Current Affairs Today 7th August 2020-Download in PDF

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Current Affairs Today – 7th August 2020

NEWS AT A GLANCE

  1. Every year, the World Lung Cancer Day is observed on August 1 to raise awareness about the causes and treatment of lung cancer and highlight the issues of lack of sufficient research funding for the ailment.
  2. Nation observes “National Handloom Day” on 7th August every year.
  3. The Government is set to launch a National Clinical Registry for COVID-19.
  4. Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar launched DD Assam 24×7 channel through video conferencing.
  5. A unique COVID prevention kiosk named ‘UV Baggage Bath’ has been inaugurated at Bengaluru Railway Station.
  6. In the fight against the spread of Covid-19 pandemic, the Mumbai Division of Central Railway (CR) has designed a health assistant robot ‘Rakshak’ who can remotely communicate between doctor and patient.
  7. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister Dr. C N Ashwathnarayan has launched eight new products that will help mitigate Covid 19 pandemic.
  8. Himachal Government has decided to start a program in lines with Mann ki Baat for the people of the state.
  9. West Bengal has planned to provide 100 per cent tap connections to all the households in the State by 2024 under Jal Jeevan Mission.
  10. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel launched a social security scheme for tendu leaves collectors in the state, which will benefit over 12 lakh families, mostly tribals and forest dwellers engaged in its collection.
  11. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar launched” Parivar Pehchan Patras” to enable the citizens to get the benefits of various central and state government schemes.
  12. The United States Senate has unanimously passed a bill banning the Chinese-owned video-sharing app TikTok on government devices.
  13. The Maharashtra government has announced a partnership with Google for introducing digital education tools in schools across the state.
  14. The Indian School of Business (ISB) and Andhra’s Economic Development Board (EDB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in a move to focus on growth monitoring and economic development in the state after the COVID-19 pandemic.
  15. The Andhra Pradesh government signed a pact with three FMCG companies — Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL), ITC and Procter and Gamble (P&G) — for marketing and technology support for economic empowerment of women under two new schemes to be launched soon.
  16. Defence Institute of Advanced Technology, DIAT, has bagged 1st prize in Smart India Hackathon, SIH, 2020, held from 1st to 3rd of this month at Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology, Uttar Pradesh.
  17. Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Girish Chandra Murmu has been appointed as the new Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India.
  18. A sports gaming platform, WTF Sports has appointed cricketers Harmanpreet Kaur and Suresh Raina as its global brand ambassadors.
  19. Veteran Television actor Sameer Sharma is no more.
  20. A senior CPI(M) leader and former West Bengal transport minister, Shyamal Chakraborty has passed away. He was 76.
  21. A new species of pygmy grasshopper, discovered after 116 years by a group of foreign researchers in Sri Lanka, has been named after a 28-year-old Indian orthopterist (one who studies grasshoppers) and conservation biologist Dhaneesh Bhaskar of Kerala.

NEWS IN DETAILS

IMPORTANT DAYS AND THEMES

World Lung Cancer Day Observed on 1 August

  • Every year, the World Lung Cancer Day is observed on August 1 to raise awareness about the causes and treatment of lung cancer and highlight the issues of lack of sufficient research funding for the ailment.
  • The campaign was first organised in 2012 by the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS), in collaboration with the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) and also the American College of Chest Physicians.
  • The IASLC is the largest organisation in the world of its kind that only deals with lung cancer.

National Handloom Day celebrated on 7 August

  • Nation observes “National Handloom Day” on 7th August every year.
  • This day is celebrated to honour the handloom weavers in the country and also highlight the handloom industry.
  • The Day highlights the contribution of handloom to the socio-economic development of the country and increases the income of the weavers.

NATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS

Govt to launch National Clinical Registry for COVID-19

  • The Government is set to launch a National Clinical Registry for COVID-19.
  • The main objective of this registry is to collect real time clinical data which will help in evidence based clinical practice, research, formulation of guidelines and policy making.
  • This study is aimed at collecting data regarding clinical and laboratory features, treatments and outcomes of hospitalized COVID-19 patients in India.

I&B Minister Prakash Javadekar launches DD Assam 24×7 channel through video conferencing

  • Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar launched DD Assam 24×7 channel through video conferencing.
  • Javadekar said Doordarshan free Dish offers 104 channels free of cost for lifetime and people need to just get a set top box and enjoy the channels without paying any subsciption fee.

COVID Prevention Kiosk ‘UV Baggage Bath’ Inaugurated At Bengaluru Railway Station

  • A unique COVID prevention kiosk named ‘UV Baggage Bath’ has been inaugurated at Bengaluru Railway Station.
  • It has been set up at the second entry of the station where most of the scheduled special trains arrive and depart to ensure passenger luggage is completely sanitized before the passengers’ board trains.

Mumbai Central Railway designs robot ‘Rakshak’ for health assistant

  • In the fight against the spread of Covid-19 pandemic, the Mumbai Division of Central Railway (CR) has designed a health assistant robot ‘Rakshak’ who can remotely communicate between doctor and patient.
  • This medical aid robot is able to measure health parameters such as temperature, pulse, oxygen percentage and dispenser sanitizer automatic, infrared sensors.
  • It can also provide medicines, food to the patients and make a two-way video communication between the doctor and the patient.

STATE CURRENT AFFAIRS

Karnataka Deputy CM launches products to mitigate Covid-19 pandemic

  • Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister Dr. C N Ashwathnarayan has launched eight new products that will help mitigate Covid 19 pandemic.
  • The products are developed by the Bengaluru based Bio-innovation Centre initiated start-ups.
  • The new products launched today include a centralised monitoring system for ECG, respiration, body temperature and other vitals.
  • Other products include an immunity booster chapatti having mixture of herbs, tea prepared from medicinal mushroom and a herbal drop all recommended by AYUSH ministry.
  • Another start-up has developed a chewable tablet containing curcumin and Vitamin B12 to fight inflammation and infection.
  • A fruit and vegetable sanitizer is developed using edible ingredients which are chorine and alcohol free and help remove pesticides and microbes.
  • Another product launched today is the anti-microbial HVAC module that sanitises air circulation in an AC.

Extra Shots:

Karnataka:

  • Statehood Day: 1st November 1956
  • Capital: Bengaluru
  • Chief Minister: B. S. Yediyurappa
  • Governor: Vajubhai Vala
  • National Park: Anshi NP, Bandipur NP, Bannerghatta NP, Kudremukh NP, Rajiv Gandhi (Nagarahole) NP.

HP government to start a program in lines with Mann ki Baat

  • Himachal Government has decided to start a program in lines with Mann ki Baat for the people of the state.
  • The program would be broadcast once in every month through social media, radio, and television.
  • It will be organized along the lines of “Mann Ki Baat”. People of the state can share their suggestions regarding the events, inspirational works, and schemes of the Himachal government.
  • Through this interface, the common citizen of the state can also convey their personal views to the Chief Minister as well.
  • The state government has asked suggestions from the people, for this Digital program.

Extra Shots:

Himachal Pradesh:

  • State formed on: 25 January 1971
  • Governor: Bandaru Dattatreya
  • Chief Minister: Jai Ram Thakur
  • Official language: Hindi
  • Literacy Rate: 83.78%

West Bengal plans to provide 100% tap connections to all households by 2024 under Jal Jeevan Mission

  • West Bengal has planned to provide 100 per cent tap connections to all the households in the State by 2024 under Jal Jeevan Mission.
  • Out of 1.63 Crore rural households in West Bengal, 2.19 lakh households have already got tap connections.
  • The State is planning to provide tap connections to 55.60 lakh households in 2020-21.

Extra Shots:

West Bengal:

  • Established on: 26 January 1950
  • Capital: Kolkata
  • Governor: Jagdeep Dhankhar
  • Chief Minister: Mamata Banerjee

Chhattisgarh govt launches scheme for tendu leaves collectors

  • Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel launched a social security scheme for tendu leaves collectors in the state, which will benefit over 12 lakh families, mostly tribals and forest dwellers engaged in its collection.
  • The scheme, named after slain Congress leader Mahendra Karma, was inaugurated on the occasion of his birth anniversary from the official residence of Baghel.
  • Shaheed Mahendra Karma Tendupatta Sangrahak Samajik Suraksha Yojana, introduced in the memory of the leader, will benefit around 12.50 lakh families involved in tendu leaves collection.

Extra Shots:

Chhattisgarh

  • Statehood Day: November 1, 2000
  • Capital: Raipur
  • Chief Minister: Bhupesh Baghel
  • Governor: Anusuiya Uikey
  • Literacy Rate: 60.21%
  • National Park: Indravati (Kutru) National Park, Kanger Valley National Park, Guru Ghasi Das (Sanjay) National Park

Haryana CM Khattar launches” Parivar Pehchan Patra”

  • Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar launched” Parivar Pehchan Patras” to enable the citizens to get the benefits of various central and state government
  • At present, four schemes — Mukhya Mantri Parivar Samridhi Yojana (MMPSY), Old Age Samman Allowance Scheme, Divyang Jan Pension Scheme, and Widow and Destitute Women Pension scheme — have been integrated with” Parivar Pehchan Patra” (PPP).

Extrta Shots:

Haryana:

  • Capital: Chandigarh
  • Chief Minister: Manohar Lal Khattar
  • Governor: Satyadev Narayan Arya
  • National Park: Sultanpur National Park, Kalesar National Park

INTERNATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS

US Senate approves TikTok ban on government devices

  • The United States Senate has unanimously passed a bill banning the Chinese-owned video-sharing app TikTok on government devices.
  • The bill will now go to President Donald Trump to be signed into a law, which will prohibit federal employees from downloading or using TikTok.

AGREEMENTS AND MOU SIGNED

Maharashtra govt announces partnership with Google for introducing digital education tools in schools across state

  • The Maharashtra government has announced a partnership with Google for introducing digital education tools in schools across the state.
  • It will enable 2.3 crore students and teachers to access the technology giant’s blended learning programmes that combine classroom approach with online learning. Google will deploy free tools like G Suite for Education, Google Classroom and Google Meet to facilitate remote learning.

Extra Shots:

Google

  • CEO: Sundar Pichai
  • Founded: 4 September 1998, Menlo Park, California, United States
  • Parent organization: Alphabet Inc.
  • Headquarters: Mountain View, California, United States
  • Founders: Larry Page, Sergey Brin

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.

ISB Hyderabad signs MoU with Andhra govt to work on post-COVID economic recovery

  • The Indian School of Business (ISB) and Andhra’s Economic Development Board (EDB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in a move to focus on growth monitoring and economic development in the state after the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The ISB will work with Andhra government’s EDB and other departments of the state for economic recovery and job creation.
  • The AP Economic Development Board said the MoU will nurture a think-tank by setting up ‘GoAP-ISB Policy Lab’, a public policy laboratory to drive evidence-based policy decisions.

Extra Shots:

EDB

  • Parent agency: Ministry of Trade and Industry
  • Founded: 1 August 1961
  • Managing Director: Beh Swan Gin, Chairman; Chng Kai Fong

AP govt ties up with ITC, HUL and P&G for women”s economic empowerment

  • The Andhra Pradesh government signed a pact with three FMCG companies — Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL), ITC and Procter and Gamble (P&G) — for marketing and technology support for economic empowerment of women under two new schemes to be launched soon.
  • The companies will give handholding to women under the YSR Cheyutha scheme, to be launched on August 12, that aims to provide annual financial assistance of Rs 18,750 for next four years to women of 45-60 years age group belonging to SC, ST, backward class and minorities communities.

Extra Shots:

Andhra Pradesh:

  • Capital: Amravati
  • Chief Minister: Y. S. Jaganmohan Reddy
  • Governor: Biswabhusan Harichandan
  • Literacy rate: 67.4%
  • National Park: Sri Venkateswara National Park, Sri Venkateswara National Park, Papikonda National Park

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL AWARDS

DIAT bags 1st prize in Smart India Hackathon 2020

  • Defence Institute of Advanced Technology, DIAT, has bagged 1st prize in Smart India Hackathon, SIH, 2020, held from 1st to 3rd of this month at Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology, Uttar Pradesh.
  • This 36- hour non-stop digital product building competition was a national level competition for software edition.
  • Six- member team of the institute received one lakh rupees as prize money for solving a technical problem using artificial intelligence.

APPOINTMENTS IN NEWS

Girish Chandra Murmu appointed as new Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India

  • Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Girish Chandra Murmu has been appointed as the new Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India.
  • He will assume office on 8 August 2020.
  • Murmu is the 14th CAG of India.
  • He will replace Rajiv Mehrishi, a 1978 batch IAS officer of the Rajasthan cadre, as the CAG.
  • Murmu, a 1985 batch IAS officer of the Gujarat cadre, was the first Lt Governor of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.
  • He was Principal Secretary to Narendra Modi when he was Chief Minister of Gujarat.

Extra Shots:

CAG

  • Headquarters location: New Delhi
  • Deputy: Deputy Comptrollers and Auditors General of India
  • Founder: Constitution of India
  • Founded: 1858
  • Appointer: President of India

SPORTS CURRENT AFFAIRS

WTF Sports appoints Suresh Raina, Harmanpreet Kaur as brand ambassadors

  • A sports gaming platform, WTF Sports has appointed cricketers Harmanpreet Kaur and Suresh Raina as its global brand ambassadors.
  • Raina is also joining the brand as a Strategic Partner.
  • The announcement was made through a web conference.

OBITUARY

Renowned TV actor Sameer Sharma passes away due to suicide

  • Veteran Television actor Sameer Sharma is no more.
  • The 44-year-old actor committed suicide on 5 August 2020, by hanging from the kitchen ceiling of his home.
  • Sharma has been part of some renowned TV serials like ‘Geet – Hui Sabse Parayi’, ‘Left Right Left’, ‘Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii’, ‘Four’ and ‘Ssshhhh…. Koi Hai’.
  • He was also seen in Sidharth Malhotra’s movies ‘Hasee Toh Phasee’ and ‘Ittefaq’.

Veteran CPI(M) leader and former West Bengal Minister Shyamal Chakraborty passes away of COVID-19

  • A senior CPI(M) leader and former West Bengal transport minister, Shyamal Chakraborty has passed away. He was 76.
  • Chakraborty served as the transport minister of West Bengal for three-times from 1982 to 1996.
  • He was also a two-time Rajya Sabha member.
  • Apart from this, he was also the state president of Centre of Indian Trade Unions, (CITU), the trade union arm of CPM.

MISCELLANEOUS

New grasshopper species discovered after 116 years, named after 28-year-old Indian biologist