Current Affairs 3 October 2020

We are here for you to provide the important Recent and Latest Current Affairs 3 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 25 Current Affairs of 3 October 2020

NATIONAL AFFAIRS

MoD Signs Contract worth 409 cr with EEL for supply of Multi-Mode Hand Grenades to Indian Army

i.On October 1, 2020, the Acquisition Wing of Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract with private company Economic Explosive Ltd (EEL) for supply of 10,00,000 Multi Mode Hand Grenades to the Indian Army at an approximate cost of Rs. 409 Crores. 
ii.Notably, these grenades will replace the hand grenade design of World War-II vintage.
iii.These grenades have been designed by Chandigarh based Terminal Ballistic Research Laboratories (TBRL) of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and are being produced by EEL, Nagpur. 
About Economic Explosive Ltd (EEL):
EEL is a wholly owned subsidiary of Solar Industries headed by Satyanarayan Nuwal.
Headquarter– Nagpur, Maharashtra
<<Read Full News>>

Cabinet Committee on Security Approves Proposal for Establishment of ASCON Phase IV Network

On October 1, 2020 Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved proposal for establishment of Army Static Switched Communication Network (ASCON) Phase IV Network worth INR 7796.39 Crore (approximately).
It will be implemented by Public Sector Firm Indian Telephone Industries Limited (ITI), Department of Telecommunication, Ministry of Communications (MOC) and will become operational in 3 years.
Objective:
The Secure Communication System will increase network coverage in International Borders, Line of Actual Control (LAC), and Line of Control (LC) and enhance operational readiness of Indian Army at the borders
Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS):
The Cabinet Committee on Security is chaired by Prime Minister (Narendra Modi). Other Members of the committee are

• Rajnath Singh, Minister of Defence
• Amit Shah, Minister of Home Affairs
• Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs,
• Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs.

<<Read Full News>>

Pentagon Approved India’s Request to Buy US$90mn of Spare Parts For C-130J Super Hercules Cargo Aircraft

i.On October 2, 2020, the United States (US) Department of Defence i.e. The Pentagon has approved India’s request to buy USD 90 million (approximately Rs.660 crore) worth of equipment, spare parts and logistical support for its fleet of C-130J Super Hercules cargo aircraft, procured from the US. The sale would be executed by defence major Lockheed-Martin.
ii.The decision behind this proposed sale is to effectively serve the needs of the Indian Air Force (IAF), in transport requirements, humanitarian assistance and regional disaster relief. The IAF currently operates a fleet of five C-130J-30s and has placed order for additional six C-130J-30s Super Hercules aircraft.
iii.It is to be noted that, India is one of the 17 countries to whom the US has sold its C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. 
About United States:
Capital– Washington, D.C.
Currency– United States Dollar
President– Donald John Trump
<<Read Full News>>

Union Minister Sadananda Gowda addresses “CII Life Sciences Conclave 2020 ”

On September 30, 2020 Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Sadananda Gowda addressed the “CII Life Science Conclave 2020” through virtual mode. The Conclave was organized by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). 
i.The Theme of Life Sciences Conclave 2020 is – “Energizing Make in India through Life Sciences Sector”
ii.It is the 17th Edition of Pharmaceutical conclave and 4th Edition of Biotechnology conclave. It is a convergence of pharma and biotech sectors. 
About Confederation of Indian Industry (CII):
President – Uday Kotak
Headquarters – New Delhi
<<Read Full News>>

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

US Commits USD 1.9 Million to India to Support Informal Sector Workers, Micro Enterprises

On October 1, 2020 United States (US) committed USD 1.9 Million (approximately INR 14 Crores) to support informal workers, whose lives have been affected due to COVID-19. The Financial Assistance has been extended by the US Agency for International Development (USAID). 
i.USAID will support Revive Alliance, founded by Samhita-Collective Good Foundation and co-funded by Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, Omidyar Network India, and Ford Foundation.
ii.It is expected to reach around 60, 000 – 1,00, 000 workers and enterprises, with preference to youth and women.
About United States (US):
President – Donald Trump
Capital – Washington D.C.
Currency – United States Dollar
<<Read Full News>>

Smriti Irani Participated in 25th Anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women Virtually

On October 1, 2020, Union Minister Smriti Zubin Irani, Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) addressed the High-level meeting on the 25th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women (FWCW) – Beijing +25 virtually. The theme of the event was “Accelerating the realisation of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls”.

• During the conference, it was announced that India is committed to full and effective implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

Efforts by Indian Government on Women Empowerment Highlighted during Address:
–One Stop Crisis Centres providing medical, psychological, legal, police and shelter facilities to women under a common roof.
-All efforts are being made to ensure continuity of care for women, especially pregnant and lactating women and women in vulnerable situations
-The ‘National Nutritional Mission’ launched to improve nutritional status of children, adolescent girls, pregnant women and lactating mothers seeks to make India malnutrition free by 2022.
Background:
In 1995, by the report of the Fourth World Conference on Women, governments adopted a 38-paragraph declaration and the 129-page Beijing Platform for Action identifying 12 “critical areas of concern” viz.poverty, education and training, health, violence, armed conflict, economy, power and decision-making, institutional mechanisms, human rights, media, environment, and the girl child.

India, Myanmar 19th round of FOC held virtually; Webinar on Kaladan multimodal Project also Organized 

i.On October 1, 2020, the 19th round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between India and Myanmar was held virtually to review the entire gamut of relations, including border cooperation and the ongoing restoration work on earthquake damaged pagodas in Bagan. 
ii.The Indian delegation was led by Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and the Myanmar delegation was led by Permanent Secretary, U Soe Han.
iii.Apart from the above FOC, a webinar was organised between both nations on the Kaladan multimodal project to discuss the scope and scale for accelerating diplomatic efforts for the successful implementation of the Kaladan project. It was organised by CUTS International located in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
About Myanmar:
Capital– Naypyitaw
Currency– Burmese kyat
President– U Win Myint
<<Read Full News>>

BANKING & FINANCE

Indian Bank Introduced Kisan Credit Card Loan Scheme for Tamil Nadu Fishermen 

i.On October 1, 2020 Indian Bank introduced Kisan credit card loan scheme for fishermen in TamilNadu. Under this scheme, loans up to Rs 2 lakh as working capital can be availed with 7% interest rate. 
ii.This loan will be provided under the MUDRA scheme. The borrowers will be given a Rupay Kisan Credit Card.
About Indian Bank:
Managing Director(MD) and Chief Executive Officer(CEO)–  Padmaja Chunduru 
HeadQuarters– Chennai, TamilNadu
<<Read Full News>>

NABARD Launched Refinance Scheme for WASH Programme, Earmarked Rs 800 cr for FY 21

i.On October 1, 2020 National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) launched a special refinance scheme to support the government’s Water, Sanitisation and Hygiene (WASH) programme. 
ii.For this purpose, Rs 800 crore has been earmarked for the financial year 2020-21. This facility is an effort to promote a sustainable and healthy lifestyle in rural areas.
About National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development(NABARD):
HeadQuarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
Chairman– G.R. Chintala
<<Read Full News>>

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

BIAL and Virgin Hyperloop Signed 1st of its kind MoU to Study Viable Hyperloop Corridors from BLR Airport

i.On September 27, 2020 Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) and Virgin Hyperloop signed a first-of-its-kind Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) to conduct a feasibility study for Hyperloop corridor from Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru(KIAB/BLR airport).
ii.The partnership will examine the feasibility of a mass transit system that enables people to travel in 10 minutes from BLR airport to the city center.
iii.If this project succeeds, this will be India’s 1st  hyperloop transportation system.
About Virgin Hyperloop:
HeadQuarters– United States
Chief Executive Officer(CEO) and Board Member– Jay Walder
About Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL):
MD & CEO– Mr. Hari Marar
<<Read Full News>>

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS        

Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh Selected for Gandhi Award of MGNF

On 2nd October 2020, Eby J Jose, Chairman of Mahatma Gandhi National Foundation(MGNF) announced that Sanjay Singh, Member of Parliament (MP) of Rajya Sabha and the leader of Aam Aadmi Party(AAP) has been chosen as the recipient of the “2020 Gandhi Award”.
He was recognised with the award for being instrumental in the diplomatic intervention of India to remove the image of Mahatma Gandhi on the beer bottles of Malka brewery, a Israeli private company.
About the award:
The Gandhi Award, instituted by the Mahatma Gandhi National Foundation comprises a sculpture of Mahatma Gandhi, a certificate and a cash prize of Rs. 25001.
Key Points:
i.Sanjay Singh was chosen for the award by the committee chaired by K Narayana Kurup, former Madras High Court Acting Chief Justice and convened by Jayashankar Menon, Senior Journalist and Literary luminary.
ii.M Venkaiah Naidu, Vice President of India will present the 2020 Gandhi Award to Sanjay over an award ceremony at New Delhi in January 2021.

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS          

RBI Approved a 3 member Interim Committee of Directors, headed by G Subramonia Iyer to Run Dhanlaxmi Bank 

i.On October 1, 2020 The Reserve Bank of India(RBI) approved a 3 member interim Committee of Directors (CoD) to exercise the powers of Managing Director(MD) & Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of Dhanlaxmi Bank Ltd till a new MD & CEO takes charge. G. Subramonia Iyer will head(Chairman) the CoD, G. Rajagopalan Nair and P.K Vijayakumar will serve as its members.
ii.RBI has directed that the interim arrangement should not continue beyond four months, within which the bank must complete the proceedings of appointing a new MD and CEO.
About Dhanlaxmi Bank Ltd:
Headquarters– Thrissur, Kerala 
<<Read Full News>>

ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS        

Mubadala Investment Company Will Invest Rs.6247.5 Crore for 1.4% Stake in RRVL

i.Mubadala Investment Company(Mubadala), Abu Dhabi based sovereign wealth fund, invested Rs.6247.5 crore for 1.4% stake in the Reliance Retail Ventures Limited(RRVL), a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited. This investment of Mabadala marks the 5th investment into RRVL.
ii.This is Mubadala’s second investment into RIL following its Rs.Rs 9,093.60 crore investment for 1.85% stake in Jio Platform.
About Mubadala Investment Company:
MD & Group CEO– Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak
Headquarters– Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates(UAE)
<<Read Full News>>

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

ISRO to Launch Venus mission”Shukrayaan-1″ in 2025 with France’s CNRS Participation

i.In the domain of space explorations, the space agency Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is credited with AstroSat, Mangalyaan Chandrayaan-1 and Chandrayaan-2. Now moving forward, ISRO is all set to launch its first Venus mission “Shukrayaan-1” in 2025 with participation of French space agency CNES (National Centre for Space Studies; French: Centre national d’etudes spatiales) .
ii.In this regard, ISRO has selected the VIRAL (Venus Infrared Atmospheric Gases Linker) instrument co-developed with the Russian federal space agency Roscosmos and the LATMOS (Atmospheres, Milieux, Observations Spatiales Laborator) attached to the CNRS.
iii.Notably this will be the first time a French payload will be flown on an Indian exploration mission.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO):
Headquarter– Bangalore, Karnataka
Secretary Department of Space (DoS)– Kailasavadivoo (K) Sivan
About France:
Capital– Paris
Currencies– Euro, CFP franc
President– Emmanuel Jean-Michel Frederic Macron
<<Read Full News>>

DRDO Successfully Test Fires Laser-Guided Anti-Tank Guided Missile

On October 1, 2020 Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully test fired the Indigenously developed Laser-Guided Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) from Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun at KK Ranges in Armoured Corps Centre and School (ACC&S) in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. It has a range of upto to 5 kilometres.
Development Agencies:
The Laser Guided Missile has been developed by Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune in association with High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Pune and Instruments Research & Development Establishment (IRDE), Dehradun. 
About Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO):
Chairman– Dr G. Satheesh Reddy
Headquarters– New Delhi
<<Read Full News>>

Indian Railways Launches Portal for Freight Business Development

On October 1, 2020, Indian Railways (IR) launched Freight Business Development (FBD) Portal (https://fois.indianrail.gov.in/RailSAHAY/) exclusively for freight clients. The Portal has been developed by Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS).
Indian Railways has launched the portal to maximize its revenues from freight operations.
RailMadad:
A Grievance redressal portal “RailMadad” has been integrated into the FBD portal.“RailMadad” will serve as a medium to lodge complaints and raise concerns.
About Ministry of Railways:
Union Minister – Piyush Goyal
Headquarters – New Delhi
<<Read Full News>>

ENVIRONMENT

ARI Scientists Discovered 2 New Species of Wetland Plants in Western Ghats: Eriocaulon parvicephalum & Eriocaulon karaavalense 

Scientists of Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) have discovered two new species of pipewort, a type of wetland plants in the areas along the Western Ghats in Maharashtra and Karnataka 
The species found in Sindhudurg in Maharashtra is named Eriocaulon parvicephalum and the species found Kumta in Karnataka is named Eriocaulon karaavalense.
About the 2 new species:
i.These two species showcase a diverse floral character than the already known species.
ii.The tiny seeds and flowers of these species make it difficult to identify them in them in the wild areas.
iii.For a better understanding of the evolution of the genus in India the scientists team has taken up a DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) barcoding work of this species.
Key Points:
i.In India around 111 species are identified, most of these are endemic to the Western Ghats and Eastern Himalayas.
ii.The known species of the genus Eriocaulons has proven to have medicinal values which are used for their anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-cancerous properties but the medicinal application of these 2 species are yet to be traced.

OBITUARY

Kannada Writer & Literary Critic, Sahitya Akademi Awardee GS Amur Passed Away at 95

On 28th September 2020, Veteran Kannada writer and noted critic of both Kannada & English literature GS Amur passed away at the age of 95 in his residence in Bengaluru, Karnataka due to age related ailments. He was born in 1925 in Bommanahalli, Dharwad, Karnataka.
About GS Amur:
i.He served as an English Professor in various universities of Karnataka and Maharashtra.
ii.His noted critics on English literature include his extensive criticism on the works of RK Narayan and Raja Rao.
iii.He was known for his work on the poetry of D.R Bendre, A.N. Krishnaraya and Sriranga.
Books:
i.His notable works in kannada include, “Arthaloka”, “Vyavasaya” and “Kaadambariya Swaroopa”.
ii.His English works include “Forbidden Fruit, Views on Indo-Anglian Fiction” and “Colonial Consciousness in Commonwealth Literature”.
Awards:
i.GS Amur received the Kendra Sahitya Akademi award in 1996.
ii.He received the Pampa Award, the highest literary award of Kannada in 2006.
iii.For his lifetime’s work in literary criticism GS Amur was selected as the recipient of the 2020 Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) Nrupatunga award presented by the Kannada Sahitya Parishat.

IMPORTANT DAYS

International Day of Non-Violence 2020: October 2

i.The United Nations(UN) International Day of Non-Violence is observed annually on October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non-violence.
ii.The day is observed to spread the message of non-violence, including  through education and public awareness. 
iii.In India, to mark the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated. This year(2020) marks the 151st birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. 
iv.Webinar titled ‘Swachhata Ke 6 Saal, Bemisaal’ was organised as part of the 2020 events.
<<Read Full News>>

STATE NEWS

Union Minister Jitendra Singh Inaugurated 23 Road and Bridges Project in Jammu Region

i.On 30th September 2020, Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State(MoS) (Independent Charge), Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space inaugurated 23 roads and bridges projects worth Rs.73 Crore in Kathua, Doda, Udhampur and Reasi of Jammu region over a virtual platform. He also informed that around 1150 kilometres of roads were built in this fiscal till date.
ii.These 23 projects include 15 roads which are built under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) for all weather connectivity and 8 bridges to provide better connectivity to the people.
About Jammu & Kashmir:
Governor– Manoj Sinha
National Parks– City Forest (Salim Ali) National Park, Dachigam National Park, Kishtwar National Park
<<Read Full News>>

WB Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Launches ‘Pathashree Abhijan’ scheme for Road Repair

On October 1, 2020 West Bengal (WB) Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched ‘Pathashree Abhijan’ scheme for Road Repair. The scheme has been launched to repair 7, 000 stretches of road which includes 12, 000 kilometres of road in a time-bound manner.
About West Bengal:
Governor – Jagdeep Dhankhar
Thermal Power Station –  Farakka Super Thermal Power Plant, Durgapur Steel Thermal Power Station.
<<Read Full News>>

Sarbananda Sonowal Launched ‘Kritagyata’, 1st of its kind webportal to Expedite Pension Claims in Assam along with “CyberSafety” campaign

i.On October 1, 2020, the Chief Minister (CM) of Assam, Sarbananda Sonowal launched an on-line pension submission and tracking system “Kritagyata” during a function held at Assam Administrative Staff College in Guwahati. Created on the lines of “Bhabhisya” portal of Government of India, Kritagyata is first portal of its kind among all the states in the country for the convenience of pensioners by expediting their pension-related claims.
ii.Assam Police celebrated its 70th foundation day, i.e. Assam Police Day on October 1, 2020. On this occasion, a month-long “CyberSafety” campaign launched to raise awareness on cybercrimes and safety. It will be jointly conducted by the Assam Police and cyber-security think tank Cyber Peace Foundation (CPF).
About Assam:
Capital – Dispur
Governor – Jagdish Mukhi
<<Read Full News>>

AC GAZE

“The Biodiversity map of Mumbai”: First of its Kind Map on Mumbai’s Rich Flora & Fauna by Rohan Chakravarty

“The Biodiversity map of Mumbai” made by Rohan Chakravarty, artist and cartoonist is a first of its kind map on the rich flora and fauna of mumbai. This map was created for the ‘Biodiversity by the Bay’ campaign initiated by the Ministry of Mumbai’s Magic(MMM), a youth collective for climate action with an intention to inspire pride in all the biodiversity treasures of Mumbai. This was used as a part of the campaign’s social media strategy on September 30.

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