Current Affairs 21 October 2020

We are here for you to provide the important Recent and Latest Current Affairs 21 October 2020, which have unique updates of Latest Current Affairs 2020 events from all newspapers such as The Hindu, The Economic Times, PIB, Times of India, PTI, Indian Express, Business Standard and all Government official websites.

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Top 20 Current Affairs of 21 October 2020

NATIONAL AFFAIRS

NITI Aayog, AWS launch 1st of its Kind Frontier Technology Cloud Innovation Centre in India

i.On 19th October, 2020 National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog launched First of its Kind, Frontier Technologies Cloud Innovation Center (CIC) with Amazon Web Services (AWS). CIC will help in addressing societal challenges through digital innovation with focus on agriculture, healthcare and skill development.
ii.This is the First CIC in India and 12th CIC around the Globe. 
About National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog:
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Amitabh Kant
Headquarters– New Delhi
About Amazon Web Services (AWS):
CEO – Andrew R. Jassy
Headquarters – Seattle, Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
<<Read Full News>>

MoS Mansukh Mandaviya e-launches Development of Indigenous Software Solution for VTS, VTMS

On 20th October, 2020, Minister of State (MoS) (Independent Charge) for Shipping, Mansukh Mandaviya e-launched the development of Indigenous Software solution for Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) and Vessels Traffic Monitoring Systems (VTMS) in New Delhi. The launch of indigenous software is in line with Prime Minister’s Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Mission. 
The indigenous VTS and VTMS software will help in determining the position of shipping Vessels, position of other traffic and other meteorological hazard warnings, and traffic management within a port or waterway.
About Ministry of Shipping:
Minister of State (MoS) (Independent Charge) – Mansukh Mandaviya
Headquarters – New Delhi
<<Read Full News>>

Nitin Gadkari Laid Foundation Stone for India’s first Multi-modal Logistic Park in Assam Virtually

i.On October 20, 2020  Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways and MSMEs(Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises) virtually laid the foundation stone for India’s first Multi-modal Logistic Park(MMLP) at Jogighopa in Assam. Rs 693.97 crore park will provide direct air, road, rail and waterways connectivity to the people. 
ii.The park will be developed under the Bharatmala Pariyojana of the Government of India. 
iii.It is being created  by National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL), owned by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways(MoRTH).
Constituency:
Nitin Gadkari– Nagpur, Maharashtra
<<Read Full News>>

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Israeli Embassy to have first ‘Water Attache’ in India from January, 2021

India and Israel share a strategic partnership in water management. In order to boost it further, Israel will have a first separate ‘Water Attache’ in India from January 2021 which will share the former’s best practices and technologies for advancements in India’s water management and agriculture sectors. Notably, water is one of the biggest challenges in India post-COVID.

• Apart from this, Israel will also nominate an honorary Consul in the North-East with the aim to increase its presence and collaboration in that region.
• These announcements were made by Israeli Ambassador to India Ron Malka.

Key Point:
–A Water Attache will join the ‘Agriculture Attache’ who has been here for many years and together they will go to the centres of excellence for agriculture established as part of Indo-Israel collaboration.

• There are 29 such centres of excellence have already been established across India and nearly 1.5 lakh farmers have been trained at these centres in just one year.

–An agricultural attache is a diplomat who analyzes, and acts on information on agriculture, agribusiness, food, and other related spheres in a foreign country or countries.
About Israel:
Capital– Jerusalem
Currency– Israeli New Shekel
Prime Minister– Benjamin Netanyahu

India Ranked world No. 2 in Migrations to OECD nations; China tops: 44th International Migration Outlook 2020

i.On October 19, 2020 secretary-general at OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) Jose Angel Gurria Trevino unveiled the 44th edition of “International Migration Outlook 2020” in which India emerged as the second largest source country both in terms of the “total” inflow of new migrants to OECD countries during 2018 and also as regards the number of Indians acquiring citizenship of these countries.
ii.India overtook Romania to emerge as the second-largest source country. Notably, migration from India to OECD countries increased sharply by 10% and reached 3.3 lakh. It represents 5% of the overall migration to OECD countries.
iii.China grabbed the top spot while Romania stood at 3rd place.
About Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD):
The OECD is an international organization where the governments of 37 member states work with each other to foster sustainable development.
Headquarters– Paris, France
<<Read Full News>>

9th session of India-Oman Joint Commission held Virtually; Co-Chaired by Hardeep Singh Puri

i.On October 19, 2020, the 9th Session of the India-Oman Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) was held virtually which was co-chaired by Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of State (MoS) for Commerce and Industry and Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion of Oman. 
ii.The JCM was held to review the recent developments in trade and investment ties and on the economic situation amid COVID-19. 
iii.It should be noted that in July 2020, Oman signed the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Framework Agreement.
iv.India invited Omani Sovereign Wealth Funds and private businesses to invest in India. 
About Oman:
Capital– Muscat
Currency– Omani Rial
Sultan– Haitham bin Tariq Al Said
<<Read Full News>>

BANKING & FINANCE

Paytm in Partnership with Various Credit Card Issuers to Introduce 2 Million Co-branded Credit Cards for Indian Consumers

i.On October 19, 2020 Paytm in partnership with various credit card issuers will introduce  2 million co-branded credit cards for consumers in India in the next 12–18 months.
ii.The ‘Next Generation Credit Cards’ will have diverse one-touch services, including changing security pin number, updating address, blocking card in the event of fraud prevention, issuing duplicate card and viewing outstanding credit limit.
About Paytm:
Headquarters– Noida, Uttar Pradesh
President– Amit Nayyar
<<Read Full News>>

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

Bond trade platform ‘BondEvalue’ set for New Year launch in India

Singapore-based bond exchange, BondEvalue, co-founded by India-origin entrepreneurs Rajaram Kannan and Rahul Banerjee, is all set to launch a blockchain-platform in 2021 to facilitate investment in bonds by individuals.

• Recently, BondEvalue got approval as a global Recognised Market Operator (RMO) from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
• The RMO allows BondbloX Bond Exchange (BBX), the world’s first blockchain-based bond exchange, to trade globally a wide range of fixed-income securities.
• Resident Indians can buy US dollar bonds on the BondEvalue Exchange through the Liberalised Remittance Scheme which allows individual to remit up to USD 200,000 a year from India. Individuals will come via the Indian banks that become members on the exchange.

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS          

SC Appointed One-Man Panel to Monitor Stubble Burning under its Former Judge Madan Bhimarao Lokur

i.On October 16, 2020, the Supreme Court (SC) bench headed by Chief Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde and comprising of Justices Ajjikuttira Somaiah Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian has directed to formulate a one-man committee under former SC judge Madan Bhimarao Lokur to monitor and prevent stubble-burning by farmers in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh (UP) this winter, which worsens the air quality in Delhi- National Capital Region (NCR).
ii.This constitution of panel is on the lines petition filed by Aditya Dubey who has raised concern over rising pollution level in Delhi-NCR. He was represented by senior advocate Vikas Singh.
About Supreme Court (SC) of India:
Establishment– 1950
Headquarter– New Delhi
<<Read Full News>>

SEBI Constitutes a Market Data Advisory Committee Headed by Madhabi Puri Buch, for Market data 

i.On October 19, 2020 In an effort to set up Data Culture through Data Democratizationin the Indian securities market, The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has constituted a Market Data Advisory Committee(MDAC), Standing Committee. 
ii.The committee is headed by Madhabi Puri Buch, Whole Time Member, SEBI  and has CEOs of stock exchanges and depositories, representatives of various stakeholders and senior officials of SEBI as members.
About Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI):
Headquarters –  Mumbai, Maharashtra
Chairman – Ajay Tyagi(He got another 18 months extension, with effect from 01.09.2020 up to 28.02.2022)
<<Read Full News>>

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Leather Sector Skill Council launches SCALE India Mobile App for Enhanced Quality Assurance

On 15th October, 2020, Leather Sector Skill Council (LSSC), a non-profit organization (NGO) launched “Skill Certification Assessment for Leather Employees India (SCALE India)” Android app for enhancing the quality assurance of the leather industry. Union Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Mahendra Nath Pandey unveiled the SCALE India app during a virtual event. 
The app will serve as a one-stop solution for skilling, learning, assessment and employment needs of the leather and leather products industry. 
Aim:
Through this app, LSSC is aiming to enhance quality assurance of the Leather Industry under Skill India Mission. 
Key Points:
i.SCALE will help candidates to get assessed and certified on their knowledge, skills and behaviour on a specific qualification pack.
ii.It will cater to the needs of the Skilling and employment ecosystem such as candidate/trainee, employer, employee, assessor and Trainer. 
iii.The services will be accessible through web and android applications and will work on desktop, smartphone, and tablets. 
iv.The platform will also serve as a marketplace for human capital for the leather industry.
v.Through the platform, trainers will get complete access to all learning and training resources required for effective delivery of Standardized Training.
vi.It will capture the attendance of trainees, progress of training, feedback and other documentation for complying with quality norms. 
Leather Sector Skill Council (LSSC):
LSSC was established in 2012 as key sector skill councils approved by National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).
About Leather Sector Skill Council (LSSC):
Chairman – P. R. Aqeel Ahmed
Location – Chennai, Tamil Nadu

India successfully Test-fired SANT Missile with ‘Lock-on After Launch’ & ‘Lock-on Before Launch’ capabilities

On October 19, 2020, India successfully Test-fired Standoff Anti-Tank Guided Missile (SANT Missile) from a roof-top launcher at Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha. 
The missile is equipped with Lock-on After Launch and Lock-on Before Launch capabilities. The Missile hit the designated static target with high accuracy. 
i.SANT Missile is an air-to-surface missile being developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for Indian Air Force (IAF).
ii.The missile is an upgraded version of Helicopter Launched Nag (HeliNa) Missile.
iii.It has a Striking range of 15-20 Kms.
About Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO):
Chairman – Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy
Headquarters – New Delhi
<<Read Full News>>

OBITUARY

Kishore Bhimani, Veteran Sports Journalist & Cricket Commentator Passed Away 

On 15th October 2020, Kishore Bhimani, veteran sports journalist and commentator passed away in Kolkata, West Bengal due to cardiac arrest. He was born in Kolkata, West Bengal.  
About Kishore Bhimani:
i.He was one of the leading cricket commentator in the 80s and 90s
ii.He worked as an editor of the sports page in “The Statesman”, a leading newspaper of Kolkata.
iii.He served as the president of the Calcutta Sports Journalist Club from 1978 to 1980.
iv.He was the commentator of the famous 1986 tied test of India against Australia at Chepauk Stadium.
v.His son Gautam Bhimani is also a television personality and quiz master.
Awards:
He received the lifetime achievement award for his contributions to sports and media in 2013 at the 5th H&G Clinic Journalism Awards 2012.
Book:
i.He documented the 1975-76 series as a book titled “India’s Caribbean Adventure”.
ii.His book “The Accidental Godman” was published by Manjul Publishing House Pvt. Ltd. in 2012.

BOOKS & AUTHORS

“Portraits of Power: Half a Century of Being at Ringside” Autobiography of N K Singh: Traces the Origin & Growth of the PMO

On 19th October 2020, Veteran Economist and bureaucrat N K (Nand Kishore) Singh released his autobiography titled “Portraits of Power: Half a Century of Being at Ringside”. The book portrays the life of NK Singh who played an active role in the development of the Indian economy. He is currently serving as the Chairman of the 15th Finance Commission.
The book is published by Rupa Publications India. 
About Portraits of Power:
i.The book portrays NK Singhs’s stents from 1964 when he joined the Indian Administrative Service(IAS), serving in higher positions of the Indian Government before entering politics as a member of Rajya Sabha.
ii.This book covers all the personal and national movements that happened in his life.
About NK Singh:
i.He served in the Prime Minister’s Office(PMO), as the Secretary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1998 -2001).
ii.He served in the Indian Embassy in Japan as Minister of Economic and Commercial from 1981 to 1985.
iii.He edited the book “The New Bihar” along with Nicholas Stern of London school of Economics.
Awards:
He was honoured by Japan with its highest national decoration “The order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star” in 2016 and He was the only Indian in the list of the 2016 recipients.

IMPORTANT DAYS

International Chefs Day 2020: October 20

i.International Chefs Day is annually celebrated on October 20 to celebrate the profession of chefs and educate people about healthy food globally. 
ii.The day also highlights the duty of chefs to pass their knowledge and culinary skills to the next generation of Chefs.
2020 International Chefs Day campaign theme– ‘Healthy Food for the Future!’
<<Read Full News>>

World Osteoporosis Day 2020 – October 20

i.The World Osteoporosis Day(WOD) is annually observed across the globe on 20th October to raise awareness on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of Osteoporosis. The day aims to make the prevention of Osteoporosis and fractures a global health priority by reaching out to healthcare professionals, patients, media and the general public.
ii.The first WOD was celebrated on 20th October 1996.
iii.The year-long campaign of WOD 2020 will feature “That’s Osteoporosis” as the headline, and highlight the visuals that impact the emotions and the stories of the Osteoporosis patients.
iv.Since 1996, the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) has been organising the events of the WOD.
About International Osteoporosis Foundation(IOF):
President– Cyrus Cooper
Headquarters– Nyon, Switzerland
<<Read Full News>>

Third World Statistics Day Observed on 20th October, 2020

The United Nations (UN) Third World Statistics Day was observed on 20th October. It is observed to emphasise the importance of data authenticity and credibility. The World Statistics day is observed every Five Years. 
i.The theme of Third World Statistics Day is – “Connecting the world with Data we can trust”.
ii.The Day will be celebrated across the world under the collaborative endeavour and guidance of the United Nations Statistics Commission.
About United Nations Statistical Commission:
Chairman – Shigeru Kawasaki
Headquarters – New york, United States
<<Read Full News>>

STATE NEWS

Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik Launched Electricity Consumer Service Portal “Mo Bidyut” & Mobile App

i.On 19th October 2020 Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister(CM) of Odisha launched the electricity consumer service portal “Mo Bidyut” and mobile application, over a virtual platform. 
ii.The portal was developed by the Energy Department and dedicated to the public under the 5T (Team work, Transparency, Technology, Time leading to Transformation) mechanism, an initiative of the government of Odisha.
iii.The electricity services provided by the Mo Bidyut will be governed and monitored under the “Mo Sarkar” (My Government).
About Odisha:
Elephant reserves– Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve, Mahanadi Elephant Reserve, Sambalpur Elephant Reserve
Airports–  Biju Patnaik International Airport, Jharsuguda Airport, Rourkela Airport, Jeypore Airport, Savitri Jindal Airport
<<Read Full News>>

BSE Signed a MoU Govt of Telangana to Support MSMEs to Raise Equity Funds

i.On 19th October 2020, BSE (formerly known as Bombay Stock Exchange) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Industries and Commerce Department, Government of Telangana along with GlobalLinker to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) of the state to raise equity funds.
ii.This partnership will address the MSMEs challenges due to limited alternate sources of finance which increases their dependence on the debt capital that results in distorted capital structures and restrained cash flow.
iii.Under this partnership the MSMEs of Telangana will have access to the opportunities of equity financing which will support the businesses to grow from expansion to acquisition.
About BSE:
MD & CEO- Ashishkumar Chauhan
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
About Telangana:
Zoological Parks– Nehru Zoological Park, Vana Vigyan Kendra Mini Zoo
Lakes– Hussain Sagar, Osman Sagar, Himayat sagar, Durgam Cheruvu, Phakal Lake, Laknavaram Lake
<<Read Full News>>

AC GAZE

Nokia selected by NASA to build first ever cellular network on the Moon

Finland based Nokia has been selected by the National Aeronautical Space Agency (NASA) to build the first ever 4G cellular network on the Moon. NASA has awarded USD 14.1 Million to Nokia for the project. It is being built for communication purposes of NASA’s ARTEMIS Program to the Moon by 2024. Nokia & Intuitive Machines are partnering for this Mission. The grant is part of USD 370 Million worth of contracts signed under NASA’s “Tipping Point” selection to advance research and development for space exploration.

Scientists Found India’s First Dragonfly Fossil of 2.5mn Years Old in Jharkhand

A team of scientists from West Bengal headed by Mahasin Ali Khan, assistant professor of Botany at Sidho-Kanho-Birsha University found India’s first Dragonfly fossil in Latehar, Jharkhand. The fossil belongs to the late Neogene Period and it is expected to be around 2.5 million years old. The findings of the discovery are published in the October 10 edition of Current Science journal.

Kharif foodgrain production likely to be record 144.52 million tonnes in 2020-21: Narendra Singh Tomar

On October 16, 2020 Narendra Singh Tomar, while addressing a digital conference organised by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), stated that according to the initial estimates, foodgrain production is projected to be 144.52 million tonnes in the 2020-21 kharif season. As per the official data, during the 2019-20 kharif season, food grain production stood at 143.38 million tonnes. During the first quarter of 2020-21 fiscal, this sector grew 3.4% The main kharif crop is Rice.

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