Current Affairs Today 16th September 2020-Download in PDF

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Current Affairs Today – 16th September 2020

NEWS AT A GLANCE

1. The International Day for the preservation for Ozone layer (World Ozone Day) is observed annually on September 16 to spread awareness of the depletion of the Ozone Layer and search for solutions to preserve it.
2. VI (erstwhile Vodafone Idea) has launched GIGAnet network that is an integrated 4G network.
3. The Insurance Scheme announced under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package for health workers who are fighting to contain COVID-19 has been extended for another six months till March 2021.
4. The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved establishment of a new All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Darbhanga, Bihar.
5. The Government has made a provision of 40 thousand crore rupees under MGNREGA Scheme through Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Package to provide employment to the needy workers.
6. For setting up of a branch in Gujarat of National Research Centre on Camel (NRCC), Bikaner, an appropriate size of land and other resources on nominal cost/lease basis is desired from the Government of Gujarat.
7. Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray launched a state-wide campaign, ‘My Family, My Responsibility’, to tackle the coronavirus pandemic amid further relaxation of lockdown curbs.
8. Maharashtra Government has set-up a four member committee to fix the charges for conducting CT-scan tests across all state hospitals.
9. In Jammu and Kashmir, the Horticulture Department has launched the Flagship programme “Backyard Horticulture” under CAPEX scheme at Panchyat Jaswan in Marh block of Jammu district.
10. In the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today e-inaugurated an Online Process-Based Standardized & Scalable Career Education Platform for Students in Srinagar
11. The foundation stone for setting-up of ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Assam was laid by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji on 26th May, 2017.
12. E-learning devices will soon be a new addition for children in Aaganwaadis across the state.
13. Uttar Pradesh Govt to set up special security force that can arrest or search without warrant.
14. French firm EDF to set up ‘centre of excellence’ in civil nuclear space in Maharashtra.
15. Liberian President George Weah has declared rape a national emergency and ordered new measures to tackle the problem after a recent spike of cases in the West African state.
16. TikTok has chosen Oracle to be its technology partner for its American operations.
17. Ambassador of India to Nepal Mr. Vinay M. Kwatra handed over 2000 vials of Remdesivir to Foreign Affairs Minister of Nepal Mr. Pradeep Kumar Gyawali on behalf of the Government of India in Kathmandu.
18. Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT-R) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT),
19. International Financial Services Centre Authority (IFSCA) and India Gold Policy Centre (IGPC) – IIMA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the IFSCA, GIFT City Gandhinagar, Gujarat for providing consulting to facilitate the establishment of International Bullion Exchange in India
20. BI has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with KU, Gujarat, for collaboration in research, training of staff and students, support studies on equine health, production and allied activities which would benefit the equine and their owners and other relevant stakeholders.
21. Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), the principal financial institution engaged in the promotion, financing and development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), has entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Gujarat to develop the MSME ecosystem in the State.
22. The Punjab Government under the Ghar Ghar Rozgar and Karobar Mission is organising 6th State Level Mega Job Fair across the state from 24th to 30th, September, 2020.
23. Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank today presented the first ever AICTE Visvesvaraya Best Teacher Awards 2020 to 12 faculty members of AICTE approved institutes on the occasion of Engineers Day.
24. The Breakthrough Prize Foundation announced today that mathematician Aleksandr Logunov is one of 12 recipients of their New Horizons Prizes for early-career scientists and mathematicians who have already made a substantial impact on their fields.
25. Facebook India appoints Arun Srinivas as Director of Global Business Group. Facebook announced the appointment of Arun Srinivas as the Director of Global Business Group.
26. EdTech major, Great Learning appoints Virat Kohli as its Brand Ambassador. Great Learning, one of India’s leading edtech companies for professional and higher education announced the appointment of Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli, as its brand ambassador.
27. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has announced that the Thomas Cup and the Uber Cup, which were scheduled to be held from 3 to 11 October 2020 in Denmark, has been postponed for 2021.
28. Tata Motors’s Altroz named official partner of Dream11 IPL 2020. Tata Motors has announced that its premium hatchback Altroz will be the Official Partner for Dream11 Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020.
29. Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum (SCTIMST), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India has developed a device for the prevention of Deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
30. Scientists revealed on September 14, 2020 that they have detected potential signs on life on the inhospitable Venus.
31. Former Maharashtra cricketer Sadashiv Patil, who played as medium-pacer, has passed away. He was 86.
32. Social activist and Arya Samaj leader Swami Agnivesh, who is widely known for his work against slavery and bonded labour, has passed away due to multiple organ failure. He was 80.
33. Noted Chhau dancer Dhananjoy Mahato dies at 85. Noted Chhau dancer Dhananjoy Mahato has died of cardiac arrest at his residence in West Bengal’s Purulia district.
34. Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, virtually celebrated the ‘Himalaya Diwas’.
35. DIAL launched India’s First Airport coronavirus Testing Facility in Delhi. Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has launched India’s first airport COVID19 testing facility at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi for arriving international passengers.

NEWS IN DETAILS

IMPORTANT DAYS AND THEMES

International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer observed on 16 September

• The International Day for the preservation for Ozone layer (World Ozone Day) is observed annually on September 16 to spread awareness of the depletion of the Ozone Layer and search for solutions to preserve it.
• Theme for 2020 World Ozone Day: ‘Ozone for life: 35 years of ozone layer protection’.
• The day was designated by the United Nations General Assembly on December 19, 2000, to commemorate the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in 1987.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

Vi launches integrated 4G network GIGAnet

• VI (erstwhile Vodafone Idea) has launched GIGAnet network that is an integrated 4G network.
• With the launch of GIGAnet, VI aims to overcome the loss of customers and attract new customers from rivals Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio.
• GIGAnet offers faster downloads & uploads, low latency, and real-time connectivity.
• It is built on many principles of 5G architecture that help in delivering a superior network experience.

Extra Shots:

Vodafone Idea

• CEO: Ravinder Takkar
• Founder: Kumar Mangalam Birla
• Founded: 31 August 2018
• Headquarters: Gandhinagar
• Parent organizations: Vodafone Group Plc, Aditya Birla Group

NATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS

Centre Extends ‘Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package Insurance Scheme for Health Workers Fighting COVID-19’ for another 6 months

• The Insurance Scheme announced under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package for health workers who are fighting to contain COVID-19 has been extended for another six months till March 2021.
• This is the second extension given to the scheme, which aims to provide an insurance cover of Rs 50 lakh to around over 22 lakh public healthcare providers.
• The ‘Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package Insurance Scheme for Health Workers Fighting COVID-19’ was announced on 30 March 2020 for a period of 90 days, i.e. till June 2020.
• This scheme was then extended for a further period of 3 months i.e. up to 25 September 2020.

Cabinet approves establishment of new AIIMS at Darbhanga, Bihar

• The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved establishment of a new All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Darbhanga, Bihar.
• The AIIMS at Darbhanga will be established under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY).
• The total cost of setting the project will be Rs.1264 crore and is likely to be completed within a period of 48 months.
• The Cabinet has also approved the creation of the post of Director for the new AIIMS at Darbhanga.

Extra Shots:

Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY)

• PMSSY was announced in 2003. Its objectives are correcting regional imbalances in availability of affordable and reliable tertiary healthcare services and augment facilities for quality medical education in the country. It establishes AIIMS in various regions of India apart from different government colleges. It is funded from different centrally sponsored schemes relating to creating infrastructure on health.

Provision of Rs 40,000 cr made under MGNREGA Scheme through Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Package

• The Government has made a provision of 40 thousand crore rupees under MGNREGA Scheme through Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Package to provide employment to the needy workers.
• It is in addition to allocation of 61 thousand 5 hundred crore rupees under MGNREGA for Financial Year 2020-21.
• Eight crore 29 lakh people were employed under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) during the current financial year.

Extra Shots:

MGNREGA

Mahatma Gandhi Employment Guarantee Act 2005, is an Indian labour law and social security measure that aims to guarantee the ‘right to work’. This act was passed in September 2005 under the UPA government of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.

• Official website: nrega.nic.in
• Launch year: 2006
• Sector: Rural Employment
• Launched by (prime minister): Manmohan Singh
• Ministry: Ministry of Rural Development

National Research Centre on Camels

• For setting up of a branch in Gujarat of National Research Centre on Camel (NRCC), Bikaner, an appropriate size of land and other resources on nominal cost/lease basis is desired from the Government of Gujarat.

STATE CURRENT AFFAIRS

Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray launches ‘My Family, My Responsibility’ campaign to tackle Covid-19

• Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray launched a state-wide campaign, ‘My Family, My Responsibility’, to tackle the coronavirus pandemic amid further relaxation of lockdown curbs.
• ‘My Family, My Responsibility’ campaign will aim to achieve effective health care education for the control of Covid-19 outbreak.
• The campaign that begins on September 15 will be conducted in two phases.

Extra Shots:

Maharashtra:

• Capital: Mumbai
• Chief Minister: Uddhav Thackeray
• Governor: Bhagat Singh Koshyari
• National Parks: Chandoli National Park, Nawegaon National Park, Gugamal National Park, Pench National Park, Sanjay Gandhi (Borivilli) National Park, Tadoba National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Amba Barwa WLS, Bor WLS, Great Indian Bustard WLS, Lonar WLS, Melghat WLS, Gangewadi New Great Indian Bustard WLS, etc.

J&K Horticulture Dept launches “Backyard Horticulture” programme under CAPEX scheme in Jammu district

• In Jammu and Kashmir, the Horticulture Department has launched the Flagship programme “Backyard Horticulture” under CAPEX scheme at Panchyat Jaswan in Marh block of Jammu district.
• Under the programme, at least three fruit plants costing Rs. 200 will be distributed among the farmers at 90% subsidy covering 600 households in Zone Marh.
• The main aim of the programme is to promote organic fruit production for home consumption and to fulfill individual requirement.

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

Maharashtra govt sets up committee to fix charges for CT-scan tests across all state hospitals

• Maharashtra Government has set-up a four-member committee to fix the charges for conducting CT-scan tests across all state hospitals.
• State health minister Rajesh Tope has said that following numerous complaints regarding overcharging by various hospitals, the government has decided to set up a committee that will recommend price caps for these tests.
• The committee, headed by Dr. Sudhakar Shinde, CEO of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Aarogya Yojana will discuss the issue with private hospitals and labs conducting High Resolution CT scans.

Extra Shots:

Maharashtra:

• Capital: Mumbai
• Chief Minister: Uddhav Thackeray
• Governor: Bhagat Singh Koshyari
• National Parks: Chandoli National Park, Nawegaon National Park, Gugamal National Park, Pench National Park, Sanjay Gandhi (Borivilli) National Park, Tadoba National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Amba Barwa WLS, Bor WLS, Great Indian Bustard WLS, Lonar WLS, Melghat WLS, Gangewadi New Great Indian Bustard WLS, etc.

J&K: Lt Guv e-inaugurates Online Process-Based Standardized & Scalable Career Education platform for students in Srinagar

• In the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha e-inaugurated an Online Process-Based Standardized & Scalable Career Education Platform for Students in Srinagar.
• The initiative is a step towards transforming the way in which our Youth looks at building his future in the world of possibilities.
• The On-line, Process-based, Standardized & Scalable, Globally Certified, Career Education Platform, under Career Education Initiative of J&K Government in partnership with Transform Foundation aims to harness the energy, enthusiasm, and exuberant dreams of the youth of J&K.
• The overall intent is to enable curiosity, creative thinking, and awareness in youth along with decision-making skills which will lead to continuous, lifelong learning and career development.
• The unique initiative will be implemented for students in Ganderbal and Udhampur districts in the first Phase.
• It would provide career education guidance to the students so that they can at a very early stage of their studies choose their academic preferences and their future career goals.

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

Indian Agricultural Research Institute in Assam

• The foundation stone for setting-up of ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Assam was laid by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji on 26th May, 2017.
• Out of total 587 acres total land, 45 acres area is developed for academic-cum-residential campus.

Extra Shots:

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

Government of Goa adds E-learning devices to Aaganwaadis in support with ConveGenius

• E-learning devices will soon be a new addition for children in Aaganwaadis across the state.
• Based on a pilot project launched with the support of Siemens Limited, the Department of Women and Child Development, Government of Goa, appointed ConveGenius – a renowned ed-tech based company which has earlier done similar projects in 16 states of India like Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
• This advanced learning system will be launched initially on a pilot basis at Anganwadis in Satteri and Ponda. E-learning is undertaken as a project under the ‘Digital India Mission’, a vision of ‘our Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Extra Shots:

Goa:

• Capital: Panaji
• Chief Minister: Pramod Sawant
• Governor: Satya Pal Malik

Uttar Pradesh Govt to set up special security force that can arrest or search without warrant

• Uttar Pradesh Govt to set up special security force that can arrest or search without warrant.
• Uttar Pradesh Government has announced that a special force will be constituted to protect courts, airports, administrative buildings, metros, banks and other government offices.
• The special force will be responsible for the security of important government buildings, offices and industrial establishments in the state, while private companies can also hire its services.

Extra Shots:

Uttar Pradesh:

• Statehood Day: January 26, 1950
• Capital: Lucknow
• Chief Minister: Yogi Adityanath
• Governor: Anandiben Patel
• Literacy Rate: 67.68%
• Nation Park: Dudhwa National Park

French firm EDF to set up ‘centre of excellence’ in civil nuclear space in Maharashtra

• French firm EDF to set up ‘centre of excellence’ in civil nuclear space in Maharashtra.
• France-based EDF Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute in Mumbai and International Institute of Nuclear Energy (I2EN) to conduct a pre-feasibility study for the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in the civil nuclear sector in Maharashtra.
• This MoU aims to provide a networked platform for the specific skills as required in relation to EPR technology for a third-generation pressurised water reactor design.

Extra Shots:

EDF:

• Headquarters: Paris, France
• CEO: Jean-Bernard Levy

INTERNATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS

Liberia declares rape a national emergency after spike in cases

• Liberian President George Weah has declared rape a national emergency and ordered new measures to tackle the problem after a recent spike of cases in the West African state.
• The move comes after thousands of Liberians protested against rising incidents of rape in the capital Monrovia last month in a bid to draw attention to the country’s alarming rate of sexual assault.
• The government will also establish a so-called “national security task force” on sexual and gender-based violence.

Extra Shots:

Liberia (Capital/Currency): Monrovia/ Liberian dollar

• President: George Weah

TikTok choses Oracle as its technology partner for its US operations

• TikTok has chosen Oracle to be its technology partner for its American operations.
• Microsoft was also in a bid to acquire TikTok in the United States but the Chinese owner of the video-sharing platform “TikTok” chose Oracle over Microsoft to be its technology partner for its American operations.

Extra Shots:

TikTok

• TikTok, known in China as Douyin, is a Chinese video-sharing social networking service owned by ByteDance, a Beijing-based Internet technology company founded in 2012 by Zhang Yiming.

Oracle

• Owner: Larry Ellison
• Founded: 16 June 1977, Santa Clara, California, United States
• Founders: Larry Ellison, Bob Miner, Ed Oates

India hands over 2,000 vials of Remdesivir to Nepal

• Ambassador of India to Nepal Mr. Vinay M. Kwatra handed over 2000 vials of Remdesivir to Foreign Affairs Minister of Nepal Mr. Pradeep Kumar Gyawali on behalf of the Government of India in Kathmandu.
• The medicines are part of the Government of India’s ongoing assistance to Nepal in meeting the challenge posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
• The Remdesivir medicine is regarded as a broad-spectrum anti-viral medication for treating moderate to severely ill patients on oxygen therapy.
• According to medical research, the drug is proven to significantly reduce the duration of hospital stay and also diminish the recovery time of patients.

Extra Shots:

Nepal (Capital/Currency): Kathmandu/ Nepalese Rupee

• President: Bidhya Devi Bhandari
• Prime Minister: K. P. Sharma Oli

AGREEMENTS AND MOU SIGNED

IIT Roorkee inks MoU with Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology 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 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.
• According to the MoU, both institutions will collaborate in research programmes where IITR and OUAT would work jointly in the field of Agriculture in the field of Genomics, Transgenics and Metabolomics, crop improvement, Information and Communication, application of Sensor in agriculture, information and communication, IT-based societal development and related aspects of Agriculture leading to the creation of rural livelihood opportunities

International Financial Services Centre Authority Inks Mou With India Gold Policy Centre of IIM Ahmedabad

• International Financial Services Centre Authority (IFSCA) and India Gold Policy Centre (IGPC) – IIMA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the IFSCA, GIFT City Gandhinagar, Gujarat for providing consulting to facilitate the establishment of International Bullion Exchange in India.
• Under the memorandum of understanding (MoU), IGPC-IIMA will take a top-down approach by setting the broader vision, developing success strategies and creating the operating guidelines for the seamless functioning of the bullion exchange.

Brooke India signs MoU with Kamdhenu University Gujarat

• BI has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with KU, Gujarat, for collaboration in research, training of staff and students, support studies on equine health, production and allied activities which would benefit the equine and their owners and other relevant stakeholders.
• This collaboration will deliver mutually beneficially results for all the concerned stakeholders.
• BI will also support KU in collection of laboratory samples and garnering relevant data.

SIDBI joins hands with Government of Gujarat

• Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), the principal financial institution engaged in the promotion, financing and development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), has entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Gujarat to develop the MSME ecosystem in the State.
• The MoU was signed in the presence of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Vijay Rupani, Shri M. K. Das, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary (Industries & Mines),Government of Gujarat (GoG)and Shri V. Satya Venkata Rao, Deputy Managing Director, Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI).
• Under the agreement, a Project Management Unit (PMU) will be deployed by SIDBI with Government of Gujarat.

Extra Shots:

SIDBI

• Headquarters location: Lucknow
• Founded: 2 April 1990
• CMD: Mohammad Mustafa

Punjab under the PGRKAM is organising 6th State Level Mega Job Fair across the state

• The Punjab Government under the Ghar Ghar Rozgar and Karobar Mission is organising 6th State Level Mega Job Fair across the state from 24th to 30th, September, 2020.

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL  AWARDS

Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank presents first ever AICTE Visvesvaraya Best Teacher Awards 2020

• Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank presented the first ever AICTE Visvesvaraya Best Teacher Awards 2020 to 12 faculty members of AICTE approved institutes on the occasion of Engineers Day.
• The event was organised in virtual mode and the faculty members were felicitated by the Minister through online interaction.
• Sir M Visvesvaraya was a pioneer of Engineering in India.
• Visvesvaraya was one of the most eminent Engineers and Statesmen of India, whose contribution to the advancement of the country is unforgettable.
• He was awarded the highest civilian award ‘Bharat Ratna’ in 1955 for his indispensable contribution to nation-building.

Mathematician Logunov wins New Horizons Prize

• The Breakthrough Prize Foundation announced that mathematician Aleksandr Logunov is one of 12 recipients of their New Horizons Prizes for early-career scientists and mathematicians who have already made a substantial impact on their fields.
• He wins “for novel techniques to study solutions to elliptic equations and their application to long-standing problems in nodal geometry.”

APPOINTMENTS IN NEWS

Facebook India appoints Arun Srinivas as Director of Global Business Group

• Facebook India appoints Arun Srinivas as Director of Global Business Group. Facebook announced the appointment of Arun Srinivas as the Director of Global Business Group.
• Srinivas will spearhead the strategy and delivery of the India Marketing Solutions which aims to tap large advertisers and agencies.
• Srinivas has worked with Ola where he served as Chief Operating Officer and Global Chief Marketing Officer.
• Srinivas comes with an experience of 24 years.

Extra Shots:

Facebook:

• CEO: Mark Zuckerberg
• CFO: David Wehner
• Headquarters: California, United States

EdTech major, Great Learning appoints Virat Kohli as its Brand Ambassador

• EdTech major, Great Learning appoints Virat Kohli as its Brand Ambassador. Great Learning, one of India’s leading edtech companies for professional and higher education announced the appointment of Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli, as its brand ambassador.
• The captain of the Indian cricket team and the world’s no1 batsman, who also topped a recent ranking of India’s most powerful celebrities, will now be the face of the Great Learning brand.

SPORTS CURRENT AFFAIRS

BWF Postpones Thomas And Uber Cup Finals To 2021

• The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has announced that the Thomas Cup and the Uber Cup, which were scheduled to be held from 3 to 11 October 2020 in Denmark, has been postponed for 2021.
• This decision has been taken following the withdrawal of many participating countries from the tournament due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The alternative dates to reschedule the World Men’s and Women’s Team Championships is yet to be decided by BWF.

Extra Shots:

BWF

• Founded: 5 July 1934
• President: Poul-Erik Høyer Larsen
• Headquarters: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Membership: 194 member associations
• Formation: 1934
• Type of business: Sports governing body

Tata Motors’s Altroz named official partner of Dream11 IPL 2020

• Tata Motors’s Altroz named official partner of Dream11 IPL 2020.
• Tata Motors has announced that its premium hatchback Altroz will be the Official Partner for Dream11 Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020.
• The IPL begins on September 19 and will be played across 3 venues, located in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, in the United Arab Emirates, for a total of 50 days.
• Tata Motors has been associated with the BCCI for the past 3 years.

Extra Shots:

BCCI:

• President: Sourav Ganguly
• Headquarters: Mumbai
• Founded: December 1928

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CURRENT AFFAIRS

SCTIMST develops Indigenous device to help prevent blood clot in deep vein

• Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum (SCTIMST), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India has developed a device for the prevention of Deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
• The newly developed device works by compressing the veins in the legs in sequence so that the flow of blood from the veins in the legs is facilitated.
• The compression pressure is set in such a way that the veins are compressed but not the arteries.
• It is equipped with closed-loop monitoring of compression pressure and also has controls through valves which are driven by an electronic circuit.
• A control circuit and dedicated software are provided in the device to ensure that safe compression levels are always maintained.
• The device is also equipped with a power supply back-up in case of power failure.
• The imported cost between the device lies is Rs.2 lakh to 5 lakh whereas the device developed by the SCTIMST team costs less than Rs.1 lakh.
• The license for the manufacture and sale of the device has been transferred to Enproducts located in Kochi, Kerala.

Scientists detect potential signs of extra terrestrial life on Venus

• Scientists revealed on September 14, 2020 that they have detected potential signs on life on the inhospitable Venus.
• The scientists have detected a gas called phosphine in the acidic clouds of Venus that indicates microbes may inhabit Earth’s neighbor.

OBITUARY

Former Maharashtra Cricketer Sadashiv Patil passes away at 86

• Former Maharashtra cricketer Sadashiv Patil, who played as medium-pacer, has passed away. He was 86.
• Patil had represented India in only one Test and played 36 first-class matches over 11 seasons between 1952 and 1964.
• He made his first-class debut for Maharashtra during the 1952-53 season and his only test debut against New Zealand at the Brabourne Stadium in 1955.

Renowned social activist & former Haryana Minister Swami Agnivesh passes away at 80

• Social activist and Arya Samaj leader Swami Agnivesh, who is widely known for his work against slavery and bonded labour, has passed away due to multiple organ failure. He was 80.
• Agnivesh was elected as a member of the Legislative Assembly of Haryana in 1977, and served as a cabinet Minister for Education in 1979.

Noted Chhau dancer Dhananjoy Mahato passes away

• Noted Chhau dancer Dhananjoy Mahato dies at 85. Noted Chhau dancer Dhananjoy Mahato has died of cardiac arrest at his residence in West Bengal’s Purulia district.
• Mahato, known for taking the centuries-old folk dance form of Purulia district to the world.
• Mahato had received awards from the Adivasi Lok Sanskriti Bikash Parishad, West Bengal Veterinary Association and Manbhum Dalit Sahitya o Sanskriti Akademi.

MISCELLANEOUS

Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology celebrates ‘Himalaya Diwas’

• Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, virtually celebrated the ‘Himalaya Diwas’.
• On the occasion of ‘Himalaya Diwas’, the scientists who are specialising in different aspects of the Himalayas deliberated on a range of areas namely landslide disaster risk reduction, Himalayan seismicity, risk awareness, and mitigation, and journey of black carbon towards Himalayan cryosphere.

DIAL launched India’s First Airport coronavirus Testing Facility in Delhi

• DIAL launched India’s First Airport coronavirus Testing Facility in Delhi.
• Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has launched India’s first airport COVID19 testing facility at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi for arriving international passengers.
• This ensures a safe journey to all the passengers entering the city or scheduled for domestic connecting flights.

Extra Shots:

Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL)

Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) is a joint venture, formed as a consortium between GMR Group (54%), Airports Authority of India (26%), and Fraport AG & Eraman Malaysia (10% each).

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