1) International Day for Tolerance: 16 November
•The United Nations observes “International Day for Tolerance” on 16th November every year. The United Nations is committed to strengthening tolerance by fostering mutual understanding among cultures and peoples.
2) India Successfully test fires QRSAM system off Odisha Coast
•India successfully test-fired the Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM) system off the coast of Balasore in Odisha. The system achieved a major milestone by a direct hit on to a Banshee Pilotless target aircraft at medium range and medium altitude. Indian forces have carried out at least seven tests earlier of the missile system.
3) India Extends USD1 Million Aid For Covid-19 ASEAN Response Fund
•India has extended financial contribution of USD 1 million to the COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund. This was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 17th ASEAN-India Summit, which was held virtually.
•Leaders from the 10 ASEAN countries welcomed the adoption of the new ASEAN-India Plan of Action for 2021-2025, at the conclusion of the Summit. PM Modi, participated in the 17th ASEAN-India Summit at the invitation of the Prime Minister of Vietnam Nguyen Xuan Phuc, who is the current chair of ASEAN.
4) S. Jaishankar Represents India at 15th East Asia Summit 2020
•The External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar has represented India at the 15th East Asia Summit (EAS) on behalf of PM Modi. The Summit was chaired by the Prime Minister of Vietnam Nguyen Xuan Phuc because Vietnam is ASEAN Chair in 2020 (ASEAN holds the central role and leadership in the forum). All the 18 EAS countries participated in the virtual Summit.
•Jaishankar underlined the key role played by the East Asia Summit (EAS) as a leading mechanism of the Indo-Pacific region and reiterated India’s support to make it stronger and more responsive. He also re-affirmed the importance of EAS as the Leaders-led forum to exchange views on strategic issues. On Covid-19, he briefed the EAS leaders about India’s response to the pandemic and highlighted India’s efforts to support the international community.
5) Dr Harsh Vardhan attends 8th BRICS STI Ministerial Meet
•The 8th BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation Ministerial Meeting was held through a virtual platform for Science and Technology cooperation among the member countries, which are Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The meeting was held under the Chairmanship of the Russian Federation. (Russia is the Chair for 12th BRICS Summit).
6) Sadat Rahman wins International Children’s Peace Prize 2020
•Sadat Rahman from Bangladesh has been awarded the prestigious International Children’s Peace Prize 2020. He was awarded the prize for his involvement in setting up his social organization and mobile app ‘Cyber Teens’ to stop cyberbullying. The award was presented to 17-year-old Sadat by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai, during a ceremony in the Netherlands. He was selected out of 142 applicants from 42 countries.
