Daily Current Affairs- 16th November 2016

Dear Readers, we are presenting Daily Current Affairs for All Exams- 16th November 2016.

1. International Day for Tolerance 2016 observed across the world

1. The International Day for Tolerance was observed globally on 16 November 2016. The Day aims at educating masses about the need for tolerance in society and helping them understand the negative effects of intolerance.

2. In order to mark the day and the 125th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi, UNESCO instituted a prize in 1995 for the promotion of tolerance and non-violence. The prize, named as the UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence, rewards significant activities in the fields of scientific, artistic, cultural or communication aimed at the promotion of a spirit of tolerance and non-violence.

2. Maharashtra becomes first Indian state to adopt Fly Ash Utilisation Policy

1. Maharashtra became the first Indian state to adopt Fly Ash Utilisation Policy. The policy will pave way for prosperity by creating wealth from waste, and environment protection.

2. The decision to implement the policy was taken at the weekly cabinet meeting chaired by state Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

3. Key highlights of the Fly Ash Utilisation Policy

• As per the policy, 100 per cent of fly ash generated from thermal power plants and biogas plants will be used for construction activities.

• This fly ash will be used to make bricks, blocks, tiles, wall panels, cement and other construction materials.

• The policy also allows usage of fly ash within 300 kilometres of the power plant. Earlier, it was allowed to be used within 100 kilometres radius.

3. Union Cabinet approves creation of 'Special committee for inter-linking rivers' project

1. The Union Cabinet gave its approval for creation of a ‘special committee’ in accordance to an order passed by the Supreme Court in 2012 for inter-linking of Indian rivers.

2. The approval was given in a Cabinet council session headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 15 November 2016. According to the government, this move will help in monitoring the projects that are to be carried out under its National Perspective Plan, 1980. 

4. India and ADB sign 500 million US dollar loan to build country's longest river bridge across Ganges River

1. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India on 15 November 2016 signed a 500 million US dollar loan to build a 9.8 km long road bridge across the Ganges River. This will be India’s longest river bridge.

2. Along with ADB’s loan and 900000 US dollar in technical assistance to improve bridge operation and management, the Bihar Government will provide support equivalent to 215 million US dollar.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of December 2020.

3. Key highlights of the proposed river bridge

• The proposed bridge will improve transport connectivity between North and South Bihar. It will also improve the link between Patna and the surrounding areas.

• It will cover both channels of the Ganges River and will also serve as an alternate route to the existing Ganga Bridge.

• The project will also build viaducts, embankments, and toll and service facilities. It will link to national highway networks.

5. Lewis Hamilton wins Brazilian Grand Prix

1. Lewis Hamilton beat against all odds to secure first position at the recently concluded Brazilian Grand Prix 2016 in Interlagos circuit, Sao Paulo. Heavy downpour made the race one of the wettest ever.

2. Poor visibility made the race even more challenging for the racers. Hamilton proved he is legendary by mastering the conditions and continuing to maintain his lead, while many of his competitors crashed out.

6. APEC Forum's Week begins in Lima

1. The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum’s week kicked off at Lima, capital city of the South American country Peru. The week that began on 14 November 2016 will run on till 20 November 2016.

2. The forum will witness participation from businessmen, investors and economic leaders of the 21 Pacific Rim countries (countries that lie on the coastline of the Pacific Ocean). 

7. India, China Joint Training Exercise Hand in Hand 2016 begins in Pune

1. The sixth edition of India-China Joint Training Exercise “Hand in Hand 2016” has started in Pune, Maharashtra. The aim of the bilateral military exercise is to share the expertise in drills and practices while tackling insurgency and terrorism between Indian Army and People’s Liberation Army of China. 

2. Thus, it seeks to promote healthy military to military relations between the two armies and developing joint strategies for conducting operations in a counter terrorism environment.

8. 20 nations sign framework agreement of International Solar Alliance

1. Over 20 countries, including India, Brazil and France have signed the framework agreement of the International Solar Alliance (ISA). The framework agreement of ISA was opened for signatures on the sidelines of CoP22 to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) at Marrakech, in Morocco. 

2. The signing of the framework agreement has to be followed by ratifications by countries. The agreement will become operational after at least 15 countries have ratified it.