Hello and welcome to exampundit. Here are the important Current Affairs Today 30th and 31st 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 – 30th and 31st August 2020
NEWS AT A GLANCE
- The International Day of the Disappeared is held on August 30 each year.
- Canara HSBC Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC) Life Insurance Company Limited (Canara HSBC OBC Life Insurance) and Andhra Pragathi Grameena Bank (APGB) have entered into a strategic tie up virtually.
- India’s fiscal deficit is expected to touch 7 per cent of GDP in 2020-21 fiscal as against budget estimate of 3.5 per cent, according to Brickwork Ratings.
- NITI Aayog virtually launched the India Component of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC)–Transport Initiative for Asia (TIA) on 27 August 2020.
- Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare launched the integration of ICAR-IIHR Seed Portal with the YONO Krishi Web Application of State Bank of India at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi.
- The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) has decided to celebrate Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday on September 17 by observing Seva Saptah from 14th to 20th September. Prime minister will turn 70 this year.
- The Assam Cabinet has approved the Assam Skill Development University Bill which allows for setting up a state-of-the-art skill University at Mangaldoi in Darrang district of Assam.
- To extend a big help to the doctors, attending the infected patients, a scientist at Tripura University has designed a robot which can prevent the doctors, nurses and health staff from getting infected while they come in contact with patients infected with the virus. The robot is named as Covid-19 WARBOT.
- Fifty first International Film Festival of India IFFI will be held in Goa, from November 20th to 28th.
- Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced free travel arrangements for students appearing in the NEET and JEE examinations.
- In Maharashtra, Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways and MSMEs Nitin Gadkari laid the foundation stone and inaugurated National highway projects worth Rs. 777 Cr. in Gadchiroli district.
- Uttar Pradesh (UP) Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya launched ‘Major Dhyan Chand Vijaypath Yojana’ scheme under which 19 International Players will get road connectivity to their homes.
- New Zealand’s Exchange (NZX) which operates New Zealand capital, risk and commodity markets (stock market) was under cyber-attack for four days.
- A ground-breaking ceremony for development of the Hulhumalé Central Park and renovation of the Arrival Jetty in Maldives financed by India was held marking yet another milestone in Delhi’s growing partnership with Male.
- India granted 4th tranche of $5 million to Myanmar for the development of the India-Myanmar Border Area.
- The 8th East Asia Summit (Economic Ministers’ Meeting) was held virtually on 28 August 2020, to strengthen the regional supply chains, become resilient during this challenging time of Covid-19 pandemic, and to spur economic growth
- Amul, Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) has been ranked 16th in the Rabobank’s Global Top 20 Dairy Companies list.
- The tourism global industry has been devastated by the coronavirus pandemic, with USD 320 billion lost in exports in the first five months of the year and more than 120 million jobs at risk,
- With an average monthly wage of Rs 32,800 (USD 437), India has been ranked a lowly 72nd among 106 countries in terms of the average wage per month, while Switzerland topped the chart, according to a global ranking of average wages prepared by Picodi.com, an international e-commerce platform which provides discount coupons.
- Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL), subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited will buy Kishore Biyani’s Future retail for Rs 24,713 crore.
- ITC on Friday said it is considering merger of its three wholly-owned subsidiaries – Sunrise Foods, Hobbits International Foods and Sunrise Sheetgrah – with itself.
- The Panjab University has been conferred with the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy for the year 2019.
- Usha Padhee, joint secretary in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, has been given additional charge as director general of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).
- Dr Akinwumi A. Adesina was re-elected to serve a second five-year term as president of the African Development Bank Group by the board of governors of the bank.
- India has withdrawn its participation from the multilateral Military Exercise Kavkaz 2020 to be held in Russia between 15th to 26th September 2020.
- Japanese badminton player, Ayaka Takahashi, who is a doubles specialist has announced her retirement with effect from 31 August 2020.
- On the occasion of the National Sports Day on 29 August 2020, the Ministry of Sports has announced a hike in the award money for four of the seven categories of the National Sports and Adventure Awards.
- Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-Great Britain) has won the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix 2020 held on August 30, 2020.
- India and Russia have been jointly announced the winner of first-ever FIDE Online Chess Olympiad 2020.
- Arsenal beat Premier League champions Liverpool by 5–4 on penalties to claim the 2020 FA Community Shield after a 1–1 draw.
- West Indies All-Rounder, Dwayne John Bravo became the first bowler in cricket to scalp 500 wickets in Twenty20 matches
- Para-swimmer Satyendra Singh Lohia of Madhya Pradesh is the first Divyanga Indian sportsperson of the country, who has been awarded today with the Tenzing Norgay Adventure Award.
- In a bid to help people protect themselves against COVID-19, the Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, has launched a novel respirator mask in the country.
- The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has launched a mobile application ‘Pension Corner’ to cater to the needs of all its retired personnels.
- In the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today released two Coffee Table Books, one for Labour & Employment Department and another for J&K Entrepreneurship Development (JKEDI) Institute at Raj Bhavan in Srinagar.
- Indian Cricket Coach Gurcharan Singh (85 years old) penned his memoir titled “Pitching It Straight” which is co-authored by sports journalist MS Unnikrishnan and published by Vitasta
- The veteran athletics coach Purshottam Rai has passed away due to a cardiac arrest on 28 August 2020. He was 79.
- Former judge of the Supreme Court Justice AR Lakshmanan has passed away age-related ailments. He was 78.
- Congress MP Harikrishnan Vasantha Kumar from Tamil Nadu has passed away due to COVID-19. He was 70.
- Joe Ruby, the co-creator of the cartoon series Scooby-Doo, has passed away due to natural cause. He was 87.
- American actor Chadwick Boseman, who became a global icon for his role as Black Panther in the hit Marvel superhero franchise, has passed away after battling cancer since past four years from 2016.
NEWS IN DETAILS
IMPORTANT DAYS AND THEMES
International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances observed on 30 August
- The International Day of the Disappeared is held on August 30 each year.
- Objective: to draw attention towards increase in enforced or involuntary disappearances of individuals in various regions of the world, including arrest, detention and abduction unknown to their relatives and/or legal representatives.
- The day was adopted by UN General Assembly on 21 December 2010 and was first observed in 2011.
Extra Shots:
UN General Assembly
- President: Tijjani Muhammad-Bande
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States
- Abbreviation: GA; UNGA; AG
- Founder: United Nations
- Founded: 1945, New York, New York, United States
BANKING & FINANCE
Canara HSBC OBC Life Insurance & Andhra Pragathi Grameena Bank Entered into a Strategic Partnership
- Canara HSBC Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC) Life Insurance Company Limited (Canara HSBC OBC Life Insurance) and Andhra Pragathi Grameena Bank (APGB) have entered into a strategic tie up virtually.
- The distribution ties up are to sell life insurance, health and pension products at all the branches of APGB.
- It is the 1st virtual launch of Canara HSBC OBC Life Insurance tie up with APGB.
Extra Shots:
Canara HSBC OBC Life Insurance Company Limited
- MD & CEO: Anuj Mathur
- Head Office: Gurugram, Haryana
Andhra Pragathi Grameena Bank
- Head Office: Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh
- Chairman: Sri A Venkata Reddy
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
India’s fiscal deficit to touch 7 per cent in FY21: Brickwork Ratings
- India’s fiscal deficit is expected to touch 7 per cent of GDP in 2020-21 fiscal as against budget estimate of 3.5 per cent, according to Brickwork Ratings.
- The impact of the lockdown on economic activity shows up starkly in the trends in the central government revenue collection during the first three months of fiscal 2020-21.
NATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS
NITI Aayog Launches Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC)–Transport Initiative for Asia (TIA) India Component
- NITI Aayog virtually launched the India Component of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC)–Transport Initiative for Asia (TIA) on 27 August 2020.
- The NDC–TIA is a joint programme supported by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the German Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) to promote a comprehensive approach to decarbonize transport in India, Vietnam, and China.
- The programme has a duration of 4 years and is implemented by a consortium of seven organisations.
Extra Shots:
NITI Aayog
- Formed: 1 January 2015
- Objectives: Foster involvement and participation in the economic policy-making process by the State Governments of India
- Jurisdiction: Government of India
- Headquarters: New Delhi
- Chairperson: Narendra Modi
Narendra Singh Tomar launches Integration of “ICAR-IIHR Seed Portal with YONO Krishi Web Application of State Bank of India”
- Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare launched the integration of ICAR-IIHR Seed Portal with the YONO Krishi Web Application of State Bank of India at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi.
- Emphasizing on the horticulture production’s contribution of more than 32% of the agriculture production, and there is need to further increase this.
- For achieving this, technologies for digitizing agriculture has important role to play in boosting production and productivity, availability of quality inputs and increasing the farmers income.
BJP to celebrate PM Modi’s birthday as ‘Seva Saptah’ from Sep 14-20
- The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) has decided to celebrate Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday on September 17 by observing Seva Saptah from 14th to 20th September. Prime minister will turn 70 this year.
- To observe the Seva Saptah which is a way to extend help, the party will be distributing masks, sanitizers and medicines.
- Supporters would also be encouraged to hold blood donation camps.
Extra Shots:
BJP
- President: Jagat Prakash Nadda
- Headquarters: New Delhi
- Newspaper: Kamal Sandesh
- Alliance: National Democratic Alliance
- Founders: Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Lal Krishna Advani, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat
STATE CURRENT AFFAIRS
Assam Government to set up Skill University worth Rs 900 Crore at Darrang district
- The Assam Cabinet has approved the Assam Skill Development University Bill which allows for setting up a state-of-the-art skill University at Mangaldoi in Darrang district of Assam.
- The University at Mangaldoi will be the Centre of Excellence and first ever Skill University in north eastern states of the country.
- The total cost of setting up the University is estimated at Rs 900 crore with financial assistance from the Asian Development Bank.
- It will be spread over 100-bigha plot.
- Assam government has also inked a memorandum of understanding recently with the ITE Education Service, Singapore, for training resource persons of the university.
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
Tripura University scientist designs WARBOT to protect doctors
- To extend a big help to the doctors, attending the infected patients, a scientist at Tripura University has designed a robot which can prevent the doctors, nurses and health staff from getting infected while they come in contact with patients infected with the virus. The robot is named as Covid-19 WARBOT.
- The “COVID 19 Warbot” stands upon a box-shaped structure that has been attached to four wheels that ensures the free movement of it.
- The electronic transmission system has been used in it so that it can be operated from 20-meter distance at the most and it has the ability to bear a weight of 30 Kgs.
Extra Shots:
Tripura
- Capital: Agartala
- Chief Minister: Biplab Kumar Deb
- Governor: Ramesh Bais
51st IFFI to be held in Goa from Nov 20
- Fifty first International Film Festival of India IFFI will be held in Goa, from November 20th to 28th.
- This film festival being a hybrid film festival due to Covid 19, would screen films on official digital platform along with the theatrical screenings.
Extra Shots:
Goa
- Capital: Panaji
- Chief Minister: Pramod Sawant
- Governor: Bhagat Singh Koshyari
MP CM announces free travel arrangements for students appearing NEET & JEE exams
- Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced free travel arrangements for students appearing in the NEET and JEE examinations.
- The students will be provided free travel arrangements from the block or district headquarters to the examination centre by the government.
- Students interested in availing this facility will have to register themselves by calling on 181, or through the portal mapit.gov.in/covid-19
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
Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari lays foundation stone, inaugurates National highway projects
- In Maharashtra, Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways and MSMEs Nitin Gadkari laid the foundation stone and inaugurated National highway projects worth Rs. 777 Cr. in Gadchiroli district.
- The inauguration took place via video conferencing in which Minister for State for Road Transport General V.K.Singh, State PWD Minister Ashok Chavan also participated.
- Union Minister Nitin Gadkari laid the foundation stone of 4 Major Bridges on Perimilli, Bandiya ,Pearlkota and Waingagana River in Gadchroli district.
- He also inaugurated Major Bridge of 4.30 km on Pranhita River, 20 km long Major Bridge across Indravati River near Lankachen State Highway.
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.
UP govt launches ‘Major Dhyan Chand Vijaypath Yojana’ to Build Roads to 19 International Player’s houses
- Uttar Pradesh (UP) Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya launched ‘Major Dhyan Chand Vijaypath Yojana’ scheme under which 19 International Players will get road connectivity to their homes.
- The initial list includes 19 International Players from the state, and later on more players are expected to be added to the list.
- The list includes Indian Cricketers Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Praveen Kumar, Piyush Chawla and Mohammad Kaif.
- A road will be named after Late Cricketer and Former Cabinet Minister Chetan Chauhan.
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
INTERNATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS
New Zealand’s stock exchange (NZX) resumes trading after cyberattacks
- New Zealand’s Exchange (NZX) which operates New Zealand capital, risk and commodity markets (stock market) was under cyber-attack for four days.
- It was a “distributed denial of service” (DDoS) attacks. However, the source of attack is not known yet.
Extra Shots:
New Zealand (Capital/Currency): Wellington/ New Zealand dollar
- Prime Minister: Jacinda Ardern
Maldives launches India backed infrastructure projects
- A ground-breaking ceremony for development of the Hulhumalé Central Park and renovation of the Arrival Jetty in Maldives financed by India was held marking yet another milestone in Delhi’s growing partnership with Male.
- The project is being executed by the HDC through an approximate 10 million Maldivian Rupee grant assistance from India.
- It is included under the 18 grant projects being funded by India in the Maldives under a total grant assistance of USD 6.9 million (MVR 106 million) extended in 2019.
Extra Shots:
Maldives (Capital/Currency): Male/ Maldivian rufiyaa
- President: Ibrahim Mohamed Solih
India granted 4th Tranche of US$5mn to Myanmar for India-Myanmar Border Area Development
- India granted 4th tranche of $5 million to Myanmar for the development of the India-Myanmar Border Area.
- The Indian Ambassador to Myanmar Saurabh Kumar handed over the ceremonial cheque to Lt-Gen Ye Aung, Minister for Border Affairs, Myanmar.
- This funding is on the lines of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by ex-Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in 2012 according to which India would grant a total of $25 million to Myanmar, divided into five tranches of $5 million each annually, starting 2017, for projects on India-Myanmar border.
Extra Shots:
Myanmar (Capital/Currency): Naypyitaw/Burmese kyat
- President: Win Myint
SUMMITS AND CONFERENCES
Piyush Goyal Attends 8th East Asia Summit (Economic Ministers’ Meeting)
- The 8th East Asia Summit (Economic Ministers’ Meeting) was held virtually on 28 August 2020, to strengthen the regional supply chains, become resilient during this challenging time of Covid-19 pandemic, and to spur economic growth.
- The meeting was attended by the Economic ministers from the 10 ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) members and eight other nations, including India, the US, China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Australia and New Zealand.
- The East Asia Summit 2020 was chaired by Vietnam’s Industry and Trade Minister Tran Tuan Anh.
- The Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal represented India in the Summit.
- The meeting concluded with a joint statement in which the ministers reaffirmed their commitment to promote trade and investment, minimise disruptions to trade and global supply chains and facilitate supply chain connectivity, including for essential goods such as medical supplies, medicines, including vaccines, food, commodities and other essential supplies and services in the region.
Extra Shots:
Association of Southeast Asian Nations:
- Secretariat: Jakarta, Indonesia
- Chairman: Nguyen Xuan Phuc
- Secretary General: H.E. Dato Lim Jock Hoi
RANKS AND INDICES
Amul (16th) becomes first Indian dairy company to be in Rabobank’s Global Top 20 list; Top- Nestle
- Amul, Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) has been ranked 16th in the Rabobank’s Global Top 20 Dairy Companies list.
- Amul has achieved an annual turnover of $5.5 billion.
- Switzerland’s Nestle topped the list with a turnover of US $22.1 billion.
- Amul is the first Indian company to enter the top 20 ranking of Rabobank’s Global Top 20 Dairy Companies list.
Extra Shots:
Rabobank
- Headquarters: Utrecht, Netherlands
- Motto: Growing a better world together
Global tourism lost USD 320 billion in 5 months from coronavirus: UN
- The tourism global industry has been devastated by the coronavirus pandemic, with USD 320 billion lost in exports in the first five months of the year and more than 120 million jobs at risk, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said.
- The tourism is the third-largest export sector of the global economy, behind fuels and chemicals, and in 2019 it accounted for 7 per cent of global trade.
- It employs one in every 10 people on Earth and provides livelihoods to hundreds of millions more.
- The export revenues from tourism could fall by USD 910 billion to USD 1.2 trillion in 2020” and that “could reduce global GDP by 1.5 per cent to 2.8 per cent.
Extra Shots:
UN
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States
- Founded: 24 October 1945, San Francisco, California, United States
- Official languages: Arabic; Chinese; English; French; Russian; Spanish;
- Secretary general: António Guterres
India Placed 72nd on global list with average monthly wage of Rs 32,800: Report
- With an average monthly wage of Rs 32,800 (USD 437), India has been ranked a lowly 72nd among 106 countries in terms of the average wage per month, while Switzerland topped the chart, according to a global ranking of average wages prepared by Picodi.com, an international e-commerce platform which provides discount coupons.
- Switzerland, where the average wage converted into rupees amounts to Rs 4,49,000 (USD 5,989), topped the ranking, while in Cuba the average wage is the lowest at Rs 2,700 (USD 36).
ACQUISITION & MERGER
Reliance buys Kishore Biyani’s Future retail for Rs 24,713 crore
- Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL), subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited will buy Kishore Biyani’s Future retail for Rs 24,713 crore.
- The first step in this acquisition will be the merger of five Future Group’s listed entities including Future Retail, Future Lifestyle and Future Consumer – into Future Enterprises (FEL).
- FEL will then sell the retail, wholesale business, logistics and warehouse business as a slump sale to Reliance Retail and Fashion Lifestyle Limited (RRFLL). RRFLL is a subsidiary of RRVL which in turn is a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited.
- This acquisition is subject to SEBI, CCI, NCLT, shareholders, creditors, and other requisite approvals.
Extra Shots:
RIL
- CEO: Mukesh Ambani
- Founder: Dhirubhai Ambani
- Founded: 8 May 1973, Maharashtra
- Owner: Mukesh Ambani (47.35%)
ITC plans to merge three subsidiaries including Sunrise Foods with itself
- ITC on Friday said it is considering merger of its three wholly-owned subsidiaries – Sunrise Foods, Hobbits International Foods and Sunrise Sheetgrah – with itself.
- A board meeting of the company has been convened for this on September 4, 2020, ITC informed in a regulatory filing.
- The Board of Directors of the Company will consider a proposal for amalgamation of Sunrise Foods Private Limited, Hobbits International Foods Private Limited and Sunrise Sheetgrah Private Limited, wholly-owned subsidiaries, with the Company, at its meeting convened for Friday, September 4, 2020.
Extra Shots:
ITC
- CEO: Sanjiv Puri
- Founded: 24 August 1910, Kolkata
- Headquarters: Kolkata
NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL AWARDS
Punjab University wins prestigious Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy for second consecutive year
- The Panjab University has been conferred with the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy for the year 2019.
- This is the second consecutive year in a row that Panjab University has won this coveted trophy, which is given to overall top performing University in Inter-University Tournaments.
- The award was presented virtually by the President Ram Nath Kovind along with Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Kiren Rijiju on the occasion of National Sports Day on 29 August 2020.
APPOINTMENTS IN NEWS
Usha Padhee becomes first woman DG of Bureau of Civil Aviation Security
- Usha Padhee, joint secretary in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, has been given additional charge as director general of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).
- Padhee is the first woman and third IAS officer to have been appointed to the post.
- Earlier, IPS officer Rakesh Asthana was given charge of the BCAS.
- He has now been moved to the Border Security Force (BSF) as director general.
Extra Shots:
Bureau of Civil Aviation Security
- Founded: 1976
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina re-elected as President of the African Development Bank Group
- Dr Akinwumi A. Adesina was re-elected to serve a second five-year term as president of the African Development Bank Group by the board of governors of the bank.
- Adesinae was first elected as president of the bank on May 28, 2015.
- As newly re-elected president, Dr Adesina, a former Nigerian Minister of Agriculture, will begin his new term on this Sept 1.
Extra Shots:
African Development Bank
- Headquarters: Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
- President: Akinwumi Adesina
- Founded: 10 September 1964
- Membership: 81 countries
- CEO: Akinwumi Adesina
- Purpose: Regional development
DEFENCE CURRENT AFFAIRS
India withdraws from multilateral military exercise, Kavkaz 2020, in Russia
- India has withdrawn its participation from the multilateral Military Exercise Kavkaz 2020 to be held in Russia between 15th to 26th September 2020.
- The reason for this has been cited as the COVID-19 Pandemic and consequent difficulties in exercise, including arrangements of logistics.
- Kavkaz 2020 would be held in Astrakhan province of Southern Russia where member countries of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and Central Asian countries would be participating.
- Other countries that would participate in this exercise are- China, Pakistan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, Syria, Iran, Egypt, Belarus, Turkey, Armenia, Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan.
Extra Shots:
Russia (Capital/Currency): Moscow/Russian Rouble
- Prime Minister: Mikhail Vladimirovich Mishustin
- President: Vladimir Putin
SPORTS CURRENT AFFAIRS
Japan’s Olympic badminton gold medalist Ayaka Takahashi announces retirement
- Japanese badminton player, Ayaka Takahashi, who is a doubles specialist has announced her retirement with effect from 31 August 2020.
- The 30-year-old player is known as the partner of Misaki Matsutomo.
- The pair, commonly known as “Taka-Matsu,” claimed Japan’s first ever Olympic badminton gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics in the women’s doubles event.
- Takahashi also captained Japan to its first women’s World Team Championships, (Uber Cup), in 2018.
Government enhances prize money of Khel Ratna, Arjuna, Dronacharya and Dhyanchand Awards
- On the occasion of the National Sports Day on 29 August 2020, the Ministry of Sports has announced a hike in the award money for four of the seven categories of the National Sports and Adventure Awards.
- Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju offically announced the new massive hike in the prize money.
| Award | Enhanced Prize Money | Old Prize Money |
| Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award | Rs 25 lakh | Rs 7.5 lakh |
| Arjuna Award | Rs 15 lakh | Rs 5 lakh |
| Dhronacharya (Lifetime) | Rs 15 lakh | Rs 5 lakh |
| Dhronacharya (Regular) | Rs 10 lakh | Rs 5 lakh |
| Dhyanchand Award | Rs 10 lakh | Rs 5 lakh |
Lewis Hamilton wins F1 Belgian Grand Prix 2020
- Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-Great Britain) has won the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix 2020 held on August 30, 2020.
- This was his 5th win of the season.
- Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes-Finland) came second followed by Max Verstappen (Red Bull –Netherlands) at third place.
India, Russia announced joint winners of FIDE Online Olympiad 2020 (Chess)
- India and Russia have been jointly announced the winner of first-ever FIDE Online Chess Olympiad 2020. This was the first time FIDE was holding the Olympiad in an online format.
- India were initially declared to have lost the final round against Russia. Two Indian players (Nihal Sarin and Divya Deshmukh) were declared to have lost on time in the final round after an apparent loss of internet connection for them.
- After this, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich had made a decision to give gold medals of to both teams.
Extra Shots:
Russia (Capital/Currency): Moscow/Russian Rouble
- Prime Minister: Mikhail Vladimirovich Mishustin
- President: Vladimir Putin
FIDE
- Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland
- Founded: 20 July 1924, Paris, France
- President: Arkady Dvorkovich
- CEO: Geoffrey D. Borg
- Membership: 195 national associations
- Formation: July 20, 1924
Arsenal beat Liverpool on penalties to win 2020 FA Community Shield
- Arsenal beat Premier League champions Liverpool by 5–4 on penalties to claim the 2020 FA Community Shield after a 1–1 draw.
- The annual football match was played between the winners of the previous season’s Premier League, Liverpool, and the previous season’s FA Cup, Arsenal, on 29 August at the Wembley Stadium in London.
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored the goal for Arsenal while Takumi Minamino scored for Liverpool.
- This is the 16th time that Arsenal is winning the Community Shield title.
Dwayne Bravo becomes 1st bowler to scalp 500 wickets in T20 cricket
- West Indies All-Rounder, Dwayne John Bravo became the first bowler in cricket to scalp 500 wickets in Twenty20 matches.
- He achieved the feat in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2020 match between his team Trinbago Knight Riders and St Lucia Zouks.
- Bravo took the wicket of Rahkeem Cornwall (18) to register his 500th wicket. Dwayne Bravo achieved the feat in his 459th match in the shortest format.
Para swimmer Satyendra Singh first Divyang sportsperson of country to get prestigious Adventure Award
- Para-swimmer Satyendra Singh Lohia of Madhya Pradesh is the first Divyanga Indian sportsperson of the country, who has been awarded today with the Tenzing Norgay Adventure Award.
- He is also the first Asian Divyang swimmer to cross the 42-kilometer Catalina Channel in the US in just 11 hours 34 minutes.
- Para-swimmer Satyendra Singh was also conferred with the Best Sportsperson National Award by Vice President Venkaiah Naidu on World Divyanga Day.
- He has also been awarded the highest sports award of Madhya Pradesh as well as many other national and international honours.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CURRENT AFFAIRS
IIT Hyderabad launches ‘world’s most affordable’ respirator mask
- In a bid to help people protect themselves against COVID-19, the Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, has launched a novel respirator mask in the country.
- The protective gear is said to be far better than standard N95 respirators in terms of protection and, the best part is, it will cost you just Rs. 13 per day.
- Officially dubbed US9, the new silicon-based respirator mask has been developed and commercialized by USafe Healthcare, the latest entrepreneurial entity from the Center for Healthcare Entrepreneurship at IIT-H.
WEBPORTALS & APPS IN NEWS
CISF launches mobile app ‘Pension Corner’ for its retired personnels’
- The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has launched a mobile application ‘Pension Corner’ to cater to the needs of all its retired personnels.
- The in-house built app has been developed as part of an e-office initiative introduced in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The app is available on both web and Android platforms.
- Includes an SMS invitation system to keep pensioners connected to the CISF for any important events happening at their nearest CISF unit across the country
- Inbuilt grievance redressal mechanism
- All important circulars like job opportunities and benefits relating to pensioners will be available on the app
Extra Shots:
CISF:
- Headquarters: New Delhi, India
- Director General: Rajesh Ranjan
BOOKS & AUTHORS
J&K LG Manoj Sinha releases 2 Coffee Table Books at Raj Bhavan in Srinagar
- In the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today released two Coffee Table Books, one for Labour & Employment Department and another for J&K Entrepreneurship Development (JKEDI) Institute at Raj Bhavan in Srinagar.
Indian Cricket Coach Gurcharan Singh Co-authored his Memoir “Pitching It Straight” with MS Unnikrishnan
- Indian Cricket Coach Gurcharan Singh (85 years old) penned his memoir titled “Pitching It Straight” which is co-authored by sports journalist MS Unnikrishnan and published by Vitasta
- The book portrays the personal and professional life of Gurcharan Singh, who trained numerous young talents.
OBITUARY
Veteran Athletics coach Purshottam Rai passes away at 79
- The veteran athletics coach Purshottam Rai has passed away due to a cardiac arrest on 28 August 2020. He was 79.
- Rai was to be conferred the prestigious Dronacharya Award in the lifetime category on 29 August 2020, on the ocassion of the National Sports Day.
- Rai is known for providing coaching top athletes such as Olympian quartermiler Vandana Rao, heptathlete Pramila Aiyappa, Ashwini Nachappa, Murali Kuttan, MK Asha, EB Shyla, Rosa Kutty and GG Pramila.
Former Supreme Court Judge Justice AR Lakshmanan passes away at 78
- Former judge of the Supreme Court Justice AR Lakshmanan has passed away age-related ailments. He was 78.
- Justice Lakshmanan served as the Supreme Court Judge from December 20, 2002 to March
- 21, 2007.
- Post-retirement, he was appointed as the Chairman of the Eighteenth Law Commission of India.
- Prior to being appointed as Supreme Court judge, Lakshmanan was a judge at the Madras High Court and the Kerala High Court.
- He had also served as Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan High Courts.
Congress MP Harikrishnan Vasanthakumar passes away at 70 due to COVID-19
- Congress MP Harikrishnan Vasantha Kumar from Tamil Nadu has passed away due to COVID-19. He was 70.
- He was elected as the Member of Parliament to the 17th Lok Sabha from Kanyakumari constituency in the 2019.
- Vasantha Kumar was the founder and chairman of Vasanth & Co, one of the largest retail home appliance chains in Tamil Nadu.
- He was also the founder and MD of the Tamil satellite TV channel Vasanth TV.
‘Scooby Doo’ Co-Creator Joe Ruby Passes Away at 87
- Joe Ruby, the co-creator of the cartoon series Scooby-Doo, has passed away due to natural cause. He was 87.
- Ruby, an American animator, television editor, writer, and producer, created the much-loved characters of beloved kids show Scooby-Doo, along with his creative partner Ken Spears.
- Together, the pair started their own production company Hanna-Barbera Productions and created other memorable cartoons as well.
‘Black Panther’ star Chadwick Boseman passes away at 43
- American actor Chadwick Boseman, who became a global icon for his role as Black Panther in the hit Marvel superhero franchise, has passed away after battling cancer since past four years from 2016.
- He was 43.
- Chadwick made his Marvel superhero debut as T’Challa/Black Panther in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War, after which he became a household name.
