Current Affairs 22 July 2020

We are here for you to provide the important Recent and Latest Current Affairs 22 July 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 25 Current Affairs of 22 July 2020

NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Power Minister RK Singh launched India’s 1st public EV Charging Plaza in New Delhi & RAISE initiative

i.On July 20, 2020, Minister of State (MoS) for Power, and New & Renewable Energy, Raj Kumar (RK) Singh inaugurated two initiatives by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) focusing on energy efficiency, improving indoor air quality and promoting e-mobility. 
ii.India’s first public EV (Electric Vehicle) charging plaza inaugurated by RK Singh at Chelmsford Club in New Delhi in order to make e-mobility hassle free and convenient for the consumers.
iii.The minister also launched a national programme namely “Retrofit of Air-conditioning to improve Indoor Air Quality for Safety and Efficiency (RAISE)” in order to alleviate the issue of bad air quality in workspaces and to develop healthy and energy efficient buildings. It is a joint initiative of EESL and USAID.
About Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL):
Chairman– Rajeev Sharma
Managing Director (MD)– Saurabh Kumar
Headquarter– New Delhi
About Ministry of Power
Raj Kumar Singh Constituency- Arrah (Bihar)
Secretary– Sanjiv Nandan Sahai
About United States Agency for International Development (USAID):
Headquarters- Washington, D.C. United States (US)
Acting Administrator- John Barsa
Acting Mission Director to India– Ramona El Hamzaoui
<< Read Full News >>

Indian Navy hold PASSEX with World’s largest aircraft carrier USS Nimitz in Indian Ocean Region

i.On July 20, 2020, Indian Navy undertook a short joint naval Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the United States (US) Navy near the Andaman and Nicobar (A&N) islands in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) to conduct maritime drills, against the backdrop of the India-China border standoff in Ladakh. 
ii.India was represented by Rajput class destroyer INS (Indian Naval Ship) Rana (D52), two Shivalik class indigenously built stealth frigates – INS Sahyadri (F49) and INS Shivalik (F47) and anti submarine corvette of the Kamorta class INS Kamorta (P28). 
iii.US was represented by US Navy carrier strike group which was led by USS (United States Ship) Nimitz (CVN 68),  a nuclear-powered World’s largest aircraft carrier USS Nimitz and consisted of Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59), Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers USS Sterett (DDG 104) and USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114).
About United States:
Capital– Washington, D.C.
Currency– United States Dollar
President– Donald John Trump
<< Read Full News >>

Union HRD Minister Launched MANODARPAN initiative to provide psychosocial support to students for their Mental Health and Well-being

On July 21, The Union Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ launched MANODARPAN initiative of HRD Ministry virtually in New Delhi. The initiative provides psycho-social support to students, teachers and parents and addresses their issues related to mental health and emotional wellbeing. 

• It is a part of the ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’, to strengthen human capital and increase productivity and initiatives in the education sector.

About Ministry of Human Resource Development:
Union Minister- Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’
Minister of State- Shri Sanjay Dhotre
<< Read Full News >>

Consumer Protection Act, 2019 comes into force; Replaces Consumer Protection Act 1986

i.The Consumer Protection Act (CPA), 2019, which has replaced old Consumer Protection Act 1986 has came into force w.e.f. July 20, 2020 aiming to enforce and protect the rights of consumers, and provide an effective mechanism to address consumer grievances. The act was briefed by Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Ram Vilas Paswan through video conference with media.
ii.Notably, the rules for prevention of unfair trade practice by e-commerce platforms will also be covered under this Act. 
iii.There will be no fee for filing cases upto Rs 5 lakh as per Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission Rules.
iv.A product manufacturer and seller will be penalized with up to 6 months in jail or a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh if the consumers do not suffer any injuries.
Background:
The Consumer Protection Bill, 2019 was introduced in the Upper House of Parliament by the Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Ram Vilas Paswan, on July 8, 2019. It was passed by the Lok Sabha on July 30, 2019 and Rajya Sabha on August 6, 2019. The Bill was then signed into law by President Ram Nath Kovind on August 9, 2019.
<< Read Full News >>

Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Partners with UNICEF’s YuWaah to Mobilise 1 Crore Youth Volunteers to Achieve Goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat

i.On 20th July 2020, The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports(MYAS) signed the statement of intent with United Nations Children’s Fund(UNICEF)’s multi stakeholder platform – YuWaah to mobilise 1 crore youth volunteers in India to achieve the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
ii.Usha Sharma, Secretary, Youth Affairs and Dr.Yasmin Ali Haque, UNICEF Representative in India launched the partnership in the presence of Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Youth Affairs and Sports.
About Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports(MYAS):
Minister of State (Independent Charge)– Kiren Rijiju
About United Nations Children’s Fund(UNICEF):
Executive Director– Henrietta Holsman Fore
Headquarters– New York, United States
UNICEF Representative in India– Dr. Yasmin Ali Haque
<< Read Full News >>

CBDT, MoMSME Signs Formal MoU for Sharing of Data

i.On 20th July 2020, the Central Board of Direct Taxes(CBDT) and the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises(MoMSME) signed the formal memorandum of understanding(MoU) for sharing of data related to income tax returns by the CBDT to the Ministry of MSME.
ii.Anu J Singh, the principal director General of Income tax (systems) and Devendra Kumar Singh, Additional Secretary and Development Commissioner of MSME Ministry signed the MoU.
About Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises(MoMSME):
Union Minister– Nitin Jairam Gadkari
Minister of State–  Pratap Chandra Sarangi
About Central Board of Direct Taxes(CBDT):
Chairperson– Pramod Chandra Mody
Headquarters– New Delhi
<< Read Full News >>

Ministry of Defence signed with BEML to procure Mine Plough for Battle Tank T-90

On 20th July 2020, To boost Make in India Initiative of the Indian government, the Defence Acquisition Council(DAC) chaired by Rajnath Singh, Union Minister of Defence signed the contract worth Rs.557 crores (approximately) with Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) for the procurement of 1,512 mine plough(MP) for the battle tank T-90 S/SK of Indian Army.
About Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML):
Chairman & Managing Director– DR. D. K. Hota
Head Office– Bengaluru, Karnataka
About Ministry of Defence:
Union Minister– Rajnath Singh
Minister of State– Shripad Yesso Naik
<< Read Full News >>

MoCA set up Investment Clearance Cell for Assistance & Clearance of Proposals in Aviation Sector; Headed by Amber Dubey

i.On 18th July 2020, The Ministry of Civil Aviation(MoCA) has set up the Investment Clearance Cell (ICC) under the chairmanship of Amber Dubey, joint secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation.ICC is a single window clearance mechanism for assistance and clearance of investment proposals in the domestic aviation industry.
ii.Nirmala Sitharaman, Finance Minister announced the setting up of ICC in the 2020-2021 Union Budget in February 2020.
About Ministry of Civil Aviation:
Minister of State (Independent Charge)– Hardeep Singh Puri
<< Read Full News >>

Prakash Javadekar: Government approved the Zonal Master Plan of Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive Zone

i.On 17th July 2020, in the review meeting of “Char Dham Road Project” over a virtual platform, Prakash Javadekar, the Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change(MoEF&CC) informed the approval of the Zonal Master Plan (ZMP) of Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive Zone by the Ministry Environment, Forest and Climate Change(MoEF&CC) on 16th July 2020.
ii.The Zonal Master Plan was prepared by the State government of Uttarakhand and appraised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
About Ministry Environment, Forest and Climate Change(MoEF&CC):
Union Minister– Prakash Javadekar 
Minister of State– Babul Supriyo
<< Read Full News >>

Rajya Sabha Launches Employees Welfare Scheme in Arun Jaitley’s Name:  “Arun Jaitley Financial Assistance for Group C Employees”

The Rajya Sabha Secretariat launched “Arun Jaitley Financial Assistance for Group C Employees”, an Employees Welfare Scheme in the name of former Union Minister of Finance, Arun Jaitley .The Scheme will be funded by the pension his family receives as he has been a member of the upper house. The scheme was formulated and approved based on the decision of Sangeeta Jaitley, wife of Arun Jaitley.
Arun Jaitley Financial Assistance for Group C Employees:
i.After the demise of Former Finance minister Arun Jaitley on 24th August 2019, Sangeeta Jaitley, submitted a request to the chairman of rajya sabha, M Venkaiah Naidu, to utilise the family pension (Rs 3 lakhs at present) entitled to her for the benefit of Group C employees of the Rajya Sabha Secretariat with low salaries.
ii.The Rajya Sabha Secretary General, Desh Deepak Verma approved the scheme formulated by the Rajya Sabha Secretariat and the scheme will be put to effect from 2020.
Features of the Scheme:
i.The wards of the Group C employees will be awarded 3 scholarships for higher technical or professional education in engineering, medicine and MCA/MBA/LLB.
ii.Financial support in case of death and medical emergencies will be provided to the Group C employees.
About Rajya Sabha:
Chairman– M. Venkaiah Naidu
Secretary General– Desh Deepak Verma
Recent Related News:
i.PM Modi launches e-Gram Swaraj portal & Swamitva Scheme on Panchayati raj day for accelerating the pace of development in India’s villages.
ii.Jharkhand is set to launch a 100-day employment scheme “Mukhyamantri SHRAMIK (Shahri Rozgar Manjuri for Kamgar) Yojna” to enhance the livelihood and security of urban poor.

CBDT signs MoU with CBIC for smooth bilateral data exchange

On July 21, Two tax policy bodies under the Finance Ministry: The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), signed A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a smoother data exchange between the two organisations. The MoU comes into force from the date of signing.
The MoU was signed by:
Shri Pramod Chandra Mody, Chairman, CBDT and Shri M. Ajit Kumar, Chairman, CBIC
About Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT):
Headquarters- New Delhi
Chairperson- Pramod Chandra Mody
About Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC):
Headquarter- New Delhi
Chairman- M. Ajit Kumar
<< Read Full News >>

BANKING & FINANCE

Harsh Vardhan Launched PNB’s Nationwide CSR Campaign to Fight COVID-19 Pandemic

On July 20, 2020 Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Harsh Vardhan launched Punjab National Bank(PNB)’s nationwide Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR) campaign to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by distributing face masks and sanitizers.

• The bank will be providing COVID-19 related prevention materials to 662 districts throughout the country.

Key People
S.S. Mallikarjuna Rao, Managing Director(MD) and Chief Executive Officer(CEO) and other senior officials of PNB were also present. In addition to them, PNB’s 22 zonal offices across the nation also participated through video conferencing.
About Ministry of Health and Family Welfare:
Minister of State– Ashwini Kumar Choubey
About PNB:
Headquarters– New delhi, India
Recent Related News:
i.Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO) organized a social awareness campaign,‘Break the CORONA Chain’ on Ground zero in different states across India.
ii.Surakshit Dada-Dadi & Nana-Nani Abhiyan campaign launched virtually by NITI Aayog to protect senior citizens during COVID-19.

  APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS         

Ramesh Babu Boddu Appointed as MD and CEO of Karur Vysya Bank

On July 21, 2020 Karur Vysya Bank (KVB)’s Board of Directors has co-opted Ramesh Babu Boddu as an Additional Director and appointed him as the Managing Director(MD) & Chief Executive Officer(CEO) for three years tenure. He replaces P R Seshadri, who resigned in January 2020 citing personal reasons.

• The tenure is effective from the date of taking charge, on the terms and conditions approved by the Reserve Bank of India(RBI) under Section 35B of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

About Ramesh Babu Boddu
Career in SBI
i.Prior to this appointment he was serving as a Deputy Managing Director(DMD) in State Bank of India(SBI). He retired from the post in April 2020. He also worked as Chief Operating Officer of the bank.
ii.Earlier to his appointment as DMD he served as Chief General Manager in SBI.
About KVB:
Headquarters– Karur, Tamil Nadu
Non-Executive Independent (Part-time) Chairman– N. S. Srinath
Tagline– Smart Way to Bank.
Recent Related News:
i.Arun Singhal appointed as CEO of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
ii.Govinda Rajulu Chintala appointed as NABARD chairman, Shaji KV and PVS Suryakumar appointed as Deputy Managing Directors (DMD) of NABARD

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

South Korea Launched 1st Military communications Satellite, ANASIS-II by Falcon 9 Rocket 

i.South Korea launched its first military communications satellite, Army/Navy/Air Force Satellite Information System 2(ANASIS-II). 
ii.The satellite was deployed into a geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) by a Falcon 9 rocket developed by US space firm SpaceX.
iii.It was lifted off from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in the US state of Florida.
About South Korea:
Capital– Seoul
Currency– South Korean Won
<< Read Full News >>

ENVIRONMENT

A Team of Researchers from Singapore Discovered a New Species, ‘Bathynomus raksasa’ in Indian Ocean

i.A team of researchers led by Peter Ng from Singapore confirmed the discovery of a new species called ‘Bathynomus raksasa’(Described as “cockroach of the sea”). The scientists reported their findings in the biodiversity research journal ‘ZooKeys’. 
ii.The researchers found the new species in 2018 during a deep-sea survey off of the coast of Banten, Western Java, Indonesia(Indian Ocean).
iii.‘Bathynomus Raksasa’ is the second-largest isopod species known to researchers to date and  is the sixth “supergiant” species from the Indo-West Pacific.
<< Read Full News >>

SPORTS

T20 World Cup 2020 in Australia postponed due to COVID-19:ICC

The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed that the Men’s T20 World cup, 2020 scheduled to be played in Australia in October – November, has been postponed to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Windows for the forthcoming three ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has been rescheduled.
i.ICC T20 World Cup 2021 is rescheduled on October – November 2021 with final on 14 November 2021.
ii.The ICC T20 World cup 2022 is rescheduled in October – November 2022 with the final on 13 November 2022
iii.The ICC World cup (50 over) is 2023 rescheduled in October – November 2023 with the final on 26 November 2023 in India.
Also, the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2021 will be held in February of 2021 at New Zealand.
ICC ODI World Cup in India Shifted to October-November 2023
Following the ICC Men’s World cup reschedule, the finale of 2023 ODI (One Day International), to be held in India for the first time is rescheduled from February-March to October-November, 2023, with the final on 26 November 2023 in India.
About International Cricket Council (ICC)
CEO (Chief Executive Officer) – Mr. Manu Sawhney
Interim Chairman – Mr. Imran Khwaja
Motto – “Cricket for Good”
Headquarters – Dubai, United Arab Emirates

OBITUARY

Madhya Pradesh Governor Lalji Tandon dies at 85

On July 21, 2020, Madhya Pradesh (MP) Governor Shri Lal ji Tandon, who was admitted in Medanta hospital, in Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, had passed away at the age of 85. He was diagnosed to have chronic liver disease and breathing problems and put on severe medical ailment. He was born on 12, April 1935, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
Mr. Ashutash Tandan, son of Mr. Lalji Tandon and the Minister of Urban Development, Uttar Pradesh, announced his death.
Note – On June 28, 2020, Uttar Pradesh Governor, Smt. Anandiben Patel was given additional charges of Madhya Pradesh in the absence of Shri. Lal ji Tandon.
About Lal Ji Tandon:
i.He served as the 28th Governor of Bihar between 23rd August 2018 to 28th July 2019.
ii.He took charge as the 22nd Governor of Madhya Pradesh on July 20, 2019.
iii.He was elected to the 15th Lok Sabha from the Lucknow constituency in May, 2009
iv.He remained the Leader of the Opposition Party from 2003 to 2007.
v.Served as MLA (Member of Legislative council) from 1996 to 2009.
vi.Served as a member of Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Parishad from 1990 to 1996.

IMPORTANT DAYS

May 7 2020: Vesak Day

The Vesak, also known as Buddha Jayanti, Buddha Purnima and Buddha Day 2020 was observed on May 7 by International Buddhist Confederation (IBC). The day was recognised by the United Nations and celebrated since 2000.The Day of Vesak (1st full moon day in the month of May) commemorates Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death.

June 17 2020: World Crocodile Day

World crocodile day or World croc day is observed annually on 17th June to create awareness about the endangered crocodiles and alligators specious around the world. The day was first observed in 2017 by the Crocodile Research Coalition (CRC) & The Belize Zoo.

• India is home to three crocodilian species viz, The mugger or marsh crocodile (Crocodylus palustris), The estuarine or saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus),The gharial (Gavialis gangeticus).

June 5 2020:  World day against speciesism

On June 5, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), Farm Animal Rights Movement (FARM), and other animal rights groups observe, The World day against speciesism every year to enlighten knowledge about speciesism among people.

Note: The word “speciesism” refers to the assignment of different rights, values, or special consideration to individuals solely on the basis of their species.

2020: International Year of Plant Health

According to Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) data, annually there is a loss of food crops upto 40% due to plant pest and diseases which leaves millions of people without enough food & affects the agricultural sector severely, In order to address the issue the United Nations (UN) has declared the year 2020 as the International Year of Plant Health (IYPH) to raise the global awareness on how, protecting the plant health can help to end hunger, reduce poverty, protect the environment, and boost economic development.

Finland Government has proposed the UN to dedicate the year 2020 as IYPH. FAO and its International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) are the Implementing agencies to promote plant health.

2021: International Year for the Elimination of Child Labour

The United Nations General Assembly has declared the year 2021 as the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labour to eradicate forced labour and child labour across the world. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) will be the Nodal agency for the implementation of activities.

The Republic of Argentina has proposed the Idea of International Year for the Elimination of Child Labour.

STATE NEWS

Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy Presented Rs 9000 Crore Tax Free Budget for FY 20-21

i.Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy, who also holds the finance portfolio presented Rs 9000 crore tax free budget for the financial year 2020-2021 in the assembly. 
ii.The budget is Rs 575 crore more than the previous year’s outlay of Rs 8,425 crore and Rs 1073 crore more than the revised budget outlay of Rs 7927 crore in 2019-2020.
iii.The budget was presented amid objections from Lt Governor Kiran Bedi and without her customary address. 
About Puducherry
Capital– Pondicherry
<< Read Full News >>

Rajasthan Cabinet Approved ‘One-Stop Shop’ Scheme to Fast-Track Investments

i.Rajasthan Cabinet has approved ‘One-Stop Shop’ Scheme– OSS(earlier known as single window clearance system) to fast track investment and capacity expansion proposals by facilitating time-bound approvals and clearances. 
ii.This will help revive industries in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
iii.As per the scheme, entrepreneurs who invest above Rs 10 crore will be able to get 98 types of clearance under one roof at OSS under the Bureau of Investment Promotion(BIP) of the State Industries Department.
About Rajasthan:
Capital– Jaipur
Governor– Kalraj Mishra
<< Read Full News >>

Haryana Cabinet approved ‘Samadhan se Vikas’ to Recover External Development Charges dues

i.The Haryana Cabinet gave approval to the ‘Samadhan se Vikas’, a one-time settlement scheme for the recovery of long-pending dues on account of External Development Charges (EDC). It is modeled on the central scheme ‘Vivad se Vishwas-2020’. 
ii.The scheme is applicable in respect of the full amount outstanding on account of the EDC and on interest and penalty interest.
Note– Many colonisers and builders, mostly in Gurgaon and Faridabad failed to pay the state government over Rs 10,000 crore as EDC.
About Haryana:
Capital– Chandigarh
Governor– Satyadeo Narain Arya
Chief Minister– Manohar Lal Khattar
<< Read Full News >>

AC GAZE

“BlackRock” an Android malware steals data

A new Android malware “BlackRock” has been discovered that steals data such as password and credit card details from 337 apps like Gmail, Amazon and more, which was discovered by mobile security firm ThreatFabric.

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