Hello and welcome to exampundit.in. Here are the important Current Affairs Today 21st October 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 – 21st October 2020
NEWS AT A GLANCE
- Every year 20th October is observed as the International Chefs Day.
- Every year, National Deworming Day is celebrated on February 10 and October 20 in India.
- IDBI Bank will soon launch its banking services on WhatsApp which will be offered through a dedicated WhatsApp verified number ensuring end-to-end encryption, the Bank stated.
- The National Green Tribunal granted environmental clearance to the Kaleshwaram irrigation project of Telangana.
- Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Narendra Singh Tomar unveiled preparation framework for Block and District development plans.
- Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has e-launched an indigenous software solution for Vessel traffic services (VTS) and Vessels Traffic Monitoring Systems (VTMS).
- Assam celebrated the Kati Bihu festival Locals in Bongaigaon celebrated in Assam.
- The Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel inaugurated the ‘Safe City Project’ on 19 October 2020 in Lucknow.
- The Indian farmers fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) joint venture Sikkim IFFCO Organics Limited recently has started the construction work of food processing units in Sikkim.
- Atma-Nirbhar Bharat Training Center has been started in the state of Madhya Pradesh.
- Maharashtra has become the first state in the country to cap the prices of masks.
- The North Atlantic Treaty organisation is to setup a new Space Centre in Ramstein, Germany.
- Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on October 19, 2020 lifted the ban on Chinese video app TikTok after the app management promised to moderate the app content.
- The China Academy of Electronics & Information Technology under the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation recently conducted tests on a fixed-wing drone swarm system.
- With an aim to help share their country’s best practices and technologies for advancements in India’s water management and agriculture sectors 2021.
- India and Indonesia are to hold the fifth joint working group on coal.
- The first-ever virtual G20 (Group of Twenty) Youth 20 (Y20) Global Summit was virtually hosted from Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia for exchanging ideas and dialogues for the empowerment of youth Post COVID, where Indian side was represented by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Kiren Rijiju.
- The 6th edition of India International Science Festival (IISF) 2020 will be held from 22ndto 25th December, 2020.
- 44th edition of the annual International Migration Outlook report is released by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
- The Global Hunger Index 2020 was released.
- The Indian digital payment and technology platform Paytm has partnered with various card issuers to introduce co-branded cards” in the market.
- Telangana government along with GlobalLinker has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).
- In a first in the history of Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir High Court, Gita Mittal today inaugurated a Family Court at District Court Complex Srinagar.
- The Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved a new Defence Research Development Organization Procurement Manual, 2020.
- Siemens Healthineers will invest Rs 1,300 crore (EUR 160 million) over the next five years in India as the company plans to set up an innovation hub in Bengaluru.
- The Leather Sector Skill Council (LSSC) has recently announced the launch of the Skill Certification Assessment for Leather Employees (SCALE) India android app in order to provide a single platform to integrate quality assurance across all of its services.
- Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik Monday launched the electricity consumer service portal Mo Bidyut and Mobile App through video conference.
- TV actress, Zarina Roshan Khan has passed away due to sudden cardiac arrest.
NEWS IN DETAILS
IMPORTANT DAYS AND THEMES
International Chef’s Day observed on 20 October
- Every year 20th October is observed as the International Chefs Day.
Objective:
- to celebrate and honour the noble profession and educate people around the world about eating healthy.
Theme:
- Theme of International Chefs Day 2020 campaign is Healthy Food for the Future.
History
- International Chefs Day was created by Dr. Bill Gallagher, a renowned chef and the former president of the World Association of Chefs Societies (World Chefs), in 2004.
National Deworming Day observed on 20 October
- Every year, National Deworming Day is celebrated on February 10 and October 20 in India.
- National Deworming Day is celebrated to create awareness about the Soil Transmitted Helminths and its ill effects.
BANKING & FINANCE
IDBI Bank’s banking services now available on WhatsApp
- IDBI Bank will soon launch its banking services on WhatsApp which will be offered through a dedicated WhatsApp verified number ensuring end-to-end encryption, the Bank stated.
- The facility will enable IDBI Bank customers to avail various essential services such as account balance information, last five transactions, request for a cheque book and an email statement, interest rates, as well as details of IDBI Bank branches/ATMs in the vicinity, to begin with.
Extra Shots:
IDBI Bank
- CEO: Rakesh Sharma
- Headquarters: Mumbai
- Founded: 1 July 1964
NATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS
Environmental Clearance given to Kaleshwaram Project
- The National Green Tribunal granted environmental clearance to the Kaleshwaram irrigation project of Telangana.
- The Tribunal has directed the Ministry of Environment and Forest to form a 7-member expert committee to suggest rehabilitation and relief measures.
- The project will bring irrigation and drinking water to the backward areas of Telangana.
Union Minister N S Tomar unveils preparation framework for Block & District development plans
- Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Narendra Singh Tomar unveiled preparation framework for Block and District development plans.
- This framework is a step-by-step guide for Block and District Panchayats to formulate plans and will assist planners, concerned stakeholders at appropriate level.
- The framework will serve as an important tool for all resource persons, stakeholders associated with decentralized planning in block and district panchayats and will play an important role in transforming rural India.
Indigenous software solution for vessel traffic launched by Shipping Minister Mansukh Mandaviya
- Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has e-launched an indigenous software solution for Vessel traffic services (VTS) and Vessels Traffic Monitoring Systems (VTMS).
- India has approximately 15 VTS systems operational along the Indian Coast and there is no uniformity of VTS software as each system has its own VTS software.
- VTS and VTMS is a software which determines vessel positions, position of other traffic or meteorological hazard warnings and extensive management of traffic within a port or waterway.
STATE CURRENT AFFAIRS
Assam celebrated Kati Bihu festival
- Assam celebrated the Kati Bihu festival Locals in Bongaigaon celebrated in Assam.
- Kati Bihu is celebrated on the first day of ‘Kati’ month in Assamese calendar.
- People perform cultural dances and organise feasts.
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
Women’s safety campaign ‘Safe City Project’ launched in Lucknow
- The Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel inaugurated the ‘Safe City Project’ on 19 October 2020 in Lucknow.
- Under this 180-day-long campaign, the women police personnel will work towards strengthening security of women in public places and inculcate a feeling of pride and safety among women in the city.
- For this programme, the central government has approved a total cost of Rs 194 crore.
- The total cost sanctioned for the project is Rs. 2919.55 crore, and will be implemented under Nirbhaya Fund to strengthen the security of women in public places.
- The cost of the projects will be shared between the Centre and the state in the ratio of 60:40.
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
IFFCO begins construction of Food Processing Units in Sikkim
- The Indian farmers fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) joint venture Sikkim IFFCO Organics Limited recently has started the construction work of food processing units in Sikkim.
- The project is to be completed by 2021.
- These food processing units are to give a boost to the organic farming in Sikkim.
Extra Shots:
IFFCO
- Headquarters: New Delhi
- Founded: 3 November 1967
Atma-Nirbhar Bharat Training Center started in MP
- Atma-Nirbhar Bharat Training Center has been started in the state of Madhya Pradesh.
- Training in handicrafts, arts and culture-based skills will be imparted through this center to the women.
- The centre is operating through Lok Sanskriti Manch, was inaugurated by Indore MP Shankar Lalwani.
Extra Shots:
Madhya Pradesh:
- Statehood Day: November 1, 1956
- Capital: Bhopal
- Chief Minister: Shivraj Singh Chauhan
- Governor: Anandiben Patel
- National Park: Bandhavgarh NP, Fossil NP, Kanha NP, Madhav NP, Panna NP, Pench NP, Sanjay NP, Satpura NP
Maharashtra becomes first state in country to cap prices of masks
- Maharashtra has become the first state in the country to cap the prices of masks.
- N95 masks will now be available at Rs 19 to Rs 49, while two-layer and three-layer masks will be available for Rs 3 to 4.
- This maximum selling price limit will be applicable to all mask manufacturing companies / distributors / retailers in the state
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.
INTERNATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS
NATO to set up new Space Centre in Ramstein, Germany
- The North Atlantic Treaty organisation is to setup a new Space Centre in Ramstein, Germany.
- The centre is to serve as a co-ordination Centre for space observation.
- The new Centre will gather information about possible threats to satellites.
- The centre is to be developed into a command centre of defensive measures in near future.
- The centre is being setup based on Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty organisation.
Extra Shots:
NATO
- Founded: 4 April 1949, Washington, D.C., United States
- Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium
- Abbreviation: NATO, OTAN
- Chairman of the NATO Military Committee: Air Chief Marshal Stuart Peach, Royal Air Force
- Supreme Allied Commander Europe: General Tod D. Wolters, United States Air Force
Pakistan lifts ban on TikTok after Chinese app promises moderation of content
- Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on October 19, 2020 lifted the ban on Chinese video app TikTok after the app management promised to moderate the app content.
- The TikTok management has promised the moderation of app content as per the societal norms and laws of Pakistan.
Extra Shots:
Pakistan (Capital/Currency): Islamabad/ Pakistani rupee
- Prime Minister: Imran Khan
Chinese firm tests drone swarm technology
- The China Academy of Electronics & Information Technology under the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation recently conducted tests on a fixed-wing drone swarm system.
- During the tests, drones were released from truck-based, 48-unit launchers and from airborne helicopters.
- It has the capable of deployment from the ground, sea and air.
- This new tool could play a vital role in challenging missions including amphibious landing operations.
Extra Shots:
China (Capital/Currency): Beijing/ Renminbi
- President: Xi Jinping
Israeli Embassy to Have ‘Water Attache’ in India
- With an aim to help share their country’s best practices and technologies for advancements in India’s water management and agriculture sectors 2021.
- Israel Embassy here will have a separate ‘Water Attache’ from January
- Israel will soon nominate an honorary Consul in the North-East with the aim to increase its presence and collaboration in that region.
Extra Shots:
Israel (Capital/Currency): Jerusalem/ Hebrew (national and official) Arabic (semi-official) English Russian
- President: Xi Jinping
SUMMITS AND CONFERENCES
5th Joint Working Group on Coal between India-Indonesia to be held in November, 2020
- India and Indonesia are to hold the fifth joint working group on coal.
- The virtual meeting is to deliberate on Indian Coal policy reforms such as coal exploration and commercial coal mining, research and development and potential in off Indonesia India business cooperation on coal in the post covid-19.
- Indonesia is a major coal producer. In 2019 Indonesia exported 450 8.8 million tons of coal.
Extra Shots:
Indonesia (Capital/Currency): Jakarta/ Indonesian rupiah
- President: Joko Widodo
Y20 Global Summit held Virtually
- The first-ever virtual G20 (Group of Twenty) Youth 20 (Y20) Global Summit was virtually hosted from Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia for exchanging ideas and dialogues for the empowerment of youth Post COVID, where Indian side was represented by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Kiren Rijiju.
- The theme of the Summit was “Government – Youth dialogue on post-COVID-19 opportunities”.
- The Summit concluded with the drafting of the Y20 Communique under the three overarching priority areas viz. Future Fit; Youth Empowerment; and Global Citizenship.
6th India International Science Festival to be held in Virtual format from 22nd to 25th December
- The 6th edition of India International Science Festival (IISF) 2020 will be held from 22ndto 25th December, 2020.
- The Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Harsh Vardhan announced this at a review meeting in New Delhi.
- IISF is an annual event organised jointly by science & technology-related Ministries and Departments of the Government of India and Vijnana Bharati (Vibha).
- IISF is a festival to celebrate the achievements of India’s scientific and technological advancements with students, innovators, craftsmen, farmers, scientists and technocrats from India and abroad.
RANKS AND INDICES
OECD International Migration Outlook report
- 44th edition of the annual International Migration Outlook report is released by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
- India has acquired the second place.
- China retained its top spot with 4.3 lakh migrants, which was 1 percent lower than 2019 report.
- From India, 3.3 lakh migrants moved, and this is 10 percent more than last edition.
- Romania emerged as the third largest exporter of human capital to these countries.
Extra Shots:
OECD
- Headquarters: Paris, France
- Founded: 30 September 1961
- Secretary-General: José Ángel Gurría
Global Hunger Index, 2020 – India ranked at 94
- The Global Hunger Index 2020 was released.
- According to the report, India ranked 94th out of 107countries.
- According to the report, 14 per cent of India’s population is undernourished.
- The report states that the country recorded a child stunting rate of 37.4 percent.
AGREEMENTS AND MOU SIGNED
Paytm Partnered with Various Banks for Co-Branded Credit Cards
- The Indian digital payment and technology platform Paytm has partnered with various card issuers to introduce co-branded cards” in the market.
- The ‘Next Generation Credit Cards’ are intended to “democratise the access to a formal credit system for the masses.”
- The co-branded cards would provide “complete control” to the cardholders to handle their transactions in real-time.
Extra Shots:
PayTm
- Founder: Vijay Shekhar Sharma
- Founded: August 2010, Noida
- CEO: Vijay Shekhar Sharma
- Headquarters: B-121, Sector 5, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
Telangana govt signs MoU with BSE
- Telangana government along with GlobalLinker has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).
- BSE will provide intellectual and manpower support to create awareness about the importance and benefits of listing on stock exchanges.
- The State has taken various initiatives to provide the required support for MSMEs to expand their operations.
Extra Shots:
BSE
- Founded: 9 July 1875
- Chairman: Just. Vikramajit Sen
- MD & CEO: Ashishkumar Chauhan
APPOINTMENTS IN NEWS
Justice Gita Mittal inaugurates first ever ‘Family Court’ in Srinagar
- In a first in the history of Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir High Court, Gita Mittal inaugurated a Family Court at District Court Complex Srinagar.
- Chief Justice observed that the objective of establishing family court in J&K is to ensure speedy justice and inexpensive relief in family matters with least formalities.
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
DEFENCE CURRENT AFFAIRS
New DRDO Procurement Manual 2020 gets approval
- The Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved a new Defence Research Development Organization Procurement Manual, 2020.
- The main objective of release of the manual is to encourage MSME (Micro Small and Medium Enterprises) in Research and Development.
- The manual will simplify processes of procurement and will therefore, facilitate indigenous defence industry.
- It will ensure the participation in design and development activities
Extra Shots:
DRDO
- Founded: 1958
- Headquarters: DRDO Bhavan, New Delhi
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CURRENT AFFAIRS
Siemens Healthineers to set up research hub in Bengaluru
- Siemens Healthineers will invest Rs 1,300 crore (EUR 160 million) over the next five years in India as the company plans to set up an innovation hub in Bengaluru.
- The hub will focus on bringing advanced digital innovation to the healthcare sector.
- Bengaluru will be the fourth innovation hub that the German healthtech firm has globally, with the others located in the United States, Germany, and China.
- The Bengaluru hub will include centers of competence in digital technologies.
Extra Shots:
Siemens Healthineers
- CEO: Bernd Montag
- Headquarters: Erlangen, Germany
- Parent organization: Siemens
- Founder: Werner von Siemens
WEBPORTALS & APPS IN NEWS
SCALE India Android App launched
- The Leather Sector Skill Council (LSSC) has recently announced the launch of the Skill Certification Assessment for Leather Employees (SCALE) India android app in order to provide a single platform to integrate quality assurance across all of its services.
- The platform looks after the need of all the stakeholders of the skilling and employment ecosystem at one place.
- It includes the candidate or trainee, employer, employee, trainer and assessor, and trainer.
- The services of the system can be accessed through the web and android application. It works virtually on any smart handheld device, laptop, desktop, smartphones, tablets or phablets.
- The app will provide end to end quality assurance across training, assessment, and certification services.
Odisha CM launches Mo Bidyut portal
- Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik Monday launched the electricity consumer service portal Mo Bidyut and Mobile App through video conference.
- It’s a bilingual online electricity integrated consumer service portal www.mobidyut.com developed by energy department and dedicated to public under 5T initiative.
- This will benefit more than 89 lakh electricity consumers of the state.
Extra Shots:
Odisha:
- Statehood Day: 1st April 1936
- Capital: Bhubaneswar
- Governor: Ganeshi Lal
- Chief Minister: Naveen Patnaik
OBITUARY
TV Actress Zarina Roshan Khan passes away at 54
- TV actress, Zarina Roshan Khan has passed away due to sudden cardiac arrest.
- She was 54.
