP
• On November 17, 2018, India’s first specialized hospital for elephant was unveiled at
Churmura village in Mathura,Uttar Pradesh It is located close to the elephant conservation and
care centre of Wildlife SOS.
NMCG approved 10 composite Sewerage Projects in Agra worth Rs. 1573.28 Crore
• On November 21, 2018, National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) approved 10 sewerage
projects worth Rs 1573.28 crore to address Yamuna’s pollution issues in Agra. The decision
was taken by the Executive Committee (EC) of the National Mission for Clean Ganga
(NMCG) for the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Himachal Pradesh.
Uttar Pradesh CM launched Month-long Nari Sashaktikaran Sankalp Abhiyan
• On November 20, 2018, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched month-
long Nari Sashaktikaran Sankalp Abhiyan or Women Empowerment campaign in Lucknow to
empower women in the state through various programs.
Carpet city Bhadohi gets ‘export excellence’ tag
• On 21st November 2018, Bhadohi district of Uttar Pradesh, which is known for its hand-woven
carpets around the world, was granted the export ‘excellence tag’ for the product category
‘Carpets and other floor Coverings’ by the the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)
under the commerce ministry.
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Yogi Adityanath gave nod for construction of 221-meter tall Ram statue in Ayodhya
• On November 26, 2018, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath unveiled the finalized
details for the construction of a 221-metre long statue of Lord Ram in Ayodhya and making it
the world’s tallest statue.
WestBengal
Welfare boards to come up for Namasudra, Matua communities: WB cabinet
• On November 7, 2018, West Bengal cabinet, headed by CM Mamata Banerjee, decided to set up
development boards for the Matua and Namasudra communities.The chairperson and
members of the welfare boards will be decided by the State Chief Minister, Ms. Mamata
Banerjee.
West Bengal Assembly passes Bill to give land rights to enclave dwellers in north Bengal
• On 19th November 2018, West Bengal Assembly unanimously passed West Bengal Land
Reforms (Amendments) bill, 2018 to give land rights to enclave dwellers in north Bengal
ending an era of uncertain future of people living in those areas.
3-day annual Jangalmahal Festival began in West Bengal
• On November 23, 2018, a three-day-long annual ‘Jangalmahal’ festival began in the adjoining
forested areas of West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia districts of West Bengal.
One of a kind world-class autism township, worth Rs. 500 crore, set to come up near Kolkata
• On November 27, 2018,a non-profit organization named the India Autism Center (IAC) in
association with the state government will build a world-class autism township near Kolkata at
a cost of Rs 500 crore.
WB Green varsity to be renamed as Rani Rashmoni Green University
• On 26th November 2018, State assembly of West Bengal passed “West Bengal Green University
(Amendment) Bill 2018” to rename the West Bengal Green University as Rani Rashmoni Green
University in the commemoration of Rani Rashmoni’s 225th Birth anniversary.
Other Important National Affairs

Location tracking devices, emergency buttons mandatory for new public service vehicles:
MORTH
• On October 31, 2018, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways mandated that all new public
service vehicles except auto rickshaws and e-Rickshaws, registered on and after 1st January
2019 to be equipped with Vehicle Location Tracking ( VLT )with emergency buttons to ensure
safety of passengers especially women.
India and Japan signed a Loan Agreement worth Rs. 1817 crore
• On November 2, 2018, Ministry of Finance announced loan agreement with Japan International
Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the Construction of Turga Pumped Storage (I) to be done
in West Bengal.The agreement was for a Japanese Official Development Assistance loan that
amounted to Yen 29.442 Billion or Rs. 1817 crore approximately.
Indian Railways announced elimination of all 3479 Unmanned Level Crossings (UMLCs) on
Broad Gauge
• On November 2, 2018, Indian Railways announced elimination of all Unmanned Level
Crossings (UMLCs) on Broad Gauge.There were 3479 Unmanned Level Crossings on Broad
Gauge routes of which, 3402 UMLCs have been eliminated in last 7 months.
Ministry of Food Processing Industries issued guidelines for ‘Operation Greens’
• On November 5, 2018, Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) under Union
Minister Smt Harsimrat Kaur Badal approved the strategy for operationalisation of Operation
Greens. The strategy consists of Short term Price Stabilisation Measures and Long Term
Integrated value chain development projects.
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Rs. 113.36 crore released for redevelopment of 6 border states under Border Area
Development Programme
• On November 7, 2018, the Home Ministry released Rs. 113.36 crore to 6 border states under
the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) to ameliorate the problems of people living
in these isolated locations.
Unemployment rate in India at 6.9%, a 2-year high:study by Centre for Monitoring Indian
Economy
• Unemployment rate in India has increased to 6.9% in October 2018, the highest in 2 years, as
per a study by the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy. Labour participation rate, a measure
of the proportion of adults willing to work, has declined to 42.4%, the lowest since January
2016.
5-member expert panel sought public comments on easing norms for setting up petrol pumps
• On November 8, 2018, the 5 member expert committee set up to recommend easing norms for
setting up of petrol pumps have sought public opinion for the same.This committee was set up
by the Oil ministry on October 2018 and the 1st meeting was held on November 2, 2018.
2018 pneumonia and diarrhea progress report shows persistent gender gap
• On November 11, 2018, according to an annual report 2018 Pneumonia and Diarrhea
Progress Report released by International Vaccine Access Center (IVAC) at the Johns Hopkins
Bloomberg School of Public Health, vaccinations in India are still out of reach of girls under the
age of five in rural India.
No double jeopardy bar if there was no trial: Supreme Court
• On 30th October 2018, the Supreme Court declared that, bar of double jeopardy does not
arise if an accused was discharged of a criminal offence, even before the commencement of
trial, on the basis of an invalid sanction for prosecution.
National body set up to study rare form of diabetes
• On November 10, 2018, a National Monogenic Diabetes Study Group was formed to identify
cases of monogenic diabetes across the country.It will be supported by: Under this initiative,
MDRF would provide guidelines to the collaborators for identifying monogenic diabetes.
Long cohabitation is presumed marriage
• Supreme Court has declared that, it can be presumed that, a couple who live together as
husband and wife are legally married and the woman can claim maintenance under Section
125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
Constitution of new Boards of Governors for the IIMs as per the IIM Act 2017 approved
• On November 13, 2018, Government approved the process of constitution of new Boards of
Governors for the IIMs as per the IIM Act 2017.This was announced by Human Resources
Development Minister Prakash Javadekar.
MNRE presented draft Indian Wind Turbine Certification Scheme (IWTCS)
• On November 13, 2018, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy prepared a draft of new
Scheme comprises of guidelines for the benefit of all the stakeholders from concept to lifetime
of wind turbine called Indian Wind Turbine Certification Scheme (IWTCS).For further
info: Click Here
India increased its financial contribution to UNRWA
• On November 13, 2018, India increased its financial contribution to the UN agency for
Palestinian refugees, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). It was
increased five-fold to the agency’s core budget, from one million dollars in 2016 to five million
dollars in 2018.
UNICEF- Atal Tinkering Lab Hackthon launched jointly on Children’s Day 2018
• On November 14, 2018, NITI Aayog and UNICEF launched UNICEF- Atal Tinkering
LabHackthon to commemorate Children’s Day to encourage children towards making new
innovations.
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Rs 75 coin to be issued by government to mark 75th anniversary of Tricolour hoisting by Netaji

Subhash Chandra Bose
• On November 14, 2018, the Ministry of Finance issued a notification regarding the release of
the Rs 75 coin to commemorate 75th anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose hoisting the
Tricolour for the first time at Port Blair in Andaman Nicober Islands.
WCD Ministry approves setting up over 1023 fast-track courts to dispose off rape, POCSO cases
• Women and Child Development (WCD) Ministry has approved setting up of 1023 Fast Track
Special Courts to dispose off pending cases of rape and POCSO (Protection of Children from
Sexual Offences) Act throughout India. Law and Justice Ministry had sent a proposal regarding
this to WCD Ministry.
Government to pay employers 7-weeks maternity leave given to staff
• On 15th November 2018,The Women and Child Development Ministry announced that the
Government will reimburse employers the salaries for 7 of the 26 weeks of maternity leave for
women, who is earning more than Rs 15,000 a monthThe salary of female employees will be
refunded from labor Welfare Cess.
Malaria cases declined by 24% in India
• World malaria report by World Health Organisation (WHO) states that, India is the only
country to have achieved a substantial decrease in malaria cases in 2017 out of the 11 highest
burden countries throughout the world.
Centre approved Rs 74k-crore for sanitation projects
• On 20th November 2018,Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri announced that, the Centre has
approved 2,400 projects worth Rs 74,000 crore for improved water supply, sewerage and
drainage.These projects have been approved under AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and
Urban Transformation) under the state annual action plans for 2015-2020.
Government hiked outlay for phase I of FAME by additional Rs. 100 crore to Rs 895 crore
• On November 25, 2018, the Ministry of Finance notified an increase of Rs. 100 crore in the
outlay , to Rs 895 crore from Rs 795 crore, for the first phase of the Faster Adoption and
Manufacturing of (Hybrid) and Electric Vehicles (FAME India) scheme.
MoRTH issued notification for inclusion of Quadricycles as Non Transport Vehicles
• On November 23, 2018, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) notified the
insertion of the item ‘Quadricycle’ as a ‘non transport’ vehicle under the Motor Vehicles Act
1988.
Govt transferred over Rs 1,600 crore to 48.5 lakh mothers under PMMVY: CDFI
• On November 23, 2018, according to Centre for Digital Financial Inclusion (CDFI), the
government had transferred over Rs 1,600 crore to 48.5 lakh mothers under Pradhan Mantri
Matru Vandana Yojana through direct benefit transfer.
UN selects Noida, Greater Noida to participate in Global Sustainable Cities 2025 initiative
• On 25th November, 2018 the United Nations selected Noida and Greater Noida, twin cities in
Gautam Buddh Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh,adjoining NewDelhi to participate in its Global
Sustainable Cities 2025 initiative in the “University City” category ahead of Mumbai and
Bengaluru which were also under UN’s consideration for the initiative, as the only invitee from
India.
Govt to divest 100% stake in Air India’s ground handling firm AIATSL
• On November 28, 2018, the Central government announced 100% disinvestment of Air India’s
ground handling subsidiary- Air India Air Transport Services Limited (AIATSL) to partially pay
off the accumulated Rs 500 billion debt of Air India.
Government brought 2000 Public Authorities Under the purview of RTI Act 2005
• On November 25, 2018, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of
North Eastern Region (DoNER), Dr Jitendra Singh stated that PM Modi led government has
brought most of the public authorities under the purview of the RTI act to maintain maximum
transparency in the institutions.
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INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
Overview of PM Modi’s visit to Japan for 13th India-Japan Annual Summit

• On October 28, 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi started his 2-day official visit to Japan. PM
reached Tokyo and was received by Japan PM Shinzo Abe .PM Modi, along with his Japanese
counterpart Shinzo Abe, attended 13th Annual Bilateral Summit at the Japanese Prime
Minister’s Office in Tokyo.…………………………..Click here to Read more
‘Little India Gate’ inaugurated in Indonesia’s Medan city
• On October 28, 2018, the first-of-its-kind 'Little India Gate' was inaugurated at Kampung
Madras or Madras Village area in Medan city, Indonesia.It was jointly inaugurated byIndia's
ambassador to Indonesia and Timor Leste Pradeep Kumar Rawat and Mayor of Medan H T
Dzulmi Eldin S.
India Pavilion inaugurated at Videocittà 2018 in Rome Film Festival
• On November 2, 2018, an Indian Pavilion was inaugurated at Videocittà 2018 event in Rome
Film Festival.It was organized along with Rome Film Festival and Mercato Internazionale
dell'Audiovisivo (MIA) (the International Audio Visual Market).
Overview of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's 4-day visit to Qatar, Kuwait
• On October 28, 2018, External Affairs Minister Smt. Sushma Swaraj reached Doha, the capital of
Qatar to start her 2 day visit and External Affairs Minister Smt. Sushma Swaraj reached Kuwait,
the ‘Land of the Pearls’ to start her 2-day visit to the country on October 30, 2018.
Changsha Declaration for agricultural and rural development
• On 3rd November 2018, over 20 countries committed to the Changsha Declaration at the end of
a forum on international development cooperation in Changsha, China. 26 countries and 11
international organisations including Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), United
Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), World Food Programme (WFP), and the World Health
Organisation (WHO) signed the Changsha Declaration.
India took part in 1st China International Import Expo inaugurated in Shanghai
• On November 5, 2018, India participated in China's 1st International Import Expo (CIIE) at
the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai. It will conclude on Novemebr 10.
Chinese President Xi Jinping inaugurated 6-day China International Import Expo (CIIE) in
Shanghai.
India & Sharjah to boost economic ties
• On November 5, 2018, India and Sharjah decided to boost economic ties at The ‘Sharjah-India
Business Roundtable’, that was held in Sharjah, UAE.It was organized by Sharjah FDI
Office, Invest in Sharjah.
Government set up state of-the-art National Data Repository
• On November 13, 2018, Government set up a state of -the- art National Data Repository. This
was announced by the Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan at
the DG Carbons Roadshow programme in Abu Dhabi.
Stamps with Diyas lamps to mark the celebration of Deepawali issued by United Nations Postal
System
• On November 8, 2018, to mark the celebration of Deepawali, United Nations Postal
System issued stamps with Diyas lamps.India's Permanent Representative to the UN Syed
Akbaruddin acknowledged the gesture and the stamps have been made available at UN
headquarters post office and online.
China taps India as digital economy partner
• China has involved India as a digital partner, as part of Beijing’s drive to cyber-connect with
Eurasia, its new frontier for trade and investments. At a conference on defining common
international standards for two-dimensional (2D) barcodes, Chinese officials announced that
India is already on board in this global exercise.
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Palau became the First Country in the World to ban Reef-Killing Sunscreen
• On November 10, 2018, Palau became the first country in the world to impose a ban
on sunscreens toxic to coral reefs.The laws passed by the Western Pacific nation will go into
effect in 2020.
Overview of Vice President’s 7-day Visit to three South African Countries
• On October 31, 2018, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu embarked on a seven-day 3-South
African nation visit to Botswana, Zimbabwe and Malawi.in order to inaugurate the India Africa
Center for Agriculture and Rural Development……………………………..Click here to Read more
Overview of 3-day visit of Vice President of India to France
• On November 9, 2018, Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu embarked on a 3-day
visit to France and also inaugurated the Indian Armed Forces Memorial at Villers-Guislain town
to commemorate the contribution of the soldiers to the freedom of France in the World War
I.Click here to Read more
India to top US as 2nd-largest carbon emitter from power
• On November 13, 2018, according to the report by the International Energy Agency titled
‘World Energy Outlook’, India would surpass US as the 2nd biggest emitter of carbon dioxide
from the power sector in the world after China.
India re-elected as a Member of the ITU Council for another 4-year term
• On November 7, 2018, India was re-elected as a Member of the International
Telecommunications Union (ITU) Council for another 4-year term (2019-2022) at the elections
of the council held during ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2018 at Dubai, UAE.
Overview of PM Modi’s 2 day visit to Singapore
• On November 15, 2018, PM Narendra Modi the following in Singapore
 Attended the 33rd edition of the ASEAN Summit (Nov 11 to 15) held at Suntec
Singapore Convention Centre, Singapore.
 Attended the 13th East Asia Summit (EAS) in Singapore and the 16th ASEAN-
India Breakfast Summit in Singapore.
 Prior to the PM’s visit to attend the ASEAN summits, the 17th ASEAN Economic
Community (AEC) Council Meeting was held in Singapore on November 12,
2018…………………………Click here to Read more
UNSC unanimously agrees to lift sanctions against Eritrea after nine years
• On 14th November 2018, United Nations Security Council (UNSC) unanimously agreed to lift
sanctions against Eritrea after 9 years. On 9th July 2018, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy
Ahmed and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki signed a peace agreement and announced
normalization of ties, ending a 20-year conflict.
India-Taiwan SME Development Forum held in Taipei, Taiwan
• From 13th to 17th November 2018, the India-Taiwan SME Development Forum was held
in Taipei, Taiwan. Secretary, Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), Dr.Arun
Kumar Panda, led the Indian Delegation.
Africa’s First Ever High Speed Train Line unveiled in Morocco
• On November 18, 2018, Morocco‘s first high-speed rail line, the first ever such line in
Africa was unveiled. It was inaugurated by French President Emmanuel Macron and Morocco’s
King Mohammed VI.
3 Educational institutions built with Indian assistance of 126.60 million Nepali rupees
inaugurated
• 3 Educational institutions which are built with Indian assistance of 126.60 million Nepali
rupees have been inaugurated in Kaski district of Nepal. As per Development Partnership
programme, India government is providing assistance to institutions of all level starting from
Primary school to universities of Nepal.
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Maldives Cabinet approves to rejoin Commonwealth, 2 year after withdrawing from 53-nation
grouping
• On 19th November 2018, Maldives new President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih made the
announcement that Maldives Cabinet approves re-joining of Commonwealth after 2 year of
withdrawal. The Proposal has been sent to the Maldives parliament for ratification.
4th edition of Intex South Asia held in Colombo
• On 14th November 2018, 4th edition of Intex South Asia was inaugurated by Indian high
commissioner to Sri Lanka Taranjit Singh Sandhu, in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Intex South Asia is the
largest international textile sourcing show in South Asia.
Saudi, UAE Announced USD 500 Million In Aid To Yemen
• On 20th November, 2018 Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), announced $500
million in aid to the war torn Yemen in response to the dismal humanitarian conditions.The aid
will support 10 to 12 million Yemenisto address the humanitarian need in the sectors of food
and nutrition through the United Nations, international, regional and local organizations.
Australia and Poland join US rejection of UN migration pact
• Australia and Poland refused to sign a UN pact on migration because the agreement would
undermine their existing immigration policies. A draft of the agreement, which is not legally
binding, was finalized in 2017 after more than a year of work.
India, Nepal agreed to set up hotline for effective coordination in checking smuggling
• On November 21, 2018,India and Nepal decided to set up a hotline to ensure effective
coordination to combat smuggling, improve border management and facilitate trade. It was
decided at the 2-day-19th annual Indo-Nepal Director General-level talks in Kathmandu which
held on November 19-20, 2018.
4 day 12th World Congress on Mountain Medicine held in Kathmandu
• On November 21 2018, 4-day 12th biennial World Congress on Mountain
Medicine commenced in Kathmandu, Nepal. The theme of the congress was “Mountain
Medicine in the Heart of the Himalayas”.
Indian embassy in Nepal and CII organized 3-day exhibition ConMac 2018
• On November 22, 2018, the Embassy of India in Nepal and Confederation of Indian Industry
(CII) organized a 3-day exhibition of construction equipment and technology-ConMac 2018 in
Bhaktapur near Kathmandu, Nepal. For more information: Click Here
Monaco to host 2019 Laureus Awards on February 18 2019
• The ‘Oscars of sports’, the Laureus World Sports Awards 2019 will be held in Monaco on
February 18 next year. Sport’s premier global awards ceremony will celebrate the best of 2018
across eight individual and team categories, with the winners collecting a prized Laureus
Statuette.
2-day 21st round of India-China Special Representatives border talks held in China
• On November 24, 2018, the 2-day 21st round of India-China Special Representatives border
talks concluded at Dujiangyan near southwest China’s Chengdu city.This was the first round of
talks for Wang who earlier in 2018 succeeded State Councillor Yang Jiechi.
Overview of President Ram Nath Kovind’s 7-day maiden visit to Vietnam & Australia
• On November 24, 2018, the President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind, along with his wife Savita
Kovind and other dignitaries, concluded his 7-day maiden official visit to ASEAN country
of Vietnam and Australia.…………….Click here to Read more
2-day first Russia-India strategic dialogue held in Russia
• On November 26, 2018, the 2-day 1st Russia—India Strategic Dialogue concluded in St.
Petersburg, Russia with bilateral discussions dedicated to the priorities of the economic policy
of the two countries.
Overview of EAM Sushma Swaraj’s 2-day official visit to Laos PDR
• On November 22-23, 2018, External Affairs Minister of India, Smt. Sushma Swaraj, paid a 2-day
Official Visit to Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR).
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 She co-chaired the 9th India-Lao PDR Joint Commission Meeting along with H.E. Mr.
Saleumxay Kommasith, Foreign Minister of Lao PDR
 They held constructive discussions covering cooperation in agriculture, trade and
investment, defence, education, culture, information technology, energy and mining.
 India agreed to grant a total line of credit proposal offer of USD 250 million to Lao
PDR……………………………Click here to Read more
Nepal launched contribution based Social Security Scheme
• On November 27, 2018, Nepal government launched a contribution based Social Security
Scheme for formal sector workers in Kathmandu. It was inaugurated by PM of Nepal, KP
Sharma Oli.
Second India-UAE strategic conclave held in Abu Dhabi
• On 27th and 28th November 2018, the two day Second edition of India-UAE Strategic Conclave
organized by Economic Times, India was held in the Capital of United Arab Emirates
(UAE), Abu Dhabi.
3 Inclusive Wealth Report 2018 released by the UN Environment
rd
• On November 26, 2018, UN Environment released the 3rd edition of ‘Inclusive Wealth Report
2018’ and an Inclusive Wealth Index on margins of UN Environment Finance Initiative Global
Roundtable in Paris, France.According to the preliminary finding, the Republic of Korea,
Singapore and Malta topped the chart of biennial survey of growth in the wealth of nations.
Global Water Monitor & Forecast Watch List released by IScience
• On November 29, 2018, according to the latest edition of Global Water Monitor & Forecast
Watch List (November 2018), released by IScience (US based limited liability Corporation),
Water deficits will increase and intensify in India in 2019.
Slovenia becomes only NATO country with female Army Chief
• On 28th November 2018, Slovenia became the first North Atlantic Treaty Organization
(NATO) Country with the female Army Chief after appointment of Major General Alenka
Ermenc to the post of Head of its Army.She Replaces Major General Alan Geder.
BANKING & FINANCE

RBI in News
Kirloskar group got RBI licence to open Rs. 1000 crore NBFC Kirloskar Capital
• On November 1, 2018, Reserve Bank of India gave licence to the Kirloskar group to launch a
non-banking finance company (NBFC) named Kirloskar Capital. It will be headed by industry
veteran Vimal Bhandari as CEO.
Digital PCR to be set up by RBI to capture details of all borrowers
• On November 7, 2018, the Reserve Bank initiated steps to set up a wide-based digital Public
Credit Registry (PCR) to capture details of all borrowers, wilful defaulters and also the pending
legal suits.
Reserve Bank of India liberalized norms governing external commercial borrowings for
infrastructure creation
• On November 8, 2018, Reserve Bank of India liberalized the rules governing external
commercial borrowing for infrastructure firms in terms of both tenure and the hedging
requirements. These changes will facilitate infra companies to raise resources overseas.
Reserve Bank of India plans on setting up payments ombudsman
• On November 8, 2018, Reserve Bank of India announced its plan to establish an ombudsman
for digital payments by March 2019. It would address increasing number of complaints
currently being handled by the banking ombudsman.
Enforcement Directorate flagged RBI of ponzi scheme in name of Islamic banking
• On November 9, 2018, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) flagged the RBI about the activities of
a Karnataka-based firm charging it with running a ponzi scheme “in the name of Islamic
banking or halal investment”.
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31 NBFC registrations cancelled by RBI

• On November 9, 2018, the Reserve Bank of India cancelled the certificate of registrations of as
many as 31 non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) for unspecified reasons.A majority 27 of
the 31 companies which lost their licences are from Bengal.The List is as follows: Click Here
RBI injected Rs 12,000 crore liquidity via OMO on November 15
• On November 15, 2018, Reserve Bank of India pumped in Rs 12,000 crore into the system
through purchase of government securities.The eligible participants submitted their offers in
electronic format on the Reserve Bank of India Core Banking Solution (E-Kuber) system on
November 15.
RBI imposed fine of Rs 3 crore each on Deutsche Bank, J&K Bank
• On November 14, 2018, Reserve Bank of India imposed a fine amounting to Rs. 6.1 crores fine
on two lenders such as Rs 30.10 million on Deutsche Bank was imposed and also fined Rs 30
million on The Jammu and Kashmir Bank Ltd.
RBI board to set up panel to examine Economic Capital Framework
• On November 21, 2018, in its board meeting, RBI decided to set up an expert committee to
examine the central bank’s Economic Capital Framework (ECF) to enable transfer of reserve
worth Rs 3.6 lakh crore to Government of India.
Survey on India’s Startup Sector (SISS) launched by RBI
• On November 27, 2018, the Reserve Bank of India launched a Survey on India’s startup sector
(SISS) to create a profile of the startup sector in India consisting of dimensions relating to
turnover, profitability and workforce.For more information: Click Here.
Non-food bank credit grows at 15.6%: RBI
• On November 29, 2018, according to a Reserve Bank of India data, total credit growth from
banks to the commercial sector grew at 15.6 per cent to Rs 97.32 lakh crore from previous
Rs 84.22 lakh crore in the fortnight ended November 9, 2018, the highest growth since
demonetization of Rs.500 and Rs.1000 currency notes in 2016, as per Reserve Bank of India
data.
Loans issued by banks/others

Loan issued by Received by Amount Points to be noted
World Bank Andhra $172.20 To enhance agricultural productivity,

Pradesh million profitability, and climate resilience of
poor and marginalised farmers in
Andhra Pradesh.
Asian Government of $300 To support lending by India
Development India million Infrastructure Finance Company
Bank (ADB) Limited (IIFCL) in New Delhi.
Asian Government of $105 To continue financing the transmission
Development India million system upgrades in Himachal
Bank (ADB) Pradesh. This loan would help in
increased supply of hydropower to the
state and the national grid and
supports the institutional capacity
development of the state transmission
utility.
World Bank Government of $310 Jharkhand Power Improvement
Jharkhand million Project aimed to provide affordable
and reliable electricity supply to
citizens of Jharkhand.
Asian Government of $200 milli To fund up gradation
Development India on of 230 kilometers State
19 | P a g e
Bank (ADB) Highways in Bihar under Bihar State

Highways III Project (BSHP-III).
Asian Government of $75 To fund projects under Karnataka
Development India million Integrated Urban Water Management
Bank Investment Program to provide 24 x7
water supply in 4 coastal towns of
Karnataka and improve sanitation
infrastructure for Mangalore town.
World Bank International Sh327m Used to fund training in Science and
Centre of ($3.8 Innovation in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Insect million)
Physiology and
Ecology
(ICIPE)
Rates changed by Banks
HDFC Bank hiked deposit rates; Bank of Baroda raised lending rate
• On November 7, 2018, HDFC Bank raised interest rates on deposits by up to 0.5 per cent for
various tenors.Similarly, Bank of Baroda hiked lending rates by 0.1 per cent.
Other Important Banking & Finance News

Fitch rates IDBI Bank's Long-Term IDR at BB+, VR at ccc
• On November 1, 2018, Fitch ratings affirmed IDBI Bank's long-term issuer default rating
(IDR) at 'BB+' and its viability rating (VR) at 'ccc'.The IDR ratings reflect expectation of a
moderate probability of extraordinary state support given the bank's market position, systemic
importance and linkages to the state.
Chola MS & IndusInd Bank renewed decade long Bancassurance partnership
• On November 3, 2018, Chola MS General Insurance and IndusInd Bank Ltd renewed their
corporate agency arrangement for a period of five years.
Banks allowed investing in NBFC bonds to support raising money
• On November 4, 2018, RBI allowed banks to support bonds sold by non-banking
finance/housing companies.According to the permit, it allowed banks to provide partial credit
enhancement (PCE) to bonds issued by the systemically important non-deposit taking non-
banking financial companies (NBFC-ND-SIs) registered with the Reserve Bank of
India and Housing Finance Companies (HFCs) registered with National Housing Bank.
ICICI Bank launched co-branded credit card with Amazon pay
• On October 30, 2018, ICICI Bank announced partnership with ‘Amazon Pay’ to launch a co-
branded credit card, ‘Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card’.This co-branded card is available on
Visa platform.
Paytm tied up with 2 govt depts in Karnataka for better payment experience
• On November 8, 2018, Paytm partnered with two government departments in Karnataka for
seamless payment experience.Further, Paytm extended a cashback of 10 per cent for upto a
maximum of Rs 20 per user on a minimum transaction amount of Rs 200 for payments.
Centre to infuse Rs 3,054 cr as capital in Allahabad Bank
• On Nov.9 2018 According to a notification to the National Stock Exchange , Allahabad bank has
informed that Rs.3,054 crore was infused by centre as an investment during the current
financial year 2018-19.
Karnataka bank launches new SB scheme “KBL SB – TASC”
• On 15th November 2018, Karnataka Bank introduced a new saving bank scheme ‘KBL SB –
TASC’, a specialized scheme for Trusts, Associates Societies and Clubs during Current & Saving
Accounts campaign (CASA) for FY 2018-19.
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Induslnd Bank launches India’s first interactive credit card named ‘Nexxt Credit Card’
• On November 14 2018, IndusInd Bank has launched a credit card Named Nexxt Credit Card
which is India’s first Interactive card with buttons.The main feature of this card is that it
provides customer the choice of payment options at the point of sale (POS) such as Credit, EMI
with four tenure options which are 6, 12, 18, 24 Months and Using Accumulated Reward
Points.
Rs 1,100 crore subsidy disbursed to 51,000 home buyers under PMAY
• On November 18, 2018, Housing finance firm HDFC disbursed over Rs 1,100 crore subsidy to
over 51,000 customers under the government’s flagship scheme Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana
(PMAY).
SBICAP Ventures launched SME, affordable housing funds
• On November 19, 2018, SBICAP Ventures (SVL), an alternative asset manager and a wholly
owned subsidiary of SBI Capital Markets, launched two funds for the small and medium
enterprises (SMEs) and affordable housing sectors. Both funds are targeting closure of fund in
the second half of next financial year (2019-20).
Ujjivan Small Finance Bank launches personal loan facility for salaried individuals
• Ujjivan Small Finance Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ujjivan Financial Services
Limited introduced a new personal loan scheme for salaried individuals. By this offer, it
became the first small finance bank to introduce this type of personal loan facility.
Paytm partners with LIC for insurance premium payments
• Softbank-backed, digital payments service provider, Paytm (One 97 Communications
Limited) has partnered with the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) to offer online
insurance premium payments on its platform. Life insurance sector in India is the biggest in the
world in terms of policy count with about 360 million policies.
HDFC ERGO General Insurance set up remote sensing lab for crop insurance
• On November 23, 2018, HDFC ERGO General Insurance set up a remote sensing lab for crop
insurance.This will help in early detection of information and will be used to alert the farmers.
EIB & SBI to expand cooperation in wind energy financing projects
• On November 23, 2018,1st offshore wind investment conference held in New Delhi,During
which the European Investment Bank (EIB) and State Bank of India (SBI) agreed to cooperate
on financing renewable energy and wind energy projects across India.
J&K Bank to be brought under purview of RTI as per guidelines of CVC and J&K State
Legislature
• On November 23, 2018, as per the Chief Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) guidelines and the State
Legislature, the Jammu and Kashmir bank was brought under the purview of the Right to
Information (RTI) act. The decision was taken by the State Administrative Council (SAC)
chaired by Governor Satya Pal Malik.
NBFC Mudra loans grew faster than banks in FY18
• On November 23, 2018, According to the 2017-18 annual report of Pradhan Mantri Mudra
Yojana (PMMY), NBFC sanctioned Mudra loans under PMMY, grew faster than banks in FY
2018.This is the first time that the bad loan data has been released by Micro Units
Development & Refinance Agency (Mudra).
Mandatory Hedging cut to 70% from 100% for Foreign Loans
• On November 27, 2018, central bank of India, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in consultation with
the government of India, reduced the mandatory hedging provision to 70 per cent
from 100 per cent to ease the External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) norms.
21 | P a g e
BUSINESS & ECONOMY NEWS
Policybazaar.com partnered with Accrivis to enable data integration using blockchain

• On October 31, 2018, Policybazaar.com partnered with Accrivis Network Pvt. Ltd., a data
integration platform provider, to implement block chain solutions for secure purchase of
insurance.The tie-up will enable Policybazaar.com to explore multiple use-cases of blockchain
technology.
IPO timeline to be cut to 3 days from 6 days: SEBI
• On November 1, 2018, the Securities & Exchange Board of India (SEBI) cut listing time for an
IPO to 3 days from 6 at present.This will be done in a phased manner with the 1st phase
starting from January 1, 2019.
Nation's largest container port JNPT planned to host edible oil refinery
• On November 6, 2018, the nation's largest container port Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust
(JNPT) in Navi Mumbai released its plan to host an edible oil refinery. This would maximize
revenue and ensure captive cargo.
HSBC-ING completed industry’s first blockchain-based transaction for Reliance Industries
• On November 5, 2018, HSBC India and ING Bank Brussels finished executing a blockchain
enabled, live trade finance transaction jointly with Reliance Industries and Tricon Energy. The
letter of credit (LC) was issued by ING Bank on behalf of the importer Tricon
Energy (USA) with HSBC India acting as the advisory bank for RIL.
No anti-dumping duty on PTFE resin from India and China
• On November 5, 2018, the US International Trade Commission (USITC) ruled against anti-
dumping duty on the imports of a synthetic fluoropolymer, a key ingredient in non-stick
coating for pans and other cookware, from India and China.
India pledged contribution of $13.36 mn for UN agencies, development activities
• On November 7, 2018, 1st Secretary in India's Permanent Mission to the UN, Mahesh Kumar, on
behalf of India pledged contributions of USD 13.36 million for the various UN agencies and
development activities during the 2018 United Nations Pledging Conference for Development
Activities at the UN Headquarters in New York, USA.
India's economic growth to slow to 7.3% in 2019: Moody's
• On November 8, 2018, Moody’s Investor Service in its report titled ‘Global Macro Outlook
2019-20' stated that Indian economy will slow down to 7.3% in 2019. Indian economy will
expand 7.4 per cent in 2018, but the growth will slow down to 7.3 per cent in the next fiscal.
UN World Food Programme, Alibaba Group partnered to eliminate hunger
• On November 8, 2018, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and Alibaba
Group (Alibaba) entered into a strategic partnership to support efforts to achieve
the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 – a world with zero hunger
US exempted India from certain sanctions for development of Chabahar port in Iran
• On November 7, 2018, the United States exempted India from imposition of certain sanctions
for the development of the strategically-located Chabahar Port in Iran.All these sanctions were
made under the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act of 2012 (IFCA).
India become 2nd largest smartphone market behind China
• On November 9, 2018, according to a report by research firm Canalys, India overtook US as
the 2nd largest smartphone market after China.
Nokia, Infosys collaborate to drive enterprise digital transformation
• On November 8, 2018, Finnish mobile telecom network maker Nokia and Indian IT services
firm Infosys joined hands to work in AI and machine learning driven solutions.It will couple
technology, products and services from Nokia with platform solutions, engineering and
operations management expertise from Infosys.
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India to export 50,000 tonnes of sugar to China

• On November 10, 2018, a contract was signed for exporting 50,000 tonnes of raw sugar by
the Indian Sugar Mills Association with COFCO, a government of China PSU.
UK India Business Council released 4th annual Ease of Doing Business in India report
• On November 21, 2018, UK India Business Council (UKIBC) released its ‘4th Annual Ease of
Doing Business in India Report: The UK Perspective’.It had an in-depth survey of businesses
with a combined turnover of USD 122 billion.
Sebi unveils amended rules for reclassification of promoter as public investor
• On November 16, 2018, markets regulator Security Exchange Board of India (SEBI) released
the amended the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure
Requirements)(Sixth Amendment) Regulations, 2018 with new rules for re-classification of a
promoter as a public investor.For more information: Click Here
India GDP to slow down marginally, but remain strong at 7.5% in 2019 & 2020: OECD
• On 21st November 2018 the Organization for Economic Cooperation & Development (OECD)
released its Economic Outlook 2018 report and said growth in India will hold up relatively
well, and predicted GDP at market prices to decline marginally to 7.3% in 2019 and 7.4% in
2020 from 7.5% in 2018.
India and China signed protocol to Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement to prevent tax
evasion
• On November 26, 2018, the Government of India and the People’s Republic of China signed a
protocol to amend the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) for the avoidance of
double taxation and prevention of tax evasion through exchange of information.
India recorded highest average real wage growth in South Asia during 2008-17
• On November 27, 2018, according to an annual report named- “Global Wage Report 2018/19:
What Lies behind Gender pay gaps”, released by International Labour Organisation
(ILO).India recorded the highest average real wage growth in South Asia during 2008-17.
For more information:Click here
Second quarter GDP growth likely to slow to 7.5-7.6 per cent: SBI Ecowrap
• On November 26, 2018, according to the ‘SBI Ecowrap’ report released by the State Bank of
India, the GDP growth in the September quarter (which is the 2nd quarter) is expected to
decelerate to 7.5-7.6 per cent over the previous three-month period.
SEBI issues norms for interoperability among clearing corporations
• On 27th November 2018, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issued norms for
interoperability among clearing corporation which is expected to bring down the compliance
costs for market intermediaries and thereby the trading costs as well.
MOUs/AGREEMENTS COUNTRIES & STATES

MoUs between Countries
No. MoU between Field
1 India and Morocco Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Civil and
Commercial Matters
2 India and Russia Cooperation in transport education and in the field of
railways
3 India and South In the field of Tourism
Korea
4 India and Morocco It will offer a strong legal base for the extradition of
fugitive offenders
5 India and Italy For training and education in the fields of Labour and
Employment.
23 | P a g e
6 India and UK India-UK Cancer Research Initiative in New Delhi

7 India and Cooperation on Youth Matters
Tajikistan
8 India and Cooperation in the field of Science, Technology and
Uzbekistan Innovation
9 India and Russia For promotion of science & technology
10 India and Mauritius Consumer Protection and Legal Metrology
MoUs – States wise

No State MoU with Field/Purpose
1 Manipur IL&FS Township and For implementation of Smart City Project in
government Urban Assets Imphal.
Limited and Pricewaterh
ouse Coopers Pvt. Ltd
2 Kochi Vilnius It was signed as a part of the European Union
Corporation (EU) project ‘International Urban Cooperation’.
3 Kerala airbus bizlab The MoU was exchanged between Siddharth
government Balachandran, Leader, Airbus Bizlab India
and Dr Saji Gopinath, CEO, Kerala Startup
Mission (KSUM)
Other MoUs
No Organization MoU with Field/Purpose
1 Oil Marketing CSC e-Governance This will be done under Pradhan Mantri Ujjawala
Companies Services India Yojana (PMUY)
(IOCL,HPCL &
BPCL)
2 GRSE Kolkata Ministry of For supply of four survey vessels for Indian Navy
Defence
3 WAPCOS Doppelmayr For providing end-to-end solutions for passenger
ropeway projects.
4 Central Institute US- For improving quality of fragnant oils.This MOU will
of based Research help in standardizing the fragrant material produced
Medicinal and A Institute for in India and bringing it to an international level.
romatic Fragrant
Plants (CIMAP) Materials (RIFM)
5 Indian Strategic Abu Dhabi Under the MoU, ADNOC is expected to store crude in
Petroleum National Oil compartments at Padur.
Reserves Ltd Company
(ISPRL) (ADNOC)
6 Indian Chamber IIM Calcutta To help facilitate incubation of start-ups primarily in
of Commerce Innovation Park the Eastern and North Eastern states.
(ICC)
7 Indian Institute University of To foster academic exchange and research
of Technology Auckland collaboration, faculty exchange and visiting/adjunct
(IIT) Kharagpur appointments and Student Mobility.
24 | P a g e
sNBCC inks pact with Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to buy out HSCC
• On 6th November 2018, state-owned NBCC (formerly National Buildings Construction
Corporation Limited) signed an agreement with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
to acquire Hospital Services Consultancy Corporation (HSCC).
AAI inked agreement with US Trade and Development Agency to prepare modernized air
traffic roadmap
• On November 16, 2018, state-run Airports Authority of India (AAI) partnered up with the US
Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) to develop a roadmap for modernisation of its air
traffic services. It is aimed at developing a CNS/ATM roadmap for the AAI for modernisation of
the national airspace system (NAS).
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNS

National
Name Appointed As Entity/Place Points To Be Noted
Air Marshal Pradeep Air Officer-in Indian Air Force Air Marshal Pradeep
Padmakar Bapat VSM Charge Padmakar Bapat VSM
Administration succeeds Air Marshal HN
(AOA) Bhagwat AVSM VM who
retired on 31 October
2018.
Dinkar Asthana Ambassador of Lao People's He replaces Mr. Ravi
India Democratic Republic Shankar Aisola.
Gaddam Dharmendra Ambassador of Islamic Republic of He is Additional Secretary
India Iran at Headquarters of
Ministry of External
Affairs.
Nina Tshering La Ambassador of Democratic Republic of She is currently the
India Congo Ambassador of India to
the Democratic Republic of
Congo
Sanjay Kumar Verma Ambassador of Japan He is presently the
India Additional Secretary at
Headquarter of Foreign
Affairs Ministry.
Abhay Kumar Ambassador of Republic At present he is Deputy
India of Madagascar Chief of Mission (DCM) at
the Indian Embassy of
Brasilia.
Nitin Bhatnagar Associate PCI Security Standards To lead its India outreach
Director, India Council (PCI SSC) efforts to promote PCI
Security Standards.
MC Mary Kom Brand 10th edition of AIBA
ambassador Women's World
Championship
Dr Jagannath Dixit Brand Anti-obesity campaign In 2012, Dr Dixit had
ambassador started a WhatsApp
campaign to address this
issue and to provide
guidance to people
affected by the lifestyle
disease.
25 | P a g e
Aishwarya Sharma Brand Mahendra Singh Aims to provide girls who

ambassador(India Foundation (MSF) were affected by violence,
) Acid Attack and Rape, with
a platform to re-define
themselves.
Sachin Tendulkar Brand Apollo Tyres This is for the first time
ambassador that the company has
associated itself with a
celebrity as the face of its
brand.
Alia Bhatt Brand Uber Eats
ambassador
Mr. Sanjay Kumar Chief Commercial AirAsia India Sunil Bhaskararan from
Officer (CCO) Tata Group has appointed
the Managing Director and
CEO
Sunil Arora Chief Election India
Commissioner
(CEC)
Vikas Muttoo CEO Swadhaar Finserve Prior to this, Muttoo was
the chief business
officer of
microlender Bharat
Financial.
Aditya Ghosh CEO OYO Hotels He will look after
India and South
Asia operations with effect
from December 1, 2018.
Rahul Johri CEO Board of Control for
Cricket (BCCI)
Ashok Kumar Gupta Chairman Competition He replaced acting
Commission of India chairperson Mr. Sudhir
(CCI) Mittal.
Pranoy Kumar Musahary Chairman Meghalaya’s first
Lokayukta
Jalal Srivastava Chairman Inland Waterways Srivastava has written a
Authority of India crime thriller novel “The
(IWAI) Perfect Suicide”.
Shri Arvind Saxena Chairman Union Public Service As per Article 316 of the
Commission (UPSC) Constitution,the President
of India Ram Nath Kovind
appointed him.
A.M. Naik Chairman National Skill Currently he is the Group
Development Chairman of Larsen &
Corporation (NSDC) Toubro Limited (L&T).
Nageshwara Rao Guntur ChairPerson Atomic Energy For the period of three
Regulatory years
Board (AERB)
Ranbir Singh Chief Electoral Delhi
Officer (CEO)
Justice Ramesh Chief Justice Uttarakhand High He replaces Justice KM
Ranganathan Court Joseph who was promoted
26 | P a g e
to the Supreme Court.

Justice Vijai Kumar Bist Chief Justice Sikkim High Court He replaces Justice Satish
Kumar Agnihotri.
Justice Govind Mathur Chief Justice Allahabad High Court In 2004, Justice Govind
Mathur was appointed as a
judge in the Rajasthan
High Court.
Justice Sanjoy Karol 4th Chief Justice Tripura High Court He replaces Justice Ajay
Rastogi who was
promoted as a judge of the
Supreme Court.
Justice Sanjay Kumar Seth 24th Chief Justice Madhya Pradesh High Madhya Pradesh Governor
Court Anandi Ben Patel
administered the oath of
office to Justice Sanjay
Kumar Seth.
Sanjay Kumar Mishra Director Enforcement He will be the full time
Directorate (ED) Director for the Period of 2
Years.
G.N Bajpai Director Infrastructure Leasing He is a former chairman of
& Financial Services Securities and Exchange
(IL&FS) Board of India (SEBI).
Shri S. S. Deswal Director General Indo Tibetan Border Shri Deswal will also hold
Police (ITBP) the additional charge of
the post of DG, Sashastra
Seema Bal (SSB).
Lieutenant General PC General Officer Shimla He was earlier posted as
Thimmaya Commander-in- the Commandant of Army
Chief War College in MHOW,
Madhya Pradesh.
Ashish Chowdhary Head(India Apple He was Chief Customer
operation) Operations Officer at
Nokia Networks. He will
leave Nokia Networks at
the end of 2018.
Akhilesh Ranjan Head of Convenor Central Board of Direct
Taxes (CBDT)
Abhay Thakur High Federal Republic He will replace B.N.Reddy
Commissioner of Nigeria
Jayesh Sanghrajka Interim Chief Infosys
Financial
Officer (CFO)
Justices Hemant Gupta, R Judges Supreme Court Chief Justice of India,
Subhash Reddy, M R Ranjan Gogoi administered
Shah and Ajay Rastogi oath of office to the four
judges.
Asim Kumar Roy Lokayukta West Bengal He will be the
second Lokayukta in the
state succeeding Samaresh
Banerjee, who had served
in the post between 2006
27 | P a g e
and 2009.
Aditya Puri Managing HDFC Bank He is appointed for
director and CEO another 2 years.
Atul Kumar Goel Managing UCO Bank He has replaced R K
director and CEO Takkar who completed his
three-year term on
November 1, 2018.
Sidharth Rath Managing SBM Bank (India) He was working with Axis
Director & CEO Bank as Group Executive
and Head of Corporate,
Transaction Banking and
International Banking.
P K Dash, Members CBDT
Akhilesh Ranjan and Neen
a Kumar
Rajesh Ram Mishra President India Electronics
and Semiconductor
Association (IESA)
Raghu Ram President Association of He replaces Tamonas
Surgeons of India Chaudhuri from Kolkata
(ASI)
J. Prithviraj President Federation of Motor He replaces Akbar
Sports Clubs of India Ebrahim who led FMSCI
(FMSCI) for the last two years.
Ajay Bhushan Pandey Secretary Department He would
of Revenue replace Hasmukh Adhia.
Sumanta Chaudhuri Secretary Coal He replaced Inder Jit Singh
Sachin Khandelwal strategic advisor Elysium Capital Khandelwal will guide
and mentor Elysium to strengthen
existing business lines and
help taking informed
strategic decisions to
pursue new growth areas.
K Krishnankutty Water Resources Kerala He replaced Matthew T.
Minister Thomas who resigned
from the position.
Hima Das Youth United Nations
ambassador Children’s
Fund (UNICEF) India
Nahid Afrin Youth Advocate United Nations To fight for child rights at
Children’s Fund, an event held in Guwahati
(UNICEF) foe North
Eastern state
International
Name Appointed as Entity/place Points to be noted
Thomas Kurian Chief Executive Google Cloud Thomas Kurian will replace Diane
Officer (CEO) Greene.He was former Oracle President
of product development and
technologist.
John Dugan Chairman Citigroup He will succeed Michael O’Neill, who will
28 | P a g e
retire at the end of 2018.

Robyn Denholm Chairman Tesla She has been an independent director of
Tesla since 2014 and heads its audit
committee.She vl be replacing Elon
Musk.
Earl Eddings Chairman Cricket Australia He succeeds David Peever
(CA)
Siddharth Chief Bank for He succeeded Eli Remolona, who was
Tiwari Representative International Chief Representative of the Asian Office
for Asia and the Settlements (BIS) from 2008 to 2018.
Pacific
Joyce Msuya Executive United Nations She succeeded Erik Solheim. Msuya had
Director(Acting) Environment previously worked with World Bank and
Programme she is consistently advocating for
(UNEP) conservation of the planet.
Millie Bobby Goodwill UNICEF The 14 –year old, Emmy award
Brown Ambassador nominated star is the youngest person
ever to be appointed to this position.
Amir Yaron Governor Bank of He replaced Karnit Flug
Israel(Central
Bank of Israel)
Abhijit Bose Head(India) WhatsApp Co-founder and CEO of Payment device
maker Ezetap has been appointed as the
head of WhatsApp India. WhatsApp
appointed Komal Lahiri as its first
Grievance Officer for India to address
the issues.
Sanjiv Ahuja Non-executive Vodafone Group Sanjiv Ahuja is the Chairman of Tillman
director Global Holdings, which was founded by
him in 2013.
Gafur Rakhimov President International He replaced previous president CK Wu
Boxing Association
(AIBA)
Kim Jong- President Interpol He will serve until 2020 and
yang(South succeeded Meng Hongwei.
Korean)
Voreqe Prime Minister Fiji President of Fiji is Major- General (Ret’d)
Bainimarama Jioji Konrote
Stephen Barclay Secretary New Brexit He was a Junior Health Minister Earlier
Other important Appointments

Lt Gen P S Rajeshwar appointed as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to Chairman, COSC
• On October 31, 2018, Ministry of Defence announced the appointment of Lt Gen P S
Rajeshwar as the 12th Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to Chairman, COSC. Prior to this, he
was Director General (Perspective Planning) at the Integrated HQ, Ministry of Defence.
Air Marshal MSG Menon, VSM takes over as Director General (Wks & Cer) of Indian Air Force
• Air Marshal MSG Menon VSM has taken charge as Director General (Wks & Cer) of Indian Air
Force (IAF).Previously, he was the Assistance Chief of Air Staff (AF Wks) at Air Headquarters.
He is a Cat 'AYE' Air Traffic Controller.
29 | P a g e
Lok Sabha Secy Gen Snehlata Shrivastava gets one-year extension

• On November 8 2018 Speaker Sumitra Mahajan extended tenure of Snehlata Shrivastava, the
first woman Secretary General of the Lok Sabha for one year from December 1, 2018 up to
November 30, 2019.She was scheduled to retire on November 30 2018.
Arnab Goswami among 4 new members of Nehru Memorial Museum and Library Society
• The Centre has appointed 4 new members to the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library
(NMML) Society. They replace 3 previous members and one member who had resigned. Pratap
Bhanu Mehta had resigned in 2016.
Sadananda Gowda, Narendra Singh Tomar given charge of Ananth Kumar’s portfolios
• On November 13 2018, 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 due to the sudden demise of Union Minister and Karnataka
BJP leader Ananth Kumar.
Hockey captain Manpreet signed up with Adidas
• On November 20, 2018, Indian men’s hockey team captain Manpreet Singh inked pact
with Adidas. He was conferred the Arjuna Award earlier in 2018.
Resignations
Anupam Kher Resigns as FTII Chairman
• On 31st October 2018, actor Anupam Kher resigned as the chairman of the Film and Television
Institute of India (FTII). He has resigned due to his commitments to an international TV show
for which he will be staying in the U.S.
Jeff Sessions resigns as United States Attorney General
• On 7th November 2018, United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions resigned from his position,
at US President Donald Trump’s request.
Flipkart Group CEO Binny Bansal resigned with immediate effect
• On November 14, 2018, Binny Bansal , CEO of Flipkart, the Indian e-commerce giant group
resigned from the post. Kalyan Krishnamurthy will continue to be the CEO of the company.
Vinod Dasari, CEO and MD of Ashok Leyland stepped down
• On November 13, 2018, Vinod Dasari, CEO and MD of Ashok Leyland announced his resignation
from the company citing personal reasons. Upon his resignation, the board of the company
assigned Dheeraj Hinduja to step in as executive chairman (EC) with immediate effect.
Ashok Chawla resigned as Yes Bank’s non-executive chairman
• On November 15, 2018, Ashok Chawla, Yes Bank’s non-executive chairman, stepped down with
immediate effect.Apart from Yes bank , Chawla is also the chairman of National Stock
Exchange since 2016.
OP Bhatt resigned from External Expert of Search & Selection Committee of Yes Bank
• On November 17, 2018, former SBI chairman O P Bhatt resigned from the External Expert
on the Search and Selection Committee (S&SC) panel due to potential conflict of interest.
Yes Bank Director R. Chandrashekhar Resigns
• On 19th November 2018, R. Chandrashekhar, an independent director at Yes Bank, resigned
from his position. R. Chandrashekhar is the third person to resign from Yes Bank, in the recent
time.
UN Environment Chief Erik Solheim Resigns
• On 20th November 2018, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive
Director Erik Solheim resigned following an internal audit report that said he had gobbled up
$500,000 in unnecessary and budgeted travel expenses in just 22 months.
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AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
Name of Awards Award Winner Field Points to be noted

2018 Gleitsman Nobel Prize For her work This announcement was made by
Award Winner Malala in promoting Harvard’s Kennedy School. Malala
Yousafzai girls education. Yousafzai will be honoured by
Harvard University
Excellence in FINEXT Sanjoy Gaddipati For Excellence He Received the award at the
Award 2018 in Financial Finextcon conference held at Las
Technology Vegas, USA
2018 Ezhuthachan Malayalam writer For his Highest literacy prize of
Puraskaram award M Mukundan contributions the Kerala government.
to the language
and literature
Raja Ram Mohan Roy N Ram For his The award will be presented on
Award by Press contribution to November 16, 2018, on the occasion
Council of India (PCI) journalism of the National Press Day.
IPI (International Namrata Biji Namrata Biji Ahuja is a senior special
Press Institute) India Ahuja correspondent with The Week
Award for excellence magazine.
in journalism 2018
Lifetime Dr. Ramdas M Pai
Achievement Award
2018 by Federation
of Indian Chambers
of Commerce &
Industry (FICCI)
'Distinguished Anupam Kher The Award is Conferred by
Fellow' IndiaGlobal - a leading think-tank
that works on issues concerning non-
resident Indians.
"Breakthrough Junior Samay Godika Global science Samay Godika is 16 years old.
Challenge" video
competition
Maharashtra Marathi field of theatre Also, Tabla artist Vinayak Thorat will
government's Natvar actor Jayant be awarded the Sangeetacharya
ya Prabhakar Sawarkar Annasaheb Kirloskar Lifetime
Panshikar Lifetime Achievement.
Achievement award
Global Education Mathematician This was awarded by Malabar Gold &
Award and Super 30 Diamonds’, flagship company of
founder Anand Malabar Group, a leading Indian
Kumar business conglomerate.
France’s highest Jawahar Lal Sarin It was given by
civilian honour French Ambassador to
‘Knight of the Legion India Alexandre Ziegler.
of Honour’
2018 London Press Swati Chaturvedi For Courage She is the author of the book ‘I am a
Freedom Award Troll: Inside the Secret World of the
BJP’s Digital Army’.
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Munin Barkotoki Dr Debabhuson He was honoured for his

Literary Award 2018 Borah contribution for his book on literary
criticism titled ‘Nirbochon’.
Lifetime Dr. Martha It is Presented at the 6th
Achievement Award” Farrell Indian Social
Work Congress in New Delhi.
Global Education Dr. Saroj Suman 2nd edition of India-UAE Partnership
Leaders Award 2018 Gulati Summit (IUPS), held at The Atlantis,
Dubai
Sumitra Charat Ram Ustad Amjad Ali For his immense contribution to the
Award for Lifetime Khan enrichment and promotion of Indian
Achievement Classical Music.
Universal Acceptance UASG (Universal For providing Rajmail email service
Thought Leader Acceptance for citizens of Rajasthan in local
award Steering Group) script.
Sir Henry Cotton Shubhankar
Rookie of the year Sharma
2018 Indira Gandhi Centre for
Prize for Peace, Science and
Disarmament and Environment
Development (CSE)
French Legion of Retired Col. William Pollard fought in World War
Honor William Pollard II and rescued 14 soldiers from a
concrete caisson that was hit by
enemy fire.
Sayaji Ratna Award Amitabh For his social contribution to pay off
Bachchan the loans of 1,398 farmers from Uttar
Pradesh and 350 from Maharashtra
International James Nicolas Orellana For their innovative design ‘Urban
Dyson award 2018 of wind turbine’ called O-Wind Turbine.
Chile and Yaseen
Noorani from
Kenya
Asia Environmental Wildlife Crime For its outstanding contributions in
Enforcement Award Control Bureau combating the trans-boundary
2018 (WCCB) environmental crime by United
Nations Environment program.The
award ceremony was held
at Bangkok, Thailand.
Mexican Order of the Professor Shyama civilian honour He was the first Indian Academician
Aztec Eagle Prasad Ganguly to receive such honour.
International Green Manipal Academy The award was received by Derrick I.
Apple Award for of Higher Joshua, Assistant Director,
environmental best Education won Environment Sustainability, Manipal
practice 2018 Silver Academy of Higher
Education (MAHE).
Kuncha Kala Tapasvi Mr. A. N. Patil This award is instituted by
Award,Lifetime the Chitrakala Shilpi D.V. Halbhavi
Achievement National Memorial Trust in Dharwad,
Karnataka.
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CII-Exim Bank Bharat For being a role-model organization,

Business Excellence Electronics Ltd at the Quality Summit which held in
Award (BEL) Bengaluru.
Global Geospatial Sanjay Kumar The Award was presented at
Industry Ambassador the United Nations World Geospatial
Information Congress held at Deqing
city in China.The Theme of the
Congress is “The Geospatial Way to a
Better World”.
2018 Bharat Ratna Pandit Keshav This unique flute has been preserved
Pandit Bhimsen Joshi Ginde by the Sangeet Natak Akademi in its
Lifetime national archives.
Achievement
Award for Classical
Music
“Chevalier del la Azim Premji “Knight of the Legion of Honour” by
Legion d’Honneur” the French Ambassador to India
Mr. Alexandre Ziegler.
Harsimrat Kaur Badal confers 'Swachhta' awards
• On 31st October 2018, Union Minister of Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal
distributed 'Swachhta' awards on the last day of Swachhta Pakhwada. Harsimrat Kaur
presented awards for cleanliness to Mega Food Parks and Cold Chain Units for maintaining,
promoting and encouraging Swachhta Culture.
FIH Honorary Awards 2018 in New Delhi
• On 1st November 2018, International Hockey Federation (FIH) Honorary Awards
2018 ceremony was held at the Lalit Hotel in New Delhi. The FIH Honorary Awards honours
individuals or National Associations who have made an outstanding contribution to the sport
of hockey.
Ayodhya Deepotsav 2018 enters Guinness Book of World Records
• On 6th November 2018, a new world record was set as 3,01,152 diyas were lit on the banks of
River Sarayu, during Deepostav 2018, in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.Deepostav 2018 was
organised by Uttar Pradesh government on the occasion of Diwali.
Centre awards Assam Police for “good practices” under CCTNS
• On 30th October 2018, Union government awarded the Assam Police for “good practices” under
the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS), an e-governance project.The
award was presented at the 2-day conference on “CCTNS–Good practices and Success Stories”
organised by the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) in New Delhi.
ATP World Tour Awards 2018 announced
• On November 11, 2018, ATP World Tour Awards 2018 were announced.They were presented
by Moët & Chandon………..Click here to find the winners of the award
Amnesty International strips Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi of ‘Ambassador of Conscience’
Award
• Amnesty International has withdrawn its ‘Ambassador of Conscience’ Award which had given
to Myanmar Councillor Aung San Suu Kyi, due to her inability effort to stop violence against the
Rohingya Muslim minority.
Six winners of Infosys Prize 2018 for science and research announced
• On November 13, 2018, Six eminent professors were selected for the Infosys Prize 2018 across
different categories of science and research.The Infosys Prize seeks to honour the efforts of
some of the brightest scientists and researchers and is given by Infosys Science Foundation
(ISF).The Awardees are…..click here to read more
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Lionel Messi wins 6th La Liga Player of the Year award (football)
• On 12th November 2018, Barcelona forward Lionel Messi was declared La Liga league’s best
player of the 2017-18 campaign, by Marca at an awards ceremony in Barcelona, Spain.The
award was presented at Marca’s football awards for the 2017-18 season.
24th edition of Kolkata International Film Festival
• From 10th to 17th November 2018, 24th edition of Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF
2018) was held in Kolkata, West Bengal. Australia was the focus country for KIFF 2018.Click
here to read the entire winners of 24th edition of Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF
2018)
Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen in Fortune Business Person of the Year 2018 list
• Indian-American Shantanu Narayen, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Adobe, has been named
by Fortune in its 2018 Business Person of the Year list.Fifty six year old Shantanu Narayen
ranks 12th on the list.The list is topped by Tricia Griffith, CEO of insurance company
Progressive.
8th Forbes India Leadership Awards 2018 awarded to business heads
• On November 23, 2018, the 8th Forbes India Leadership Awards (FILA) was released
in Mumbai.The award has 9 categories to acknowledge the outstanding contributions
of CEOs, entrepreneurs and business leaders of diverse backgrounds...Click here for winners
list.
Vice President of India Presented 2018 NASI-Scopus Young Scientist Awards in NewDelhi
• On 22nd November 2018,Honorable Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, distributed
the 12th National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI)-Scopus Young Scientist Awards 2018 at a
gala ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan in the nation’s capital New Delhi…Click here for winners
list.
Vice President presented Sri Sathya Sai Award For Human Excellence-2018
• On 23rd November 2018, The Vice President of India Shri M Venkaiah Naidu, presented the
3rd Sri Sathya Sai Award for Human Excellence that recognizes individuals, who are doing
tremendous work to uplift the society in various parts of the world, at a gathering in the event
World Youth Meet held in Bangalore.
Shilpa Shetty Kundra leads India to set new Guinness World Record with plankathon for 60
Seconds
• On 25th November, 2018 bollywood actor and fitness enthusiast Shilpa Shetty Kundra led India
to achieve a new title ‘Most people holding the abdominal plank position’ on the Guinness
World Records as 2,353 people held the abdominal plank position for 60 seconds in Pune. This
was organised by Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company for promoting good health.
14 Scientist awarded with Swarnajayanti Fellowships 2017-18 awards
• On November 27, 2018, 14 scientists have been selected for the
prestigious Swarnajayanti fellowship award instituted by the Department of Science and
Technology, for the year 2017-18. Click here for the list of awardees
National Projects Construction Corporation Limited (NPCC) has been conferred with the status
of Miniratna
• On 27th November 2018 the Government of India conferred the National Projects Construction
Corporation Limited (NPCC) with the status of Miniratna: Category –I. This status will
empower the company to take speedy decisions. One of the premier construction companies,
NPCC has also been awarded with the ISO 9001:2015 Certification.
Overview Of Nine Day 49th International Film Festival Of India (IFFI)
• On November 28, 2018, the nine day long 49th International Film Festival of India (IFFI)
2018 concluded in Panaji, Goa. Israel was the country of focus for the 49th edition of IFFI.It
showcased 217 films from over 68 countries.Click here to read the entire medalist.
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Uttarakhand adjudged ‘best state’; Himachal pavilion gets ‘silver medal’ at India International
Trade Fair
• On November 27, 2018, at the 2-week long 38th India International Trade Fair, which was held
at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, from November 14 to 27, Union Commerce and Industry
Minister Suresh Prabhu conferred the awards to the states.Uttarakhand is adjudged as Best
State and Himachal Pradesh is awarded with Second Position and holds the Silver Medal.
12th Asia Pacific Screen Awards:Nandita Das and Nawazuddin Siddiqui from India won awards
• On 29th November 2018, Actress-filmaker Nandita Das received International Federation of
Film Producers Associations (FIAPF) award for achievement in films in the Asia-Pacific
Region at the 12th Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA) held in Brisbane,Australia.Nawazuddin
Siddiqui won award for the Best Performance By An Actor(Male) for his film Manto. Click here
to read the complete winner list
Recognitions
Pather Panchali on BBC’s list of 100 best foreign language films
• The film Pather Panchali has been listed in BBC’s list of 100 best foreign language films. It is the
only film from India to feature in the list. It was directed by Satyajit Ray and released in 1955.
“Mere Pyaare Prime Minister” is the only Asian Film screened at Rome Film Festival
• “Mere Pyaare Prime Minister” was the only Asian film that was screened at the 13th Rome Film
Festival held from 18th to 28th October 2018 in Rome. The film speaks about the social issue of
open defecation.
Arunima Sinha, world's first Indian woman amputee to scale Everest gets honourary doctorate
in UK
• On 6th November 2018, Arunima Sinha was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University
of Strathclyde of United Kingdom in Glasgow, Scotland.She has been awarded for her
inspirational achievements in mountaineering.
Mountaineer Satyarup Siddhanta became 1st Indian to scale Mt Giluwe
• On November 12, 2018, Indian mountaineer Satyarup Siddhanta became the first Indian to
climb Mt Giluwe – the second highest mountain in Papua New Guinea. He summited an
elevation of 4,367 metres which will be followed by Mt Wilhelm – the highest mountain of
Papua New Guinea.
Elvis Presley among recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom
• On 10th November 2018, 7 people including Elvis Presley were announced as recipients
of Presidential Medal of Freedom, by the White House, United States. Elvis Presley is awarded
the medal posthumously for his contribution to American culture.
CONFERENCE/SUMMIT IN NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS

No. Name of Place Facts about the summit /conference
Summit/Conference
1 India-UAE Partnership Dubai, United Arab The summit aimed to promote investments
Summit (IUPS) Emirates (UAE) from UAE to India and India to UAE. The
focus sectors for IUPS 2018 were:
investments in Education and SME’s, Skill
Development and Placements.
2 26th Conference of Central Dharamshala,Himachal The theme of this year’s Conference
and States Statistical Pradesh is “Quality Assurance in Official Statistics”.
Organizations
3 1st Global Conference on Geneva, Switzerland Theme of the conference was: “Improving
Air Pollution and Health Air Quality, Combatting Climate Change-
Saving Lives”.
4 Sustainable Blue Economy Nairobi, Kenya The theme of this conference was ‘The Blue
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Conference Economy and the 2030 Agenda for

Sustainable Development.’
5 25th DST – CII Technology New Delhi Kingdom of Netherlands will be the Partner
Summit Country
6 2nd edition of the Navy New Delhi The themes for this conference were:
Commanders’ Conference ‘Optimisation’ and ‘Emerging
Technologies’.
7 24th edition of the India- New Delhi
Italy Technology Summit
8 78th annual conference of New Delhi It had 2 special sessions on: Doubling
the Indian Society of Farmers Income and Emerging trends in
Agricultural Economics Agriculture.
9 Global Cooling Innovation New Delhi It is a first-of-its-kind solutions-
Summit focused event which aims to address the
climate threat that comes from the growing
demand from room air conditioners.
10 All India Heads of Police New Delhi The theme of the conference
Communication was “Modernization of Police
Conference Communication and challenges thereof.”
11 South Asian regional New Delhi Theme of the conference was: “Urban
conference Infrastructure: New Approaches to Public &
Private”.
12 Asia-Pacific Economic Port Moresby, Papua It was hosted by Prime Minister of Papua
Cooperation(APEC)Summit New Guinea New Guinea, Peter O’Neill.
2018
13 13th India-Japan Annual Tokyo,Japan
Summit
14 5th World Internet Wuzhen, China It aimed to bring out exchanges, mutual
Conference (WIC) learning, cooperation and sharing in the
digital fields and stressed on peace and
development of the global cyberspace.
COMMITTEE/MEETING IN NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS

No. Name of Committee/Meeting Place Facts about the Committee/Meeting
1 9th Annual Defence and Beijing, China It was held between the two defence delegations
Security Dialogue headed by
Defence secretary Sanjay Mitra and Li Zuocheng,
China’s deputy chief of Joint Staff Department of
the Central Military Commission.
2 3rd annual meeting of World Dubai, UAE To identify new ideas and models that can be
Economic Forum’s (WEF) applied to critical global challenges.
Global Future Councils
3 18th IORA meeting Durban, South In the Meeting,IORA member states establish ‘Be
Africa the Legacy’ internship programme to honour
Nelson Mandela. The Theme of the IORA meeting
was: “IORA: Uniting the Peoples of Africa, Asia,
Australasia and the Middle East through
enhanced cooperation for Peace, Stability And
Sustainable Development”.
4 13th Indo-Myanmar Regional Imphal,Manipur It was held under the aegis of Spear Corps of
Border Committee Indian Army.
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5 Food and Agro Buyer-Seller Jeddah It was inaugurated by: Md. Noor Rahman Sheikh,
Meet (BSM) Consul General of India in Jeddah and
Hassan IbraheemDahlan, Secretary General of
Jeddah Chamber.
6 National Conference of Women Jharkhand,
in Police Ranchi
7 109 session of United Nations Manama,
th Minister of State (Independent Charge) for
World Tourism Organization Bahrain Tourism, K. J. Alphons along with senior officials
(UNWTO) Executive Council attended the meeting
8 19th Meeting of the Financial New Delhi To review the current global and domestic
Stability and Development economic situation and financial sector
Council (FSDC) performance.
9 2 day long preparatory meeting New Delhi It was the first phase of the main exercise
of the “Shanghai Cooperation scheduled for 21-24 February, 2019 in Delhi.
Organization Joint Exercise on
Urban Earthquake Search &
Rescue- 2019”
10 27th BASIC (Brazil, South New Delhi The meeting was chaired by Dr Harsh Vardhan,
Africa, India and Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate
China) Ministerial Meeting on Change of India.
Climate Change
11 Saudi-India Business meeting Riyadh
12 Regional Comprehensive Singapore Indian delegation will be headed by : Union
Economic Partnership Minister for Commerce and Industry Shri. Suresh
trade Ministers Meeting Prabhu.
IAMAI formed committee to promote Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR)
• On October 29, 2018, the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) formed a new
industry expert committee, under its Emerging Technology Council, focused on AR/VR to
promote Augmented and Virtual Reality(AR/VR) technology to drive economic growth, job
creation, and skill development in the country.
4-member committee to examine waste dumping near Polavaram project
• On November 3, 2018, the National Green Tribunal ordered a four-member committee to
conduct an inspection and submit report about the waste dumping issue at the Polavaram
dam in Andhra Pradesh.The decision of the committee was taken by a bench headed by NGT
Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel.
Ad-hoc committee appointed for management of Mumbai Cricket Association
• On November 6, 2018, the Bombay High Court set up an ad-hoc (temporary) committee to look
after day-to-day functioning of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA).The committee will
consist of : Umesh Khanwilkar, Navin Shetty, Shahalam Shaikh, Ganesh Iyer and CS Naik.
Sunil Mehta committee incorporated ‘Sashakt India AMC’ for large NPAs over 500 crore rupees
• On November 18, 2018, the Sunil Mehta committee released the statement for formation
of an asset management company (AMC) for resolving large bad loans.The name of the AMC
is: Sashakt India Asset Management.
Committee, chaired by Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha, suggested measures to tackle crisis in
stressed thermal power projects
• On November 29, 2018, the High Level Empowered Committee (HLEC) chaired by Cabinet
Secretary P K Sinha released its recommendations for stressed thermal power projects. This
committee was set up by Government of India in July 2018 and aimed at suggesting measures
to resolve the challenges faced by the thermal projects.
NGT forms committee to prepare scrapping of banned diesel, petrol vehicles
• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has formed a committee to prepare a policy for dealing
with the scrapping of banned petrol and diesel vehicles. The committee will consist of
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secretary, Ministry of Road Transport, central government with representatives from

the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Environment Ministry and the Delhi government.
Inter-Session Meeting of Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers
Welfare in New Delhi
• On 1st November 2018, the Inter-Session Meeting of Consultative Committee of Ministry of
Agriculture & Farmers Welfare held in New Delhi. Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers
Welfare, Radha Mohan Singh addressed the meeting focused on the “Climate Resilient Villages
and their Replication.”
RANKINGS
India in Rankings
Index/Report/Field Position Points to be noted
Global Passport Index 66th Singapore and
Germany have the world’s
“most powerful” passport
with access to 165
countries
Sustainability Index by Singapore The Sustainability Index
engineering Topped assessed cities based on 3
firm Arcadis pillars: profit pillar, people
pillar and planet pillar.
Web-borne threats by India ranked In the 3rd quarter (July-
Kaspersky Lab 12th September), 32.8 % of
users were attacked by
web-borne threats in India.
World Bank Group’s India ranked India has shot up
Doing Business 2019 77th by 23 spots to reach
the 77th position
among 190 nations
Global Annual talent India Ranked Switzerland retained the
ranking 53rd top Position for the fifth
consecutive year.
Expedia Vacation India Ranked Japan topped the
Deprivation Report 5th list…..Click Here
2018
State or City in Ranking:

Index/Report/Field Position Points to be noted
Ease of Moving Index Kolkata topped Patna and
Bhubaneswar topped the
list
for growing and emerging c
ities.The Report is released
by Ola Mobility Institute.
‘Mobility & Congestion Bangalore tops Mumbai ranked 2nd
in Urban India’ the index
by National bureau of
economic research
(NBER)
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ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

NIIF acquired IDFC Infrastructure Finance
• On October 31, 2018, The National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) has acquired
IDFC Infrastructure Finance (IDFC-IFL).The acquisition is awaiting approval from authorities
including from the Reserve Bank of India.
Tripura government to acquire 26% shares of Palatana thermal project from IL&FS
• Tripura government will start a dialogue for the purchase of 26 % equity shares of the Palatana
gas thermal power project from the Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services (IL&FS).It is
run by ONGC Tripura Power Company (OTPC).
Myntra to merge with Jabong
• On November 18, 2018, Myntra revealed plans to integrate its sister firm, Jabong with
itself. The integrated firm will continue to be led by Myntra CEO Ananth Narayanan.
BlackBerry to buy cybersecurity firm cylance for $1.4 billion
• BlackBerry will wholly acquire Cylance, an artificial intelligence and cybersecurity company
for $1.4 billion. The deal is expected to close before the end of Blackberry’s current fiscal year
in February 2019.
DEFENCE
$950 million deal between India and Russia for Russian frigates
• On October 31, 2018, India and Russia inked a $950 -million deal for inducting two new
warships equipped with Brahmos missiles in the India Navy.The two frigates of the Project
11356 class will be bought directly from Russia and 2 more will be built in an Indian Shipyard.
INS Tarangini returned after 205-day world tour
• On October 31, 2018, the sail training ship of Indian Navy, INS Tarangini based
at Kochi, returned after a seven-month sail across the world. The ship sailed over 22000
nautical miles across 15 ports in 13 countries in 205 days.
14 day joint military exercise between Indian & Japanese Armies commenced in Mizoram
On November 1, 2018, first-of-its-kind exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN - 2018, a joint military exercise
between Indian & Japanese Armies, commenced at Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School,
Vairengete, Mizoram, India.
South Korea & US resume military drills
• On 5th November 2018, South Korea and the United States resumed their battalion-level
marine exercises “Korea Marine Exercise Program (KMEP)”, in Pohang, South Korea. KMEP
was suspended in May 2018 for 6 months in the middle of peace efforts with North Korea by
South Korea and United States.
2nd successful night trial of Agni-1 ballistic missile conducted off the Odisha Coast
• On October 31, 2018, India’s indigenously developed nuclear-capable Agni-1 ballistic missile
had a successful 2nd time night time test, conducted from Dr Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha
coast. It was developed by advanced systems laboratory of the DRDO with Defence Research
Development Laboratory and Research Centre Imarat and integrated by Bharat Dynamics
Limited, Hyderabad.
Offshore patrol vessel ICGS Varaha launched from a corporate shipyard near Chennai
• Indian Coast Guard has launched a new offshore patrol vessel named ICGS Varaha from a
corporate shipyard near Chennai , Tamil Nadu.This is the 3rd vessel in a series of 7 similar ships
to be handed over to the Coast Guard.
Nuclear sub INS Arihant successfully completed its first deterrence patrol
• On November 5, 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced successful completion of first
deterrence patrol of the Indian nuclear submarine INS Arihant. INS Arihant, is a 6,000-tonne
ship that comes under the direct control of the Nuclear Command Authority headed by PM
Modi.
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Indian & Republic of Singapore Navies exercise ‘ SIMBEX 18 ‘ marked Silver Jubilee in 2018
• On November 10, 2018, the 25th edition of SIMBEX, an acronym for “Singapore-India Maritime
Bilateral Exercise” started off of Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal. The 2018 edition marks the
Silver Jubilee of SIMBEX and will continue till November 21, 2018.
India represented by INS Rana at Surabaya in Navy Bilateral Exercise with Indonesia
• On November 12, 2018, INS Rana reached the port of Surabaya to participate in the 7-day
inaugural edition of Indian Navy – Indonesian Navy Bilateral Exercise ‘Samudra Shakti’.
UAV - CH7: China unveils 'most advanced' stealth drone
• On 6th November 2018, China unveiled UAV - CH7, its new-generation stealth combat
unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), claimed to be the most advanced drone developed so far by
China. China has become the second country, following the US, to produce high-altitude long-
endurance combat UAVs with advanced penetration capabilities.
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inducts K9 Vajra, M777 howitzer guns into Army
• On 9th November 2018, the Army inducted new artillery guns and equipment, including K9
Vajra and M777 howitzers, at Deolali artillery centre in Nashik district, Maharashtra.
10 Indra 2018: India, Russia joint military exercise held in Jhansi, UP
th
• On November 18, 2018, the 10th joint military exercise between Indian and Russia– EXERCISE
INDRA, under the United Nations (UN) started at Babina Field Firing Ranges, Babina Military
Station, in Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh.
Indo-US joint military exercise ‘Vajra Prahar’ begin
• On November 19 2018 ‘Vajra Prahar’,a 12-day long joint military exercise between India and
the United States was started in Jaipur.Both forces train on different aspects including hostage
rescue, building intervention, desert survival, medical aid and combat firing and also undertake
a three-day outdoor exercise to validate their practices.
Indian Army selected Russian Igla-S missile system of Rosoboronexport worth $1.47 billion
• On November 19, 2018, Russian defence major Rosoboronexport emerged as the lowest bidder
in the Indian Army’s tender for procurement of a batch of Igla-S, very short range air
defence or VSHORAD program missile system, worth $1.47 billion.
India, Russia finalize USD 500 million deal for construction of 2 Talvar-class warships for
Indian Navy in Goa
• On November 20, 2018, India and Russia confirmed a USD 500 million deal for construction
of two Talvar-class missile frigates in Goa for the Indian Navy.The agreement was signed under
the government-to-government framework for defence cooperation.
Indian Navy completes refit of Maldivian Coast Guard Ship (MCGS) Huravee
• On 15th November 2018, Indian Navy successfully completed refit of Maldivian Coast Guard
Ship (MCGS) Huravee at Naval Dockyard Visakhapatnam and formally handed over the ship to
Major Mohamed Jamshad, Commanding Officer MCGS Huravee.
Defence Minister Smt Nirmala Sitharaman launched ‘Mission Raksha Gyan Shakti’
• On November 27, 2018, Defence Minister, Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, launched ‘Mission Raksha
Gyan Shakti’ in New Delhi to provide a boost to the Intellectual Property Right (IPR) culture in
indigenous defence industry.
India-United Kingdom Navy exercise begins in Goa
• On 28th November 2018, the bilateral KONKAN exercise between the Indian Navy and
the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom started off at Goa. KONKAN-2018 will be conducted
from 28 Nov to 06 Dec 2018. The 10th edition of Indo-Russian joint military exercise EX
INDRA- 2018 concluded on 28 November 2018.
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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Mobile apps/portal Launched by Purpose
Arunachal Pradesh Tourist Arunachal Pradesh Police To help the citizens during
Police and the Arunachal emergencies. The launch was part of
Suraksha App the 46th Raising Day celebration of
Arunachal Pradesh Police, which
started on 2nd November and will
conclude on 8th November 2018.
Digital Literacy Library Facebook The library will be available in 6 Indian
languages: Bengali, Hindi, Tamil,
Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam.
Mahila-E-Haat Women and Child For promoting women farmers and
Development Ministry entrepreneurs for unique organic
products of the women farmers and
entrepreneurs from across the country.
‘NIPUN’ Delhi Police Commissioner e-learning portal to impart in-service

Amulya Patnaik training to its personnel.NIPUN aims to
provide online training and
information through specialized
courses designed by experts in
NewDelhi
KOOL Kerala Infrastructure and This will help Kerala to become India’s
Technology for Education first complete digital state in
(KITE) Education.
Bhudaar web portal Andhra Pradesh The Bhudaar card can be availed from
Bhudaar portal as well as from Mee
seva centres. The portal is available
at:wwwbhuseva.ap.gov.in.
e-commerce portal India Post India Post will utilise its parcel
business network for this purpose.
NSE goBID National Stock Exchange of And the platform of NSE will be used
India (NSE) for retail investors to buy government
securities. The NSE goBID app will be
available to all registered retail
investors.
AirSewa 2.0 web portal and Union Minister of Civil
mobile app Aviation and Commerce &
Industry, Suresh Prabhu, and
Minister of State for Civil
Aviation, Jayant Sinha
Neighbourly app Google’s Next Billion Users The app is launched in Delhi and
(NBU). Bangalore.It will help people by
sourcing local information from their
neighbors about their neighbourhood
in an easier way.
Open Transit Data(OTD) Delhi Government Name of a website
is www.otd.delhi.gov.in – to spot
locations of cluster buses at intervals
of 10 seconds.
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PaiSA-Portal for Affordable Ministry of Housing and Urban

Credit Affairs
and Interest Subvention Access
Other Science and Technology News of National & International

NASA’s Kepler telescope retired after finding thousands of world
• On October 31, 2018, NASA’s Kepler space telescope has retired after running out of fuel.
It has served a nine-and-a-half year mission in which it discovered over 2,600 intriguing
exoplanets.
NASA sets record with ‘supersonic’ parachute for Mars 2020 mission
• NASA’s “supersonic parachute” will have a major role in landing its Mars 2020 rover has
created a world record by deploying in just four-tenths of a second and surviving 37,000 kg
load.
World's longest DNA sequence decoded
• A team of United Kingdom scientists led by Matt Loose at Nottingham University, have created
a new record for decoding the world's longest DNA sequence. The scientists have produced a
DNA read that is nearly 10,000 times longer than normal.
China launches new high-orbit satellite
• On 2nd November 2018, China successfully launched a high orbit satellite to boost its BeiDou
global satellite navigation system, from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in Sichuan
Province, China.
India's first indigenous microprocessor developed by IIT-Madras
• On November 1, 2018, India’s first microprocessor, Shakti, was designed and booted up by
researchers at Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IITM) to reduce reliance on imported
microprocessors in the communication and defence sectors.
AI bot ‘ClaRAN’ can spot radio galaxies
• Researchers have taught an Artificial Intelligence (AI) bot named “ClaRAN” to identify galaxies
in deep space. The AI bot named “ClaRAN” used to recognise faces on Facebook. It has been
trained to scan images taken by radio telescopes.
NASA's Hubble Space telescope spots Cosmic Smiley among colourful galaxies
• National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s Hubble Space telescope has spotted a
formation of galaxies that look like a smiling face in the sky. The image of galaxies looking like a
smiling face was captured with Hubble telescope’s Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3).
China unveils replica of its first permanently crewed space station
• China has unveiled a replica of its first permanently crewed space station, which will replace
the International Space Station. The replica was displayed at the Air Show China 2018 held in
Zhuhai, China. The core module was 17 metres in length.
Bug covered ‘bionic mushroom’ generates clean energy
• US scientists have tested an idea of producing electricity from a mushroom covered in bacteria.
The scientists used 3D printing to attach clusters of energy-producing bugs to the cap of a
button mushroom.
World’s First AI News Anchor Unveiled In China
• On 8th November 2018, Xinhua, China’s state-run press agency, unveiled the world’s first
artificial intelligence (AI) anchor that can read news in English and Chinese. Two AI news
anchors were unveiled. One reads news in English and the other in Chinese.
NASA’s Ralph probe set to visit Jupiter’s Trojan asteroids in 2021
• NASA’s Ralph, a space instrument, will travel with the Lucy mission to Jupiter’s Trojan
asteroids, in 2021. The Lucy spacecraft carries a near-twin of Ralph named L’Ralph. L’Ralph
will investigate Jupiter’s Trojan asteroids.
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IIT Researchers Develop Carbon Nanomaterials for Simultaneous Detection & Destruction of
Cancer Cells
• Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Roorkee, have developed fluorescent
carbon nanodots for simultaneous detection and destruction of cancer cells. The research team
is led by P Gopinath.
World’s Largest Brain-Like Supercomputer Switched On For First Time
• Spiking Neural Network Architecture (SpiNNaker) machine, the world’s largest supercomputer
designed to work like the human brain has been switched on for the first time.It has a million-
processor-core.
IIT-Madras develops portable cold storage device
• Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT-M) has developed a portable solar-powered cold
storage device for storing vegetables, fruits, etc. It has a capacity of 500 kg. It will help farmers
store their produce for sufficient time.
ISRO invites foreign experiments for 2023 Venus mission
• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has issued an announcement of opportunity
(AO) to international space scientists to propose their scientific payloads to be carried on
its mission to Venus planned for 2023.
NASA to send organs-on-chips to space
• NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) has planned to send tissue
chips or organs-on-chips, to the International Space Station (ISS) to test their response to
stress, drugs and genetic changes.This“Tissue Chips in Space” initiative will help to understand
the role of microgravity on human health and disease.
ISRO successfully launch GSLV Mk III-D2 carrying GSAT-29 satellite
• On 14th November 2018, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its
latest communication satellite GSAT-29, which was put in Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit by
India’s 5th generation heavy-lift rocket Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III D2
(GSLV-Mk III D2).
China builds an ‘artificial sun’ that reaches temperatures six times that of Sun
• China has built an ‘artificial sun’ that reaches 100 million °C, 6 times the temperature of Sun’s
core of 15 million °C. On 13th November 2018, scientists from China’s Institute of Plasma
Physics announced that plasma in their Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak
(EAST) also called the “artificial sun”, reached 100 million °C, the temperature required to
perform nuclear fusion on Earth.
GROWTH-India telescope’s first science observation
• The 0.7 m GROWTH-India telescope located at Indian Astronomical Observatory in Hanle,
Ladakh has made its first observation which is a follow-up study of a nova explosion.
China completes deployment of BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS)
• On 19th November 2018, China completed the deployment of its indigenously
developed BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) constellation with the successful launch of
2 more satellites.The two satellites were launched into space on a Long March-3B carrier
rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in Sichuan Province, China.
IIT Kharagpur researchers devise Decision Support System (DSS)
• Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur, have devised ‘Decision
Support System’ (DSS), a computer programme that will help maximise LPG (Liquefied
Petroleum Gas) connections in BPL (Below Poverty Line) households in the ‘Pradhan Mantri
Ujjwala Yojana’.
Standard definitions of kilogram, Ampere, Kelvin and mole changed after 130 years
• The world’s standard definition of the kilogram (kg), the Ampere (A), the Kelvin (K), and the
mole has been changed, after 130 years. The changes were done after representatives from 60
countries voted to redefine the International System of Units (SI) for weight, current,
temperature and amount of chemical substance.
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World’s first total-body scanner “Explorer” produces 3D human images

• On 19th November 2018, scientists announced that, the world’s first medical imaging scanner
“Explorer” that can capture a 3D picture of the whole human body at once in 20-30 seconds,
has produced its first scans.
NASA selects landing site for Mars 2020 Rover
• NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) has selected Jezero Crater as the
landing site for its upcoming Mars 2020 rover mission.It will look for signs of ancient habitable
conditions and past microbial life
Elon Musk renames SpaceX’s ‘BFR’ rocket as ‘Starship’
• SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has announced that he is changing the name of “BFR”
rocket to “Starship.”This rocket aims to carry people to the Moon and also to the Mars one day.
BFR was referred as the “Big Falcon Rocket.”
China successfully launches five satellites
• On 19th November, 2018, China successfully launched five satellites, including a new space
environment research satellite and four nano satellites on a single rocket. The rocket Long
March -2D carried away the satellites from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in China’s Gansu
province.
India’s first sewer cleaning machine launched on World Toilet Day 2018
On November 19, 2018, on World Toilet Day 2018, Sulabh International introduced India’s first sewer
cleaning machine costing Rs. 43 lakh in New Delhi.
IIT-Hyderabad researchers developed smartphone-based system to detect adulteration in milk
• On November 20, 2018, researchers headed by IIT Professor Shiv Govind Singh of
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad, had developed smartphone-based system to
detect adulteration in milk.
Mohammed VI-B: Morocco launches its second earth observation satellite
• On 21st November 2018, Arianespace launches Morocco’s second earth observation satellite
named Mohammed VI-B, developed by Thales Alenia Space and Airbus from French Guiana.
Complaint portal ‘SHe-Box’ of WCD Ministry linked to central, state ministries
• On November 22, 2018, the Ministry of Women and Child Development linked the workplace
sexual harassment complaint portal, SHe-Box,to all the Central Ministries, Departments
and 653 districts across 33 States/Union Territories, for speedy disposal of cases.
World’s First ‘Ion Drive’ Plane with No Moving Parts created by MIT Scientists
• On 23rd November 2018, Researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA
have created the first ever ‘Ion Drive’ plane with no moving part by adapting a technology that
is previously used in Spacecraft.
New ‘pinwheel’ Star System Discovered
• An International team of scientists has discovered a massive star system in the Milky Way
Galaxy which described in the Journal “Nature” is around 8000 light years away from earth and
adorned with a dust “pinwheel” strangely moving with a slower speed.
IMD develops new technology to monitor impact of rain & deal with natural disasters
• On 24th November 2018 Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) develops a new technology
to assess the rise of water level in rivers and reservoirs by rain,which can help state
governments to minutely monitor the impact of rainfall.
ANYA: first chatbot for patients, to provide information on their ailments, launched by Lupin
• On November 24, 2018, Pharma company Lupin launched a chatbot named ‘ANYA’ to provide
medically verified information for health-related queries,at the 46th Annual Meeting of the
Research Society for the Study of Diabetes, in Bengaluru.
Scientists developed enzymes using radio frequency radiation
• On November 23, 2018, as per a study published in ACS Biomaterials Science and Engineering
Journal, for the first time, scientists have developed enzymes using radio frequency radiation in
Washington, USA.
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NASA And SpaceX Prep Historic Test Flight To Space

• The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in collaboration with SpaceX, a
private American aerospace manufacturer and space transportation services company, is going
to send humans for the first time in eight years through SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule for
Commercial Crew Program.
Marathon: Russia’s Roscosmos to venture into the Internet of things (IoT) with new satellite
system
• On November 25, 2018, Russia’s state space corporation, Roscosmos planned to venture into
the Internet of Things (IoT) with the launch of a new satellite system named ‘Marathon’.The
satellite system will be a part of Russia’s Sphere satellite constellation, which will be fully
established by 2026.
Easyfone launches STAR, India’s first mobile phone for kids
• The feature phone maker Easyfone launched “Easyfone Star”, India’s first mobile phone for
kids to help them be safer and connected to parents at Rs. 3490. eNovus enterprises is the
maker of the Easyfone brand.
Health Ministry launches a new state-of-the art Information Platform to monitor public health
surveillance
• On 26th November, 2018 Union Health Secretary, Preeti Sudan launched a new state-of-the-art
information platform to monitor public health surveillance in seven states.The Platform has
been developed by collaboration of World Health Organisation (WHO) with numerous
government stakeholders.
Nasa’s InSight probe lands on Mars for unprecedented seismic exploration
• On 26th November, 2018 National Aeronautics and Space Administration(NASA’s) InSight
spacecraft, the first robotic lander designed to study the deep interior of a distant world,
touched down safely on the surface of Mars after a six-month long and about 300 million-mile
(548 million-kilometre) journey.
FitLoo: MIT’s smart toilet detects cancer, diabetes through urine
• Researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and European space agency along
with Sanitation Specialists have developed Smart toilet named “FitLoo” which can detect
diseases like Cancer and Diabetes by screening the Urine and directly shares the data on users’
smartphone.
IIT-Bombay graduates launch India’s first advanced personal robot for kids
• On 27th November 2018, Graduates of Indian Institute of Technology – Bombay (IIT-B) who are
Co-founders of a start-up called Emotix have launched India’s first advanced personal
robot Miko 2 for Kids.
ISRO launches India’s first hyperspectral imaging satellite along with 30 foreign satellites
• On 29th November 2018, the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Polar Satellite
Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C43) successfully launched 31 satellites from Satish Dhawan Space
Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota. The rocket injected the country’s first Hyper Spectral Imaging
Satellite (HysIS), dubbed ‘Sharp Eye’, in its intended orbit besides 30 small commercial
satellites from various countries into the orbits requested by the customers.
World’s first gene-edited babies created in China by scientist He Jiankui
• On November 29, 2018, He Jiankui, a Chinese scientist announced a creation of the world’s first
genetically edited babies at at the Second International Summit on Human Genome Editing in
Hong Kong, China.
2 variants of the world’s first GST Calculator launched by Casio India
• On November 28, 2018, Casio India has announced the launch of the world’s first GST
calculator with two new innovations MJ-120 GST and MJ-12GST dedicated to the Indian
market. It will make manual invoicing easy and hassle-free.
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Scientists designed stratospheric barrier to curb warming

• On November 24, 2018, scientists at the Harvard University designed a geo- engineering
technique known as Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI) which might half the rate of global
warming.
ENVIRONMENT
Living Planet Report 2018
• On October 31, 2018, the biennial Living Planet Report 2018 was released by World Wildlife
Fund(WWF). Three-quarters of all land on Earth is now significantly affected by human
activities. The biggest cause of wildlife losses is the destruction of natural habitats, much of it
to create farmland followed by Killing for food.
Ozone layer recovering: four-yearly review of the Montreal Protocol
• On 5th November 2018, the four-yearly review of the Montreal Protocol by United Nations
stated that, the ozone layer is recovering at a rate of 1 to 3 % per decade. The report was
released by the United Nations Environment Programme and the World Meteorological
Organisation (WMO) in Quito, Ecuador.
Cyclonic storm ‘GAJA’ over coastal Tamil Nadu
• On 16th November 2018, cyclonic storm ‘Gaja’ crossed near Tamil Nadu causing severe damage
to certain coastal regions. Six districts of Tamilnadu including Nagapattinam, Pudukottai,
Ramanathapuram and Tiruvarur met big disaster due to this cyclone. Vedaranyam
(Nagapattinam district), Mannargudi (Tiruvarur) are disaster struck regions and expects for
government rehabilitation schemes.
Four new horned frogs discovered by Delhi University team in Northern Himalayas
• Four new horned frogs’ species have been discovered by a team of biologists from Delhi
University, University College Dublin (Ireland) and Natural History Museum (UK) in
the Himalayan regions of Northeast India.
RIMES terms Titli cyclone ‘rarest of rare’
• UN registered organization,The Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System
(RIMES) has termed the Cyclone “Titli” which hits the Coast of Odisha in October as rarest of
rare.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands home to tenth of India’s fauna species
• According to a publication by the Zoological Survey of India titled ‘Faunal Diversity of
Biogeographic Zones: Islands of India’, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands which comprises only
0.25% of country’s geographical area is home to 11,009 fauna species thereby putting the
numbers of fauna species found in the Island to more than 10% of the country’s total fauna
species.
Sashastra Seema Bal to patrol Dudhwa tiger reserve
• Sashastra Seema Bal(SSB) and Dudhwa Tiger Reserve of Uttar Pradesh have decided to work
together for the security of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve and its rich flora and fauna. As per the
agreement, security of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve will be handed over to Sashastra Seema Bal.
Pygmy false catshark: New deep sea shark species found, first in India since 2011
• On November 24, 2018, a new deep-sea shark species named Pygmy false catshark, was
discovered in the northern Indian Ocean.This is the first such discovery in India since the
Mangalore hound shark in 2011.
Genetic study reveals presence of rare sub-species of Hog Deer
• Researchers at Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun has reported the presence of rare
species of Hog Deer in the Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP) in Manipur.
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SPORTS
Sports/Tournament/Title Winner Points to be Noted
MotoGP Malaysian Grand Prix Marc Marquez Suzuki’s Alex
2018 in Malaysia Rins finished second in the
race.
World gymnastics Simone Biles She became the first ever
championships in Doha, Qatar gymnast to win 13 world
championship gold medals,
by winning her 13th gold
medal
Asian Snooker Tour title in Pankaj Advani Pankaj Advani is a nineteen-
Jinan, China time world champion. He is
33 years old. He hails from
Pune, Maharashtra.
Brazilian Grand Prix in Brazil Lewis Hamilton This is Lewis Hamilton’s
10th victory of 2018 and
72nd victory of his career.
World Kick Boxing Aabid Hamid Aabid Hamid won gold medal
Championship in Argentina in the 52kg category.
Tata Steel Chess India Blitz Viswanathan Anand
Tournament
8th Asian Shotgun Angad Vir Singh Bajwa He has became the first
Championship Indian skeet shooter to win a
gold.
Bengaluru Open ATP Prajnesh Gunneswaran
(Association of Tennis
Professionals) Challenger title
UIM (Union Internationale Second place was secured
Motonautique) F1H2O Grand by Emirates Racing’s Marit
Prix of India Stromoy, the only woman
racer who participated in the
race.
FIG Acrobatic Gymnastics India wins two bronze
world cup
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Lewis Hamilton Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari
and Max Verstappen of Red
Bull Racing TAG Heuer were
at 2nd and 3rd postion in the
race.
World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen He defeated US
opponent Fabiano Caruana in
a tie-breaker event
Badminton
SaarLorLux Open 2018 (badminton tournament)
• From 30th October to 4th November 2018, SaarLorLux Open 2018 badminton tournament, was
held in Saarbrücken, Germany. Men’s Singles won by Subhankar Dey (India) and Women’s
Singles won by Cai Yanyan (China).
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2018 Fuzhou China Open (badminton tournament)

• From 6th to 11th November 2018, 2018 Fuzhou China Open badminton tournament was held
in Fuzhou, China.It was the 23rd tournament of the 2018 BWF (Badminton World Federation)
World Tour. It was part of the China Masters championship. click here to read more.
Yonex-Sunrise Hong Kong Open 2018
• From 13th to 18th November 2018, Yonex-Sunrise Hong Kong Open 2018 was held at Hong
Kong Coliseum, in Kowloon, Hong Kong. Son Wan Ho (South Korea) won Men’s Singles by
defeating Kenta Nishimoto (Japan) and Nozomi Okuhara (Japan) won Women’s Singles by
defeating Ratchanok Intanon (Thailand).
LI NING BWF WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP 2018: Lakshya Sen (Indian) won bronze in men’s
single event
• From 12 to 18 November 2018, LI NING BWF World Junior Championship was organized
at Markham, Canada in which India’s top Junior Shuttler Lakshya Sen won the bronze medal in
Men’s Single event.It is India’s only medal in this year’s championship.
Syed Modi International 2018 (20 Nov to 25 Nov)
• From 20th to 25th November 2018, Badminton World Federation (BWF) Organized Syed Modi
International Badminton Championship at the Babu Banaras Das Indoor Stadium in Lucknow,
India . India’s Sameer Verma won the Men’s single title against China’s Lu Guangzu and China’s
Han Yue won Women’s Singles title against India’s Saina Nehwal who gained silver medal.
Cricket
Azhar Ali announces retirement from ODIs
• On 1st November 2018, senior Pakistan batsman Azhar Ali,33 announced his retirement from
limited over cricket in order to concentrate on Test cricket.He has played 53 ODIs (One Day
International).
Rahul Dravid receives ICC Hall of Fame cap from Sunil Gavaskar
• On 1st November 2018, former Indian cricket captain Rahul Dravid was formally inducted into
the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.Rahul Dravid received his ICC Hall of Fame cap from fellow ICC
Cricket Hall of Famer Sunil Gavaskar in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
Ambati Rayudu retires from first-class cricket
• Ambati Rayudu has retired from the long-form of cricket, including the Ranji Trophy, to focus
on limited-overs cricket.He will continue to play international and domestic matches of the
shorter version.
Former Australia captain Mark Taylor resigns from Cricket Australia board
• On 5th November 2018, former Australia captain Mark Taylor, 54 resigned from Cricket
Australia’s (CA) board of directors. He was the CA board’s longest-serving director.
Rohit Sharma becomes first batsman to hit four T20I hundreds
• On 6th November 2018, Rohit Sharma became the first batsman to score four Twenty20
International (T20I) centuries.He achieved this feat in 58 balls during the second T20I match
against the West Indies in Lucknow.
West Indies tour of India 2018
• From 4th October to 11th November 2018, the International cricket team of West Indies visited
India and played 2 Test matches, 5 One Day Internationals (ODIs) matches and 3 Twenty20
International (T20I) matches. India won the tour by winning Test Series,ODI,T20 Series against
West Indies.
Pacer Munaf Patel announces retirement from all forms of competitive cricket
• On 9th November 2018, Indian fast bowler Munaf Patel announced his retirement from all
forms of cricket. . He has played 13 Tests, 70 ODIs and 3 T20Is for India. He was part of the
2011 World Cup winning team.
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Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah maintain top positions in ICC ODI rankings
• India captain Virat Kohli and fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah maintained their top positions in the
batsmen and bowlers ranking respectively in the latest ICC (International Cricket Council) ODI
(One Day International) rankings published on 13th November 2018.
Australia’s John Hastings retires from International Cricket
• On 14th November 2018, 33 years old Australia all-rounder John Hastings announced his
retirement from all forms of cricket due to a lung disease.
World T20: Ireland’s Joyce twins bid adieu to international cricket
• On November 18,2018,Isobel Joyce and Cecelia Joyce, twins of Ireland Cricket team have
announced their retirement from International cricket after their 8 wicket loss against New
Zealand in the Ongoing International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s world T20.
Wasim Jaffer becomes first Indian to touch 11,000-run milestone in Ranji Trophy
• On 21st November 2018, Veteran first-class cricketer Wasim Jaffer became the first Indian
player to touch the 11,000 run figure in the Ranji Trophy by scoring an impressive knock of
153 off 284 balls during the third round match against Baroda in Nagpur at Vidarbha Cricket
Association (VCA) Stadium.
West Indies name Nic Pothas as interim head coach
• Fielding coach Nic Pothas has been appointed interim head coach of West Indies for the tour of
Bangladesh.He replaces Stuart Law.
Indian Cricketer Pravin Tambe: First Player in the history of T10 league to pick up a hat-trick
• On 22nd November 2018, 47 years old Indian Cricketer Pravin Tambe became the first player to
pick up a hat-trick in the history of cricket’s newest format T-10 League.
Bangladesh captain fastest to 200 wickets, 3,000 runs Test double
• On 24th November, 2018 Bangladesh Test captain and left arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan became
the fastest to complete the double of 200 wickets and 3000 runs in the Test format of the game.
Shakib achieved the feat in his 54th Test beating the long-standing record of 55 matches by all-
rounder Ian Botham.
2018 ICC Women’s World Twenty20 (9th Nov to 24th Nov)
• From 9th November to 24th November, The Sixth Edition of International Cricket Council (ICC)
Women’s T20 World Cup was hosted by the defending champion West Indies. It was the
second ICC Women’s World Twenty20 hosted was West Indies after 2010 edition. 10 Countries
participated and total 23 matches were played in the event. For more information: Click here
ICC bans West Indian Shannon Gabriel
• On 23rd November 2018, International Cricket Council (ICC) banned West Indies fast
bowler Shannon Gabriel for the second test match against Bangladesh when he was found
guilty of shoulder barging against Bangladesh’s Imrul Kayes.
World T20 renamed as T20 World Cup
• On 23rd November 2018, The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced that it has
renamed the ICC World T20 as the ICC T20 World Cup to both men’s and women’s cricket.The
next edition of the events in 2020 in Australia will be known as the ICC Women’s T20 World
Cup 2020 and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2020.
BCCI announces two-year ban for age fraud
• On 27th November 2018 the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced that a
cricketer guilty of age fraud will be barred from all its recognised tournaments for two years.
According to the earlier rules, a cricketer guilty of age fraud had to face a ban for a period of
one year.
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Football
India and 6 other SAFF countries pull out of Saudi-led SWAFF
• On 30th October 2018, India and 6 other members of the South Asian Football Federation
(SAFF) pulled out of Saudi Arabia led-South West Asian Football Federation (SWAFF) with
immediate effect.
2018 SAFF U-15 Championship in Nepal
• From 25th October to 3rd November 2018, the 5th SAFF U-15 Championship 2018 was held at
the ANFA Complex, Kathmandu, Nepal. Bangladesh beat Pakistan 3-2 on penalties in the final,
and won its 2nd SAFF U-15 Championship title.
Odisha government signs MoU with AIFF to host national camps, become home of Indian
Arrows
• On 12th November 2018, Odisha government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
with All India Football Federation (AIFF) to host National team camps and become the home of
the I-League side Indian Arrows.
Football: Former England and Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole retires
• On 13th November 2018, former England midfielder Joe Cole announced
his retirement from football. He has played for clubs like West Ham, Chelsea, Liverpool, etc.
Bulgaria’s Petkov becomes oldest European international goalkeeper (football)
• On 16th November 2018, Bulgarian Georgi Petkov became the oldest European international
goalkeeper as Bulgaria played a Nations League draw with Cyprus.He had also
become Bulgaria’s oldest player in their Nations League match in Nicosia.
Bangladesh Krida Shiksha Prothishtan (BKSP) wins 59th edition of Subroto cup International
Football Tournament
• On 20th November 2018, The finals of the 59th edition of Subroto Cup International Football
Tournament (Junior Boys category) was won by Bangladesh’s Krida Shiksha Prothishtan
(BKSP) by defeating Amini School of Afghanistan with a solitary goal scored by Habibur
Rahman at the 11th minute.
Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba announces retirement at 40
• On 21st November 2018, 40 years old Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba announced his
retirement after a career of 20 years. He has also voted African Footballer of the year twice.
Tennis
Rolex Paris Masters 2018 (Tennis Tournament)
• From 27th October to 4th November 2018, 47th edition of Rolex Paris Masters 2018 was held on
the hard surfaces of AccorHotels Arena in Paris, France. Men’s Singles won by Karen
Khachanov (Russia) and Men’s Doubles won by Marcel Granollers (Spain), Rajeev Ram (United
States).
Thailand’s Luksika Kumkhum wins first WTA title in the L&T Mumbai Open
• On 4th November 2018, Thailand’s Luksika Kumkhum defeated Russia’s Irina Khromacheva
and won her first WTA (Women's Tennis Association) title by winning the singles title in
the L&T Mumbai Open at the Cricket Club of India courts, in Mumbai.
Czech Republic beats defending champion U.S. and win Fed Cup 2018 (tennis)
• On 11th November 2018, Czech Republic won the 2018 Fed Cup Trophy for the 6th time in eight
years, in Czech Republic. Czech Republic defeated defending champion United States 3-0 in the
final and won the 2018 Fed Cup.
ATP Finals held in London
• From 11th November to 18th November,2018, ATP Finals held in London. German Player
Alexandar Zverev beat Serbian player Novak Djokovic to win the ATP World Tour Finals in
London.In Men’s Doubles Event,American’s Jack Sock and Mike Bryan won the title by
defeating France’s Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut.
50 | P a g e
WTA Taipei Open(Tennis)

• From 10th to 18th November 2018,WTA Taipei Open Championship held in Taipei City in
Taiwan.Total Prize money of the Event is USD125,000.Luksika Kumkhum from Thailand won
women singles by defeating Sabine Lisicki of Germany.
Other Sports News

Tata Steel named as official partner for the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2018
• On 29th October 2018, Tata Steel was named as official partner for the Odisha Hockey Men’s
World Cup 2018 to be held from November 28 to December 16, at the Kalinga Stadium, in
Bhubaneswar, Odisha.Tata Steel is the first private sector company in India to start a hockey
academy.
Qatar to host World Corporate Games in 2019
• Qatar will host the 23rd edition of the World Corporate Games between 6 and 9 November
2019. This is the first time the World Corporate Games will be held in the Middle East. It will be
organized by Sports for Life.
Vietnam will host the Formula 1 race in April 2020 in Hanoi
• Vietnam will host Formula 1 race in its capital city Hanoi for the first time in April 2020. It will
be the third Formula 1 race to be hosted in south-east Asia following Singapore and Malaysia.
34th National Junior Athletics Championships 2018 in Ranchi
• From 2nd to 5th November 2018, 34th National Junior Athletics Championships 2018 was held
at the Birsa Munda Athletics Stadium in Ranchi, Jharkhand.It was organized by Jharkhand
Athletics Association under the guidance of Athletics Federation of India (AFI). This is an
Annual Athletics event of AFI….click here to read more.
Former India U-19 speedster Saurabh Netravalkar named captain of United States national
cricket team
• Saurabh Netravalkar, a former Mumbai medium pacer and India U-19 cricketer, has been
appointed captain of the United States national cricket team. Saurabh Netravalkar is a 27-year-
old software engineer.
11th Asian Air Gun Championship in Kuwait
• From 3rd to 9th November 2018, 11th Asian Air Gun championship was held at Sheikh Sabah Al
Ahmad Olympic Shooting Complex at Kuwait City, in Kuwait. India’s junior shooters won a total
of 11 medals: 4 gold, 5 silver and 2 bronze medals.
Manav Thakkar settles for bronze in Belarus Open
• On November 16 2018, India’s Manav Thakkar settled for a bronze medal in the U-21 Men’s
singles category in the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF)Challenge
Belgosstrakh Belarus Open held in Minsk, Belarus.
Women’s Boxing World Championship (Nov 15-24)
• From 15th to 24th November 2018, International Boxing Association (AIBA) Organized
Women’s World Boxing Championship 2018 at Indira Gandhi Sport Complex in New Delhi.
India ended the Championship at 3rd position with 4 medals including 1 gold, 1 silver and 2
bronze. China topped the medal tally with 5 medals including 4 gold and Chinese Taipei ranked
at second position with 2
Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2018 Inaugurated at Kalinga Stadium
• On 27th November, 2018 the 14th edition of Hockey Men’s World Cup kicked off with a grand
opening ceremony at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha. Turtle ‘Olly’ is the official
mascot for the Odisha Men’s Hockey World Cup.The event is being held from 28th November to
16th December 2018.
51 | P a g e
BOOKS & AUTHORS

Book Name Author Other Information
'The Fire Burns Blue: A Karunya Keshav A book on history of women's cricket in India
History of Women's Cricket and Sidhanta
in India' Pathak
Notes of a Dream: The Krishna Trilok The biography of Oscar award winning
Authorized Biography of A.R. musician A.R. Rahman
Rahman
Arivu Dr.Murali Mohan This book explains about Mouth Cancer and
Chunthar prevention of the disease. November 7 is
observed as National Cancer Awareness Day in
India each year
Yoga And Mindfulness Ms. Mansi Gulati Vice President Venkaiah Naidu launches book
at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Conference Hall,
Vice President’s House, in New Delhi.
Great Association-Glimpses Swami Released by Prasar Bharati’s CEO Shashi

into the Life of Swami Nirviseshananda Shekar Vempati.
Bhoomananda Tirtha Tirtha
Radio Kashmir – In Times of Dr Rajesh Bhat Minister of State for Development of North
Peace & War Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office,
Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions,
Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh
released a book
THE VELEVT GLOVES Balakrishna Maharashtra Director General of Police Datta
Kamath Padsalgikar unveiled a novel written by former
Intelligence Bureau (IB) Officer Balakrishna
Kamath in Mumbai.
The Illustrated History of It was released alongside International Hockey
Indian Hockey: A Saga of Federation (FIH) and Indian Olympic
Triumph, Pain and Dreams’ Association (IOA) President Narinder
Batra and Hockey India President Mohd.
Mushtaq Ahmad.
The Betrayer of Telangana’ Congress Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev
Gowda released a book on Telangana Chief
Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao. The book
focuses on the failure of the CM to provide jobs,
better education and health facility to the
people of the state.
Making of New India: The book is edited The President of India, Shri Ram Nath
Transformation under Modi by the nationalist Kovind, received the first copy of the
Government think tank Dr book “Making of New India: Transformation
Syama Prasad under Modi Government”, from Arun Jaitley,
Mookerjee Union Minister for Finance and Corporate
Research Affairs at a function held at Rashtrapati
Foundation Bhavan.
(SPMRF) and
members of the
Niti Aayog: Dr
Bibek Debroy, Dr
Anirban Ganguly
52 | P a g e
and Shri Kishore

Desai.
Fables of Fractured Times Manish Tewari The Book is a compilation of articles written by
Manish Tewari on a wide array of issues, trends
and events of National and International Arena
between 2017 and 2018. Former Prime
Minister of India, Shri Manmohan Singh
launched a book
‘Toxic’ declared Oxford Word of the Year 2018
• On November 15, 2018, Oxford Dictionary announced ‘Toxic’ as the Word of the year 2018.
In 2017, the word was “youthquake”.
OBITUARY
NATIONAL
Name of the person Field Points to be noted
who passed away
V. Rathinam Freedom fighter Freedom fighter and member of Indian National
Army (INA)
Vice Admiral He was a veteran of the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war
(retd) Manohar Pralhad hero
Awati
K P S Srivastava Journalist Former PTI (Press Trust of India) journalist
Vinod Agrawal Singer Bhajan singer
Lalan Sarang Actor Theatre and Marathi film actor
H.N. Ananth Kumar Politician Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, and
Chemicals and Fertilizers
T.N. Srinivasan Economist He was a Professor of Economics and
International Area Studies Emeritus at Yale
University
S N Phukan Judge Former Supreme Court Judge. He was also Chief
Justices of Himachal Pradesh and Odisha High
Courts. He has served as a part-time Member of
the Meghalaya Board of Revenue, Chairman of
the Assam Human Rights Commission.
Roshan Lal Sethi Sports journalist He worked with the Indian Express, Hindustan
Times, National Herald, Navbharat Times and
Sandhya Times.
Chitta Jena Odia singer He awarded Prafulla Kar Samman for his
remarkable achievement in the field of music.
Alyque Padamsee Ad film maker He was the Brand Father of Indian advertising. He
was also named Advertising Man of the Century by
The Advertising Club in Mumbai
Brigadier Kuldip Singh He was known as the hero of the Battle of
Chandpuri Longewala during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
Banamali Maharana Musician He was known for playing ‘mardala’ in Odissi
music and dance across the globe.
Dr. T. S. Kanaka Doctor Asia’s first and World’s Third woman
Neurosurgeon
Narayan Das Maharaj Padma Shri awardee and revered saint
Ustad Imrat Khan Classical musician He was the Padma Shri awardee
Baishnab Charan Parida Prominent Politician,
53 | P a g e
writer and Promoter

of Odia Language
Sandeep Michael Former Indian Hockey He captained Indian Junior hockey team to Asia
player cup gold in 2003 died due to an unspecified
neurological problem. He was also a part of Indian
development teams that won gold and bronze
respectively in Akbar-el-Yom Cup competition in
2002 and 2003.
CK Jaffer Sharief Former Union railway He held the office of the Minister of Railways
minister under PV Narasimha Rao, from 1991 to 1995.
MH Ambareesh Actor and Politician He was popularly known as “Rebel Star” died
following lung and Kidney infection at the age of
66 in Bangalore. He had served as the Union
Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting
from 2006-2007.
Iravatham Mahadevan Writer He was One of the world’s leading Scholar on

Indus Valley and Tamil Brahmi scripts, Iravatham
Mahadevan passed away after a brief illness in
Chennai.The Former Member of Indian
Administrative Services (IAS) and Padma Shri-
awardee devoted himself to the study of India’s
early writing systems
INTERNATIONAL
Name of the person who Field Points to be noted
passed away
William Goldman Writer Oscar-winning screenwriter and best-selling author
Fahmida Riaz India-born She had worked with Radio Pakistan and BBC Urdu
Pakistani poet Services (Urdu) died after a prolonged illness in
Lahore at an age of 73.
Bernardo Bertolucci Italian Director He had won Oscar for the best director for the Movie
“The Last Emperor”.
Stephen Hillenburg SpongeBob SquarePants Creator
Harry Leslie Smith Political He was Participated in British World War II
activist
IMPORTANT DAYS
Observed Day Other information
date/week
21 to 27 Cyber Security aimed to create awareness about cybercrime and
October 2018 Awareness Week promote the need of cyber security among individuals
under its theme ‘#HackSeLado’.
31st October Rashtriya Ekta Diwas the birthday of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel also known as
2018 the ‘Iron Man of India’, was celebrated across the
Nation.On the eve of 143rd birth anniversary of Sardar
Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Home Minister, a 182-
metre high Statue of Unity was unveiled by PM
Narendra Modi..Click here to Read more
31st October Urban Cafe on World National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) partnered
2018 Cities Day 2018 with United Nations (UN) Habitat and organized a
54 | P a g e
policy dialogue named ‘Urban Cafe: River for

Habitat’ in New Delhi, during World Cities Day 2018.
29th October Vigilance Awareness observed by Indian Army regarding maintaining core
to Week values of honesty and integrity in the organization. The
3rd November theme of Vigilance Awareness Week 2018
2018 was “Eradicate Corruption-Build a New India”.
1st to 5th Clean Air Week to control air pollution in Delhi.‘Clean Air Week’ will be
November organised by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and
2018 Climate Change (MoEFCC) in collaboration with the
Delhi government and the 4 major NCR cities.
1st November Madhya Pradesh The theme for this year’s celebrations was: the heritage
2018 celebrates its 63rd of MP.
Foundation Day
1st November 33rd Army Aviation Day On this day, a Wreath Laying Ceremony was held at the
2018 celebrated Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate, New Delhi.
1st November World Vegan Day celebrated throughout the world. Also, the month
2018 of November is observed as World Vegan Month.
2nd November International Day to End observed throughout the world. This day aims to
2018 Impunity for Crimes promote a safe and enabling environment for
against Journalists journalists to do their work independently and without
interference.
5th November 3rd Ayurveda Day The theme of 2018 Ayurveda Day was: “Ayurveda for
2018 Public health”. This day aims to create awareness about
tsunami and share innovative approaches to risk
reduction
6th November International Day for This day is Observed all over the world. This day aims
2018 Preventing the to create awareness about the damaging effects of war
Exploitation of the and armed conflict on the environment.
Environment in War and
Armed Conflict
7th November National cancer It was revived by Union Health Minister Dr Harsh
2018 awareness day Vardhan in 2014.
8th November International Day of This day marks the date of discovery of the existence of
2018 Radiology X-rays by Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen in 1895.Main
theme of International Day of Radiology 2018
is: Cardiac imaging.
9th November World legal service day The aim of celebrating the Legal Services Day is to offer
2018 the free of charge, proficient and legal services to the
people of weaker sections of society.
9th November Uttarakhand celebrates On 9th November 2000, Uttarakhand was carved out of
2018 its 18th Foundation Day Uttar Pradesh and formed as a separate state.
10th November World Science Day for Theme: for 2018 World Science Day for Peace and
2018 Peace and Development Development is “Science, a Human Right”.
11th November National education day This day recalls the contribution of Maulana Abul
2018 Kalam Azad to education in India.
12th November Public Service Public Service Broadcasting Day is celebrated annually
2018 Broadcasting Day to commemorate the only visit of Mahatma Gandhi to
the studio of All India Radio, Delhi in 1947.
12th November World Pneumonia Day This day aims to create awareness about pneumonia
2018 and focus the efforts to protect, prevent and treat
pneumonia.
12- World Antibiotic It is observed to increase global awareness of antibiotic
55 | P a g e
18 November Awareness resistance and to encourage best practices among the

2018 Week(WAAW) general public.For Further Information: Click Here.
13 November World Kindness Day
th highlights good deeds in the society, and stresses on
2018 the importance kindness as a binding factor between
members of the society
14th November Children’s day The Day is celebrated in India to commemorate the
2018 first prime minister of independent India, Pandit
Jawaharlal Nehru’s 129th birth anniversary.
14th November World Diabetes Day Theme: for World Diabetes Day 2018 and 2019 is “The
2018 Family and Diabetes”. Also, the month
of November is Diabetes Awareness Month.
14th November Rosogolla Day West Bengal observed ‘Rosogolla Day’ to commemorate
2018 the first anniversary of receiving Geographical
Indication or GI tag for West Bengal’s famous sweet
Rosogolla as ‘Bengal’s Rosogolla’.
15th November World Philosophy Day This day highlights the value of philosophy for the
2018 development of human thought, for individuals and the
society.
16th November National Press Day National Press Day commemorates the day on
2018 which Press Council of India (PCI) started functioning.
16th November International Day for It is observed every year to educate people about the
2018 Tolerance negative effects of intolerance and make people aware
about the need of tolerance in society. The Theme of
the Summit was ‘prospering from Pluralism: Embracing
Diversity through Innovation and Collaboration’.
17th November International Students The day was first marked in 1941 in London by
2018 Day the International Students’ Council.
17th November National Epilepsy Day To create awareness about epilepsy in India. Globally,
2018 the World Epilepsy Day or better known as Purple
Day is observed on March 26th annually.
18th November The World Day of It is observed throughout the world. Theme: for The
2018 Remembrance for Road World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims
Traffic Victims 2018 is “Roads have stories”.
18th November First Naturopathy Day Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy,
2018 Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) celebrated the first
Naturopathy Day throughout India. AYUSH Minister
Shripad Yesso Naik inaugurated the first Naturopathy
Day Programme in New Delhi.
19th November World Toilet Day observed all over the world.Theme: for World Toilet
2018 Day 2018 is “When Nature Calls”.
19th to Qaumi Ekta Week Aim to emphasis on themes of secularism, anti-
25th November communalism and non-violence. It will be observed all
2018 over the country
19th to The Communal Harmony
25th November Campaign and Fund
2018 Raising Week
20th November Universal Children’s Day It is celebrated every year to promote international
2018 togetherness, awareness among children worldwide,
and improving children’s welfare.2018 theme is
Children are taking over and turning the world blue.
20th November Africa Industrialization It is celebrated by the United Nations General
56 | P a g e
2018 Day Assembly.The Theme for the 2018 edition

is: “Promoting Regional Value Chains in Africa: A
pathway for accelerating Africa’s structural
transformation, industrialization and pharmaceutical
production”
21th November 46th World Hello Day To express the power of communications to resolve
2018 differences. The way to celebrate World Hello Day is by
greeting at least 10 people during one day.
21th November World Television Day It is celebrated as the 23rd annual World Television
2018 Day all across the world since its inception in
December 1996 by United Nations General Assembly
(UNGA).
21th November World Fisheries day Fishing Communities celebrates the day by organizing
2018 rallies, Cultural programs, workshops and exhibition to
highlight the importance of healthy ocean ecosystems
and to ensure sustainable stocks of fisheries in the
world.
21th November World Chronic The theme of this year’s event was ‘Never too early,
2018 Obstructive Pulmonary never too late’.
Disease (COPD) Day
23rd 549th Guru Nanak The day marks the birth of the first Sikh Guru, Guru
November Jayanti or Gurpurab and Nanak, who laid the foundation of Sikhism.
2018 Kartik Purnima
25th International Day for the To support the cause an initiative was launched by
November Elimination of Violence United Nations (UN) in 2008 and is known as
2018 against Women the ‘UNiTE to End Violence against Women’. This year,
the global United Nations UNiTE campaign is
highlighting support for survivors and advocates under
the theme ‘Orange the World: #HearMeToo.
25th November 70th NCC Raising day Cadets participated in Marches, Cultural activities and
2018 Social Development Programme.
26th November Constitution day which is The Union Government declared November 26 as the
2018 also known as the Constitution Day in a gazette notification during during
Samvidhan Divas and the125th birth anniversary of Dr BR Ambedkar.
National Law day
26 November National Milk Day
th It is celebrated in the memory of Dr. Verghese
2018 Kurien who was the architect of the “Operation
Flood”, which was launched by National Dairy
Development Board (NDDB) in year 1970.
24 to 26th India Rivers Week (IRW) The focus of this year’s three-day meet was ‘Can India
November, 2018 Rejuvenate Ganga?’.
2018
27th Indian Organ Donation Awards in the area of Organ Donation and Transplant
November Day were distributed in the event.Click here for the
2018 awards.
Indian Army dedicates 2018 to welfare of Disabled Soldiers
• On 12th November 2018, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat announced that Indian Army has
dedicated the Year 2018 to the welfare of Disabled Soldiers who have been disabled in the line
of duty, when serving for India.
57 | P a g e
Indian Embassy in Nepal observed ITEC and 130th Maulana Azad Day in Kathmandu
• On November 22, 2018, the Embassy of India in Nepal celebrated Indian Technical & Economic
Cooperation (ITEC) Day and 130th birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Maulana Abdul Kalam
Azad, dubbed as Maulana Azad Day, in Kathmandu, Nepal.
India marks 10th anniversary of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks; US announces reward for
information on 26/11 perpetrators
• On 26 November 2018, India marked 10th anniversary of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks in
which 166 people were dead over 300 people were injured.US announced a reward of $5
million for those who will help to finds the people involved in the Attack.
Shri Kiren Rijiju inaugurated NDMA’s 14th Formation Day
• On 27 November 2018, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju inaugurated
the 14th Formation day of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). This Year’s theme
was “Early Warning for Disasters”.
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Cabinet Approvals on November 1, 2018

STATE WISE NATIONAL NEWS

Jammu and Kashmir

Decommissioned carrier INS Viraat to become a floating museum: Maharashtra cabinet

QR-enabled fridge magnets for digital payment of bills launched by NDMC

15-day Aadi Mahotsav festival commenced in Delhi

A National Institute of Inter-Faith Studies to be set up in Punjab

Other Important National Affairs

Rs 75 coin to be issued by government to mark 75th anniversary of Tricolour hoisting by Netaji

Overview of PM Modi’s visit to Japan for 13th India-Japan Annual Summit

BANKING & FINANCE

31 NBFC registrations cancelled by RBI

Loans issued by banks/others

World Bank Andhra $172.20 To enhance agricultural productivity,

Bank (ADB) Highways in Bihar under Bihar State

Other Important Banking & Finance News

BUSINESS & ECONOMY NEWS

Policybazaar.com partnered with Accrivis to enable data integration using blockchain

India to export 50,000 tonnes of sugar to China

MOUs/AGREEMENTS COUNTRIES & STATES

6 India and UK India-UK Cancer Research Initiative in New Delhi

MoUs – States wise

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNS

Aishwarya Sharma Brand Mahendra Singh Aims to provide girls who

to the Supreme Court.

retire at the end of 2018.

Other important Appointments

Lok Sabha Secy Gen Snehlata Shrivastava gets one-year extension

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

Name of Awards Award Winner Field Points to be noted

Munin Barkotoki Dr Debabhuson He was honoured for his

CII-Exim Bank Bharat For being a role-model organization,

CONFERENCE/SUMMIT IN NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Conference Economy and the 2030 Agenda for

COMMITTEE/MEETING IN NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS

secretary, Ministry of Road Transport, central government with representatives from

State or City in Ranking:

ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

‘NIPUN’ Delhi Police Commissioner e-learning portal to impart in-service

PaiSA-Portal for Affordable Ministry of Housing and Urban

Other Science and Technology News of National & International

World’s first total-body scanner “Explorer” produces 3D human images

NASA And SpaceX Prep Historic Test Flight To Space

Scientists designed stratospheric barrier to curb warming

2018 Fuzhou China Open (badminton tournament)

WTA Taipei Open(Tennis)

Other Sports News

BOOKS & AUTHORS

Great Association-Glimpses Swami Released by Prasar Bharati’s CEO Shashi

and Shri Kishore

writer and Promoter

Iravatham Mahadevan Writer He was One of the world’s leading Scholar on

policy dialogue named ‘Urban Cafe: River for

18 November Awareness resistance and to encourage best practices among the