Current Affairs 22 October 2020

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

NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Union Minister Harsh Vardhan launches ‘CuRED’ – website  for information on CSIR Partnered Clinical Trials for COVID-19

On October 20, 2020, Union Minister for Science & Technology, Harsh Vardhan launched ‘CuRED’ or ‘CSIR Ushered Repurposed Drugs’ (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-CSIR) a website for providing information on Repurposed Drugs for COVID-19.
i.The website provides information regarding clinical trials of diagnostics and devices in which CSIR is involved.
ii.CuRED can be accessed at https://www.iiim.res.in/cured/  or http://db.iiim.res.in/ct/index.php.
About Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR):
President – Prime Minister (Narendra Modi)
Director General – Shekhar C. Mande
Headquarters – New Delhi
<<Read Full News>>

CSIR-CMERI Develops Sustainable Municipal Solid Waste Processing Facility

i.On October 18, 2020 In an effort to address the issue of ‘Sustainable Processing of Municipal Solid Waste’, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI) developed Sustainable Municipal Solid Waste(MSW) Processing Facility. 
ii.The CSIR-CMERI MSW Technology intends to achieve a Zero-Landfill and a Zero Waste City and envisions to develop job creation opportunities.
About CSIR-CMERI:
Council of Scientific & Industrial Research-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute is abbreviated as CSIR-CMERI 
Headquarters– Durgapur, West Bengal
Director– Prof. (Dr.) Harish Hirani
<<Read Full News>>

Ministry of Home Affairs Amended J&K Panchayati Raj Act, 1989; DDCs will be Created

i.On October 17, 2020, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has amended the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989 under the J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019 by removing a provision in Section 10 that requires payment of honorarium to panches and sarpanches (village head) in the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K).
ii.The amendment also provides for the creation of District Development Councils (DDCs) in each district of J&K which will have jurisdiction over the entire district excluding areas designated as municipality or Municipal Corporation. The term of the DDCs will be 5 years.
iii.In accordance with the amendment, the accounts of the Halqa Panchayat will be audited annually by a chartered accountant. Halqa means the area comprising a village or contiguous number of villages determined by the government.
About Jammu & Kashmir (J&K):
Lieutenant Governor– Manoj Sinha
Capitals– Srinagar (Summer), Jammu (Winter)
<<Read Full News>>

Surat’s BRTS becomes India’s Longest BRTS Network with a coverage of 108 kms

On 20th October, 2020, Chief Minister of Gujarat, Vijay Rupani inaugurated the newly expanded Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) route from Kumbhariya to Kadodara, Surat virtually from Gandhinagar. With the opening of this BRTS corridor, Surat became the only city in the country to have Longest BRTS network with 108 kms.
Key Points:
i.The newly inaugurated 5.08 Km corridor Kumbhariya to Kadodara was completed at a cost of INR 28 crore.
<<Read Full News>>

6th India International Science Festival 2020, headed by CSIR to be held Virtually from 22nd to 25th December, 2020: Harsh Vardhan 

i.On October 20, 2020 Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Health & Family Welfare, at a review meeting held in New Delhi announced that the 6th edition of India International Science Festival (IISF) 2020 will be held from 22nd to 25th December, 2020.
ii.IISF 2020 will be organized at a virtual platform and will be spearheaded by Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) with support of all other concerned ministries and departments.
Constituency:
Harsh Vardhan– Chandni Chowk, New Delhi
<<Read Full News>>

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

18th meeting of SCO Prosecutors General Virtually Attended by India’s SG Tushar Mehta 

i.On October 20, 2020, the 18th meeting of Prosecutors General of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Member States was virtually organized by the General Prosecutor’s Office of Uzbekistan from Tashkent where India was represented by Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta.
ii.During the meet, Prosecutors agreed to strengthen cooperation in preventing and combating corruption, mutual legal assistance and exchange of regulatory legal acts.
iii.It should be noted that India will host the next meeting of Prosecutors General in 2021. Also, it will host the 2020 SCO Council of Heads of Government on November 30th.
About Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO):
The SCO comprises eight member states — India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan
Secretariat– Beijing, China 
Secretary-General– Vladimir Imamovich Norov (Uzbekistan)
<<Read Full News>>

India Recorded Highest Air Pollution Exposure Globally in 2019:  3rd SOGA 2020 Report

i.On October 20, 2020, the 3rd State of Global Air 2020 (SOGA 2020) report was released by United States (US)-based Health Effects Institute (HEI) and Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation’s (IHME) Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Project in which India recorded the highest annual average PM 2.5 concentration exposure in the world in 2019 followed by Nepal (2nd), and Niger (3rd).  
ii.India is also among the top ten countries with highest ozone (O3) exposure in 2019. Qatar recorded the highest O3 exposure followed by Nepal and India. 
iii.India had the highest burden of infant deaths due to air pollution followed by Nigeria (67,900), Pakistan (56,500), and Ethiopia (22,900). Over 116,000 infants in India died within a month after their birth due to exposure to severe air pollution in 2019.
Static Points:
i.O3 is a major respiratory irritant which is not released directly into the air but is formed in a complex chemical interaction between nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of sunlight. 
ii.NOx is emitted from the burning of fossil fuels (oil, gas, and coal) in motor vehicles, power plants, industrial boilers, and home heating systems. 
iii.Volatile organic compounds are also emitted by motor vehicles, as well as by industrial activities.
<<Read Full News>>

Global Trade Value set to fall by 7-9 percent in 2020: UNCTAD Report

According to “Trade and Development Report 2020 – From Global Pandemic to Prosperity for All: Avoiding Another Lost Decade” released by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Global Trade is expected to fall by 7-9% in 2020 due to the Pandemic. 
i.According to the report, Global Trade has recorded little growth in the Third Quarter.
ii.No region has been spared by an estimated 19% year-on-year plunge in World Trade in the Second Quarter of 2020 due to the Pandemic.
About United Nations Conference on Trade and Development(UNCTAD):
Secretary-General– Mukhisa Kituyi of Kenya (7th Secretary-General)
HeadQuarters–  Geneva, Switzerland
<<Read Full News>>

COVID, Technological Advances to disrupt 85 Million Jobs by 2025: WEF Report

According to the Third Edition of “The Future of Jobs Report 2020” released by the World Economic Forum (WEF), COVID-19 and Technological Advances will disrupt around 85 Million Jobs by 2025.  
The WEF report is based on the Future of Jobs Survey, which is based on projections of senior Business Leaders from 300 Global firms who together employ over a million workers.
About World Economic Forum (WEF):
Founder, Executive Chairman – Klaus Schwab
Headquarters – Geneva, Switzerland
<<Read Full News>>

India 4th Most Powerful Country in Asia: Lowy Institute Asia Power Index 2020 Edition

According to Lowy Institute Asia Power Index 2020 Edition released by Sydney (Australia) based Lowy Institute, India with a score of 39.7 (out of 100) is the 4th most powerful country in Asia. 
i.United States Topped the index with a score of 81.6, followed by China – 76.1 & Japan – 41.0 
ii.However, India has lost its status as “Major Power” as its power came down to 39.7. The score is marginally shy of the Major Power threshold of 40 Points.
iii.India’s overall score showed a decline of 1.3 points compared to 2019. 
iv.India ranked 4th in Five other measures – Economic Capability, Military Capability, Resilience, Diplomatic influence and Cultural Influence. 
v.The index measures power using 128 indicators including economic relations, defense spending, internal stability, information flows and projected future resources.
Rankings according to Lowy Institute Asia Power Index 2020 Edition:

BANKING & FINANCE

Indian Bank partnered with IITMIC to Launch Credit Facility for Startups “IND Spring Board”

i.On October 20, 2020, Indian Bank in collaboration with IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) Madras Incubation Cell (IITMIC) has launched an exclusive credit facility of up to Rs 50 crore for start-ups namely “IND Spring Board”.
ii.This new model for financing start-ups was e-launched by K Ananth Krishnan, Executive Vice President (EVP) & Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in the presence of Debasish Panda, Secretary, Financial Services, Ministry of Finance.
iii.The e- launch was also attended by the Board of Directors of Indian Bank, customers of the Bank and representatives from print & electronic media.
About Indian Bank:
On April1, 2020, Allahabad Bank amalgamated with Indian Bank.
Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)– Padmaja Chunduru
Headquarter– Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Tagline– Your Own Bank
About IIT Madras-Incubation Cell:
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)– Dr Tamaswati Ghosh
Chairman– Dr. Ashok Jhunjhunwala and Dr Bhaskar Ramamurthi
Headquarter– Chennai, Tamil Nadu
<<Read Full News>>

Zenpay Solutions, RBL Bank and YAP join hands to Digitalise Salary Accounts for SMEs, MSMEs

i.On October 20, 2020 In order to drive financial inclusion to issue salary cards to its customers across India, Zenpay Solutions partnered with RBL bank and YAP.
ii.The  corporate expense and salary payment solution helps the employees(working class people who perform manual labor) who work with SMEs(Small and medium-sized enterprises) and MSME(Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise) to receive digital payments through a salary account.
About Zenpay Solutions:
Founder and Chief Executive Officer(CEO)– Ankit Bhargava
HeadQuarters– New Delhi, India
About RBL Bank:
HeadQuarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
Managing Director(MD)& CEO– Vishwavir Ahuja
<<Read Full News>>

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS        

Pravir Krishna MD of TRIFED won the CEO of the Year and Visionary Leadership award 

On 14th October 2020, Pravir Krishna, Managing Director(MD) of Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) received the CEO of the Year and Visionary Leadership Award for his exemplary and inspirational leadership. The awards were presented at the virtual edition of National Awards for Excellence – PSU hosted by the World Human Resource Development (HRD) Congress.
The TRIFED team led by Pravir Krishna won the collective award for the investment in the start-ups category.
About National Awards for Excellence – PSU:
The National Awards for Excellence of the World HRD congress recognises the outstanding initiatives of the government departments, Public Sector Units (PSU) and industry leaders who play a major role to achieve self-reliant economy and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
About Pravir Krishna:
i.Pravir Krishna, 1987 batch Indian Administrative Service(IAS) officer from Madhya Pradesh cadre served as the joint secretary in the Ministry of Shipping.
ii.He was included in the list of the 50 most influential Indians in May 2020, for his contribution towards changing the lives of the tribals.

Bank of Ghana (BoG) won Central Bank of the Year Award 2020 in 7th Annual Central Banking Awards 2020

i.On 13th October 2020 the Central Banking organised a virtual award ceremony to honour the winner of the Annual Central Banking Awards 2020. The 2020 awards mark the 7th edition of the Annual Central Banking Awards. 
ii.The award recognises the excellence in the central banking community.
iii.The Bank of Ghana (BoG) received the Central Bank of the Year Award 2020 and Ernest Addison, the governor of BoG received the award on behalf of the bank.
About Ghana:
President- Nana Akufo-Addo
Currency- Ghanaian cedi
<<Read Full News>>

Seema Gupta, Director (Operations) of POWERGRID Won GOLD Stevie® Award in 17th Annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business

Seema Gupta, Director (Operations) of Power Grid Corporation of India Limited(POWERGRID), a PSU(Public Sector Undertaking) under Ministry of Power, Government of India has been named the winner of GOLD Stevie® Award in the Lifetime Achievement-Business category in the 17th annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business.

• The awards will be presented on December 9, 2020 during a virtual awards ceremony.

Note– The Gold Stevie winners will receive a Gold Stevie trophy.
About Stevie Awards for Women in Business
i.It is an international competition produced by the creators of the prestigious International Business Awards® and American Business Awards®.
ii.It is given to honor women globally who are in positions as executives, entrepreneurs, employees, and also the companies they run.
iii.The Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award winners of this year(2020) were determined by the average scores of more than 180 business professionals around the world, working on 7 juries. 
iv.The Gold Stevie Award has been conferred since 2002, the silver and bronze awards were introduced in 2012.
Click here to know about the full list of Winners
About Seema Gupta:
i.Seema Gupta has over 36 years of experience in the power sector.
ii.She joined POWERGRID in 1991 and was appointed as a Director (Operations) in March 2018.
iii.Prior to joining POWERGRID, she has worked for about 7 years in NTPC limited(formerly known as National Thermal Power Corporation Limited)
Awards & Honours

• In 2017 she was conferred with Special Commendation Award for Outstanding Women Manager in Public Sector Enterprises by President of India.
• She was considered as the Best Contributor at the ITOMS 2018 Conference in Malaysia.

About Power Grid Corporation of India Limited(POWERGRID):
Headquarters– Gurgaon, Haryana
Chairman & Managing Director– Kandikuppa(K.) Sreekant

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS          

IRDAI sets up panel under P Umesh to Examine Need for Standard Cyber Liability Insurance

The cases of cyberattack and high-profile data breaches have increased amid COVID-19 pandemic. In order to curb this situation, on October 20, 2020, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) set up a 9-member panel under P Umesh, Consultant-Liability Insurance, to explore the possibility of a basic standard cyber liability insurance product for individuals and establishments that can manage their cyber risks.

• The panel will recommend the scope of the cyber liability insurance covers for the present context and for the medium term.
• The working group will submit its report within two months.

Other Responsibilities of Panel:
— Examining of various types of incidents involving cyber security in the recent past and possible insurance coverage strategies for those.
–Examining cyber liability insurance covers available in Indian market and in other developed jurisdictions.
About Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI):
Chairman– Dr.Subhash Chandra Khuntia
Headquarter– Hyderabad, Telangana

  IMPORTANT DAYS

Police Commemoration Day observed on 21st October, 2020

Police Commemoration Day is observed annually on October 21. It is observed to honor the loyalty and supreme sacrifice of police personnel for the nation. 
Background:
It is observed to remember the sacrifice of Ten policemen who were killed in an ambush by Chinese Troops on October 21, 1959 in Ladakh’s Hot Spring area.
Key Points:
i.The Annual Conference of Inspectors General of Police of States and Union Territories held in January, 1960 decided to observe October 21 as ‘Police Commemoration Day’ in order to commemorate the exceptional valour by the men of CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force). 
ii.Since 2012, Police Commemoration Day Parade has been held at the National Level at the Police Memorial, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. 
iii.Since 1961, more than 35, 298 Police personnel have sacrificed their lives for the security of the nation and service to society. 
iv.In the last one year, 264 personnel of State Police Forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have lost their lives in the line of duty.
v.343 Police and CAPF personnel have lost their lives to COVID-19 in line of duty during Pandemic. 

Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day 2020 – October 21

i.Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) Prevention Day is also known as World Iodine Deficiency Day is annually observed on 21st October. The day aims to create awareness of the needs of the Iodine, an essential dietary mineral required for the normal function, growth and development.
ii.The trace amount of iodine is required for the normal function of the body since it supports the thyroid gland to produce thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) hormones.
iii.To overcome the risk of IDD, the salt is fortified with iodine (iodized salt).
<<Read Full News>>

STATE NEWS

FICCI Selected as National Industry Partner for the 3rd “Make in Odisha” Conclave

i.On 20th October 2020, the Government of Odisha selected the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) as its national industry partner for the 3rd edition of the “Make in Odisha” conclave. 
ii.Industrial Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha Limited(IPICOL) owned by the government of odisha is the nodal investment promotion and industrial facilitation agency signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with the FICCI for the promotion and investor outreach activities which has to be carried out until the next edition of the “Make in Odisha” conclave.
About Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI):
President– Dr Sangita Reddy
Headquarters– New Delhi
Established in- 1927
<<Read Full News>>

AC GAZE

India and Kazakhstan Explores Co-Production and Co-Development of Defence Products

Sanjay Jaju, Joint Secretary (DIP-Defence Industries Production), while speaking at the inaugural of the India-Kazakhstan Defence Cooperation Expo, a two-day virtual expo jointly organized by FICCI(Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry) and Ministry of Defence stated that many Indian companies are already in talks with Kazakhstan defence industries for co-production and co-development in defence production and for opening a new chapter in the heavy engineering sector.

Aishwarya Sridhar, First Indian Woman to Win Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2020

On 13th October 2020, Aishwarya Sridhar (23 years old) became the first and youngest Indian Woman to Win Wildlife Photographer of the year 2020. The 2020 awards mark the 56th year of the Wildlife photographer of the Year Award. The award show was organised by the National Museum of History, London. Aishwarya won the award for her photograph titled “Light of Passion” featuring fireflies.

ADTL Signed to Build & Run Rs.753 Crore Worth MiG-29 Simulator Centre for IAF

Alpha Design Technologies Ltd. (ADTL), Bengaluru based company has signed the 1st of 2 phased Defence contracts with the Ministry of Defence and Russia’s RAC MiG. ADTL will build, run and maintain the Rs.753 crores worth two types of fighter aircraft simulators. Pilots of Indian Air Force(IAF) will train on these simulators before flying MiG-29. The 1st contract worth Rs.53 crores is to establish the Alpha design and run MiG-29 simulator centre at Adampur airfield for 2 years. The 2nd 18-year contract will be signed after 2 years.

UIDAI Introduce Aadhaar PVC card, a New Form of Aadhaar

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) introduced a new form of Aadhaar, namely, Aadhar polyvinyl chloride (PVC) card. The Aadhaar PVC card has enhanced security features and is more convenient to carry. The pocket-sized verifiable identity card can be obtained at a price of Rs 50.  Aadhaar card holders can order the new Aadhaar PVC card even if their mobile number is not registered in Aadhaar.

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