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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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.

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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

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.

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Odisha:

Statehood Day: 1^st 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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: 1^st 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.

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This post was last modified on September 12, 2020 7:13 pm