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Current Affairs Today – 15th October 2020
NEWS AT A GLANCE
- Every Year 15th October is observed as the International Day of Rural Women.
- Every Year to mark the birth anniversary of former President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam on 15th October is observed as the World Students’ Day.
- The World Bank has approved USD 12 billion in financing to help developing countries buy and distribute coronavirus vaccines, tests, and treatments, aiming to support the vaccination of up to 1 billion people.
- The Central Govt permitted 20 States to borrow Rs 68,825 crore open market borrowings for GST Shortfall.
- The Ministry of Food Processing Industries have announced that the transportation subsidy of fruits and vegetables through Kisan Rail Trains increased by 50%.
- To mark the 75th Anniversary of FAO (The Food and Agriculture Organization), our Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release the commemorative coin of Rs 75 denomination.
- Ministry of Ayush (Ayurveda Yoga and Naturopathy Unani Sidda Homoeopathy) has initiated the Regional Raw Drug Repository (RRDR) for Ayush systems of medicine at the National Institute of Siddha in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
- India joined with six other countries for the campaign against encrypted social media messages.
- On 13th October, “Sujal”- ‘Drink from Tap Mission’ scheme is launched by Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik.
- The Tribal Affairs Ministry has launched an initiative named ‘Tech for Tribals’ with an aim to focus on imparting entrepreneurship and business skills to tribals in Chhattisgarh.
- Kerala Karshaka Kshemanidhi Board has been launched by Kerala State Government launched for Welfare of Farmers in the State.
- The Memorandum of Understanding for this project was signed with Vedanta Group this evening.
- In J&K, the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development, Dr. Jupaka Madhavi and Additional Superintendent of Police, Ramban, Rajni Sharma inaugurated a “SAKHI” One-Stop Service Centre for women in Ramban district.
- Pakistan has been re-elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on the basis of votes of member countries.
- India has contributed one million dollars to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees in Near East.
- Russia has given regulatory approval to a second Covid-19 vaccine, named ‘EpiVacCorona’ which was developed by the Vector State Research Centre of Virology and Biotechnology.
- The Annual Meeting 2021 of the World Economic Forum (WEF) will be scheduled to be held on from May 18 to 21, 2021 instead of the usual January-end each year in in Lucerne-Burgenstock, Switzerland.
- The State of Climate Services Report 2020 is released by the United Nations World Meteorological Organization (UN WMO).
- As per the latest Arton Capital’s World’s Most Powerful Passport Index for the year 2020, Indian passport ranked at 58th and the US passport ranked 21st.
- The Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) has extended a Line of Credit (LoC) of USD 400 million (about Rs 2,932 crore) to Maldives.
- With an aim to create a successful and innovative workforce from the Atal Tinkering Lab, ATL schools, Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) partnered with CGI India.
- With an aim to streamline the spectrum allocation process and also make the auction of spectrum an annual calendar event, the Government of India has constituted a panel of secretaries.
- Kotak Mutual Fund Director, Nilesh Shah is re-elected as the Chairman of the Association of Mutual Funds in India.
- National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Pune.
- Shobha Naidu, one of the renowned Kuchipudi dance exponents of India has passed away due to illness at the age of 64.
- Charlie Moore, the Olympic champion has passed away at an age of 91.
- John Richard Reid, former New Zealand cricketer, and allrounder passed away at the age of 92 years in Auckland.
NEWS IN DETAILS
IMPORTANT DAYS AND THEMES
International Day of Rural Women observed on 15th October
- Every Year 15th October is observed as the International Day of Rural Women.
Objective:
- To recognize the crucial role of women and girls in ensuring the sustainability of rural households and communities, improving rural livelihoods and overall well-being.
Theme:
- 2020 Theme: “Rural women and girls building resilience”
History:
- The United Nations General Assembly established the day on 18 December 2007 and was observed for the first time in 2008.
World Students’ Day is observed on 15th October
- Every Year to mark the birth anniversary of former President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam on 15th October is observed as the World Students’ Day.
- 2020 marks 89th birth anniversary of the former president and ‘Missile Man’ Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
World Bank approves USD 12 billion to help developing countries finance coronavirus vaccines
- The World Bank has approved USD 12 billion in financing to help developing countries buy and distribute coronavirus vaccines, tests, and treatments, aiming to support the vaccination of up to 1 billion people.
- The International Finance Corporation, the private sector lending arm of the World Bank is investing in vaccine manufacturers through a $4 billion Global Health Platform.
NATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS
Central Government allows 20 States to raise Rs 68,000 crore for revenue shortfall
- The Central Govt permitted 20 States to borrow Rs 68,825 crore open market borrowings for GST Shortfall.
- The Central Government had given two options to the states —
- to either borrow Rs 97,000 crore from a special window that was facilitated by the RBI or
- to borrow Rs 2.35 lakh crore from the market.
- The projected total compensation shortfall in the current financial year stands at Rs 2.35 lakh crore.
Kisan Rail Trains fruits and vegetables transportation subsidy increased by 50%
- The Ministry of Food Processing Industries have announced that the transportation subsidy of fruits and vegetables through Kisan Rail Trains increased by 50%.
- Initially the Ministry will provide Rs 10 crores in the beginning in order to operate the scheme.
PM Modi to unveil commemorative coin of Rs 75 denomination
- To mark the 75th Anniversary of FAO (The Food and Agriculture Organization), our Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release the commemorative coin of Rs 75 denomination.
Extra Shots:
FAO
- Headquarters: Rome, Italy
- Head: Qu Dongyu
First Ever Regional Raw Drug Repository launched in Country
- Ministry of Ayush (Ayurveda Yoga and Naturopathy Unani Sidda Homoeopathy) has initiated the Regional Raw Drug Repository (RRDR) for Ayush systems of medicine at the National Institute of Siddha in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
- This Repository will launch standard protocols for authentication of raw drugs.
- It will will play a major role in medicinal plant cultivation.
Objective:
- to promote AYUSH medical systems through cost effective AYUSH services, strengthening of educational systems, facilitate the enforcement of quality control of Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani & Homoeopathy (ASU &H) drugs.
Extra Shots:
AYUSH Ministry
- Union Minister: Shripad Naik
- Headquarters: New Delhi
India joined with six other countries for the campaign against encrypted social media messages
- India joined with six other countries for the campaign against encrypted social media messages.
- The campaign which is led by the United Kingdom is against end-to-end encryption of messages by social media giants such as Facebook, which they say hinder law enforcement by blocking all access to them.
- The other six countries are US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan.
STATE CURRENT AFFAIRS
‘Sujal’ Mission launched by Odisha government
- On 13th October, “Sujal”- ‘Drink from Tap Mission’ scheme is launched by Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik.
- Objective: to provide round the clock supply of quality tap drinking water in all urban areas of the state.
- The state has set the target to provide piped water connections to all urban areas in the state by March 2022.
- The total amount allocated for the scheme is Rs 1300 crore.
Extra Shots:
Odisha:
- Statehood Day: 1st April 1936
- Capital: Bhubaneswar
- Governor: Ganeshi Lal
- Chief Minister: Naveen Patnaik
‘Tech for Tribals’ scheme is recently launched by Chhattisgarh govt.
- The Tribal Affairs Ministry has launched an initiative named ‘Tech for Tribals’ with an aim to focus on imparting entrepreneurship and business skills to tribals in Chhattisgarh.
- The Tech For Tribals scheme was launched in association with Chhattisgarh MFP Federation and IIT, Kanpur.
- Under the programme, tribal beneficiaries across all districts of Chhattisgarh will be trained in various facets of micro-enterprise creation, management and functioning till November 7.
Karshaka Kshemanidhi Board launched by Kerala for Farmers
- Kerala Karshaka Kshemanidhi Board has been launched by Kerala State Government launched for Welfare of Farmers in the State.
- By doing this, Kerala became the First State Government in India to launch this Welfare Fund Board for upliftment of farmers.
Extra Shots:
Kerala:
- Capital: Thiruvananthapuram
- Chief Minister: Pinarayi Vijayan
- Governor: Arif Mohammed Khan
- Festivals: Onam, Vishu, Thrissur Pooram, Nehru Trophy Boat Race
- National Parks: Anamudi Shola National Park, Eravikulam National Park, Mathikettan Shola National Park, Pambadum Shola National Park, Periyar National Park,Silent Valley National Park
- Wildlife Sanctuaries: Aralam WLS, Chimmony WLS, Idukki WLS, Periyar WLS, Wayanad WLS, Peppara WLS, Neyyar WLS, Kurinjimala WLS, Malabar WLS etc
World’s biggest Zinc Smelter project in Dosawada in Tapi district
- The Memorandum of Understanding for this project was signed with Vedanta Group this evening.
Highlights of the Project:
- The proposed 300 KTPA production capacity project would provide big employment opportunities to the local youths in this tribal area.
- The first phase of the proposed plant will be operational in 36 months.
- The project with the investment of Rs.10 thousand crore will also have a State-of-the-art Research and Development Centre.
- The project will satisfy the domestic as well as global needs through exports.
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
“SAKHI” One-Stop Service Centre for women in Ramban district inauguratedin J&K
- In J&K, the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development, Dr. Jupaka Madhavi and Additional Superintendent of Police, Ramban, Rajni Sharma inaugurated a “SAKHI” One-Stop Service Centre for women in Ramban district.
- The scheme aims to facilitate access to an integrated range of services including medical aid, police assistance and legal aid or case management, psycho-social counselling and temporary support services to women affected by violence.
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
INTERNATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS
Pakistan re-elected to UN Human Rights Council with Highest number of Votes
- Pakistan has been re-elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on the basis of votes of member countries.
- Pakistan became the Member of UNHRC since January 2018.
- Now, the country will continue for another three-year term commencing from January 1, 2021.
Extra Shots:
UNHRC
- Headquarters location: Geneva, Switzerland
- Founded: 15 March 2006
- President: Elisabeth Tichy-Fisslberger
- Parent organization: United Nations General Assembly
- Formation: 15 March 2006
India contributes 1 million dollars to UNRWA for Palestine Refugees
- India has contributed one million dollars to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees in Near East.
- This will support the Agency’s programmes and services, including education, health care, relief and social services.
- India’s support for the Palestinian cause is an integral part of the nation’s foreign policy.
Extra Shots:
UNRWA
- Headquarters location: Amman, Jordan
- Deputy Commissioner-General: Leni Stenseth
- Founder: United Nations General Assembly
- Founded: 8 December 1949
Russia approves 2nd coronavirus vaccine “EpiVacCorona”
- Russia has given regulatory approval to a second Covid-19 vaccine, named ‘EpiVacCorona’ which was developed by the Vector State Research Centre of Virology and Biotechnology.
- Russia became the first country to give regulatory approval to a Covid-19 vaccine in August when Sputnik V was officially registered ahead of the large-scale clinical trial.
Extra Shots:
Russia (Capital/Currency): Moscow/Russian Ruble.
- President: Vladimir Putin
SUMMITS AND CONFERENCES
World Economic Forum shifts annual meeting 2021
- The Annual Meeting 2021 of the World Economic Forum (WEF) will be scheduled to be held on from May 18 to 21, 2021 instead of the usual January-end each year in in Lucerne-Burgenstock, Switzerland.
- The Annual Meeting 2021 will be held around the theme of ‘The Great Reset’.
Extra Shots:
WEF
- Headquarters: Cologny, Switzerland
- Founder: Klaus Schwab
- Founded: January 1971
- Leader: Klaus Schwab
- Motto: Committed to improving the state of the world
RANKS AND INDICES
State of Climate Services Report 2020
- The State of Climate Services Report 2020 is released by the United Nations World Meteorological Organization (UN WMO).
Report Highlights:
- By 2030 the number of people taking international humanitarian system could increase by 50% at a cost of around US$ 20 billion a year.
- One in three people are not sufficiently covered by early warning systems.
- In 2018, around 108 million people needed the help from the international humanitarian system because of storms, floods, droughts and wildfires.
Extra Shots:
WMO
- Headquarters location: Geneva, Switzerland
- Founded: 23 March 1950
- Secretary General: Petteri Taalas
Arton Capital’s World’s Most Powerful Passport Index released
- As per the latest Arton Capital’s World’s Most Powerful Passport Index for the year 2020, Indian passport ranked at 58th and the US passport ranked 21st.
- The passport of New Zealand to be the world’s most powerful. Japan now holds the second position along with Germany, Austria, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Ireland, South Korea and Australia.
Extra Shots:
Arton Capital
- Founded: 2006
- Headquarters: Montreal, Canada
AGREEMENTS AND MOU SIGNED
Exim Bank extends USD 400 million soft loan to Maldives for connectivity project
- The Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) has extended a Line of Credit (LoC) of USD 400 million (about Rs 2,932 crore) to Maldives.
- The soft loan will be used for financing Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP) in Maldives, which is the single-largest connectivity and infrastructure project in the island nation.
Extra Shots:
Exim Bank
- CEO: David Rasquinha
- Founded: 1 January 1982
- Headquarters: Mumbai
To boost innovative schools, Atal Innovation Mission partnered with CGI
- With an aim to create a successful and innovative workforce from the Atal Tinkering Lab, ATL schools, Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) partnered with CGI India.
- Under this partnership, CGI has agreed to adopt 100 schools with ATLs across Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Mumbai to promote and train students.
RECENT COMMITTEES IN NEWS
Rajiv Gauba Committee to streamline telecom spectrum allocation
- With an aim to streamline the spectrum allocation process and also make the auction of spectrum an annual calendar event, the Government of India has constituted a panel of secretaries.
- The panel will be headed by the Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba.
- Other members of the panel would include the secretaries of home, defence, railways, telecom, I&B and department of space.
APPOINTMENTS IN NEWS
AMFI re-appointed Nilesh Shah as its Chairman
- Kotak Mutual Fund Director, Nilesh Shah is re-elected as the Chairman of the Association of Mutual Funds in India.
- Invesco Mutual Fund CEO Saurabh Nanavati also re-elected as vice chairman of AMFI.
Extra Shots:
AMFI
- CEO: C. V. R. Rajendran
- Founded: 1995
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CURRENT AFFAIRS
NIT Tiruchirappalli signs MoU with C-DAC Pune for installing state of art super computer
- National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Pune.
- The purpose of the MoU is to install a state of the art super computer in the process of becoming part of the National Super Computing Mission of the Government of India.
Extra Shots:
C-DAC
- The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing is an Indian autonomous scientific society, operating under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
OBITUARY
Shoba Naidu, Padma Shri winning Kuchipudi dancer passes away
- Shobha Naidu, one of the renowned Kuchipudi dance exponents of India has passed away due to illness at the age of 64.
- Some of the famous awards won by her includes, Padma Shri in 2001, Sangeet Natak Akademi in 1991.
An Olympic Champion Charlie Moore, passes away at 91
- Charlie Moore, the Olympic champion has passed away at an age of 91.
- Moore won a gold medal in the 400 metre hurdles in the 1952 Summer Olympics with a time of 50.8 seconds to set the world record.
John R Reid, Former New Zealand cricketer passes away
- John Richard Reid, former New Zealand cricketer, and allrounder passed away at the age of 92 years in Auckland.
- Reid was the first cricketer to lead New Zealand to a Test victory.
