Important Days
World Water Week 2020: 24-28 August
The World Water Week 2020 is observed as the World Water Week at Home (WWW eek at Home) from 24th August to 28th August 2020. The theme for World Water Week 2020 at Home is ‘Water and Climate change: Accelerating Action’.
The World Water Week is an annual global event organized by Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) since 1991 to address the planet’s water issues and related concerns of international development. The World Water Week 2020 has been organized from 24-28 August in virtual format due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Useful Notes for all competitive exams:
- SIWI Executive Director: Torgny Holmgren.
- SIWI Headquarters: Stockholm, Sweden.
Women’s Equality Day 2020
The 100th anniversary of the Women’s Equality Day is being celebrating in the United States on August 26, to celebrate American women getting the constitutional right to vote. Women’s Equality Day is now often observed across the world to encourage and spread awareness about women’s empowerment.
National Headlines
Ministry of Culture announces 7 new circles of ASI
The Union Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (IC), Shri Prahlad Singh Patel has declared7 new circles of Archaeological Survey of India. These new sets have been formed in Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, West Bengal and Gujarat. Along with the 7 new circles, the minister also added that the Hampi Mini Circle in Karnataka has been converted into a full fledged circle.
Here is the list of all 7 new circles:
- Trichy in Tamil Nadu
- Raiganj in West Bengal
- Rajkot in Gujarat
- Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh
- Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh
- Meerut in Uttar Pradesh
- Hampi in Karnataka
Useful Notes for all competitive exams:
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NITI Aayog: Amitabh Kant.
NITI Aayog to launch NDC-TIA India Component
The India Component of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC)–Transport Initiative for Asia (TIA) will be launched by the NITI Aayog. It will aim to set up a multi-stakeholder dialogue platform in order to decarbonize transport in India. NITI Aayog will be the implementing partner for the India Component of NDC-TIA.
Useful Notes for all competitive exams:
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NITI Aayog: Amitabh Kant
NHAI develops a “Vendor Performance Evaluation System”
National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has developed a “Vendor Performance Evaluation System” to create a transparent and comprehensive ‘Performance Rating’ System for its Consultants, Contractors and Concessionaires.
NHAI has also commenced the portal based objective assessment of vendors to track the performance of the vendors for various NHAI projects. The vendors are required to conduct a self-assessment on the portal. They are required to upload the documents pertaining to the project activities being executed by them.
NHAI will evaluate this data and generate ratings for the Vendors and will be shared with them. Those vendors who were unable to upload the requisite documents on the portal will not be permitted to participate in the bids of NHAI.
Kerala’s 1st-ever Dragonfly Festival
WWF-India Kerala State Office is joining hands with the Society for Odonate Studies (SOS) and Thumbipuranam for the first-ever state “Dragonfly Festival” in Kerala, christened ‘Thumbimahotsavam 2020’.
This is part of the National Dragonfly Festival organised by WWF India, Bombay Natural History Society and Indian Dragonfly Society in association with National Biodiversity Board, UN Environmental Programme, UN Development Programme and IUCN-CEC.
The official mascot of the festival is “Pantalu” which is the genus of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae commonly known as rain pool gliders. A ‘Dragonfly Backyard Watch’ has also been announced to enhance the participation of people and improve their observation skills. A field guide on ‘Common Dragonflies of Kerala’ and a ‘Children’s Dragonfly Coloring & Activity Book’ is also under development.
Useful Notes for all competitive exams:
- Kerala Capital: Thiruvananthapuram.
- Kerala Chief Minister: Pinarayi Vijayan.
- Kerala Governor: Arif Mohammad Khan.
Internationl Headlines
WHO certifies Africa free from wild Polio
The Africa Regional Certification Commission (ARCC), an independent body set up by the World Health Organization (WHO), has certified the African continent free from wild Polio virus.
The landmark feat related to public health has been achieved by the continent after decades of work along with international health bodies, national and local governments, community volunteers and survivors. According to the previous records, about 75,000 children in Africa were paralysed by polio in year 1996. The last case of Polio was recorded four years ago in the northern Nigeria.
In this fight of Africa with the polio virus, the World Health Organization played a central coordinating role within the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, and local leaders working with Unicef, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Rotary International as well as the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Useful Notes for all competitive exams:
- Director-general of World Health Organization: Tedros Adhanom.
Banking and Business Headlines
NABARD rolls out Debt and Credit Guarantee Product
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development has revealed a dedicated debt and credit guarantee product named as “Structured Finance and Partial Guarantee Program for Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFC)-Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs)”.
The newly launched product seeks to offer undisturbed flow of credit to the last mile in rural areas hit by the pandemic. The Structured Finance and Partial Guarantee Program for NBFC-MFIs includes offering partial guarantee on pooled loans offered to small and mid-sized MFIs.
It will help in facilitating Rs 2,500 crore funding in the initial phase which is expected to be scaled up in the future. The program is targeting to cover over 1 million households across 28 States and 650 districts.
Useful Notes for all competitive exams:
- Chairman of National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development: Govinda Rajulu Chintala.
ICICI Bank uses satellite data to assess creditworthiness of farmers
ICICI Bank uses satellite data to assess the creditworthiness of farmers. ICICI Bank has become the 1st bank in India to use such a technique to measure an array of parameters related to the land, irrigation and crop patterns and use it in combination with demographic and financial parameters to make quick lending decisions for farmers.
The satellite data with demographic and financial details provides strong information on the land asset of the farmers. Usage of this technology will help farmers with existing credit to expand their eligibility and help new-to-credit farmers to get better access to formal credit.
Useful Notes for all competitive exams:
- ICICI Bank Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra.
- ICICI Bank MD & CEO: Sandeep Bakhshi.
- ICICI Bank Tagline: Hum Hai Na, Khayal Apka.
SBI General Insurance launches “Shagun – Gift an insurance” policy
SBI General Insurance has launched a first-of-its-kind insurance product called ‘Shagun – Gift an Insurance”, which is a unique gift of Personal Accident policy. The unique feature of this policy is that it can be gifted to anyone, which means it is not necessary for the policy buyer to be related to the insured.
A Gift giver (policy buyer) can gift this product to anyone like family, friends, extended family and even domestic helpers, chauffeurs, drivers, cook, etc. Gift Receiver (insured) should be in the age group of 18 years to 65 years. It can be availed for up to 1 Year.
Shagun covers personal accident insurance which provides complete financial protection to the insured person against uncertainties such as accidental death and partial or total disabilities, and permanent as well as temporary disabilities resulting from an accident.
Useful Notes for all competitive exams:
- SBI General Insurance Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra.
- SBI General Insurance MD and CEO: Prakash Chandra(P.C.) Kandpal.
CCI approves acquisition by Lightstone Fund S.A.
The acquisition by Lightstone Fund S.A., for and on behalf of Lightstone Global Fund (LGT) of certain equity stakes has been approved by the Competition Commission of India (CCI).
Under Section 31(1) of the Competition Act, 2002, the Lightstone Fund S.A. will acquire certain equity stakes in 91Streets Media Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (91Streets), Ascent Health and Wellness Solutions Pvt. Ltd. (Ascent), API Holdings Pvt. Ltd. (API), Aahaan Commercials Pvt. Ltd. (Aahaan) and Lokprakash Vidhya Pvt. Ltd. (Lokprakash).
Useful Notes for all competitive exams:
- Chairperson of Competition Commission of India: Ashok Kumar Gupta.
Axis Bank introduced ‘Liberty Savings Account’ for the Indian Youth
Axis Bank has introduced ‘Liberty Savings Account’ for the Indian Youth, to address the ever-changing lifestyle needs of young and digitally interested Indians.
It offers a complimentary hospital cash insurance cover of up to Rs 20,000 per year, which covers hospital expenses incurred under COVID -19, which makes this a 1st of its kind savings account to cover the pandemic.
This account targets to meet the lifestyle requirements of the working class that falls under 35 years of age.
Useful Notes for all competitive exams:
- Axis Bank Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Axis Bank MD and CEO: Amitabh Chaudhry
- Axis Bank Tagline: Badhti Ka naam Zindagi.
Appointments Headlines
Indian Energy Exchange MD & CEO Rajiv Srivastava resigns
Indian Energy Exchange (IEX), Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Rajiv Srivastava has resigned form the post. The Board of Directors of Indian Energy Exchange(IEX) accepted his resignation. He was relieved from his position with immediate effect from 24th August 2020.
Satyanarayan Goel, the current non-executive chairman of the board of IEX was given additional charges as the interim MD and CEO of the company.
Useful Notes for all competitive exams:
- Indian Energy Exchange MD & CEO: Satyanarayan Goel (Interim).
- Headquarters of Indian Energy Exchange: New Delhi.
- Indian Energy Exchange Founded: 27 June 2008
Vinay Tonse becomes new MD and CEO of SBI Mutual Fund
Vinay Tonse has been appointed as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of SBI Mutual Fund (MF). He will replace Ashwani Bhatia, who has been now appointed as the managing director (MD) of State Bank of India.
Useful Notes for all competitive exams:
- SBI Mutual Fund Founded: June 1987.
- SBI Mutual Fund Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Science and Technology
ISRO signs MoU with VSSUT to set up Incubation Centre
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) to set up the first of its kind innovation cum incubation centre, VSSUT Space Innovation Centre (VSSSIC) to promote space research.
ISRO and VSSUT will collaborate to develop high-end simulation tools, miniature test facilities like Static test facility and solid propulsion research lab and establishment of testing facilities for the scaled-down model.
Useful Notes for all competitive exams:
- ISRO Chairman: K.Sivan.
- ISRO Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka.
- VSSUT Vice-Chancellor: Atal Chaudhuri.
- VSSUT Headquarters: Sambalpur, Odisha.
Sports News
Indian Table Tennis star Poulomi Ghatak announced retirement
Indian Table Tennis star, Poulomi Ghatak has announced retirement. She had represented India at the Commonwealth Games in 2006 and Commonwealth championships between 2000 and 2008. She entered the Olympics in Sydney for the first time when she was 16.
James Anderson becomes 1st fast bowler to take 600 Test wickets
England’s James Anderson became the first-ever fast bowler to take 600 wickets in a Test Match Cricket. He achieved this feat against Pakistan when he dismissed Azhar Ali. Overall he is the 4th bowler to take 600 test wickets after 3 spinners Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne, and Anil Kumble.
Anderson, who made his Test debut in 2003 against Zimbabwe, had become the highest wicket-taker among seamers in 2018 when he dismissed Mohammed Shami against India at The Oval to go past Glenn McGrath’s tally of 563 Test wickets.
Ranks & Reports
Tamil Nadu women top the list of MUDRA loan scheme
According to the data provided by Ministry of Finance to Rajya Sabha, Tamil Nadu has topped the list of Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) in availing loans to women.
It was followed by West Bengal and Karnataka. According to the data produced by the Ministry of Finance, around 15 crore loans amounting to Rs 4.78 lakh crores were disbursed to women borrowers since the inception of Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana.
As of March 31, 2020, Tamil Nadu had availed Rs 58,227 crores. The loans provided by other states are as follows
- West Bengal: Rs 55,232 crores
- Karnataka: Rs 47,714 crores
- Bihar: Rs 44,879
- Maharashtra: Rs 42,000 crores
- All the above states have received 52% of MUDRA loans for women. The loans were availed to activities allied to agriculture, services, trading, processing, manufacturing, etc. Of the total number of loans provided under MUDRA scheme, 70% of borrowers were women.
Agreements Headlines
APEDA signs MoUs with AFC India Limited & NCUI, Delhi
To synergize the activities in the interest of agriculture and allied sectors, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has signed MoUs with AFC India Limited, and National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI), Delhi.
The MoU aims to employ their expertise by mutually working together to coordinate the activities in the interest of agriculture and allied sectors in order to bring better value to the stakeholders.
Useful Notes for all competitive exams:
- Chairman of Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority: Diwakar Nath Misra.
- Managing Director, AFC India Ltd.: B.Ganeshan.
NeGD signs MoU with CSC E-Governance Services India Limited
The National e-Governance Division (NeGD), Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY) has partnered with CSC (Common Service Center) e Governance Services India Limited. The partnership aims to enable delivery of UMANG services to citizens through the network of 3.75 lakh CSCs.
The CSC operators Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) will facilitate citizens to use e-Governance services of 140 Departments with the help of UMANG App. This will help those citizens who either do not have access to smartphones or are not comfortable accessing App based e services on their own.
Defence Headlines
Raksha Mantri launches “DGNCC Training” mobile App
The Directorate General National Cadet Corps (DGNCC) Mobile Training App has been launched by the Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh. The Mobile Training App will support in conducting countrywide online training of NCC cadets as it has been affected adversely due to the restrictions imposed by COVID-19.
Useful Notes for all competitive exams:
- Director General National Cadet Corps (NCC): Lt General Rajeev Chopra.
Obituary
Former Congo President Pascal Lissouba passes away
Former President of the Republic of Congo, Pascal Lissouba passed away. He became the minister of agriculture in 1960 after Congo became an independent country. He served as the president from 1992 to 1997.
He served as the Prime minister under the Presidency of Alphonse Massamba Debat. The high court of Justice in the Republic of Congo sentenced Pascal Lissouba in absentia to 30 years forced labour for treason and corruption in 2001.
Useful Notes for all competitive exams:
- The Republic of Congo President: Denis Sassou Nguesso.
- The Republic of Congo Prime Minister: Clément Mouamba.
- The Republic of Congo Capital: Brazzaville.
- Daily Current Affairs in English 11 Sep 2022 – Useful for all Competitive Exams
- Hindu Editorial with Vocabulary: Sep Month – Day 10
- 11 Sep 2022 Daily Current Affairs in Hindi – सभी प्रतियोगी परीक्षाओं के लिए महत्वपूर्ण
- 10 Sep 2022 Daily Current Affairs in Hindi – सभी प्रतियोगी परीक्षाओं के लिए महत्वपूर्ण
- Hindu Editorial with Vocabulary: Sep Month – Day 9
- Daily Current Affairs in English 10 Sep 2022 – Useful for all Competitive Exams
