Current Affairs 30 & 31 August 2020

We are here for you to provide the important Recent and Latest Current Affairs 30 & 31 August 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 30 & 31 August 2020

NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Department of Economic Affairs & UNDP India Launched Sustainable Finance Collaborative to Promote Sustainable Finance in India

i.On August 26, 2020, the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) India launched the Sustainable Finance Collaborative (SFC). In this regard, a three days consultation centered on the broad scope of Sustainable Finance architecture in India was held to accelerate green finance by bringing together leading experts and organizations.
ii.The thematic discussions included critical elements such as the barriers to deploying new and innovative financing such as impact investing, role of blended finance instruments, green finance instruments for sustainable development, need for taxonomy of environmentally sustainable activities, among others.
About United Nations Development Programme (UNDP):
Administrator– Achim Steiner
Headquarter– New York, United States of America (USA)
<<Read Full News>>

IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad Launched “Chunauti”, Next Generation Start-up Contest; Foundation stone laid for NIELIT at Muzaffarpur, Bihar

i.On August 28, 2020, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched next-generation startup Challenge contest “Chunauti” to encourage startups and software products with special focus on Tier-II towns. 
ii.This contest is a part of Rs 95 crore programme, spanning over 3 years, will hunt for around 300 startups working in identified areas and to provide them seed funds of up to Rs 25 lakh and other support from government through the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI).
iii.The minister also laid the foundation stone of the digital training and skilling center of the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) at Muzaffarpur in Bihar which will be developed by the Ministry at a cost of Rs 9.17 crore.
About Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology(MeitY):
Ravi Shankar Prasad constituency– Patna Sahib (Bihar)
Minister of State– Sanjay Dhotre
<<Read Full News>>

Union Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Addresses Inaugural session of World Urdu Session 

On 27th August, 2020 Union Minister for Education (formerly known as Human Resource Development, HRD Ministry), Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ addressed the inaugural session of the two-days World Urdu Conference organised by National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL) from August 27-28, 2020.
<<Read Full News>>

India granted 4th Tranche of US$5mn to Myanmar for India-Myanmar Border Area Development

i.On August 28, 2020, India granted 4th tranche of $5 million to Myanmar for the development of the India-Myanmar Border Area. In this regard, the Indian Ambassador to Myanmar Saurabh Kumar handed over the ceremonial cheque to Lt-Gen Ye Aung, Minister for Border Affairs, Myanmar. 
ii.This funding is on the lines of the  Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by ex-Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in 2012 according to which India would grant a total of $25 million to Myanmar, divided into five tranches of $5 million each annually, starting 2017, for projects on India-Myanmar border.
iii.The Myanmar-India Border Area Development Programmes include providing infrastructure and socio-economic development in Chin State and Naga Self-Administered Region.
About Myanmar:
Capital– Naypyitaw
Currency– Burmese kyat
President– Win Myint
<<Read Full News>>

Kerala to set up India’s First International Women’s Trade Centre

On 25th August 2020, Biju Prabhakar, IAS, Secretary, Department of Social Justice, Women & Child Development announced that Kerala will set up India’s First International Women Trade Centre(IWTC) in accord with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations(UN) at Angamaly, Kochi, Kerala.
This announcement was made during the webinar on “Scaling up Opportunities for MSME women Entrepreneurs in Kerala” organised by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry(FICCI) Kerala State Council.
IWTC:
Aim:
To accelerate women entrepreneurship and secure gender parity while providing them a safe place to start new businesses, set up or expand, and get their products marketed globally.
Features:
i.The IWTC will serve as a facilitator to launch the own ventures of the women entrepreneurs.
ii.This will enable women entrepreneurs to participate in the international trade and gain economic benefits.
iii.This will increase the competitiveness among women entrepreneurship to utilize market opportunities.
Other initiatives:
i.Resource Enhancement Academy for Career Heights(REACH) aims to empower the women with required skills to ensure success.
ii.Through comprehensive support measures, WE Mission Kerala of Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation(KSIDC) aims to scale up existing ventures that are led by women.
iii.www.graameen.in, a venture of Eram Group was the Supporting Partner for the event.
Recent Related News:
i.the Chief Minister of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan launched K-RERA (Kerala Real Estate Regulatory Authority) to bring confidence and transparency in real estate sectors among the customers.
ii.Kerala Chief Minister (CM) Pinarayi Vijayan launched “Yodhav” (Warrior) mobile app (application) at Kochi, Kerala, through which the public can inform police about drug abuse & its distribution.
About Kerala:
National Parks– Eravikulam National Park, Silent Valley National Park, Pampadum Shola National Park, Mathikettan Shola National Park, Anamudi Shola National Park
Biosphere reserve– Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve, Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve

India, Singapore commit to further enhance security partnership at 14th India-Singapore Defence Policy Dialogue

On 28th August, 2020 India and Singapore carried out a review of their defence ties at the virtual meet of the 14th India-Singapore Defence Policy Dialogue(DPD).  The DPD was co-chaired by India’s Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar and Permanent Secretary (Defence), Singapore Mr Chan Heng Kee. 
Key Points:
i.Both the countries decided to boost their defence and security partnership with focus to boost bilateral maritime security cooperation.
ii.During the DPD, the Implementing Arrangement on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) was signed between the two countries.
Recent Related News:
i.Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad represented India in the virtual meeting of the G20 Digital Economy Minister under the presidency Saudi Arabia.
ii.Indian Navy and Japanese Navy (Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force) have conducted a day long Naval Exercise PASSEX (Passing Exercise) for tactical and communications training, towards the Malacca Strait in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). 
About Singapore:
Prime Minister – Lee Hsien Loong
Currency – Singapore Dollar (SGD)
“SIMBEX” – Annual India, Singapore Naval Combat Exercise. 

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Union Minister Piyush Goyal Virtually Attended the 8th East Asia Summit Economic Ministers’ Meeting (EAS-EMM) 

i.On August 28, 2020, 8th East Asia Summit Economic Ministers’ Meeting (EAS-EMM) was held virtually which was attended by Economic Ministers from the ten ASEAN Member States, Australia, China, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the Russian Federation and the United States.
ii.The Meeting was chaired by Tran Tuan Anh, Minister of Industry and Trade of Viet Nam. From Indian side it was attended by Piyush Goyal, Minister of Railways and Minister of Commerce and Industry.
iii.During the meet discussions were held to accelerate economic growth, maintain supply chains and market stability, and strengthen the economic resilience of the EAS region post COVID-19.
About Association of Southeast Asian Nations:
Secretariat– Jakarta, Indonesia
Chairman– Nguyen Xuan Phuc
Secretary General– H.E. Dato Lim Jock Hoi
<<Read Full News>>

India co-sponsors UNSC Resolution for Greater Participation of Women in Peacekeeping Forces

On 29th August, 2020 India co-sponsored United National Security Council Resolution for Greater Participation of women in peacekeeping forces. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution called on full, effective and meaningful participation of women in peacekeeping operations.
The resolution was tabled by Indonesia has been seconded by India, which is the fifth largest troop contributor to UN peacekeeping operations. The resolution has been passed by a consensus.
About UNSC:
Security Council President – Indonesia
Headquarters – New York
<<Read Full News>>

India Ranked 72nd on Global List with Average Monthly Wage of Rs 32,800, Switzerland Tops: Picodi.com

i.In accordance with the global ranking of average wages prepared by Picodi.com, India ranked 72nd among 106 countries with an average monthly wage of Rs 32,800 (USD 437). Picodi.com is an international e-commerce platform, headquartered in Poland, provides discount coupons.  
ii.The ranking has been topped by Switzerland, where the average wage converted into rupees amounts to Rs 4,49,000 (USD 5,989). 
iii.On the other hand the average monthly wage of Cuba is the lowest at Rs 2,700 (USD 36).
iv.Among Asian countries, India ranked 10th out of 16.
<<Read Full News>>

Kiren Rijiju attends Sports Ministers Meeting of BRICS Nations; India to host BRICS Games 2021 with Khelo India Games 

On 26th August, 2020 Minister of State (MoS) (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs and Sports, Kiren Rijiju attended the meeting between the Sports Ministers of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China & South Africa) nations. 
During the meeting, the Ministers assessed the impact of COVID-19 on sports and discussed ways to bring back normalcy in the industry.
India to host BRICS Games 2021 with Khelo India Games 
i.After the meeting, Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju announced that India may host the BRICS Games in 2021 and may align it with the Khelo India Games in India.Haryana will host the fourth edition of Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG).
ii.India is set to get the chairmanship of the five-nation independent international group in 2021.
iii.During the BRICS Games 2021, member countries will be invited to showcase their traditional indigenous games during the inaugural or closing ceremony of the games. 
About BRICS:
Establishment– 2009
Members– 5
Theme for 2020– “BRICS Partnership for Global Stability, Shared Security and Innovative Growth”.

BANKING & FINANCE

Canara HSBC OBC Life Insurance & Andhra Pragathi Grameena Bank Entered into a Strategic Partnership through VC to Offer Life Insurance 

i.Canara HSBC Oriental Bank of Commerce(OBC) Life Insurance Company Limited(Canara HSBC OBC Life Insurance)and Andhra Pragathi Grameena Bank (APGB) have entered into a strategic tie up virtually. 
ii.The distribution tie up is to sell life insurance, health and pension products at all the branches of APGB. 
iii.It is the 1st virtual launch of Canara HSBC OBC Life Insurance tie up with APGB.
About Canara HSBC OBC Life Insurance Company Limited
MD & CEO- Anuj Mathur
Head Office– Gurugram, Haryana
About Andhra Pragathi Grameena Bank
Head Office– Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh
Chairman– Sri A Venkata Reddy
<<Read Full News>>

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS        

Noor Inayat Khan, Britain’s World War II Spy Became the 1st  Indian-origin woman to honoured with a Memorial Blue Plaque

i.Noor Inayat Khan(Noor-un-Nissa Inayat Khan or Nora Baker), Britain’s World War II spy, who served in the Special Operations Executive(SOE) became the 1st Indian-origin woman to be honoured with a memorial Blue Plaque at her former family home in London, United Kingdom(UK). 
ii.She is 1st musilm war heroine of Britain and 1st female wireless operator sent from the UK into Nazi-occupied France to aid the French Resistance during World War II.
About English Heritage:
HeadQuarters– Swindon, England
Chief Executive – Kate Mavor
<<Read Full News>>

SBI to Receive Human Capital Management Excellence Award 2020 for its HR initiative, ”Nayi Disha”

i.State Bank of India (SBI) to receive Brandon Human Capital Management(HCM) Excellence Award(also known as the Academy Awards of Learning & Development)2020,  a global recognition for its HR initiative, ”Nayi Disha”. 
ii.The award winners will be honored at Brandon Hall Group’s annual HCM Excellence Conference, January 26-28, 2021 at the Hilton West Palm Beach, Florida. ‘
iii.SBI has won the award in The HCM Spring Program under ‘Excellence in Learning and Development’ in 3 categories.
About SBI:
Headquarter– Mumbai, Maharashtra
Chairman– Rajnish Kumar
Tagline– The Banker to every nation; The Nation banks on us; Pure Banking Nothing Else; A bank of the common Man; With you all the way
<<Read Full News>>

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

CISF launched ‘Pensioners Corner’ Mobile App for its Pensioners

i.The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has created & launched an in-house mobile Application(app), ‘Pensioners Corner’ to get in touch with the pensioners and to bring them to the digital platform as a one stop solution. 
ii.It will also cater to the needs of its pensioners. It is a part of its ‘e-karyalay’ , an electronic office app launched in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
About CISF:
Headquarters– New Delhi, India
Director General– Rajesh Ranjan
<<Read Full News>>

China Launches Most Advanced Warship Type-054 class for Pakistan Navy

On 23rd August, 2020 China launched the first of the four advanced naval warships, Type-054 class frigates for the Pakistan Navy.  The Type-054 class frigate is manufactured by China Shipbuilding Trading Company Ltd (CSTC) and was launched in the Chinese state-owned Hudong Zhonghua Shipyard, Shanghai. 
i.The Warship is fitted with the latest surface, subsurface, anti-air weapons, combat management system and sensors and will be one of the technologically-advanced surface platforms of the Pakistan Navy Fleet.
ii.In 2017, Pakistan signed a contract with CSTC for the delivery of two Type-054 A/P frigates in 2017. 
iii.054A/P frigates is the successor to the F-22P frigate, and the F-22P frigate which is an export model developed by China on the basis of the 053H3 frigate.
iv.The acquisition of the warship is expected to double the combat power of Pakistan’s Navy surface fleet.
v.It is the largest combat ship that China has ever sold to a foreign navy and is an important milestone for China’s military export sector. 
About Type 054A Class frigate:
i.The multi-role frigate has a fully loaded displacement of 4,000 metric tons and is equipped with advanced radars and missiles.
ii.The Type 054A is recognized as the backbone of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) fleet.
About Pakistan:
Prime Minister – Imran Khan 
Capital – Islamabad
Currency – Pakistani Rupee 
About China:
President – Xi Jinping 
Capital – Beijing
Currency – Renminbi

ARIES Discovered the Accelerated Formation of the Stars of Dwarf Galaxies

i.ARIES astronomers Dr Amitesh Omar and Dr Sumit Jaiswal from the Department of Science and Technology of Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), Nainital discovered the aberration in the formations of the stars in dwarf galaxies while studying several such galaxies. 
ii.This will provide an understanding about the formation of stars and evolution of less massive galaxies in the Universe.
iii.The images of the formation of stars indicates that these galaxies are very disturbed and the hydrogen in these dwarfs are irregular and sometimes do not move in the defined orbit.
About ARIES:
Autonomous Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology(DST).
Director– Dr. Dipankar Banerjee
Location– Nainital, Uttarakhand
<<Read Full News>>

SPORTS

Bryan Brothers, Successful Doubles Pair in Tennis Announced Retirement

On 28th August 2020, The Bryan Brothers, 42-year-old identical twins Robert Charles “Bob” Bryan and Michael Carl “Mike” Bryan, the most successful American doubles tennis players announced their retirement from the professional circuit with immediate effect.
Highlights:
i.Bryan Brothers made their grand slam debut in the 1995 US open.
ii.The Bryan brothers finished their career with a 1108 – 359 team win-loss record.
iii.They secured the No.1 ranking in the ATP doubles ranking on 8th September 2003.
iv.They secured and held the top position of Men’s doubles pair for a total of 438 weeks and 10 seasons (2003, 2005-2007, 2009-2014) as the No.1 team.
Achievements:
They won around 119 trophies which includes 16 Grand Slams, 39 ATP Masters 1000s, four Nitto ATP Finals, 438 weeks at No. 1, the 2012 Olympic gold medal and 2007 Davis Cup triumph.

OBITUARY

Vasanthakumar, Congress MP, and Founder of Vasanth & Co Died of COVID-19

H.Vasanthakumar, Congress Member of Parliament-MP(Kanyakumari Lok sabha Constituency), founder and chairman of Vasanth & Co, founder and managing director of  Vasanth TV( Tamil channel) passed away at the age of 70 in Apollo  hospital, Chennai, TamilNadu due to COVID-19. He is the first MP from tamilNadu to die due to COVID-19. The Indian businessman and politician from Tamil Nadu was born on April 14, 1950 in Kanyakumari, TamilNadu.
Gist about H. Vasanthakumar
i.A first-time MP from Tamil Nadu, H Vasanthakumar had also been elected MLA twice in the past from the Nanguneri assembly constituency and was the working president of the state Congress committee.
ii.He was one of the five working presidents of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee(TNCC) and chairman of TNCC trader’s wing.
iii.He is known for popularizing the concept of Equated Monthly Instalment (EMI). 
iv.He started his career as a salesman in the early 1970s, he also worked for the VGP brothers and sold radios.
Other Positions– He has served as the Vice-President of TNCC.
Books
He wrote a three part autobiographical book series in Tamil, titled “Vetri Padikattu” (Ladder of Success), which focused on his entrepreneurial success and community building initiatives.

Athletics Coach Purushotham Rai dies a day before Receiving Dronacharya Award

On 28th August, 2020 Athletics Coach Purushotham Rai passed away at the age of 79 due to Cardiac Arrest, a day before he was to be conferred with the Dronacharya Award from President Ram Nath Govind in the lifetime category. 
Purushotham Rai was the third person to receive the award from Karnataka in athletics after the Late N. Lingappa and V R Beedu.
About Purushotham Rai:
i.He began his coaching career after graduating with a diploma in athletics from Netaji Institute of Sports in 1974.
ii.He has coached top athletes like Olympian quartermiler Vandana Rao, heptathlete Pramila Aiyappa, Ashwini Nachappa, Murali Kuttan, MK Asha, EB Shyla, Rosa Kutty and GG Pramila.
iii.Rai has coached the Indian team for the 1987 World Athletics Championship, 1988 Asian Track and Field Championships and 1999 SAF Games and was involved in coaching roles at Services, Department of Youth Empowerment & Sports (DYES), and Sports Authority of India (SAI).

BOOKS & AUTHORS

Indian Cricket Coach Gurcharan Singh Co-authored his Memoir “Pitching It Straight” with MS Unnikrishnan

Indian Cricket Coach Gurcharan Singh (85 years old) penned his memoir titled “Pitching It Straight” which is co-authored by sports journalist MS Unnikrishnan and published by Vitasta
The book portrays the personal and professional life of Gurcharan Singh, who trained numerous young talents 
About the book:
i.The 186-page memoir of covers the period when cricket was patronised by royal families and the life incidence of Gurcharan Singh during the 1947 partition.
ii.The book also narrates his recent visit to his native Gangakaas in Pakistan.
About Gurcharan Singh:
i.Gurcharan Singh played 37 first class matches for Maharaja of Patiala’s XI, Railways, and Souther Punjab.
ii.He later joined the National Institute of Sports as a Coach.
iii.He launched the Pace Academy at Gwalior in 1992.
Awards:
He was honoured with Dronacharya Award in 1987.

IMPORTANT DAYS

National Sports Day 2020: August 29

i.National Sports Day is annually observed on 29th August to commemorate the birth anniversary of Indian Hockey Legend Major Dhyan Chand Singh. The day is celebrated to create awareness among the general public on the importance of sports and to attract attention towards sports in India.
ii.The First National Sports Day was celebrated on 29th August 2012.
iii.President Ram Nath Kovind Presented the first virtual National Sports and Adventure Award during the National Sports Day 2020.
About Sports Authority of India(SAI):
Director General– Sandip Pradhan
Executive Director– Anjan Kumar Mishra
Head Office– Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi
<<Read Full News>>

International Day Against Nuclear Tests: 29th August 2020

i.United Nations(UN)’s International Day Against Nuclear Tests is observed annually on 29th August to create awareness and to educate the people about the facts and effects of nuclear weapon test explosions and other nuclear explosions. 
ii.The first International Day against Nuclear Tests was observed on 29th August 2010.
iii.29th August 2020 Marks the International Day Against Nuclear Tests 2020.
iv.The objective of this day is to enhance the need to cease nuclear weapons, to achieve a nuclear weapon free world.
About CTBTO:
Executive Secretary– Lassina Zerbo
Headquarters– Vienna, Austria
<<Read Full News>>

STATE NEWS

UP govt launches ‘Major Dhyan Chand Vijaypath Yojana’ to Build Roads to 19 International Player’s houses

On 28th August, 2020 Uttar Pradesh (UP) Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya launched ‘Major Dhyan Chand Vijaypath Yojana’ scheme under which 19 International Players will get road connectivity to their homes.
i.The initial list includes 19 International Players from the state, and later on more players are expected to be added to the list.
ii.The list includes Indian Cricketers Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Praveen Kumar, Piyush Chawla and Mohammad Kaif.
iii.A road will be named after Late Cricketer and Former Cabinet Minister Chetan Chauhan.
Recent Related News:
i.The Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and PWD Minister of State Keshav Prasad Maurya,announced the development of 800 km herbal roads along the state and national highways through the state.
ii.The Uttar Pradesh (UP) government approved a draft ordinance titled “Cow Slaughter Prevention (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020” to protect cows and prevent their slaughter.
About Uttar Pradesh:
Capital – Lucknow
Nuclear Power Plant – Narora Atomic Power Station (440MW)

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