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Top 25 Current Affairs of 14 August 2020
NATIONAL AFFAIRS
PM Narendra Modi Launched “Transparent Taxation – Honoring the Honest” platform of IT department
i.On August 13, 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a platform for “Transparent Taxation – Honoring the Honest” via video conferencing that provides faceless assessment and appeal and taxpayers’ charter, as a part of direct tax reforms.
ii.While the faceless assessment and taxpayers’ charter would be implemented from August 13 itself but the faceless appeal system would be available from September 25, 2020 i.e. on the birth anniversary of Deendayal Upadhyaya.
About Central Board of Direct Taxes:
Chairperson– Pramod Chandra Mody
<<Read Full News>>
India Extends an Assistance of USD 1 Million to Antigua and Barbuda’s COVID-19 Response
i.As a part of India’s efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, India extended an assistance of 1 million USD to the government of Antigua and Barbuda to combat the global COVID-19 pandemic and to improve their health infrastructure and capacity.
ii.On 7th August 2020, under the 1 million USD assistance, KJ Srinivasa, Indian High Commission in Guyana handed over the medical supplies, equipment and medicine to Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda over a virtual platform.
About Antigua and Barbuda:
Governor General– Sir Rodney Williams
Prime Minister– Gaston Browne
Capital– Saint John’s
Currency– East Caribbean dollar
<<Read Full News>>
First-of-its-kind Katra-Delhi Express Road Corridor to be completed by 2023
i.First-of-its’s-kind Katra (Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir)-Delhi Express Road corridor works have begun and it is expected to be completed by 2023.
ii.It was announced by Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (M-DoNER), Dr. Jitendra Singh. The express Corridor is expected to reduce the travel time between Katra and Delhi to around six and half hours, the total outlay of the project is Rs. 35, 000 crores.
About Jammu & Kashmir
Capital – Jammu (winter) and Srinagar (summer)
National Parks in Jammu & Kashmir – Dachigam National Park, Hemis National Park, Kishtwar National Park, Salim Ali National Park.
About Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (M-DoNER)
Minister of State (Independent Charge) – Dr. Jitendra Singh
<<Read Full News>>
Daughters have Equal Birthright to Inherit Property with Retrospective Effect: Supreme Court
i.In accordance with the landmark judgment passed by three-judge Bench of Supreme Court (SC) headed by Justice Arun Mishra and comprised of Justices S Abdul Nazeer and Mukeshkumar Rasikbhai Shah, the daughters will have equal inheritance rights as of sons in the properties of fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers right from the codification of the law in 1956 i.e. it would have retrospective effect.
ii.The 121 page verdict has made it clear that whether the father was alive or not before September 9, 2005 daughters could claim equal right in inheritance.
iii.A retrospective law is one that is to take effect, in point of time, before it was passed.
About Supreme Court:
Chief Justice of India (CJI)– Sharad Arvind Bobde
Location– New Delhi
<<Read Full News>>
Goa’s Moira bananas, Harmal Chillies, Khaje gets GI tag
i.Goa’s Harmal Chillies, Moira bananas & Khaje gets Geographical Indications(GI) from the Geographical Indications Registry.
ii.Harmal Chillies are grown only in Harmal village and adjacent areas of Pernem taluka- specifically in the coastal village of Arambol.
iii.Moira bananas are unique bananas grown in Moira village of Bardez taluka & Bicholim Taluka.
iv.Khaje, the traditional state sweet is an integral part of the Hindu jatras and Catholic feasts held in the state.
About Goa:
National Park– Mollem National Park
Airport– Goa International Airport, also called Dabolim Airport.
<<Read Full News>>
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Committed USD 25mn to Expand Unified Champion Schools to 6 countries Including India
i.Under the Unified Champion School(UCS) worldwide programme, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has committed USD 25 million to expand UCS(an initiative undertaken by the Special Olympics) to 6 countries namely, India, Argentina, Egypt, Pakistan, Romania and Rwanda with an aim to empower intellectually disabled children.
ii.The 4 year project will create 120 UCS across 12 states in India, which will play a pivotal role to make Indian education system more inclusive.
About UAE:
Capital– Abu Dhabi
Currency– United Arab Emirates dirham
President of UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi– H. H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan
<<Read Full News>>
BANKING & FINANCE
RBI Mandates System-based Asset Classification for Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs)
i.On August 12, 2020, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has mandated the urban co-operative banks (UCBs) with assets of Rs 2,000 crore or above as on March 31, 2020 to implement system-based asset classification from 30 June 2021.
ii.For UCBs having total assets of Rs 1000 crore or above but less than Rs 2000 crore as on March 31, 2020 and have self-assessed under Level III or Level IV on “Comprehensive Cyber Security Framework for Primary (Urban) Cooperative Banks (UCBs) – A Graded Approach” are mandated to implement it from September 30, 2021.
iii.This decision has been taken to improve the efficiency, transparency and integrity of the asset classification process.
About Reserve Bank of India (RBI):
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
Formation– 1 April 1935
Governor– Shaktikanta Das
Deputy Governors– 4 (Bibhu Prasad Kanungo, Mahesh Kumar Jain, Michael Debabrata Patra, one is yet to be appointed).
<<Read Full News>>
Federal Bank Partnered with Fiserv, Inc. to Support Launch of their 1st Independent Credit Card, ‘Federal Bank Credit Card’
i.Federal Bank has partnered with Fiserv, Inc. to enable the digitization of it’s end-to-end card issuance and processing cycle to support the launch of the Federal Bank credit card, their 1st Independent Credit Card.
ii.The Federal bank will also outsource associated operational processes to Fiserv.
iii.The Federal Bank will utilise Fiserv’s FirstVision, an end-to-end managed services solutions which enable card issuance and processing with global economies of scale and integrated capabilities that span the card lifecycle.
About Federal Bank
Headquarters– Aluva, Kerala
MD & CEO– Shyam Srinivasan
Tagline – Your Perfect Banking Partner
<<Read Full News>>
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Ammunition Factory Khadki, Pune Handed Over 40 mm Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL) to BSF
i.On August 11, 2020, the first consignment of 40 mm Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL) was handed over to Border Security Force (BSF) which is designed and manufactured indigenously by the Ammunition Factory Khadki (AFK) in Pune, Maharashtra on the lines of the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India).
ii.The consignment was flagged off by Hari Mohan, Chairman, Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), and Manoj Kumar Mohapatra, Senior General Manager (GM).
iii.This ammunition is fired from a launcher fitted under the barrel of a 5.56 mm Rifle INSAS (Indian Small Arms System).
About Ordnance Factory Board (OFB):
Ordnance Factories is the oldest and largest industrial setup under the Department of Defence Production (DPP) of the Ministry of Defence (MoD). There are 41 Ordnance Factories under the aegis of its corporate headquarters in Kolkata, West Bengal.
<<Read Full News>>
Israel Successfully tested its Arrow-2 Ballistic Missile Interceptor
i.Israel Defence Minister Benny Gantz, announced that Israel has successfully tested their advanced missile defence system, Arrow-2, a ballistic missile interceptor, which serves as the top tier integrated Israeli shield built to withstand various missile salvoes, was built with the support of the United States of America.
ii.The Missile test was conducted in the test site in Central Israel over the Mediterranean Sea.
iii.The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) of the United States of America along with Israeli Air Force and Israel Aerospace Industries conducted the testing.
About Israel:
President– Reuven “Ruvi” Rivlin
Prime Minister– Benjamin Netanyahu
Capital– Jerusalem
Currency– Israeli New Shekel
<<Read Full News>>
NASA’s TESS Completed Primary Mission, Finds 66 New Exoplanets & around 2100 ‘candidates’
i.On 4th July 2020, the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite(TESS) of National Aeronautics and Space Administration(NASA) completed its primary mission of imaging 75% of the starry sky during the two-year survey and found 66 new exoplanets beyond the solar system, and around 2100 candidates on which the astronomers are working on to confirm among others.
ii.The NASA Astrophysics Explorer mission led and operated by Massachusetts Institute of Technology(MIT), Cambridge, Massachusetts.
About NASA:
Administrator– James Frederick Bridenstine or “Jim” Bridenstine
Headquarters– Washington, United States of America
<<Read Full News>>
Israel shares AI-based technology, high-end equipment with AIIMS to help combat COVID-19
As part of Israel-India cooperation to fight the ongoing Covid-19 Pandemic, Israel has shared Artificial Intelligence (AI) based technology and high-end equipment with All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), Delhi, India.
Ambassador of Israel to India Dr Ron Malka handed over the ‘state-of-the-art artificial intelligence-based technologies and high-end equipment’ to Director of AIIMS Dr Randeep Guleria in the presence of Sanjay Bhattacharya, Secretary, (Consular and Diaspora) Ministry of External Affairs at an event held on August 12, 2020.
Key Highlights:
i.The shared Artificial Intelligence(AI) based technology and high-end equipment consists of AI video-oriented, voice-operated autonomous personal AI assistant robot to assist the hospital staff.
ii.An application that can be installed on the mobile of COVID-19 staff, to make the work of hospital staff inside COVID-19 departments easier and effective.
iii.An innovative product designed to give the clinicians contact-free access to patient’s vitals like heart rate and respiratory rate .
iv.A 12-hour disinfectant product called Continuous Protection Disinfection technology(CPD), which will stay active to protect the surface against new attacks of contamination.
v.Non-invasive remote patient monitoring system that will work as preliminary screening tool for respiratory indicators of suspected and recovering patients.
vi.An AI based software for Ultrasound use which has been designed for fighting COVID-19.
About Israel:
Capital – Jerusalem
Prime Minister – Benjamin Netanyahu
Currency – Israeli Shekel
IMPORTANT DAYS
World Organ Donation Day 2020: August 13
i.World Organ Donation Day is observed annually on August 13 to motivate people to donate organs after death and ato spread awareness about the importance of organ donation.
ii.The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare of India launched the 6th World and 1st ever Indian Organ Donation Day and Organ Donation Congress in 2010 in New Delhi.
iii.Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari asked all universities in the state to observe Organ Donation Week from August 13 to August 20, 2020.
<<Read Full News>>
International Left handers Day 2020: August 13
History:
i.It was first observed in 1976 by Dean R. Campbell who was founder of the Lefthanders International Inc.,
Objective:
i.It is being created to celebrate sinistrality(the trait of the left side being more stronger than the right) and to raise awareness of the advantages and disadvantages faced by the lefties in the world dominated by right-handers.
ii.The day aims to spread awareness on issues faced by left-handers like emphasizing the importance of the special needs for left-handed children, and the likelihood for left-handers to develop schizophrenia.
STATE NEWS
Punjab CM Amarinder Singh Launched ‘Punjab Smart Connect Scheme’ to Provide Free Smartphones for more than 1.74 Lakh Students 
i.On 12th August 2020, On the occasion of International Youth Day and Janmastami, Captain Amarinder Singh, Chief Minister of Punjab launched the “Punjab Smart Connection Scheme” worth Rs. 92 crores to provide free smartphones to the students of class 12 and he also handed over the smartphones to 6 students.
ii.The major beneficiaries of the scheme belong to the Other Backward class(OBC) and Scheduled Caste (SC)and Scheduled Tribe (ST)categories.
About Punjab:
National parks- Abohar National Park, Jhajjar Bachauli National Park, Bir Moti Bagh National Park, Bir Bhadson National Park, Mahendra Zoological Park (Chatt Bir zoo).
Airport– Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport
<<Read Full News>>
Odisha Cabinet Approved 20 Proposals including 4 Mega Drinking Water Projects 
i.On August 12, 2020, the Odisha cabinet headed by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik approved four mega drinking water projects in its Koraput, Malkangiri, Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Gajapati and Cuttack districts worth Rs 800.27 crore.
ii.It also approved an amendment in Industrial Policy Resolution (IPR) 2007 and IPR 2015 to enable VAT (value added tax) reimbursement (fiscal incentives) substitute by net SGST (State Goods and Service Tax) incentives.
iii.It also approved the financial bid worth Rs 1138.63 crore for implementation of the Gangadhar Meher Lift Canal System, an ambitious project that aims to provide assured irrigation to around 25,600 hectares of chronically drought-hit areas in Bijepur areas in Bargarh district.
About Odisha:
Capital– Bhubaneswar
Governor– Prof Ganeshi Lal
<<Read Full News>>
Goa Signed a First of its Kind Tripartite MoU with GIZ India and Siemens Limited to Provide German Vocational Training in ITIs
i.On 13th August 2020, Government of Goa signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Siemens Limited and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) India to provide world class German dual vocational education and training in Goa’s Industrial Training Institutes(ITIs).
ii.This is a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the state government, industry and an international development for skill training in Goa.
iii.Under this MoU, Siemens and GIZ India will provide the training for the instructors of the ITIs and will provide support throughout the process.
About Goa:
Chief Minister- Pramod Sawant
UNESCO site– Churches and Convents of Goa
Wildlife Sanctuaries– Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and Mollem National Park
About Siemens Limited, India:
Managing Director & CEO– Sunil Mathur
Head Office– Mumbai, Maharashtra
<<Read Full News>>
West Bengal Govt Launched ‘Karma Sathi Prakalpa’ scheme to Provide Soft Loans, Subsidies to Youth
On the occasion of International Youth Day 2020, the West Bengal government launched the ‘Karma Sathi Prakalpa’ scheme under which 1 lakh unemployed youth will be provided soft loans and subsidies so as to make them self-reliant. This scheme empowers the youth.
Other Scheme launched by West Bengal
The West Bengal (WB) Government (govt) launched ‘Matir Smristi’ scheme to utilise 50,000 acres of barren land in 6 districts for income-generating activities like horticulture and pisciculture involving the locals.
Recent Related News:
i.The West Bengal (WB) state Home Secretary, Alapan Bandopadhyay announced that the WB Government (govt) launched an “exit app” for people of other states who are stranded in the state due to the lockdown and want to return to their native place.
ii.West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched Karmo Bhumi, a job portal to help Information Technology(IT) professionals who have lost their jobs after the outbreak of COVID-19 and returned to the state. The portal will enable them to get employment in the state.
About West Bengal:
Chief Minister– Mamata Banerjee
Governor– Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar
National Park(NP)– Sundarbans NP, Singalila NP, Neora Valley NP, Jaldapara NP, Gorumara NP, Buxa NP
Andhra Pradesh CM Launched “YSR Cheyutha” scheme to ensure sustainable livelihood for women
On 12th August 2020, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh launched “YSR Cheyutha” a scheme to ensure the sustainable livelihood of women by providing a financial assistance of Rs.18750 per year for 4 years
YSR Cheyutha:
Objective:
- To support the contribution of women in economic progress.
- To provide technical assistance to the women interested to invest money in business.
Benefits:
i.The scheme benefits around 23 lakh women of age group 45-60 belonging to the minority community like SC, ST, BC.
ii.The women are given complete freedom on how to spend their annual amount of Rs.18750, without any restrictions.
Note:
The annual expenditure by the government for this scheme is around Rs. 4,687 crore.
Eligibility:
i.Women who attain the age of 45 as on August 12 are eligible to receive the benefits under the scheme.
ii.Women who are currently enrolled under the scheme and have crossed the age of 60 will cease to receive the benefits of this scheme and will move to the Pension Kanuka, based on eligibility.
Recente Related News:
i.The Government of Andhra Pradesh signed a MoU with AMUL (Anand Milk Union Limited) to empower women self- help groups(SHG) and to encourage the cooperatives in government sectors.
ii.Andhra Pradesh CM YS JaganMohan Reddy launched the Nadu-Nedu scheme (roughly meaning then and now in Telugu) at STBC ground, Kurnool, AP. An amount of Rs 15,337 crore has been allocated to modernise all government hospitals in 3 years.
About Andhra Pradesh:
River- Vamsadhara river (in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha)
Dams:
i.Srisailam Dam over Krishna River
ii.Nagarjuna Sagar Dam over Krishna River
Telangana launched AI for Agricultural Innovation Program in Collaboration with C4IR & WEF, India
i.The Government of Telangana has launched Artificial Intelligence(AI) for Agricultural Innovation Programme(AI4AI) in collaboration with Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) & World Economic Forum (WEF) – India.
ii.Telangana Industries and IT Minister KT Rama Rao launched the AI4AI program virtually on 12th August, 2020.
About Telangana:
Chief Minister – K Chandrashekar Rao
Governor – Tamilisai Soundararajan
Capital – Hyderabad
International Airport – Rajiv Gandhi International Airport.
<<Read Full News>>
Odisha to Promulgate Ordinance to Enhance Punishment for Non-Compliance of Covid-19 regulations
i.On 12th August, 2020, the State Cabinet of Odisha approved a proposal which will enhance the penalty for violators of the COVID-19 regulations.
The State Cabinet has approved the proposals to effect necessary amendments in the Epidemic Diseases Act 1897, in its application to the state of Odisha, by passing an Ordinance.
ii.An Ordinance has been promulgated since the state assembly is not in session.
About Odisha:
Chief Minister – Naveen Patnaik
Governor – Ganeshi Lal
Capital – Bhubaneswar
UNESCO Heritage Sites in Odisha – Bhitarkanika Conservation Area, Sun Temple (Konark), Chilika Lake, Ekamra Kshetra.
<<Read Full News>>
Manipur Observed its Patriots’ day 2020 on August 13
Patriots’ day is observed annually on August 13 in Manipur. The Patriots’ Day 2020 was observed to commemorate the 1891 Anglo-Manipuri war during which many Manipuris sacrificed their lives to safeguard the independence of the State.
Patriots’ Day 2020
i.On this day in 1891, Manipuris including the then Prince of Manipur Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General were hanged before the general public in the present Imphal area. ii.Prabhat Phery was held in the streets of Imphal City, as part of the observance.
iii.The day was observed without involving the general public due to COVID-19 pandemic.
About Manipur
National Parks– Keibul Lamjao National Park, Sirohi National Park
Nickname– Jewel of India
Chief Minister– Nongthombam(N.) Biren Singh
AC GAZE
Microwave device ‘Atulya’ to disintegrate novel Coronavirus unveiled : Nitin Gadkari
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Nitin Gadkari has unveiled a microwave device named ‘Atulya’ that can disinfect any premises in just 30 seconds, disintegrating COVID-19 virus in Nagpur,Maharashtra and is developed by the Defence Institute of Advanced Technology, Pune.
“Atma Nirbhar App Innovation Challenge” winners announced: Govt
Centre has announced 24 winners in the eight categories of “AatmaNirbhar App Innovation Challenge”,under this Challenge, Chingari emerged as a winner of ‘social’ category and Koo, MaymyIndiamove, Asksarkar, myitreturn are some of the other apps that won the challenge, across eight categories.Click here to Know more
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Click Here View – AC Excluded News 2020
Current Affairs Today (AffairsCloud Today)
| S.no | Current Affairs 14 August 2020 |
|---|---|
| 1 | PM Narendra Modi Launched “Transparent Taxation – Honoring the Honest” platform of IT department |
| 2 | India Extends an Assistance of USD 1 Million to Antigua and Barbuda’s COVID-19 Response |
| 3 | First-of-its-kind Katra-Delhi Express Road Corridor to be completed by 2023 |
| 4 | Daughters have Equal Birthright to Inherit Property with Retrospective Effect: Supreme Court |
| 5 | Goa’s Moira bananas, Harmal Chillies, Khaje gets GI tag |
| 6 | Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Committed USD 25mn to Expand Unified Champion Schools to 6 countries Including India |
| 7 | RBI Mandates System-based Asset Classification for Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) |
| 8 | Federal Bank Partnered with Fiserv, Inc. to Support Launch of their 1st Independent Credit Card, ‘Federal Bank Credit Card’ |
| 9 | Ammunition Factory Khadki, Pune Handed Over 40 mm Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL) to BSF |
| 10 | Israel Successfully tested its Arrow-2 Ballistic Missile Interceptor |
| 11 | NASA’s TESS Completed Primary Mission, Finds 66 New Exoplanets & around 2100 ‘candidates’ |
| 12 | Israel shares AI-based technology, high-end equipment with AIIMS to help combat COVID-19 |
| 13 | World Organ Donation Day 2020: August 13 |
| 14 | International Left handers Day 2020: August 13 |
| 15 | Punjab CM Amarinder Singh Launched ‘Punjab Smart Connect Scheme’ to Provide Free Smartphones for more than 1.74 Lakh Students |
| 16 | Odisha Cabinet Approved 20 Proposals including 4 Mega Drinking Water Projects |
| 17 | Goa Signed a First of its Kind Tripartite MoU with GIZ India and Siemens Limited to Provide German Vocational Training in ITIs |
| 18 | West Bengal Govt Launched ‘Karma Sathi Prakalpa’ scheme to Provide Soft Loans, Subsidies to Youth |
| 19 | Andhra Pradesh CM Launched “YSR Cheyutha” scheme to ensure sustainable livelihood for women |
| 20 | Telangana launched AI for Agricultural Innovation Program in Collaboration with C4IR & WEF, India |
| 21 | Odisha to Promulgate Ordinance to Enhance Punishment for Non-Compliance of Covid-19 regulations |
| 22 | Manipur Observed its Patriots’ day 2020 on August 13 |
| 23 | Microwave device ‘Atulya’ to disintegrate novel Coronavirus unveiled : Nitin Gadkari |
| 24 | “Atma Nirbhar App Innovation Challenge” winners announced: Govt |
