Current Affairs 27 & 28 September 2020

We are here for you to provide the important Recent and Latest Current Affairs 27 & 28 September 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 27 & 28 September 2020

NATIONAL AFFAIRS

KRITAGYA (Krishi-Taknik-Gyan) Hackathon of NAHEP under ICAR to Promote Farm Mechanization

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) announced a hackathon named “KRITAGYA” (Krishi-Taknik-Gyan) under its National Agricultural Higher Education Project (NAHEP). The national level AgTech Hackathon aims to develop and promote women friendly equipment through potential innovative technological solutions and collaboration with stakeholders to improve the farm mechanization, productivity and profitability in India.
KRITAGYA Hackathon:
KRITAGAYA Hackathon, an initiative taken by the NAHEP in partnership with the Agricultural Engineering Division of ICAR to support the learning capabilities, innovations, employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in the Farm mechanization sector.
Registrations:
Students, teachers, faculties, innovators and entrepreneurs from universities, technical institutions across India can participate and collaborate with the local startups and students of technology institutes.
A group of maximum 4 members with not more than 1 faculty and/or 1 innovator or entrepreneur can compete in this hackathon.
The registration is open from 15th September 2020 to 30th September 2020.
Benefits:
The cash award of Rs. 5 lakhs, Rs. 3 lakhs and Rs.1 lakh will be given to the winners of 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize.

IEA and NITI Aayog Virtually Launched ‘Special Report on Sustainable Recovery’ Post COVID-19

On September 18, 2020 In the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, a ‘Special Report on Sustainable Recovery’ was virtually launched by Dr Fatih Birol, Executive Director of International Energy Agency (IEA) and Amitabh Kant, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NITI Aayog, in the presence of Piyush Goyal Union Minister of Railways and, Commerce and Industry. The report is part of IEA’s flagship World Energy Outlook series. The report was prepared in cooperation with the International Monetary Fund(IMF).

• Krishnamurthy Subramanian, Chief Economic Adviser was also participated the event.

Highlights of  the Report
i.The Sustainable Recovery Plan has been set out in this report for actions to be taken over the next three years(2021-2023).Three main goals are enhance economic growth, create jobs and build more cleaner and resilient energy systems. It also sets out the policies and targeted investments for each key sector.
ii.Global Economy

• Global economy is set to shrink by 6% in 2020.
• During the 2nd quarter of the year(2020),about 300 million jobs may have been lost.
• The global energy investment is likely to shrink by an unparalleled 20% in 2020.

iii.The integration of policy measures and target investments will bring great benefits to the economy and create jobs.
Note– Indian Railways is committed for 100% electrification and becoming net zero emitter by 2030.
About International Energy Agency (IEA):
Executive Director– Dr Fatih Birol
HeadQuarters– Paris, France
Members– 30 member countries, 8 association countries(including India), and 2 accession countries

NMC Officially Replaced MCI as Top Medical Education Regulator w.e.f. Sept 25, 2020; IMC Act, 1956 Repealed

i.The Central government is trying hard to detach corruption from all sections of our society including health sector, the statutory body of which i.e. Medical Council of India (MCI) had faced corruption charges and was dissolved by the Government of India in 2018 with the Board of Governors (BoG)-MCI chaired by Dr Vinod Kumar Paul, member (health), Niti (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog.
ii.Now in a further move, on September 25, 2020, BoG-MCI dissolved by Centre and was replaced by National Medical Commission (NMC) as India’s top regulator of medical education. The notification in this regard was issued by
iii.Along with the above, in pursuance of the provisions of sub-section (1) of the section 60 of the National Medical Commission Act, 2019 (30 of 2019), nearly 64-year-old IMC Act, 1956 (102 of 1956) has repealed w.e.f. September 25, 2020.
About Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW):
Union Minister– Harsh Vardhan
Minister of State (MoS)– Ashwini Kumar Choubey
<<Read Full News>>

India’s First RRTS train with Design Speed of 180 kmph Unveiled

i.On September 25, 2020, the first look of India’s first RRTS (Regional Rapid Transit System) train unveiled by DurgaShanker Mishra, Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and Chairman, National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) during an event. This first RRTS train will provide its services to 82 km long Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS in 2022 after trials.
ii.It should be noted that NCRTC is the nodal agency for executing this first RRTS project of India while the train sets are being manufactured by Bombardier Transportation India Private Limited at their Savli plant in Gujarat under the government’s Make in India policy and AtmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.
iii.It will be one of the fastest RRTS in India which will reduce travel time from Meerut to Delhi to less than 60 minutes.
About NCRTC:
NCRTC is a joint venture of the Government of India (50%) and State Governments of Haryana (12.5%), NCT Delhi (12.5%), Uttar Pradesh (12.5%) and Rajasthan (12.5%).
Managing Director– Vinay Kumar Singh
About Indian Railways:
Union Minister for Railways – Piyush Vedprakash Goyal
Railway Board Chairman – Vinod Kumar Yadav
<<Read Full News>>

India, Denmark Sign MoU to Increase Cooperation in Intellectual Property Rights

On September 26, 2020 India and Denmark signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in the area of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) through exchange of best practices and collaborating in training programmes. The MoU will also include ways to protect traditional knowledge.
Signing of MoU:
The MoU was signed between the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and Danish Patent and Trademark Office, Ministry of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs, Kingdom of Denmark.
About Denmark:
Prime Minister – Mette Frederiksen
Capital – Copenhagen
Currency – Krone
About Ministry of Commerce and Industry:
Union Minister – Piyush Goyal
Minister of State (MoS) – Hardeep Singh Puri, Som Parkash
<<Read Full News>>

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar addresses Ministerial Roundtable Dialogue on Biodiversity Beyond 2020

On September 24, 2020, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Prakash Javadekar represented India at the virtual Ministerial Roundtable Dialogue on Biodiversity Beyond 2020. The meeting was held to exchange views Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development. The meeting was hosted by China.
i.The Dialogue was conducted on the topic of Biodiversity Beyond 2020: Building a Shared Future for All Life on Earth.
About United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP):
Executive Director – Inger Andersen
Headquarters – Nairobi, Kenya
<<Read Full News>>

IATA Inked MoU with UNOCT as 1^st private partner to Cooperate on India-funded CT Travel Programme

i.Around the world, there are many counter-terrorism operations going on to provide security and to proliferate peace. Some of these operations are not only limited to governments but include representatives of the private sector.
ii.Among one of these, there is International Air Transport Association (IATA) which has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) on September 24, 2020 as the first non-government partner to strengthen the cooperation with the United Nations (UN) Countering Terrorist Travel Programme (CT Travel Programme).
About International Air Transport Association (IATA):
It is a trade association of the world’s airlines representing some 290 airlines or 82% of total air traffic.
Headquarter– Montreal, Canada
Headquarter (India)–  Mumbai, Maharashtra
About United Nations (UN):
Secretary General– Antonio Manuel de Oliveira Guterres
Headquarter– New York, United States
<<Read Full News>>

BANKING & FINANCE

Axis Bank Partners with Bayer’s Better Life Farming Initiative in India

i.On September 25, 2020 In order to provide enhanced and comprehensive financial solutions to smallholder farmers and rural farming communities, Axis Bank Ltd, India’s third largest private sector bank, partnered with Bayer’s Better Life Farming(BLF)  initiative in India.
ii.This partnership will offer a variety of end-to-end financial solutions and services like loans, deposits, withdrawals, payments etc., at affordable prices.
iii.Bayer’s Best Livelihood Agricultural Centers will provide the solution, which are owned and operated by a Farmer Producer Organization(FPO), Federation, agri-graduate or a local farmer / entrepreneur.
About Bayer AG:
Chairman of the Board of Management (CEO)– Werner Baumann
Headquarters– Leverkusen, Germany
About Axis Bank Ltd:
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
Managing Director(MD) and Chief Executive Officer(CEO) – Amitabh Chaudhry
<<Read Full News>>

Vakrangee Ltd gets RBI nod to setup Bharat Bill Payment Operating Unit

On September 25, 2020 Reserve Bank of India (RBI) granted in-principle approval for Vakrangee Ltd to set up Bharat Bill Payment Operating Unit (BBPOU) to handle payment services related to bills.
It has received the authorisation under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
Vakrangee Limited:
i.Vakrangee Limited established in 1990 offers banking, insurance, money transfer services, e-commerce, e-governance and other digital services on behalf of its partner’s banks, insurers, government agencies through its branches in rural and semi-urban areas.
About Vakrangee Limited:
Managing Director, Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Dinesh Nandwana
Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra
<<Read Full News>>

ADB Approved USD 570 mn Loans for Urban Projects in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh

i.On September 25, 2020, ADB approved two loans worth USD 570 million (about Rs 4,200 crore) for urban sector projects in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
ii.ADB has approved a USD 300 million loan to develop Rajasthan’s secondary towns by financing inclusive water supply and sanitation infrastructure and services. This project will benefit 5,70,000 people with improved water supply services 7,20,000 people enhanced sanitation services in at least 14 secondary towns.
iii.ADB has approved an additional financing of USD 270 million loan for construction of water supply and integrated storm water and sewage management infrastructure in Madhya Pradesh under Madhya Pradesh Urban Services Improvement Project, which was approved in 2017 with a USD 275 million loan.
About Asian Development Bank (ADB):
President– Masatsugu Asakawa
Members– 68 Nations
Headquarters– Mandaluyong in Manila, Philippines
<<Read Full News>>

SBI Card Launches New Brand Campaign ‘Contactless Connections’

On September 25, 2020 SBI Card(legally- SBI Cards and Payment Services Limited) launched ‘Contactless Connections’, a new brand campaign. The campaign spreads the message that sharing of love and care is possible even during this difficult period(COVID-19) where social distancing is the norm. This campaign is in continuation of the SBI card’s brand campaign  “Ghar Mein Khushiyaan”.
About Contactless Connections
The campaign seeks to bring a new breath of positivity by demonstrating that people can connect emotionally and spread joy, despite the social distancing practices to which we are bound.
About Ghar mein Khushiyaan
The brand film aims to touch a passion with the audience by giving them new hope and encouraging them to fulfill their unfulfilled wishes with their loved ones.
Recent launches & Collaborations of SBI Card
i.Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited(IRCTC) and SBI Card launched a Co-branded Contactless Credit Card on RuPay Platform to reward the frequent railway(train) travellers.
ii.SBI Card Collaborated with Google to enable Customers to use their SBI Credit Cards to make card payments using the Google Pay app on their Android smartphones.
About SBI Cards and Payment Services Limited(SBI Card):
Headquarters– Gurgaon, Haryana.
Managing Director(MD) and Chief Executive Officer(CEO)–  Ashwini Kumar Tewari(Succeeded Hardayal Prasad)

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

Facebook Associated with Matrix Partners India to Scale Early-Stage SMBs

On September 24, 2020 Facebook announced that it has associated with  early-stage Venture Capital(VC) fund Matrix Partners India to scale small businesses in India by providing them with digital skilling support. The partnership with Matrix Partners is a part of Facebook’s VC Brand Incubator Programme, that associates with VC funds to help early-stage Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) to increase their digital potential.
VC Brand Incubator Programme
i.The programme with the tie-up with Matrix Partners India has completed 1 year during which has collaborated with 6 VC funds namely, Sauce VC, Fireside Ventures, SAIF Partners, Sequoia Capital, DSG Ventures including Matrix Partners India.
ii.During the period, the programme has mentored more than 150 brands at various stages of their growth journey.
iii.Over 20 companies from the portfolio of Matrix Partners India including Country Delight, Stanza Living, OZiva, etc.,  have partnered with Facebook on this program.
Note– As part of the Program, Facebook has started a Campaign Lab that helps direct-to-consumer small businesses to get creative solutioning support, and go live with mobile friendly creatives and strategy within 72 hours.
Additional Info

• Other programs of Facebook include ‘Boost with Facebook’ program, ‘FB Advertiser Vintage’ program.
• Matrix Partners India has invested in companies like Ola, Quikr, Practo & Dailyhunt among others in India.

About Matrix Partners India:
HeadQuarters– Bengaluru,  Karnataka
MD & Partner– Tarun Davda
About Facebook:
Headquarters- California, United States
CEO– Mark Zuckerberg

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS        

President Ram Nath Kovind Virtually Presented the NSS Award for 2018-2019

On 24th September 2020, Ram Nath Kovind, President of India conferred the National Service Scheme(NSS) Awards also known as Rashtriya Seva Yojana Award for the year 2018-2019 over a virtual event from Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi. He presented the awards to 42 awardees under 3 categories.
Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports attended the virtual event from Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
National Service Scheme(NSS) Award:
i.The annual award is conferred by the Department of Youth Affairs of the ministry of youth affairs and Sports.
ii.The award recognises the contribution of the Universities/Colleges, +2 Councils, Senior Secondary, NSS Units/ Programme Officers and NSS Volunteers towards community service.
NSS Awards 2018-2019:

Click here For the details of Awardees
National Service Scheme(NSS):
i.The National Service Scheme(NSS) was launched on the 100th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in 1969 with the motto “Not Me, But You”.
ii.Currently around 40 lakh NSS volunteers are enrolled across the nation.

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Sanju Yadav Won the AIFF Player of the Year Award 2019-2020

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, (28 years) from Chandigarh, goalkeeper of Indian National Men’s Football team and Sanju Yadav (22 years) from Haryana, Midfielder of India’s National Women’s Football team were declared as the winners of the annual All India Football Federation (AIFF) Men’s Footballer of the Year Award 2019-2020 and AIFF Women’s Footballer of the Year Award 2019-2020 respectively.
Selection process:
i.Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was selected as the winners based on the votes of the coaches of Hero I-League club and Hero Indian Super league.
ii.In consultation with Isac Doru, Director of AIFF, Maymol Rocky, Head coach of Women’s National team selected Sanju as the winner.
Other 2019-2020 AIFF Awards:

Key Points:
i.Gurpreet Singh Sandhu became the 2nd goalkeeper to win the award after Subrata Paul in 2009.
ii.He was the recipient of the 2019 Arjuna Award which made him the 26th Footballer to receive the Arjuna award.
iii.Sanju plays as a forward for both Indian Women’s Football team and Gokulam Kerala in Indian Women’s league.

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS        

India and Israel to Co-Develop Hi-Tech Weapon Systems

i.The strategic partnership of India-Israel is expanding in various sectors whether it’s innovation or defence. Earlier Israeli companies like Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, Elbit and Elta Systems have also formed seven joint ventures with Indian companies. Now this defence partnership is taking further steps for co-developing and co-production projects of high-tech weapon systems and exporting them to other friendly countries.
ii.In this regard, on September 26, 2020, a new sub working group (SWG) to promote such joint projects, under the overarching joint working group on defence cooperation headed by Indian defence secretary Ajay Kumar and his Israeli counterpart, was set up.
iii.The SWG will be headed by Sanjay Jaju, joint secretary (defence industries production) in the Indian defence ministry and Eyal Calif, director Asia & Pacific from the Israeli one.
About Israel:
Prime Minister– Benjamin Netanyahu
President– Reuven “Ruvi” Rivlin
Capital– Jerusalem
Currency– Israeli Shekel
<<Read Full News>>

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Israel Defence Force successfully tests Sea-To-Sea Missile System

On September 25, 2020 Israel’s Navy and Defense Ministry’s Weapons Development and Technology Infrastructure Administration (MAFAT) successfully test fired a new Sea-To-Sea Missile System. The Missile is yet to be named and has been designed to ensure Israel’s continued Naval Superiority.
i.The New Missile system has been developed by Israeli Aerospace Industries (IAI).
ii.The Missiles will be integrated into Israel Navy’s Sa’ar 5 and Sa’ar 6 Corvette Missile Ships.
About Israel:
Prime Minister – Benjamin Netanyahu
Capital – Jerusalem
Currency – Israeli Shekel
<<Read Full News>>

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Contraception Day observed on September 26, 2020

World Contraception Day (WCD) is observed annually on 26th September.  WCD is observed to improve awareness of contraception and to enable young people to make an informed decision on their sexual and reproductive health.
i.It was first observed on 26th September, 2007 by ten International family planning organizations to raise awareness about contraception.
ii.It is supported by a group of 15 international Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), government organization, scientific and medical societies which spread awareness about sexual and reproductive health.
About Ministry of Health & Family Welfare:
Union Minister – Harsh Vardhan
Minister of State (MoS) – Ashwini Kumar Choubey
<<Read Full News>>

International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons 2020 – September 26

i.United Nations(UNs) International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons is annually observed across the globe on 26th September to provide an opportunity for the global communities to reaffirm and priorities their commitment to the global nuclear disarmament.
ii.The first International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons was first celebrated on 26th September 2014.
About United Nations:
Secretary-General– António Guterres
Headquarters– New York, United States of America
<<Read Full News>>

World Environmental Health Day 2020: September 26

i.World Environmental Health Day is annually observed on September 26 to raise awareness about the environmental health concerns and to highlight the work of environmental health around the world.
ii.The Theme for 2020 is “Environmental Health, a key public health intervention in disease pandemic prevention”.
iii.The day was launched by the International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH) council at its meeting in Indonesia on September 26, 2011.
About International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH):
Headquarters-London, United Kingdom
President– Dr  Selva Mudaly
<<Read Full News>>

STATE NEWS

West Bengal, UKIBC sign MoU to strengthen State’s Industrial Development

On September 25, 2020 West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation (WBIDC) and UK (United Kingdom) India Business Council (UKIBC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate industrial development in West Bengal.
The MoU was signed at a virtual roundtable in the presence of Vandana Yadav, Secretary, Industry, Commerce & Enterprises Department & Managing Director of WBIDC, Government of West Bengal, Kevin McCole, Managing Director, UKIBC and Nick Low, Deputy High Commissioner, British Deputy High Commission, Kolkata.
About West Bengal:
Chief Minister – Mamata Banerjee
National Parks – Buxa, Gorumara, Neora Valley, Singalila, Sunderban
<<Read Full News>>

Assam Govt Developed “Visitassam” New Mobile App for Air Passengers from Other State

i.On 25th September 2020, The Government of Assam developed a mobile app named “Visitassam” which enables the air passengers to download forms and fill it which can be used at the airports to reduce the time on the formalities for COVID-19 tests and ensures the proper social distancing norms.
ii.The government also introduced a change of protocol for the air passengers to take the “Tatkal RT-PCR” test with a payment of Rs.2200 whose result will be given within 24 hours.
iii.The Government has also relaxed their quarantine rules for both rail and air travelers from other states after their recovery from infection.
About Assam:
Stadiums– Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Nehru Stadium, Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Jorhat Stadium, Satindra Mohan Dev Stadium
Dance– Bihu, Satriya Nritya(classical), Barpeta’s Bhortal Nritya, Deodhani, Bagurumba, Tea Folk’s Jhumur Dance.
<<Read Full News>>

AC GAZE

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport gets ACI health Accreditation for Safe Travel

On September 20, 2020 The Airport Council International(ACI), a worldwide association for the air transport industry, granted GMR Group-led Rajiv Gandhi International Airport located at Hyderabad, Telangana, the Airport Health Accreditation (AHA) for the safety measures being taken at the aerodrome. The airport is among the 1st airports in the Asia Pacific region to have received this accreditation.

Plastic Park Scheme

Union Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers Sadananda Gowda announced a scheme for setting up 10 Plastics Parks throughout the country. The Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals has already given final approval in the states of Assam, Madhya Pradesh (2 parks), Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Jharkhand. The Central government will provide funds upto 50% of the project cost (ceiling of Rs. 40 Crore per project) and remaining will be funded by State Government and beneficiary industries. The plastic parks will provide a common facility to consolidate and increase the capacities of the domestic plastic processing industry.

Punjab Launched Smart Ration Card Scheme to Cover 1.141 Cr Beneficiaries of NFSA

Over a virtual platform Capt Amarinder Singh, Chief Minister of Punjab launched the Smart Ration Card Scheme to cover 1.41 crore beneficiaries of National Food Security Act(NFSA) across Punjab. He also announced a state funded scheme to provide ration to 9 lakh beneficiaries who are not covered under NFSA. These schemes will end the exploitation of beneficiaries by ration depot holders and enable them to get their ration from any depot across the state.

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