Current Affairs Today 23rd and 24th August 2020-Download in PDF

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Hello and welcome to exampundit. Here are the important Current Affairs Today 23rd and 24th August 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 – 23rd and 24th August 2020

NEWS AT A GLANCE

  1. Axis Bank has launched an initiative named ‘Gig-a-Opportunities’.
  2. State Bank of India (SBI) unveiled an online home carnival in partnership with real-time group negotiation e-platform AddaCorner.
  3. The second edition of National Strategy for Financial Education (NSFE): 2020-2025 has been released. The first edition of NSFE was for the period 2013-2018.
  4. Central Government has constituted the National Council for Transgender Persons to formulate policies, programmes, legislation and projects for the benefits of the transgender community and help them in achieving equality and have full participation by them.
  5. The Ministry of External Affairs in partnership with the Foreign Ministry of Thailand has organized the 6th Round Table of ASEAN-India Network of Think Tanks (AINTT) held virtually.
  6. In Madhya Pradesh, the Chhatarpur Police has launched a unique campaign named ‘Ek Sankalp – Bujurgo ke naam’ (‘a commitment for elders’), to take care of the elderly and helpless people, from the food to their health, in the midst of deadly corona infection.
  7. Assam government will launch India’s longest ropeway over Brahmaputra river on August 24, 2020.
  8. China has successfully launched a new optical remote-sensing satellite named “Gaofen-9 05” from its Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre.
  9. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on August 21, 2020 that Turkey has discovered 320 billion cubic meters of natural gas, the biggest-ever natural gas reserve in the Black Sea.
  10. Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan co-chaired the first India-Uzbekistan National Coordination Committee meeting virtually with Uzbek Deputy Prime Minister for Investments and Foreign Economic Relations Sardor Umurzakov.
  11. Walmart-owned Flipkart said it has entered into a strategic partnership with Nepal’s Sastodeal, a move that will help lakhs of Flipkart sellers get access to the neighbouring country’s e-commerce market.
  12. The Karnataka Vikas Grameen Bank (KVGB) and SBI General Insurance Co Ltd have signed an MoU to sell general insurance products through the branches of KVGB.
  13. A Short film titled ‘Am I?’ directed by Abhijit Paul won the first prize and a cash award of one lakh rupees in the Online Patriotic Short Film Contest organized by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting along with National Film Develoment Corporation, NFDC.
  14. A top US-based India-centric business advocacy group announced to honour Mahindra group Chairman Anand Mahindra and Adobe Chairman and CEO Shantanu Narayen with its 2020 Leadership Awards in recognition of their exemplary vision towards promoting US-India bilateral ties.
  15. Five sportspersons will be awarded the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award 2020 this year.
  16. Five-time champion Ronnie O’Sullivan beat world No 8 Kyren Wilson to win the World Snooker Championship 2020 and his sixth overall World Championship title.
  17. Legendary South African all-rounder Jaques Kallis, Pakistan batting great Zaheer Abbas and Pune-born former Australian captain Lisa Sthalekar were inducted into the International Cricket Council’s Hall of Fame in a virtual ceremony.
  18. World number 304 Sophia Popov became the first female golfer from Germany to capture a major title after winning the Women’s British Open by two strokes at Royal Troon in Scotland.
  19. The Union Minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari has launched a mobile app called ‘Harit Path’ on 21 August 2020, via video conference while chairing a meeting to review ‘New Green Highways Policy (Plantation)’ and discuss use of new technologies in road construction.
  20. A book titled “Who painted my lust red?” that has been authored by Sree Iyer has been launched.
  21. A book titled ‘One Arranged Murder’ authored by Chetan Bhagat will be released globally on September 28, 2020.

NEW IN DETAILS

BANKING & FINANCE

Axis Bank launches hiring initiative named ‘Gig-a-Opportunities’

  • Axis Bank has launched an initiative named ‘Gig-a-Opportunities’.
  • The initiative aims to attract skilled talent that can work with the bank remotely, from anywhere in the country.
  • This hiring model comprises two working patterns.
  • One is the full-time permanent job and the second is based on the duration of a project and is temporary in nature.
  • Axis Bank aims to employ 800-1000 people over the next under this initiative.

Extra Shots:

Axis Bank

  • CEO: Amitabh Chaudhry
  • Headquarters: Mumbai
  • Founded: 1993, Ahmedabad

SBI partners with AddaCorner to boost real estate deals in Bengaluru

  • State Bank of India (SBI) unveiled an online home carnival in partnership with real-time group negotiation e-platform AddaCorner.
  • The carnival will invite prospective home-buyers to virtually come together as a group and directly negotiate with empaneled real estate sellers on real-time basis.

Extra Shots:

SBI

  • Chairperson: Rajnish Kumar
  • MD: Ashwani Bhatia
  • Headquarters: Mumbai
  • Founded: 1 July 1955

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

National Strategy for Financial Education: 2020-2025 released

  • The second edition of National Strategy for Financial Education (NSFE): 2020-2025 has been released.
  • The first edition of NSFE was for the period 2013-2018.
  • NSFE: 2020-2025 has been prepared by National Centre for Financial Education (NCFE) in consultation with the four Financial Sector Regulators- RBI, SEBI, IRDAI and PFRDA and other relevant stakeholders.
  • It has been prepared under the aegis of the Technical Group on Financial Inclusion and Financial Literacy under the Chairmanship of Shri M. K. Jain, Deputy Governor, RBI.
  • The NSFE document intends to support the Vision of the Government of India and Financial Sector Regulators by empowering various sections of the population to develop adequate knowledge, skills, attitude and behaviour which are needed to manage their money better and plan for their future.
  • The Strategy has recommended a ‘5 C’ approach for dissemination of financial education in the country. The ‘5 C’ approach of the strategy includes:
  • Content: emphasis on the development of relevant Content in the curriculum in schools, colleges and training establishments,
  • Capacity: developing Capacity among intermediaries involved in providing financial services,
  • Community, Communication, and Collaboration: leveraging the positive effect of Community-led model for financial literacy through appropriate Communication strategy, and, enhancing Collaboration among various stakeholders.

NATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS

Government Forms National Council for Transgenders to Formulate Policies Aimed at Equality & Participation

  • Central Government has constituted the National Council for Transgender Persons to formulate policies, programmes, legislation and projects for the benefits of the transgender community and help them in achieving equality and have full participation by them.
  • Union Minister of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment will be the ex-officio Chairperson of the council. Presently, this post is held by Thaawar Chand Gehlot.
  • The council was established by the Centre in exercise of the powers conferred by the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.

STATE CURRENT AFFAIRS

Chhatarpur Police of Madhya Pradesh launches ‘Ek Sankalp – Bujurgo ke naam’ campaign for senior citizens amid corona pandemic

  • In Madhya Pradesh, the Chhatarpur Police has launched a unique campaign named ‘Ek Sankalp – Bujurgo ke naam’ (‘a commitment for elders’), to take care of the elderly and helpless people, from the food to their health, in the midst of deadly corona infection.
  • Under the campaign 3000 senior citizens of the district have been selected by the police whose children are away from them and they are living alone in the home.
  • A helpline number has been released, through which the elderly can call and ask for help.

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

Assam gov’t to launch longest river ropeway over Brahmaputra

  • Assam government will launch India’s longest ropeway over Brahmaputra river on August 24, 2020.
  • The ropeway will connect Guwahati to North Guwahati.
  • As per the reports, the launch of the ropeway service in Assam will be done by the state’s Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
  • The ropeway which will connect Guwahati to North Guwahati will be the longest one over a river in India.
  • The total length of the ropeway will be 2 km within approximately 8-9 minutes.
  • A total of Rs. 56 crores have been invested in the projected by the Assam government.
  • At one time around 32 passengers can get on board. The ticket fare for one way will be Rs. 60 while Rs. 100 will be charged for the to and fro commute.
  • The government has also installed CCTV cameras for monitoring the ropeway service and ensuring safety.

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

INTERNATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS

China launches optical remote-sensing satellite Gaofen-9 05

  • China has successfully launched a new optical remote-sensing satellite named “Gaofen-9 05” from its Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre.
  • The satellite was sent into orbit by a Long March-2D carrier rocket.
  • Along with it, another satellite named Tiantuo-5 and one multifunctional test satellite was also launched by the rocket.

Extra Shots:

China (Capital/Currency): Beijing/ Renminbi

  • President: Xi Jinping

Turkey discovers biggest-ever natural gas reserve in Black Sea

  • Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on August 21, 2020 that Turkey has discovered 320 billion cubic meters of natural gas, the biggest-ever natural gas reserve in the Black Sea.
  • The announcement was made during a televised address at Istanbul’s Dolmabahce Palace.
  • Turkey’s drilling ship Fatih made the discovery in Tuna-1 field and the exploration is continuing in other fields.
  • Erdogan said that Turkey plans to extract the natural gas and begin its production by 2023, on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic.

Extra Shots:

Turkey (Capital/Currency): Ankara/ Turkish lira

  • President: Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

SUMMITS AND CONFERENCES

MoS V. Muraleedharan co-chairs first India-Uzbekistan National Coordination Committee meeting virtually

  • Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan co-chaired the first India-Uzbekistan National Coordination Committee meeting virtually with Uzbek Deputy Prime Minister for Investments and Foreign Economic Relations Sardor Umurzakov.

Extra Shots:

Uzbekistan (Capital/Currency): Tashkent/ Uzbekistani soʻm

  • President: Shavkat Mirziyoyev

MEA in partnership with Foreign Ministry of Thailand organize 6th Round Table of AINTT

  • The Ministry of External Affairs in partnership with the Foreign Ministry of Thailand has organized the 6th Round Table of ASEAN-India Network of Think Tanks (AINTT) held virtually.
  • The theme of the two-day Round Table which was conducted through video conferencing was ‘ASEAN-India: Strengthening Partnership in the Post COVID Era’.
  • The ASEAN-India Round Table comprising think tanks, policy makers, scholars, media and business representatives was established at the 7th ASEAN-India Summit in Thailand in 2009 to provide policy inputs to Governments on future direction of cooperation.

Extra Shots:

ASEAN

  • Headquarters: Jakarta, Indonesia
  • Founded: 8 August 1967, Thailand
  • Members: Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, Myanmar (Burma), Cambodia, Laos
  • Founders: Abdul Razak Hussein, Narciso Ramos, Adam Malik, S. Rajaratnam, Thanat Khoman
  • Subsidiary: ASEAN Regional Forum

AGREEMENTS AND MOU SIGNED

Flipkart Enters Into ‘Strategic Partnership’ With Nepal’s Sastodeal

  • Walmart-owned Flipkart said it has entered into a strategic partnership with Nepal’s Sastodeal, a move that will help lakhs of Flipkart sellers get access to the neighbouring country’s e-commerce market.
  • Under the partnership, Sastodeal will host over 5,000 products from Flipkart marketplace sellers operating across the categories of babycare and kids, audio devices, men’s clothing, women’s ethnic wear, and sports and fitness, among others, in turn opening access to Nepalese customers.

Extra Shots:

Flipkart

  • Founded: October 2007, Bengaluru
  • CEO: Kalyan Krishnamurthy
  • Founders: Sachin Bansal, Binny Bansal
  • Parent organization: Walmart

KVG Bank inks pact with SBI General Insurance

  • The Karnataka Vikas Grameen Bank (KVGB) and SBI General Insurance Co Ltd have signed an MoU to sell general insurance products through the branches of KVGB.
  • The customers of KVGB will get access to bouquet of products that can cover their health, home, motor, property through the range of solutions that the company offers.
  • The bank is committed to rural development and to bring an improvement of the social fabric of rural people, apart from undertaking its usual business.

Extra Shots:

Karnataka Vikas Grameen Bank

  • Headquarters: Dharwad
  • Founded: 12 September 2005
  • Sponsored by: Canara Bank

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL AWARDS

Abhijit Paul’s ‘Am I’ wins first prize in Online Patriotic Short Film Contest

  • A Short film titled ‘Am I?’ directed by Abhijit Paul won the first prize and a cash award of one lakh rupees in the Online Patriotic Short Film Contest organized by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting along with National Film Develoment Corporation, NFDC.
  • ‘Ab India Banega Bharat’ directed by Debojo Sanjiv got the second prize and a cash award of 50 thousand rupees and ’10 Rupees’ directed by Yuvraj Gokul got the third prize and a cash award of 25 thousand rupees. Eight short films have got Special Mention Certificates.

Anand Mahindra, Shantanu Narayen to receive 2020 Leadership Awards from USISPF

  • A top US-based India-centric business advocacy group announced to honour Mahindra group Chairman Anand Mahindra and Adobe Chairman and CEO Shantanu Narayen with its 2020 Leadership Awards in recognition of their exemplary vision towards promoting US-India bilateral ties.
  • The award would be presented during the third Annual Leadership Summit, titled “US-India Week: Navigating New Challenges”.
  • The week-long programme, which will include a range of strategic discussions between USISPF’s board members, which include 21 Fortune 500 CEOs, and senior government officials from both the countries.

SPORTS CURRENT AFFAIRS

5 Sportsperson to be awarded Khel Ratna 2020

  • Five sportspersons will be awarded the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award 2020 this year.
  • These are:
  • Rohit Sharma– Cricketer (4th cricketer after Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli to win this)
  • Vinesh Phogat– Wrestler
  • Manika Batra– Table Tennis player
  • Mariyappan Thangavelu– Para Athlete
  • Rani Rampal– Hockey Player
  • They will receive the award on National Sports Day on August 29. This is for the first time that 5 players have been selected for this award.
  • Apart from these 27 sportspersons have been selected for the ARJUNA AWARD 2020.

Ronnie O’Sullivan beat Kyren Wilson to win his sixth World Snooker Championship

  • Five-time champion Ronnie O’Sullivan beat world No 8 Kyren Wilson to win the World Snooker Championship 2020 and his sixth overall World Championship title.
  • Nicknamed as ‘The Rocket’, O’Sullivan claimed the Championship crown with an emphatic 18-8 victory in best-of-35-frame match against Wilson, a first-time finalist.
  • This win has made him the oldest world champion at the age of 44, ever since Welsh legend Reardon lifted the trophy in 1978 at the age of 45 years and 203 days. best-of-35-frame match against Wilson, a first-time finalist.

Jacques Kallis, Zaheer Abbas & Lisa Sthalekar inducted into ICC Hall of Fame

  • Legendary South African all-rounder Jaques Kallis, Pakistan batting great Zaheer Abbas and Pune-born former Australian captain Lisa Sthalekar were inducted into the International Cricket Council’s Hall of Fame in a virtual ceremony.

First female golfer from Germany Sophia Popov wins Women’s British Open

  • World number 304 Sophia Popov became the first female golfer from Germany to capture a major title after winning the Women’s British Open by two strokes at Royal Troon in Scotland.

WEBPORTALS & APPS IN NEWS

Nitin Gadkari launches mobile app ‘Harit Path’ to monitor plantation along national highways

  • The Union Minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari has launched a mobile app called ‘Harit Path’ on 21 August 2020, via video conference while chairing a meeting to review ‘New Green Highways Policy (Plantation)’ and discuss use of new technologies in road construction.
  • The app ‘Harit Path’ has been developed by the National Highways authority of India (NHAI) to monitor the plantation and transplantation of trees along the highways, through geo-tagging and web-based GIS enabled monitoring tools.
  • The app will allow to monitor the location, growth, species details, maintenance activities, targets and achievements of each of its field units for each and every plant under all plantation projects.

BOOKS & AUTHORS

Book titled “Who painted my lust red?” authored by Sree Iyer launched

  • A book titled “Who painted my lust red?” that has been authored by Sree Iyer has been launched.
  • The book is something about when Bollywood meets Cricket meets Politicians.
  • This is the second book in this series of Sree Iyer’s Money Trilogy series.
  • The first book was “Who painted my money white?”

A book titled ‘One Arranged Murder’ authored by Chetan Bhagat

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