Current Affairs 8 December 2020

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Top 20 Current Affairs of 8 December 2020

NATIONAL AFFAIRS

PASSEX 2020 between Russian Federation Navy and Indian Navy held in Eastern IOR

i.On the occasion of Indian Navy Day i.e. December 4, 2020, a two-day long Passage Exercise (PASSEX) 2020 between Russian Federation Navy (RuFN) and Indian Navy (IN) was held from 4 to 5 December 2020 in the Eastern Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
ii.The Indian side was represented by 2 warships viz. indigenously constructed guided missile frigate Shivalik and anti-submarine corvetteKadmatt along with integral helicopters while Russian side included 3 ships- RuFN guided missile cruiser Varyag, large anti-submarine ship Admiral Panteleyev and medium ocean tanker Pechenga.
iii. Aim: To enhance interoperability and assimilation of best practices between both friendly navies.
About Indian Navy:
Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS)– Admiral Karambir Singh
Integrated Headquarters MoD-Ministry of Defence (Navy)– New Delhi
About Russia:
Capital– Moscow
Currency– Russian ruble
President– Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin
<<Read Full News>>

Govt Launched QRMP scheme for GST Payers with Turnover upto Rs 5 cr

i.On December 5, 2020, the Central Government in exercise of the powers conferred under sub-section (1) of section 39 read with sub-section (7) of section 39 of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 (12 of 2017) has initiated the “Quarterly Return filing & Monthly Payment (QRMP)” scheme for small taxpayers under GST System whose aggregate annual turnover of up to Rs 5 crore in the preceding financial year. The notifications for the same were issued by Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).
ii.The scheme allows the taxpayers to file GSTR-3B (sales) on a quarterly basis and pay tax every month w.e.f. January 1, 2021.
iii.Under this, the registered person or a taxpayer will furnish a return for every quarter, under sub-rule (1) of rule 61A of the Central Goods and Services Tax Rules, 2017 and pay the monthly tax under sub-section (7) of section 39 of the same Act.
iv.After the above changes the act is named as the Central Goods and Services Tax (Thirteenth Amendment) Rules, 2020.
v.This scheme is optional and can be availed based on GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number).
vi.It should be noted that the recommendation for the scheme was made by the GST Council in its 42nd meeting held on October 5, 2020.
About Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC):
Chairman– M. Ajit Kumar
Parent Ministry– Ministry of Finance
<<Read Full News>>

PM Narendra Modi addressed IIT-2020 Global Summit

On 4th December, 2020 Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually addressed the World’s largest virtual Summit- IIT-2020 Global Summit on the inaugural day of the summit. The 2 day summit(4th & 5th December) is organised by PanIIT USA.The summit is chaired by Sanjiv Goyal & Co-chaired by Witty Bindra.
Theme of the IIT-2020 Global Summit – “The Future is Now”.
About the IIT-2020 Global Summit:
i.The Summit will focus on issues like the global economy, technology, innovation, health, habitat conservation and universal education.
ii.The summit also saw the participation of Union Minister of Education, Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ making discussion on New Education Policy(NEP)-2020.
Highlights of PM’s Speech:
i.Government’s commitment towards the principle of “Reform, Perform, Transform”
ii.India’s move to Convert 44 Union labour laws into 4 codes.
iii.One of the Lowest corporate tax rates in the world, Production linked Incentive Scheme to enhance exports and manufacturing.
iv.India’s recent host of the Vaibhav Summit to encourage top-quality talent in science and innovation
v.The PM urged the community to share ideas and inputs on the 75th Anniversary of India’s Independence day in 2022.
About IITs in India:
Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) are the premier autonomous public technical and research universities located across India to provide world class Technical education.
First established- IIT Kharagpur, West Bengal in 1951.
Total Number of IITs- 23
About PanIIT USA:
Mission- Promote and enhance a common “IIT” brand for the IIT’s and its Alumni in the USA, helping alumni achieve their professional and personal goals in the USA.
Chairman of IIT-2020 Global Summit- Sanjiv Goyal
President- Sundy Srinivasan
First Conference- 2003

UP Renames Dandupur Railway Station as Maa Barahi Devi Dham

The Government of India consented to change the name of Dandupur railway station located between Pratapgarh and Badshahpur on the Varanasi railway section, Uttar Pradesh(UP) as “Maa Barahi Devi Dham”. 

• Following the consent of the central government Chief Minister (CM) Yogi Adityanath also approved the name change.
• The official notification for the name change will be issued after the approval of the Chief Minister.

Background:
Yogi Adityanath has initiated the process to recognise the local religious and spiritual sites considering public aspirations.
Maa Barahi Devi:
i.The station is named after the Temple “Maa Barahi Devi” located in Parasrampur village, six kilometres from the railway station.
ii.The temple is known for its annual fair which is visited by a large number of people.
Other Recent Name Changes in UP:

• The name of the Mughalsarai Junction near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh has been  changes as Deen Dayal Upadhyay junction.
• Allahabad Junction has been renamed as Prayagraj Junction.
• Allahabad City has been renamed as Prayagraj Rambag
• Allahabad Chhioki has been renamed as Prayagraj Chheoki
• Prayag Ghat has been renamed as Prayagraj Sangam.

CBIC Makes it Compulsory to Mention 8-digit HSN Code in GST Invoice for 49 Chemical-Based Products

On December 1, 2020 The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs(CBIC) made it compulsory for a registered person to mention the 8 digit HSN(Harmonised System of Nomenclature) code or tariff code for 49 chemical based products at the time of issuing Goods and Services Tax (GST) invoice. It is to be noted that this is the first time a specific category of suppliers are mandated to use 8 digit HSN Code on every invoice irrespective of the aggregate turnover.

• This is effective from December 1, 2020.
• Currently, businesses mention up to 4-digit tariff code while issuing invoices.

Note
This change was made by CBIC, on the recommendations of the Council, in exercise of the powers conferred by the first proviso to rule 46 of the Central Goods and Services Tax Rules, 2017.
Key Info
i.This change is expected to avoid classification disputes and reduce tax leakages.
ii.Following this change, the industry dealing in these goods needs to undertake HSN classification at 8 digit level for their products along with requisite ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) changes.
iii.The 49 chemical list include Dimethyl propylphosphonate, Dimethyl methylphosphonate, Trichloronitromethane among others.
Gist About HSN:

• This system has been introduced for the purpose of systematic classification of goods all over the world.The HSN code consists of 21 sections, 99 chapters, 1,244 headings and 5,224 subheadings.
• HSN Code in India, is internationally called as HS Code. HS Code was developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and came into effect from 1988.
• India uses a 8 digit identification code, whereas, HS Code is a 6 digit identification number.

About World Customs Organization (WCO):
Members– 183(including India, which has been member of it since 1971)
Headquarters– Brussels, Belgium
Secretary General– Kunio Mikuriya (Japan)

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

IUCN Report named India’s Western Ghats under Significant Concern

i.In accordance with the new report by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) namely “IUCN World Heritage Outlook 3”, India’s Western Ghats, inscribed by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) in 2012 as a natural world heritage site, is threatened by population pressure, urbanization and climate change. The site is regarded as of significant concern.
ii.The term significant concern in the report means the value of the site is threatened by a number of current and/or potential threats and there is a requirement of additional conservation measures in order to keep the value of site in long term.
iii.Notably, Western Ghats are one of the world’s eight hottest hot spots of biological diversity. The other seven are Madagascar, Philippines, Sundaland [South East Asia], Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, Caribbean, Indo-Burma, and Eastern Arc and Coastal Forests of Tanzania/Kenya.
About International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN):
Director General– Dr Bruno Oberle
Headquarter– Gland, Switzerland
<<Read Full News>>

UN CND removes Cannabis from “Most Dangerous Drug” Category 

In the Ongoing 63rd session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (UN-CND), Cannabis has been removed from the “Most Dangerous Drug” category.It is removed after UNCND voted to remove cannabis and cannabis resin from Schedule IV of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, decades after they were first placed on the list.
i.Out of the 53-member CND, 27 member states voted in favour including India, US and most of European Nations and 25 members against.
Note:
The move comes as a response to the World Health Organisation (WHO’s) 6 key recommendation from 2019 to remove cannabis from the “most dangerous” category.
Key Points:
Currently in India, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, illegalises any mixture with or without any neutral material, of any of the two forms of cannabis – charas and ganja — or any drink prepared from it.
About UN- CND:
Function- A global drug control convention to decide on the scope of control of substances by placing them under different categories.
Formed on 15th February, 1946
Headquarters- Vienna, Austria
Chairman of the 63rd session- H.E. Mansoor Ahmad Khan, Pakistan
About Cannabis:
i.Cannabis is obtained from Cannabis Sativa plant, popularly known by its Mexican name “Marijuana” referring to the leaves or other parts of the plant.
ii.Indian state of Uttarakhand has legalised the commercial cultivation of Cannabis.
Medicinal Uses:
The Medicinal uses of Cannabis is still unclear with low quality evidence. Yet over 50 countries jurisdictions have allowed the medicinal cannabis programs for both medication and recreation despite it being in the UN list.

BANKING & FINANCE

Kotak Mahindra AMC Launched India’s 1^st international REIT Fund of Funds

i.On December 7, 2020, Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company Limited (KMAMC) or Kotak Mutual Fund launched India’s first diversified REIT (Real Estate Investment Trusts) Mutual Fund namely “Kotak International REIT Fund of Funds”.
ii.It is an open-ended mutual fund scheme that will invest in units of SMAM Asia REIT Sub Trust Fund to provide long-term capital appreciation and income.
iii.The SMAM Asia REIT Sub Trust Fund is one of the largest Asia Pacific (Excluding Japan) REIT funds investing in listed REITs in the Asia Pacific region. It is managed by Sumitomo Mitsui DS AMC Limited headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.
About Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company Limited (KMAMC):
Group President & Managing Director (MD)– Nilesh Shah
Headquarter– Mumbai, Maharashtra
<<Read Full News>>

ICICI Bank Launched “iMobile Pay” App

i.On December 7, 2020, ICICI (Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation of India) Bank launched “iMobile Pay” app offering payments and banking services for all i.e. customers of any bank can use this app.Bank claims that, iMobile Pay is 1st of its kind app.
ii.It has all features of payment apps like scanning of QR (Quick Response) code for making payments, sending money to any UPI ID, bank account, self, instant transfer of money free-of-cost to any bank account, payment app or digital wallet.
About ICICI Bank:
Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Sandeep Bakhshi
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
Tagline– Hum Hai Na, Khayal Apka
Virtual Assistant– iPal
<<Read Full News>>

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS        

Mondo Duplantis and Yulimar Rojas Named ‘2020 World Athletes of the Year’ at World Athletics Awards 2020 

i.On December 5, 2020 Pole Vaulter Mondo Duplantis of Sweden was named as the male World Athletes of the Year(2020) and Triple Jumper Yulimar Rojas of Venezuela as the female World Athletes of the Year(2020) at the World Athletics Awards 2020.
ii.The award is annually given by World Athletics, the international governing body for the sport of athletics.
iii.Mondo Duplantis, who is 21 years old is the youngest athlete ever to be named as the World Athlete of the Year. He is  also the first Swedish man or woman to win the award.
About World Athletics:
It is formerly known as the International Amateur Athletic Federation and International Association of Athletics Federations, both abbreviated as the IAAF.
HeadQuarters-Monaco
President– Sebastian COE
<<Read Full News>>

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

China launches Gaofen-14 – Earth Observation Satellite from XSLC

On December 6, 2020, China National Space Administration (CNSA) successfully launched Gaofen-14, a New Earth Observation Satellite from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre (XSLC) in Southwest China’s Sichuan province. The Satellite was sent into orbit by Long March-3B/G5 Carrier Rocket.  This was the first use of the G5 version of the Long March-3B launch vehicle which features a longer fairing.
i.The launch is the 354th Flight of the Long March Carrier Rocket series.
ii.Gaofen is a series of Chinese High-resolution Earth Observation Satellites for China’s High-Resolution Earth Observation System (CHEOS).
iii.The satellite will be used for large scale digital topographic maps, digital surface models and provides basic geographic information.
iv.The Geographic data obtained from the satellite will be used to realize projects under the Belt & Road Initiative (BRI).
Gaofen series:
The Gaofen project is one of the 16 major projects of China which are aimed at boosting China’s self-reliance in accessing high-resolution earth observation data.
<<Read Full News>>

Indigenous Howitzer – ATAGS developed by DRDO undergoes trial in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra

On December 6, 2020, The Indigenous Howitzer (known as Artillery Guns)- Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) developed by DRDO (Defence Research & Development Organization) underwent Trials at Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. The Howitzer has a strike range of around 50 Kms. DRDO partnered with Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), and private companies Bharat Forge Limited, Mahindra Defence Naval System, Tata Power Strategic Engineering Division and Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) for the project.
Key Points:
i.The ATAGS project was initiated by DRDO in 2013 for replacing older guns in the Indian Army with the latest 155 mm Artillery Gun.
ii.The ATAGS Howitzer was publicly showcased for the first time at the 68th Republic Day Parade in 2017.
iii.Howitzers are listed in the Negative Import List released by the Defence Ministry on August 9, 2020, which means that they have to be produced in India under Make in India.
About Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO):
Chairman – Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy
Headquarters – New Delhi
<<Read Full News>>

Japan’s Hayabusa2 brings Rock Samples from Asteroid “Ryugu”

On December 6, 2020, A small capsule containing First rock samples from beneath the surface of Asteroid ‘Ryugu’ landed at Woomera in South Australia, it was released by Japanese Spacecraft Hayabusa 2. The samples are expected to provide clues regarding the origin of the solar system & life on our planet.
i.Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) stated that this is the 1st time that an international spacecraft has visited a celestial body which is under 100 metres in diameter.
ii.The capsule was sent by Hayabusa2 from about 300 Million Kilometres (180 Million Miles).
iii.The samples will be shared with JAXA, NASA (National Aeronautics & Space Administration, United States) and other international organisations.
About Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA):
President – Yamakawa Hiroshi
Headquarters – Tokyo, Japan
<<Read Full News>>

SPORTS

Sergio Perez wins Formula 1 Rolex 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix; Jehan Daruvala becomes 1st Indian to win F2 race

On December 6, 2020, Mexico’s Sergio Perez (Racing Point BWT Mercedes) won the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix (officially known as the Formula 1 Rolex Sakhir Grand Prix 2020) held at ‘Outer Circuit’ configuration at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, Bahrain. Sergio Perez became the First Mexican Formula One Driver to win a race since Pedro Rodriguez who won the 1970 Belgain Grand Prix. The Championships are organized by Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).
i.France’s Esteban Ocon (Renault) finished second, while Canada’s Lance Stroll (Racing Point BWT Mercedes) came Third.
Jehan Daruvala 1st Indian to win a Formula 2 race:
i.On December 6, 2020, Indian Driver Jehan Daruvala became the First Indian to win a Formula 2 race during the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix.
ii.Jehan drives for Carling Racing, he hails from Mumbai, Maharashtra.
About Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA):
President – Jean Todt
Headquarters – Paris, France
<<Read Full News>>

OBITUARY

Tabaré Vázquez, Former & 1st Socialist President of Uruguay Passed Away at 80

On December 5, 2020 Tabaré Vázquez(Tabaré Ramón Vázquez Rosas), former president of Uruguay passed away at the age of 80 in Montevideo, Uruguay due to lung cancer. He is the 1st Socialist President of Uruguay.Later he became the member of Broad Front party.He served as the president for 2 terms(2005-2010 and 2015-2020). He was born on 17th January 1940 in Montevideo, Uruguay.
About  Tabaré Vázquez
i.Apart from being a politician, he is an oncologist.
ii.He received Order of Merit and Grand Collar of the National Order of San Lorenzo
iii.In recognition of his leadership on tobacco control in Uruguay, he was awarded the World Health Organization(WHO) Director-General’s Award in 2006
iv.His leadership in tobacco control has paved the way to implement some of the most stringent tobacco control measures in the world.

Veteran Marathi Actor Ravi Patwardhan Passed Away at 84

On 5th November 2020, Veteran Marathi Actor Ravi Patwardhan well known for his role in Aggabai Sasubai passed away at the age of 84 at a private hospital in Thane, Maharashtra.
About Ravi Patwardhan:
i.Ravi Patwardhan has been in the entertainment industry for more than 40 years.
ii.He has acted in numerous plays and has starred in more than 200 films in Hindi and Marathi.
iii.His famous works include, Yeshwant (1997),  Asha Asavya Sun (1981), Umbartha (1982), Jhanjaar (1987) and Jyotiba Phule(2019)(marathi show).
iv.He has also appeared in the well known Marathi agriculture show “Aamchi Maati Aamchi Maansa” on Doordarshan (DD) in mid 80’s.

BOOKS & AUTHORS

Union Education Minister Presented 1st Copy of his Inspirational Book “Pioneer of Humanity: Maharishi Arvind” to President Ram Nath Kovind

On December 5, 2020 Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, Union Education Minister presented 1st copy of his inspirational book ‘Pioneer of Humanity: Maharishi Arvind’(The book is in Hindi with the title ‘Manavta ke Praneta Maharishi Arvind’) to President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The book is about Sri Aurobindo Ghosh(Maharishi Arvind), an Indian philosopher, yogi, guru, poet, and nationalist.
About the Book:
Through this book, Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank conveys Aurobindo Ghosh’s philosophy and thinking in a simple language to the younger generation of the world.
Note– The ideas of Maharishi Arvind plays the role of catalyst to make the country a knowledge-based superpower
About Aurobindo Ghosh:
i.Aurobindo Ghosh(15 August 1872 – 5 December 1950) was best known for his philosophy on human evolution and Integral Yoga.
ii.He is the founder of Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry.
iii.The Post & Telegraphs Department(now called as Department of Post), Ministry of Communications, Govt of India, released a commemorative stamp on his 92nd birth anniversary on 15th August, 1964.
About Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank:
i.He is the Former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand
ii.He has authored about 75 books.Many of his books were translated into many national and foregin languages.
iii.His books include Dreams that Don’t Let You Sleep: Based on the Life Skills Management of Dr. Kalam, among others.
iv.He has received many awards including the Sahitya Bharati Award and Vatayan Lifetime Achievement Award 2020(recently received).

IMPORTANT DAYS

International Civil Aviation Day 2020: December 7

The United Nations(UN) International Civil Aviation Day is annually celebrated across the globe on December 7 to help create and strengthen worldwide awareness about the importance of international civil aviation to the social and economic development of countries.
The day also aims to create awareness about the role of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in promoting the safety, efficiency and regularity of international air transport.
International Civil Aviation Day theme for 2020-2023 is “Advancing Innovation for Global Aviation Development”.
About International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO):
It is a specialized agency of the United Nations.
Secretary General–  Dr. Fang Liu (China)
HeadQuarters– Montreal, Canada
President of ICAO Council– Mr. Salvatore Sciacchitano
Member States– 193(including India, which also the Council Member State)
<<Read Full News>>

Armed Forces Flag Day 2020 – December 7

i.The Armed Forces Flag Day is annually observed across India on 7th December to honour the martyrs and the men and women in uniform who protect the honour of the country.
ii.The first Armed Forces Flag Day was observed on 7th December 1949.
iii.The Government of India has decided that December 2020 will be celebrated as the “Gaurav Maah” (Pride Month) to honour the contributions of armed forces and its veterans.
iv.Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, presided over the 2nd Edition of the Armed Forces Flag Day Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR) Conclave which was organised on 4th December 2020.
Ministry of Defence:
Union Minister– Rajnath Singh
Minister of State– Shripad Yesso Naik
<<Read Full News>>

STATE NEWS

UP CM Yogi Adityanath Launched “Mera Covid Kendra” App to Locate Free COVID-19 Test Centres

On 5th December 2020, Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister (CM) of Uttar Pradesh (UP) launched a mobile application “Mera Covid Kendra” or “My Covid Centre” to locate free COVID-19 testing centres in the state. The app was developed by the department of health and family welfare of Uttar Pradesh.
Aim:
The app is aimed to provide support to people to get information about the public and private testing lab located within 5 kilometers.
Mera Covid Kendra:
i.The app will enable people to access all the details related to the testing labs like, map, centre timing, test type and others.
ii.The application can be downloaded for free from the Google Play store.All the COVID-19 testing centers have been geotagged.
iii.The health department field staff and district administration will be updating the list, when new testing facilities are opened.
Note:
The people without mobile phone access can get the list of testing centres from the director general medical health website.
Key Points:
Uttar Pradesh became the first state to test more than 2 crore samples for COVID-19
The state government has established free testing centers at all the districts and the government also has fixed the rates for tests done in Private labs.
About Uttar Pradesh:
Capital– Lucknow
Governor– Anandiben Mafatbhai Patel

Maharashtra Approves 10 New Conservation Reserves & 1 New Wildlife Sanctuary;Kanhargaon becomes 50th WLS of Maharashtra

On December 5, 2020, Maharashtra’s 16th State Board of Wildlife (SBWL) meeting headed by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray approved the declaration of 10 new Conservation Reserves (CR) & 1 New Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) in Maharashtra.  Kanhargaon in Chandrapur district was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary making it Maharashtra’s 50th Wildlife Sanctuary.
10 Conservation Reserves:
i.The 10 CRs are Mahendri, Amboli-Dodamarg (Sindhudurg), Jor-Jambhli (Satara), Munia (Nagpur) and Chandgad, Panhalgad, Vishalgad, Gaganbawda, Mayni and Ajra-Bhudargad.
ii.Eight CRs are situated in the Western Maharashtra and two are situated in Vidarbha.
Key Points:
i.With these additions, Maharashtra has expanded its protected area network over 10, 807 Square Kilometres (Sq kms), which is the highest in India.
ii.Kanhargaon sanctuary covers an area of 269 Square Kilometres and is set to play a major role in conservation of Tigers & Leopards.
iii.According to a survey conducted by Wildlife Conservation Trust (WCT) in 2015, 10 Tigers & 23 Leopards live in Kanhargaon region.
iv.After the additions, Maharashtra would have 6 National Parks (1. 273.56 Sq kms), 50 Wildlife Sanctuaries (6, 727.9 Sq kms) & 17 CRs (1, 498.5 Sq kms).
v.The Main objective of the approval is to reduce man-animal conflicts in the state.
About Maharashtra:
Tiger Reserves – Bor Tiger Reserve, Melghat Tiger Reserve, Nawegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve, Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve
Cricket Stadiums – Wankhede Stadium (Mumbai), Brabourne Stadium (Mumbai), Vidarbha Stadium (Nagpur), Maharashtra Cricket Association (Pune).

AC GAZE

SpaceX Launched New Next-Generation Dragon Cargo Ship To ISS

On 6th December 2020, SpaceX launched its 21st Commercial Resupply Services mission (CRS-21) to International space station(ISS) from the Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at Kennedy Space Center, Florida. The launch was supported by Falcon 9 first stage rocket booster. This is the first flight of the updated cargo version of Dragon, which is capable of carrying about 20% more volume than its previous version. The new dragon cargo ship is designed for 5 flights to and from the ISS.

Kenya’s Kibiwott Kandie breaks half marathon World Record in Valencia Half Marathon 2020

Kenya’s Kibiwott Kandie smashed the World Record by completing the 13.1 Mile Marathon in 57 minutes 32 seconds at the 2020 Valencia Half Marathon Trinidad Alfonso EDP held at Valencia, Spain. With this, Kandie overtook Geoffrey Kamworor’s  (Kenya) record of 58.01. He also became the First person to finish the Half Marathon in 58 minutes. Jacob Kiplimo (Uganda) came second while Rhonex Kipruto of Kenya finished Third.

Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute named 2020 ‘Asian of the Year’ with 5 others

Adar Poonawalla, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Serum Institute of India (SII) was named as 2020 “Asians of the Year” along with 5 others by The Straits Times, Singapore’s leading daily for their contribution in fighting the COVID-19 Pandemic. SII collaborated with University of Oxford and AstraZeneca for making COVID-19 vaccine ‘Covidshield’ (under trials phase in India). The five others are Zhang Yongzhen (China), Major General Chen Wei (China), Ryuichi Morishita (Japan), Ooi Eng Eong (Singapore) and Seo Jung-jin (South Korea).

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