Hello and welcome to exampundit. Here are the important Current Affairs Today 12th September 2020. These are important for the upcoming Exams. Candidates who were preparing for the examination can use these current affairs and also you can download the same as PDF.
Current Affairs Today – 12th September 2020
NEWS AT A GLANCE
- The United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation is observed every year on September 12 since 2011, to celebrate the economic, social and political developments made in recent years by regions and countries in the south.
- The World First Aid Day is observed on the second Saturday of September every year to create awareness about importance of first aid in preventing injuries and saving lives.
- Ratings agency Moody’s has projected the GDP growth rate for India to contract 11.5 percent in the fiscal 2020-21 (FY21) due to the coronavirus pandemic.
- The Reserve Bank of India has released the guidelines to be followed by commercial banks for the appointment of Chief Compliance Officer (CCO).
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced on September 10, 2020 announced that a Digital Payments Index (DPI) will be launched.
- The Department of Posts has launched a new scheme called Five Star Villages, to ensure universal coverage of flagship postal schemes in rural areas of the country.
- In a bid to rescue MSMEs and improve their cash flows, Razorpay has launched a collateral free line of credit called Cash Advance.
- The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved registration of the Sri Harmandir Sahib under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010 on 9 September 2020.
- Home Minister Amit Shah e-dedicated and e-launched development projects worth Rs 221 crore in Ahmedabad district.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate to the nation three key projects related to the Petroleum sector in Bihar through video conferencing.
- All Central Government pensioners can submit Life Certificate from 1st November, 2020 to 31st December 2020.
- Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri today launched the Climate Smart Cities Assessment Framework, CSCAF 2.0, along with the ‘Streets for People Challenge’ in a virtual event.
- The Heritage Tourism policy has been announced by Gujarat Government. This is state’s first such policy.
- The scheme ‘Garima’ was launched for institutionalising and regulating core sanitation services to provide social security and financial benefits for the sanitation workers and their families.
- The state government of Meghalaya has launched India’s Biggest “Piggery Mission” with an outlay of Rs 209 Crores.
- The Tamilnadu government has embarked on a programme to provide laptops to Village Administrative officers who work at grassroots levels among the people.
- Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today launched the Jammu & Kashmir Integrated Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (JK-IGRAMS).
- Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh handed over a total monetary assistance of over 5. 25 crore rupees to 272 StartUp beneficiaries at the Manipur StartUp Conclave – 2020 held at Imphal.
- Gujarat Government has ordered the Oxygen producing units to give first priority to medical oxygen supply.
- India and China, on September 11, 2020, agreed on ‘five-point action plan’ so as to quickly disengage troops along the Line of Actual Control.
- Singapore and Japan are to launch a green lane on September 18 for essential business and official travel for residents from both countries in compliance with the COVID-19 related norms.
- A two-day conclave on ‘School Education in 21st Century’ commenced virtually.
- India is scheduled to host the meeting of Council of Heads of Government (CHG) of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, SCO on 29-30 November 2020 in New Delhi.
- Labour and Employment Minister Santosh Gangwar has called upon all G-20 members to continue to work together for finding solutions to the common problems resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Health Minister Harsh Vardhan attends 73rd session of WHO South East Asia Region.
- Gujarat has topped the second edition of States Startup Ranking Results 2019 released by Minister of Commerce & Industry and Railways Shri Piyush Goyal.
- India, Israel and the United States have begun collaboration in developmental area, and in next generation of emerging technologies, including a transparent, open, reliable and secure 5G communication network.
- India and the United States held a bilateral 22 Inter-sessional meeting at the official level in virtual mode.
- HCL Technologies (HCL), a leading global technology company, today announced it has joined NVIDIA Partner Network (NPN), the US-based technology company’s partner program, with plans to pursue expanded opportunities in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) space.
- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and France’s ENGIE group have signed a long-term loan of up to ₹ 466 crore for setting up a 200-MW solar power project in Gujarat.
- Microsoft on Thursday joined hands with industry-driven learning ecosystem Nasscom FutureSkills to launch a nation-wide initiative that aims to skill 10 lakh students in Artificial Intelligence (AI) by 2021.
- Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT-R) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneshwar.
- Government of India has constituted an Expert Committee for making an overall assessment of relief to bank borrowers related to waiver of interest and waiver of interest on interest on the COVID-19 related moratorium.
- West Bengal govt wins WSIS award 2020 for its Sabuj Sathi scheme in WSIS Price Contest.
- Assam recognised as emerging Startup Ecosystem in India. The ‘Startup India Awards 2020’ held at the National Media Centre in New Delhi.
- Kevin De Bruyne and Beth England win 2020 PFA player of the year awards. Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne was named men’s Player of the year while Chelsea forward Bethany England won the women’s award, England’s Professional Footballer’s Association (PFA).
- The Central Authority has appointed Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman as the Chairman of the Supreme Court legal services committee.
- Defence Research and Development Organization, DRDO has developed P-7 Heavy Drop System which is capable of para dropping military stores up to seven-tonne weight class from IL- 76 aircraft.
- The Andhra Pradesh police department has come up with a unique service.
- Ram J Shahaney , who has played a major role in the growth of Ashok Leyland Ltd during his more than three-decade stint at the company, passed away in Chennai. He was 89.
- Arya Samaj leader and social activist Swami Agnivesh passed away today at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, ILBS in New Delhi.
- Northop Grumman, an American global aerospace and defence technology company has announced that its next Cygnus capsule will be named “S.S. Kalpana Chawla”,
- Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) announced the opening of a warehousing facility covering an area of 10,000 square feet.
NEWS IN DETAILS
IMPORTANT DAYS AND THEMES
United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation observed on 12 September
- The United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation is observed every year on September 12 since 2011, to celebrate the economic, social and political developments made in recent years by regions and countries in the south.
- Theme for 2020 is “Pathways toward the SDGs through South-South solidarity beyond COVID-19.”
- It was on this day in 1978 that the United Nations (UN) General Assembly adopted a plan of action to promote and implement technical cooperation among developing countries.
Extra Shots:
UN
- Secretary general: António Guterres Trending
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States
- Founded: 24 October 1945, San Francisco, California, United States
World First Aid Day 2020 observed on 12 September
- The World First Aid Day is observed on the second Saturday of September every year to create awareness about importance of first aid in preventing injuries and saving lives.
- The World First Aid Day 2020 is being observed on 12 September.
- The day was started by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in 2000 to educate people in the world of the benefits of first aid, need of first aid and the right way to do first aid.
BANKING & FINANCE
Moody’s forecasts India’s GDP at -11.5% for FY21, 10.6% for FY22
- Ratings agency Moody’s has projected the GDP growth rate for India to contract 11.5 percent in the fiscal 2020-21 (FY21) due to the coronavirus pandemic.
- For 2021-22 (FY22), Moody’s projected the economy of India to grow at 10.6 percent.
Extra Shots:
Moody
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States
- CEO: Raymond W. McDaniel Jr.
- Parent organization: Moody’s Corporation
- Founder: John Moody
- Founded: 1909, New York, New York, United States
RBI defines Role and selection criteria of Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) in Banks
- The Reserve Bank of India has released the guidelines to be followed by commercial banks for the appointment of Chief Compliance Officer (CCO).
- Scheduled Commercial Banks (Excluding RRBs), Local Area Banks, Small Finance Banks and Payment Banks have to appoint a Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) to have an effective compliance culture, independent corporate compliance function and a strong compliance risk management programme at bank and group level.
- Here are some of the norms to be followed by banks for the appointment of a CCO:
- Tenor for the appointment of CCO – minimum fixed tenure of not less than 3 years.
Eligibility Criteria for appointment as CCO
- Age – Not more than 55 years;
- Experience – The CCO shall have an overall experience of at least 15 years in the banking or financial services, out of which minimum 5 years shall be in the Audit / Finance / Compliance / Legal / Risk Management functions;
- Rank – The CCO shall be a senior executive of the bank, preferably in the rank of a General Manager or an equivalent position (not below two levels from the CEO).
Extra Shots:
RBI
- Headquarters: Mumbai
- Founder: British Raj
- Governor: Shaktikanta Das
Digital Payments Index (DPI) will be launched by RBI
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced on September 10, 2020 announced that a Digital Payments Index (DPI) will be launched.
- The index will assess and capture the extent of digitalisation of payments effectively.
- The DPI will be based on multiple parameters
- It is going to assess accurately about the penetration and deepening of various digital payment modes.
- It will help in bridging the gap of digital divide.
- It was recommended by a committee headed by Nandan Nilekani on deepening digital payment.
Extra Shots:
RBI
- Headquarters: Mumbai
- Founder: British Raj
- Governor: Shaktikanta Das
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
India Post launches Five Star Villages Scheme for 100% rural coverage of postal schemes
- The Department of Posts has launched a new scheme called Five Star Villages, to ensure universal coverage of flagship postal schemes in rural areas of the country.
- The scheme aims to bridge the gaps in public awareness and reach of postal products and services, especially in interior villages.
- The scheme was launched by the Union Minister of State for Communications, Shri Sanjay Dhotre on 10 September 2020.
The schemes covered under the Five Star scheme include:
- Savings Bank accounts, Recurrent Deposit Accounts, NSC / KVP certificates,
- Sukanya Samridhi Accounts/ PPF Accounts,
- Funded Post Office Savings Account linked India Post Payments Bank Accounts,
- Postal Life Insurance Policy/Rural Postal Life Insurance Policy and
- Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana Account / Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana Account.
- The scheme is being launched on pilot basis in Maharashtra. 50 villages in each district of the state will be covered during 2020-2021.
- The scheme will be implemented by a team of five Gramin Dak Sevaks, headed by the Branch Post Master of the concerned Branch Office.
Extra Shots:
Indian Post
- Parent Ministry: Ministry of Communications
- Headquarters: New Delhi
- Founder: Government of India
- Founded: 1 April 1854
- Director General: Arundhaty Ghosh
- Subsidiary: India Post Payments Bank
Razorpay launches collateral free line of credit for SMEs
- In a bid to rescue MSMEs and improve their cash flows, Razorpay has launched a collateral free line of credit called Cash Advance.
- MSMEs can borrow working capital with a credit limit of Rs 50,000 to Rs 10 lakh, within 10 seconds through the Razorpay dashboard, depending upon the credit history of the business.
- With this, Razorpay aims to support businesses with upto Rs 100 crores of credit by end of 2020.
NATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS
Home Ministry grants FCRA registration to Golden Temple
- The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved registration of the Sri Harmandir Sahib under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010 on 9 September 2020.
- Sri Harmandir Sahib is famous as Golden Temple in Amritsar.
- The registration under FCRA 2010 will allow the Golden Temple to receive foreign funds.
- The FCRA registration will be valid for a period of five years.
- The funds received from global contributors will be used for shrine activities besides providing financial assistance to the poor, medical assistance to the needy and organise langars (free community kitchens).
Amit Shah e-launches development projects worth Rs 221 crore in Ahmedabad
- Home Minister Amit Shah e-dedicated and e-launched development projects worth Rs 221 crore in Ahmedabad district.
- electricity consumption, industrial production, exports and startup statistics show that Gujarat is in the forefront in the nation in returning to normalcy during the Unlock.
- Gujarat has set a unique example for how to return to normal life with people’s cooperation.
- The works e-dedicated by Union Home Minister include Rs 130.91 crore pipeline network to carry water from Vaishnavdevi Circle to Shantipura and Sarkhej along Ring Road, Rs 15 crore new water distribution station near APMC Yard in south-west zone, Rs 24.99 crore water distribution station near Makarba Police Lines in Sarkhej ward and Rs 5.26 crore Chharodi village lake.
- Other works include 240 housing units under Bavla Nagarpalika under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna at the cost of Rs 17 crore.
Extra Shots:
Gujarat:
- Capital: Gandhinagar
- Chief Minister: Vijay Rupani
- Governor: Acharya Devvrat
- State formed on: 1 May 1960
- Literacy Rate: 79.31%
- National Park: Vansda NP, Blackbuck NP, Gir Forest NP, Marine NP, Gulf of Kutch
PM Modi to dedicate to nation three key projects related to Petroleum sector
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate to the nation three key projects related to the Petroleum sector in Bihar through video conferencing.
- The projects include the Durgapur-Banka section of the Paradip-Haldia-Durgapur Pipeline Augmentation Project and two LPG Bottling Plants.
- They have been commissioned by Indian Oil and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited- HPCL, under the aegis of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
- The 193 kilometer long Durgapur-Banka pipeline section is a part of the Paradip-Haldia-Durgapur Pipeline Augmentation Project, for which the foundation stone was laid by the Prime Minister on 17th February 2019.
- Durgapur-Banka section is the extension of the existing 679 Kilometer long Paradip-Haldia-Durgapur LPG pipeline to the new LPG bottling plant at Banka in Bihar.
Central govt pensioners can submit life certificate from Nov 1 to Dec 31
- All Central Government pensioners can submit Life Certificate from 1st November, 2020 to 31st December 2020.
- Earlier this used to be only for the month of November for maintaining continuity of Pension. However, the pensioners in the age group of 80 years and above, can submit Life Certificate from 1st October, 2020 to 31st December, 2020.
- Every Central Government pensioner has to submit life certificate in the month of November for further continuation of their pension.
Centre launches Climate Smart Cities Assessment Framework along with ‘Streets for People Challenge’
- Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri launched the Climate Smart Cities Assessment Framework, CSCAF 2.0, along with the ‘Streets for People Challenge’ in a virtual event.
- The objective of CSCAF is to provide a clear roadmap for cities towards combating Climate Change while planning and implementing their actions, including investments.
- CSCAF initiative intends to inculcate a climate-sensitive approach to urban planning and development in India.
- The Streets for People Challenge is the response to the need for making the cities more walkable and pedestrian friendly.
- The Challenge will support cities across the country to develop a unified vision of streets for people in consultation with stakeholders and citizens.
STATE CURRENT AFFAIRS
Gujarat announces Heritage Tourism Policy
- The Heritage Tourism policy has been announced by Gujarat Government. This is state’s first such policy.
- The policy permits the use of pre-1950 historical buildings including heritage palaces and forts as heritage hotels, heritage museums, heritage banquet halls and heritage restaurants.
- The step would attract tourism in the unused historical buildings.
- State Government will provide five to ten crore rupees to new or existing heritage hotels for the purpose of renovation and expansion.
- An aid of 45 lakh to one crore will be provided for developers to start new project or restore an existing heritage building.
- The restoration or expansion work should not be altering or damaging the existing original structure.
Extra Shots:
Gujarat:
- Capital: Gandhinagar
- Chief Minister: Vijay Rupani
- Governor: Acharya Devvrat
- State formed on: 1 May 1960
- Literacy Rate: 79.31%
- National Park: Vansda NP, Blackbuck NP, Gir Forest NP, Marine NP, Gulf of Kutch
Odisha government unveils scheme for sanitation workers
- The scheme ‘Garima’ was launched for institutionalising and regulating core sanitation services to provide social security and financial benefits for the sanitation workers and their families.
- With a the corpus fund of Rs.50 crore, the statewide scheme will be implemented across all urban local bodies.
Extra Shots:
Odisha:
- Statehood Day: 1st April 1936
- Capital: Bhubaneswar
- Governor: Ganeshi Lal
- Chief Minister: Naveen Patnaik
Meghalaya launched India’s largest “Piggery Mission”
- The state government of Meghalaya has launched India’s Biggest “Piggery Mission” with an outlay of Rs 209 Crores.
- It is being launched under the aegis of Meghalaya Livestock Enterprises Advancement Society (MLEADS) and funded by the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC).
- The main objective of the Piggery Mission is to reduce the annual import of Pork worth Rs 150 Crore and make Meghalaya self-sufficient (“Aatma Nirbhar”) in pork production over the next 3 years.
Extra Shots:
Meghalaya
- Capital: Shillong
- Chief Minister: Conrad Sangma
- Governor: Satya Pal Malik
Tamil Nadu govt. embarks on programme to provide laptops to Village Administrative officers
- The Tamilnadu government has embarked on a programme to provide laptops to Village Administrative officers who work at grassroots levels among the people.
- He pointed out that the workings of E – Sevai Centres in rural areas will be linked with the Village Administration section to ensure seamless delivery of services.
- The distribution of laptops to officials who work directly with the people is expected to ensure that various services of the government and issuance of various certificates for the people are being made easily available on the internet.
- As a first phase the issuance of 22 certificates and 7 services have been programmed into the laptops given to Village Administrative Officers.
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Tamilnadu
- Capital: Chennai
- Chief Minister: Edappadi K.Palanisamy
- Governor: Banwarilal Purohit
- Chief Justice of Madras High Court: Vijaya Kamlesh Tahilramani
- National Park: Guindy NP,Gulf of Mannar Marine NP, Indira Gandhi (Annamalai) NP, Mudumalai NP, Mukurthi NP.
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha launches Jammu and Kashmir Integrated Grievance Redress and Monitoring System
- Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today launched the Jammu & Kashmir Integrated Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (JK-IGRAMS).
- The Revamped System shall decentralize the handling and redressal of Public grievances by making District Collectors /Deputy Commissioners as the primary level of receiving, disposing and monitoring grievances.
- The Revamped System shall decentralize the handling and redressal of Public grievances by making District Collectors /Deputy Commissioners as the primary level of receiving, disposing and monitoring grievances.
- The existing Portal has now been integrated downwards to the district level by mapping another nearly 1500 public offices in 20 districts of the Union Territory.
- It is the first online grievance management system / Portal in the country that is linked with the Central government (at the top) and districts and even further downwards to the Tehsils and Blocks (at the bottom).
- The new system is being launched on pilot basis initially for three districts of Jammu, Srinagar, and Reasi and will gradually be rolled out in the remaining districts by or before 2nd October, 2020.
- It will replace the current Portal which was launched by the government in 2018.
Extra Shots:
Jammu & Kashmir:
- Capitals- Jammu (Winter), Srinagar (Summer)
- Lt Governor- Manoj Sinha
- National Parks: City Forest (Salim Ali) National Park, Dachigam National Park, Hemis National Park, Kishtwar National Park
- Wildlife Sanctuaries: Baltal-Thajwas WLS, Changthang Cold Desert WLS, Gulmarg WLS, Jasrota WLS, Karakoram (Nubra Shyok) WLS etc
Manipur CM hands over financial assistance of over Rs 5.25 Cr to StartUp beneficiaries
- Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh handed over a total monetary assistance of over 5. 25 crore rupees to 272 StartUp beneficiaries at the Manipur StartUp Conclave – 2020 held at Imphal.
- Those who received assistance included eight beneficiaries in StandUp category, five in Revenue Stage and 259 in Idea Stage of the scheme.
- Manipur StartUp scheme was launched in 2017-2018 to build a strong eco-system for nurturing startups with an aim to drive sustainable economic growth and generate large scale employment opportunities.
Extra Shots:
Manipur
- Statehood Day: 21 January, 1972
- Capital: Imphal
- Governor: Najma Heptulla
- Chief Minister: N. Biren Singh
Gujarat govt. orders Oxygen producing units to give first priority to medical oxygen supply
- Gujarat Government has ordered the Oxygen producing units to give first priority to medical oxygen supply.
- According to public notification issued, the oxygen producing units can supply only 50 per cent oxygen for industrial use.
- The first priority has to be given to medical oxygen during the urgency.
- Breach of this notification will invite six months imprisonment and fine under section 188 of IPC.
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Gujarat:
- Capital: Gandhinagar
- Chief Minister: Vijay Rupani
- Governor: Acharya Devvrat
- State formed on: 1 May 1960
- Literacy Rate: 79.31%
- National Park: Vansda NP, Blackbuck NP, Gir Forest NP, Marine NP, Gulf of Kutch
INTERNATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS
India-China Five-Point Action Plan to resolve Border Disputes
- India and China, on September 11, 2020, agreed on ‘five-point action plan’ so as to quickly disengage troops along the Line of Actual Control.
- The External Affairs Minister of India S Jaishankar met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to discuss the border tensions while he is on his visit to Russia.
Five-Point Action Plan
Two sides discussed on following 5 points:
- Both sides agreed to take guidance from consensus of the leaders in order to develop India-China relations and neglect the differences to avoid disputes.
- India and China agreed to continue their dialogue on disengagement at the border, ease tension and maintain the status quo.
- They also agreed to abide by all the existing agreements, protocols so as to maintain peace and tranquillity across the line of actual control.
- Both sides agreed to communicate through Special Representatives mechanism for consultation and coordination on border disputes.
- They agreed to work on confidence building measures.
Extra Shots:
China (Capital/Currency): Beijing/ Renminbi
- President: Xi Jinping
Singapore, Japan to launch green lane for essential business, official travel
- Singapore and Japan are to launch a green lane on September 18 for essential business and official travel for residents from both countries in compliance with the COVID-19 related norms.
- This Business Track arrangement is to help restore connectivity and support economic recovery of both the countries.
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Japan (Capital/Currency): Tokyo/ Japanese yen
- President: Shinzo Abe
SUMMITS AND CONFERENCES
Conclave on “School Education in 21st Century” begins
- A two-day conclave on ‘School Education in 21st Century’ commenced virtually.
- The conclave has been organised by Ministry of Education as part of Shikshak Parv 2020.
- Shikshak Parv is being celebrated from 8th-25th September, 2020 to felicitate the teachers and to take New Education Policy 2020 forward.
- The conclave was addressed by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi under the National Education Policy- 2020 (NEP-2020).
India to host CHG meeting of SCO on 29-30 November in New Delhi
- India is scheduled to host the meeting of Council of Heads of Government (CHG) of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, SCO on 29-30 November 2020 in New Delhi.
- This will be the first Prime Minister level meeting to be hosted by India since its elevation as a full-member of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, SCO.
- India hosted a Preparatory Seminar on Start-up Forum on 11 August and the first-ever meeting of Consortium of Economic Think-Tanks on 21-22 August.
- Both the events were attended by all the SCO Member States through Video Conferencing.
- India will also be hosting two Ministerial-level meetings of SCO Member States.
Extra Shots:
SCO
- Headquarters: Beijing, China
- Deputy Secretaries General: Sabyr Imandosov; Wang Kaiwen; Aziz Nosirov; Vladimir Potapenko
- Founded: 15 June 2001
- Secretary General: Vladimir Norov
- Formation: 2001
- Founders: China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan
Santosh Gangwar addresses Virtual Meeting of G-20 Labour and Employment Ministers
- Labour and Employment Minister Santosh Gangwar has called upon all G-20 members to continue to work together for finding solutions to the common problems resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Mr Gangwar was speaking at Virtual Meeting of G-20 Labour and Employment Ministers last evening through video conferencing.
Extra Shots:
G20
- Leader: Salman of Saudi Arabia (2020)
- Founder: Group of Seven
- Founded: 26 September 1999
- Chairman: King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (2020)
- Formation: 26 September 1999; 20 years ago; 2008 (heads-of-state/heads-of-government summits)
Health Minister Harsh Vardhan attends 73rd session of WHO South East Asia Region
- Health Minister Harsh Vardhan attends 73rd session of WHO South East Asia Region.
- Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare attended the73rd session of WHO South East Asia Region (SEARO) through video conference.
- This is the first time the two-day event is being held entirely through virtual platforms owing to the COVID pandemic.
- The 73rd session is being hosted by the Government of Thailand (from Bangkok) while the previous session was held in New Delhi.
Extra Shots:
WHO
- Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
- Founded: 7 April 1948
- Customer service: 011 6656 4800
- Parent organization: United Nations Economic and Social Council
- Heads: Tedros Adhanom, Soumya Swaminathan, Jane Ellison
RANKS AND INDICES
Gujarat tops States Startup Ranking Results 2019; Andaman and Nicobar Islands tops in small state/UT category
- Gujarat has topped the second edition of States Startup Ranking Results 2019 released by Minister of Commerce & Industry and Railways Shri Piyush Goyal.
- The States’ Startup Ranking Framework 2019 has ranked states based on 7 broad reform area, consisting of 30 action points. In this 22 States and 3 Union Territories have participated. The ranking has been divided into two parts.
- Category X: Consisting of all big states and Category Y: This group has all North-Eastern States except Assam and all UTs except Delhi.
- Gujarat is the Best Performer state in Category X while Andaman and Nicobar Islands is the Best Performer in Category Y.
- The ranking has been prepared by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)
- States/UTs have been felicitated in 5 categories
Extra Shots:
DPIIT
- Founded: 1995
- Parent organization: Ministry of Commerce and Industry
AGREEMENTS AND MOU SIGNED
India, U.S. and Israel collaborating in 5G tech
- India, Israel and the United States have begun collaboration in developmental area, and in next generation of emerging technologies, including a transparent, open, reliable and secure 5G communication network.
- It was announced at the virtual US-India-Israel summit that focused on trilateral partnerships in the strategic, technology and development arenas.
- The branching out of this trilateral initiative in development and technological arena is a result of the people-to-people collaboration, in particular those by Indian diaspora in the US and Israel, that was initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his historic visit to Israel three years ago in July 2017.
Extra Shots:
Israel (Capital/Currency): Jerusalem/ Israeli Shekel
- President: Reuven Rivlin
India and US review progress in bilateral ties in defence, security and foreign policy areas
- India and the United States held a bilateral 22 Inter-sessional meeting at the official level in virtual mode.
- Both sides reviewed the progress and developments in bilateral ties in defence, security, and foreign policy areas since the last 22 Ministerial meeting held on 18th December last year in Washington DC.
- They explored opportunities for enhancing ongoing cooperation in these fields based on mutual interest.
- They also exchanged views about regional developments and agreed to pursue their quest for a free, open, inclusive, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
Extra Shots:
US (Capital/Currency): Washington, D.C./ United States Dollar
- President: Donald Trump
HCL Technologies joins NVIDIA partner network, will pursue opportunities in AI space
- HCL Technologies (HCL), a leading global technology company, today announced it has joined NVIDIA Partner Network (NPN), the US-based technology company’s partner program, with plans to pursue expanded opportunities in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) space.
- HCL also announced the launch of NEXT.ai, HCL’s AI Lab, focused on upskilling engineers and architects utilizing AI solutions across hardware and software technology stacks.
- This will enhance their capabilities to build AI-led solutions for multiple HCL clients across industry verticals.
- The HCL NEXT.ai lab focuses on emerging technologies to develop industry-specific AI solutions for customers pursuing digital transformation.
- Customers and partners can co-create proofs of concept and full-fledged, scalable and production-ready solutions in the lab.
Extra Shots:
HCL
- CEO: C Vijayakumar
- Founded: 11 August 1976
- Headquarters: Noida
- Founders: Shiv Nadar, Arjun Malhotra
- Parent organization: HCL Enterprise
ADB, ENGIE sign ₹466-crore loan for developing solar project in Gujarat
- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and France’s ENGIE group have signed a long-term loan of up to ₹ 466 crore for setting up a 200-MW solar power project in Gujarat.
- Electro Solaire Private Limited (ESPL), a special purpose vehicle owned by the ENGIE group, will implement the project.
- ESPL is collaborating with the Gujarat government to construct the project and has signed a power purchase agreement for 25 years with the State government.
Extra Shots:
ADB
- Headquarters: Mandaluyong, Philippines
- President: Masatsugu Asakawa
- Founded: 19 December 1966
- Membership: 68 countries
- Purpose: Economic development
Microsoft joins Nasscom to skill 10 lakh students in AI by 2021
- Microsoft on Thursday joined hands with industry-driven learning ecosystem Nasscom FutureSkills to launch a nation-wide initiative that aims to skill 10 lakh students in Artificial Intelligence (AI) by 2021.
- This initiative called “AI Classroom Series” will be paced in three modules.
- The online classes will include live demos, hands-on workshops and assignments through self-learning, virtual instructor-led training, and mentoring.
- The partnership with Nasscom FutureSkills is an extension of Microsoft’s global skilling initiative to help 25 million people worldwide acquire new digital skills, needed to thrive in a digital economy.
Extra Shots:
Microsoft
- CEO: Satya Nadella
- Founded: 4 April 1975, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
- Headquarters: Redmond, Washington, United States
- Founders: Bill Gates, Paul Allen
NASSCOM
- Chairperson: Keshav R Murugesh
- Headquarters location: New Delhi
- Founded: 1 March 1988
- Founders: Dewang Mehta, Nandan Nilekani
IIT Roorkee signs MoU with OUAT for cooperation in agricultural research and education
- IIT Roorkee signs MoU with OUAT for cooperation in agricultural research and education. Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT-R) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneshwar.
- Objective: to generate frontier technologies and produce quality manpower in the field of agricultural research and education for addressing the challenges faced by the rural communities and improving their quality of life.
- The MoU was signed by Prof Ajit K Chaturvedi, Director, on behalf of IIT Roorkee and Dr Pawan Kumar Agrawal, Vice-Chancellor, OUAT.
- The MOU empowers both institutions to establish mutual relations between their scientific and technical divisions and to set up facilities for the exchange and proper placement of scientific technologists and experts.
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OUAT:
- Chancellor: Governor of Odisha
- Vice-Chancellor: Prof.Pawan Agarwal
- Established: 1962
RECENT COMMITTEES IN NEWS
GoI constitutes committee for assessment of relief to bank borrowers
- Government of India has constituted an Expert Committee for making an overall assessment of relief to bank borrowers related to waiver of interest and waiver of interest on interest on the COVID-19 related moratorium.
- State Bank of India will provide secretarial support to the committee.
- The Committee may consult banks or other stakeholders, as deemed necessary, for the purpose.
NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL AWARDS
West Bengal govt wins WSIS award 2020 for its Sabuj Sathi scheme in WSIS Price Contest
- West Bengal govt wins WSIS award 2020 for its Sabuj Sathi scheme in WSIS Price Contest.
- After Kanyashree scheme, another West Bengal government project has received a global prize.
Sabuj Sathi scheme:
- The Project Started in 2015, bicycles are given to students of state-run, state-sponsored, aided schools and madrasas studying between classes 9 and 12 in a bid to reduce the issue of dropping out of school, especially in rural Bengal and also to ensure they continue school education till at least class 12.
- According to the state government, it has so far distributed cycles among 85 lakh students at an estimated cost of over Rs 2,700 crore.
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West Bengal:
- Established on: 26 January 1950
- Capital: Kolkata
- Governor: Jagdeep Dhankhar
- Chief Minister: Mamata Banerjee
Startup India Awards 2020 – Assam recognised as emerging Startup Ecosystem in India
- Assam recognised as emerging Startup Ecosystem in India.
- The ‘Startup India Awards 2020’ held at the National Media Centre in New Delhi.
- Assam has been recognised as an emerging startup ecosystem in India for its relentless efforts to create a supportive startup ecosystem in the state and encouraging the youths of Assam to take up entrepreneurship.
- Other states to receive the recognition include Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.
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Assam:
- Capital: Dispur
- Chief Minister: Sarbananda Sonowal
- Governor: Jagdish Mukhi
- National Park: Dibru-Saikhowa NP, Kaziranga NP, Manas NP, Nameri NP, Rajiv Gandhi Orang NP, Dehing Patkai
Kevin De Bruyne and Beth England win 2020 PFA player of the year awards
- Kevin De Bruyne and Beth England win 2020 PFA player of the year awards. Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne was named men’s Player of the year while Chelsea forward Bethany England won the women’s award, England’s Professional Footballer’s Association (PFA).
- De Bruyne is Manchester City’s first male winner after he made a record-equalling 20 assists and scored 13 goals in the Premier League.
APPOINTMENTS IN NEWS
Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman appointed as Chairman of Supreme Court Legal Services Committee
- The Central Authority has appointed Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman as the Chairman of the Supreme Court legal services committee.
- Justice Nariman takes over the post following the retirement of Justice Arun Mishra, who held the post since November last year.
- The committee has been constituted for implementing the legal services programme in connection with the top court.
DEFENCE CURRENT AFFAIRS
DRDO develops P-7 Heavy Drop System capable of para dropping military stores
- Defence Research and Development Organization, DRDO has developed P-7 Heavy Drop System which is capable of para dropping military stores up to seven-tonne weight class from IL- 76 aircraft.
- It consists of a platform and specialized parachute system. The parachute system is a multi-stage system comprises of five Main canopies, five Brake chutes, two Auxiliary chutes, one Extractor parachute and platform is a metallic structure made up of Aluminium or steel alloys.
- The system has been developed successfully with 100 per cent indigenous resources. P-7 Heavy Drop System has been inducted in the Army.
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DRDO
- Headquarters: DRDO Bhavan, New Delhi
- Founded: 1958
WEBPORTALS & APPS IN NEWS
“AP Police Seva” mobile application
- The Andhra Pradesh police department has come up with a unique service.
- A citizen, using the “AP Police Seva” mobile application can put in a request asking the police department to monitor his/her house while the family is elsewhere.
- The mobile application is due to be launched by the CM of Andhra Pradesh on 17th September.
- In major towns and urban areas, the department will be setting up CCTVs and motion sensors at the residence of the citizen filing the request.
- Citizens can avail 85 more such innovative services through this mobile application.
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Andhra Pradesh:
- Capital: Amravati
- Chief Minister: Y. S. Jaganmohan Reddy
- Governor: Biswabhusan Harichandan
- Literacy rate: 67.4%
- National Park: Sri Venkateswara National Park, Sri Venkateswara National Park, Papikonda National Park
OBITUARY
Ram Shahaney, former Chairman of Ashok Leyland, passes away
- Ram J Shahaney , who has played a major role in the growth of Ashok Leyland Ltd during his more than three-decade stint at the company, passed away in Chennai. He was 89.
- Under his stewardship, Ashok Leyland grew manifold in scale and scope into a multi-location truck and bus behemoth in India.
- Shahaney was credited to have sowed the seeds for technology at Ashok Leyland as the commercial vehicle company successfully introduced products and services that have become industry norms.
Arya Samaj leader, Social activist Swami Agnivesh passes away
- Arya Samaj leader and social activist Swami Agnivesh passed away today at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, ILBS in New Delhi.
- He was 80.
- Swami Agnivesh was suffering from liver cirrhosis and was critically ill and on ventilatory support since Tuesday due to multi organ failure.
- Agnivesh was elected to Haryana Legislative Assembly in 1977 and served as a Cabinet Minister for Education in the state in 1979.
MISCELLANEOUS
Spacecraft named after Kalpana Chawla – first woman of Indian origin to go to space
- Northop Grumman, an American global aerospace and defence technology company has announced that its next Cygnus capsule will be named “S.S. Kalpana Chawla”, in memory of the mission specialist who died in 2003 with her six crewmates aboard the space shuttle Columbia.
Bengaluru gets India’s first on-airport public bonded warehouse
- Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) announced the opening of a warehousing facility covering an area of 10,000 square feet.
- The facility is claimed to be India’s first on-airport public bonded warehouse.
- It is expected to help re-export of goods, long-term storage of bonded cargo, assist in partial clearances and allow labeling, packing and repacking services.
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Karnataka:
- Statehood Day: 1st November 1956
- Capital: Bengaluru
- Chief Minister: B. S. Yediyurappa
- Governor: Vajubhai Vala
- National Park: Anshi NP, Bandipur NP, Bannerghatta NP, Kudremukh NP, Rajiv Gandhi (Nagarahole) NP.
