Current Affair of August 2020

National

1. United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in a recent report which is first of its kind published impact of lead on children's health across the world. As per the recent report one in every three children is being poisoned by lead.

2. On the occasion of the first anniversary of law-making Triple Talaq a criminal offence which got Presidential nod last year after getting approval from the Parliament, the day is declared as the Muslim Women's Rights Day across the country. Triple Talaq Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on 25th July 2019.

3. The Ministry of Education which was formerly known as the Ministry of Human Resource Development is all set to put several higher education institutes that offer Chinese language training on the radar. Even those institutes that had links with the official Chinese language learning and training department "Hanban" in the past are on close scrutiny. Hanban is a Chinese organization which runs hundreds of Confucious Institutes abroad.

4. A two-day international webinar on the 100th death anniversary of the great Indian freedom fighter Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak was organized by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations. This international webinar on the theme of Lokmanya Tilak – Swaraj to Self-reliant India was inaugurated by the Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

5. Rajasthan's Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot recently directed his officials to commence Indira Rasoi Yojana from 20th August 2020. The CM said it is another step towards realising the resolve of Rajasthan Government's "No Hunger No Sleep". Under this scheme, the needy and poor will get healthy and nutritious food at Rs. 8 per plate. The state government will spend 100 Crores per year on the scheme.

6. The programme has massive support of various dignitaries including, Crime Investigation Department (CID), FM Radio, The Andhra Pradesh Police, Cyber Peace Foundation, Cyber Crime Prevention Against Women and Children (CCPWC), and other organisations for organizing, advertising and creating mass awareness about the month-long online awareness programme.

7. Upon Delhi High court interventions, The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has finally extended the timeline for the public to review 80-page long draft on Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) notification 2020. The recently released draft is created with the intention of replacing the existing EIA notification 2006. This is for the second time country will witness the change in the policy under the Environment Protection Act 1986.

8. Amid growing interest in recognizing the contributions of people from the BAME community (Black, Asian and minority ethnic) Britain is considering minting a coin to remember Mahatma Gandhi.

9. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami is not seen in agreement with the recently launched centre's three-language policy proposed by the Union government in the National Education Policy 2020. In a press release recently, the Chief Minister was found stating that the state will never allow the Centre's three-language policy rather the state will continue with its dual language policy of Tamil and English.

10. Implemented under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme of Ministry of Tourism The Union Minister of State for Culture & Tourism Shri Prahlad Singh Patel virtually inaugurated the "Thenzawl Golf Resort" Project, The virtual inauguration took place in the presence of Tourism Minister of Mizoram Shri Robert Romawia Royte and Commissioner and Secretary for Tourism Department of Government of Mizoram Smt. Esther LalRuatkimi in New Delhi.

11. The Union Jal Shakti Minister, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, along with the Union Textiles and Women & Child Development Minister Smt. Smriti Irani launched the book ‘Swachh Bharat Kranti'.

12. On August 4, 2020, the Union Agriculture Minister Shri Narendra Singh Tomar launched YouTube channel of National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) called "Sahakar Cooptube NCDC India".

13. On August 5, 2020, the Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir celebrated their first anniversary of formation. On August 5, 2019, the Government of India revoked the special status to Jammu and Kashmir by modifying Article 370 of the Constitution. After the abrogation of the article, two union territories Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir were carved out under Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act 2019.

14. The Uttarakhand State Government is to develop India's first Snow Leopard Conservation centre of India. The centre is to be developed by the Uttarakhand forest department and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

15. On August 5, 2020, the day when the Union Territories (UTs) Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh celebrated their one year of formation, the Lieutenant Governor of J&K Girish Chandra Murmu resigned. He sent his letter of resignation to President Ram Nath Kovind.

16. The YSR Cheyutha Scheme is to be launched in Andhra Pradesh on August 12, 2020. It aims to empower women from minority castes.

17. On August 6, 2020, Japan marks the 75th anniversary of the world's first atomic bomb attack on the city of Hiroshima.

18. Every year, the Government of India celebrates National Handloom Day on August 7. The day is celebrated to honour the handloom weavers in the country. Also, the day highlights handloom industry in India.

19. On August 7, 2020, the Gujarat State Government launched the "Industrial Policy 2020". The policy aims to provide Rs. 40,000 subsidies to the industries in the state in the next five years.

20. On August 9, 2020, PM Modi is to launch financing facility of Rs 1 lakh crore under Agriculture Infrastructure Fund via video conferencing. Along with the facility the Prime Minister will also release sixth installment of funds of Rs. 17,000 crores. This is to benefit more than 8.5 crore farmers under PM-KISAN scheme.

21. On August 8, 2020, the former Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Jammu and Kashmir Girish Chandra Murmu took oath as Comptroller and Auditor General of India. He is the first tribal to take oath as CAG of India. The oath was administered by the President Ram Nath Kovind.

22. The Reserve Bank of India recently released its report of Consumer Confidence Survey. According to the survey, consumer confidence has dropped to a record low.

23. The National Statistical Office recently released the Envistats India 2020 report. The report says that the number of heat wave days in 2019 increased over 80%. The report was prepared by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. The National Statistical Office (NSO) operates under this ministry.

24. On August 8, 2020, India commemorated the 78th anniversary of Quit India movement. On August 8, 1942, Mahatma Gandhi launched Quit India Movement at the session of All India Congress Committee in Mumbai.

25. On August 10, 2020, PM Modi is to inaugurate a 2,300 km submarine Optical Fibre Cable that will connect Chennai and Port Blair. The submarine cable will also connect major islands in Andaman such as Havelock, Car Nicobar, Great Nicobar, Kamorta, Rangat, Little Andaman.

26. The Indian Railways is to operate first parcel special train to Bangladesh under Ahmedabad division. The train is to traverse 2,110 km to reach Benapole in Bangladesh. The Western Railways sent goods train earlier with loaded wagons of onion to Bangladesh.

27. Every year United Nations and other world organizations celebrate World Tribal Day or International Day of the World Indigenous People. The day promotes and protects rights of world indigenous population. The day marks first meet of the United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Populations in Geneva, 1982.

28. The study conducted by Bombay Natural History Society has found 77 new species of butterflies in the ecologically sensitive forest of Matheran hill station in Mumbai. With this the total number of butterfly species in the forest has gone up to 140.

29. On August 10, 2020, the Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar launched National Portal on Human Elephant conflict called "SURAKHSYA". The portal aims to collect real time information and will also manage conflicts on real time basis.

30. The Andhra Pradesh Government has launched a new State Industrial Development Policy for the year 2020-23. The policy aimed to create employment for youth and match national average in industrial GVA per capita. The previous Industrial Development Policy of the state was implemented between 2015-20

31. An Air India Express Flight on special "Vande Bharat" Mission overshot the runway at Kozhikode and fell into a valley. The flight carried passengers from Dubai to Kozhikode. Similar accidents have occurred in India earlier as well. In 2010, similar incident occurred in Mangalore airport where more than 150 people lost their lives.

32. The Khadi and Village Industries Commission is to set up the first of its kind training cum production centre of silk in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. The centre is to be launched in the first week of September, 2020.

33. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India recently announced that sale of junk and unhealthy food should be restricted within 50 metres schools and education institutions.

34. The Ministry of Textiles has disbanded All India Powerloom Board after All India Handicrafts and Handloom boards. Also, all of the eight Textiles Research Associations in the country will now cease to be "affiliated bodies" of the ministry.

35. The Indian Railways is to observe Cleanliness Week between August 10, 2020 and August 15, 2020. The week will give the message of significance of cleanliness.

36. The World Health Organization, 2017 had published its first list of antibiotic resistant priority pathogens that pose the greatest threat to human lives. These critical group and certain multi-drug resistant bacteria are found in River Yamuna according to a group of researchers from IIT Delhi.

37. The Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology operating under the Department of Science and Technology investigated gas emissions in the springs of Himalayas. According to the study, the springs in the Himalayan region show a significant discharge of carbon dioxide.

38. Every year, World Elephant Day is celebrated on August 12. It is an international event that is dedicated to preserve and protect world elephants. The idea of World Elephant Day was conceived by Canadian film makers Patricia Sims and Michael Clark in Thailand.

39. On August 11, 2020, a three-judge bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra of Supreme Court ruled that daughters have equal rights as that of sons on parental property. They shall remain coparcener throughout their life.

40. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs had announced that around nine tribal fighters' museums are to be established by 2022. The museums are to be dedicated to freedom fighters of tribal clans. Out of these nine, two are nearing completion and the rest are in different stages of progress.

41. The Lok Sabha has launched a new French Course at beginner level for the staff and officials. Around 57 officials have been registered under the course.

42. Every year International Youth Day is celebrated on August 12 by the United Nations and other organizations. The first International youth Day was celebrated in 1999. This year, the day is celebrated under the following theme

43. On August 12, 2020, the panel formed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) made its proposals on Business Responsibility Report. The panel was formed in 2018 in efforts to have a single source for all the non-financial disclosures made by the corporates.

44. On August 12, 2020, India extended 1 million USD to Antigua and Barbuda to combat COVID-19 outbreak. This is aimed at improving health infrastructure in the country.

45. On August 15, 2020, PM Modi launched Project Lion and Project Dolphin during his speech at the 74th Independence Day celebrations.

46. The Central Water Commission along with Google has launched flood forecasting initiative. Under the initiative, numerous alerts can be sent to the public regarding flood situation in the region. Also, people can learn about current water level in the flood affected regions in the country.

47. On August 15, 2020, PM Modi announced the Optic Fibre Linking of Lakshadweep Islands with the mainland during his address at the 74th celebrations of Independence Day.

48. On August 14, 2020, the 74th Naga Independence Day was celebrated in the states of Nagaland and Manipur. In Nagaland, the day was celebrated by the students by hoisting Naga National Flag. Nagaland became a state in 1963. However, a section of Naga leaders are continuing the movement claiming for sovereignty.

49. On August 14, 2020 the Arunachal Pradesh Government formed a committee under the chairmanship of Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein to discuss possible solutions of the Patkai Autonomous Council and Mon autonomous Region.

50. On August 15, 2020, the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minsiter Jai Ram Thakur announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate "Atal Tunnel" by the end of September 2020.

51. The NITI Aayog, Atal Innovation Mission along with the collaboration of NASSCOM launched the "ATL AI Step Up Module". It was launched on the eve of independence-day. The module is to drive AI education and innovation to next levels in schools all over India.

52. On August 16, 2020, India sent 30 tonnes of technical equipment and material to Mauritius. The country is fighting to contain an oil spill that occurred in its pristine south-east coast.

53. The National Thermal Power corporation developed infrastructure at Rihand project in Uttar Pradesh to transport fly ash to cement plants at cheaper cost.

54. The UAE Government launched AGRIOTA, a new technology driven agricultural commodity trading platform that will bridge the rural farmers from India and the gulf Food Industry

55. On August 17, 2020, the Assam Government is to identify beneficiaries of new scheme called "ORUNODOI". The scheme is being launched to help in women financial empowerment.

56. On August 17, 2020, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched Tribal Health and Nutrition portal called "SWASTHYA". Also, the ministry launched the "ALEKH" e-newsletter on health and nutrition.

57. On August 17, 2020, the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) opened a Quality Control Laboratory in Porbandar. The laboratory is to test seafood processors and exporters.

58. On August 18, 2020, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar held a meeting with 24 state forest ministers. During the meeting, the minister announced that the CAMPA funds shall be used only for plantation drives and afforestation. Also, the forest-based devolution funds are to be increased from 7% to 10%.

59. On August 18, 2020, the Supreme Court of India pronounced its judgement on PM-CARES funds. According to the judgement, the apex court refused to direct the centre to transfer the contributions made under PM Cares Funds towards National Disaster Response Fund.

60. During his speech at the 74th Independence Day celebrations, PM Modi announced that GoI is to unveil a new National Cyber Security Policy, 2020 soon. It envisages to create secure cyber space in India and is to be ready by the end of 2020.

61. The International Solar Alliance will hold World Solar Technology Summit for the first time on September 8, 2020. The summit aims to bring the world scientists and engineers together to address the challenges to make energy affordable.

62. On August 18, 2020, Atal Rankings of Institutions on Innovation Achievements (ARIIA), 2020 was released. The rankings were announced by Vice President Venkaiah Naidu.

63. On August 18, 2020, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) and Delhi Police to extend Ayurveda preventive health services to the residential colonies of Delhi Police. Under the initiative the health services are to be provided at the door steps of Delhi Police families. The mobile unit that is to provide the services are named "Dhanwantari Rath".

64. On August 18, 2020, the Indian Council of Medical Research released "National Cancer Registry Programme Report", 2020. According to the report, the number of cancer patients in India are to increase to 15.7 lakhs by 2025.

65. The International Labour Organization and the Asian Development Bank prepared a joint report on "Tackling COVID-19 Youth employment crisis in Asia and Pacific". The report says that around 41 lkahs of Indian youth are to lose their job due to COVID-19 crisis.

66. On August 19, 2020, the Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla attended the fifth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament. The conference was organized by Parliament of Austria and Inter-Parliamentary Union, Geneva with the support of United Nations.

67. On August 19, 2020, the National Commission on Population submitted its report on population projections for the period of 2011-36. The commission was set up by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The report says that the sex ratio of the country is to increase from 943 (2011) to 957 (2036). Sex Ratio is number of females per 1000 males.

68. India and Israel signed a new cultural agreement to strengthen people-to-people exchanges. This agreement was signed by India's Ambassador to Israel, Sanjeev Singla and Israel's Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi.

69. The World Wide Fund along with the Bombay Natural History Society launched the third edition of Dragonfly festival, 2020. The festival aims to create conservation of these insects.

70. The Government of India has constituted National Council for Transgender Persons. The Council is to be headed by the Union Social Justice Minister. It comprises of members from 10 central departments, members from the community and central department.

71. On August 23, 2020, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation announced that around 412 infrastructure projects each of worth Rs 150 crores have been hit with cost over run of Rs 4.11 lakh crores.

72. The Government of India has proposed stricter norms to ensure greater safety on highways. It includes features such as machine mounted audible travel alarms, requirements for operator station, non-metallic fuel tank, operator visibility for construction equipment machinery.

73. The Prime Minister Modi in his Independence Day address mentioned the mega plan of "One Sun One World One Grid" project. It is a trans-national electricity grid supplying solar power project. The idea of the project was first introduced by PM Modi in 2018 during the International Solar Alliance.

74. On August 23, 2020, China launched an advanced warship for Pakistan. This is the largest it has built for a country and also the first among the four most sophisticated naval platforms.

75. On August 24, 2020, India and Uzbekistan held their first National Coordination Committee meeting where they discussed their bilateral interests such as trade and investment and Line of Credit projects.

76. The Defence Research and Development Organization has taken several initiatives to strengthen indigenous defence production under Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. Recently, DRDO has included 108 systems and subsystems to achieve Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.

77. On August 23, 2020, Nuakhai Juhar festival was celebrated in Odisha, Chhattisgarh and other neighbouring states. It is celebrated to welcome the new crop of the season. It is also called Nuakhai Parab or Nuakahi Bhetghat.

78. The Bureau of Indian Standards has prepared a draft standard for the supply of piped drinking water. It has been named "Drinking Water Supply Quality Management System-requirements for piped drinking water supply service".

79. On August 24, 2020, the State Minister of Assam, Siddhartha Bhattacharya inaugurated India's longest ropeway across river Brahmaputra. The ropeway is to cut short the travel time by almost an hour. It is 2 km long and the distance is covered in 7 minutes. One-way ride is to cost Rs 60.

80. The Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), Nainital is to conduct an International Conference on Climate Change and its Impact on Himalayan Region. The conference is to be held between September 14 and September 16, 2020.

81. A team of researchers from Andhra University sighted a rare fish called "Mahseer" in the Sileru river. The fish is listed as Endangered in IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) list.

82. On August 27, 2020, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment will launch mental health rehabilitation centre through video conference. The helpline number "1800-599-0019" will help in providing psychological support, psychological crisis management, early screening, mental wellbeing, first-aid, and will also help to prevent deviant behaviour.

83. On August 26, 2020, the NITI Aayog released the Export Preparedness Index (EPI). The think tank was partnered by Institute of Competitiveness. Gujarat has topped the index followed by Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. This is mainly because of their location near the coast. The other three coastal states that featured in the top ten rankings are Kerala, Odisha and Karnataka.

84. In order to promote the trading of GI-tagged Kashmir Saffron, the Department of Agriculture operating under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare has created an e-auction portal in collaboration with NSE-IT. The Department has created the portal under the aegis of India International Kashmir Saffron Trading Centre.

85. The Government of India is implementing Rs 1,200 crore project to link the regions of Ladakh and Leh with the National Power Grid. These regions due to their isolated locations remain power deficit regions receiving only 5 hours of power supply from diesel generators and very few micro hydel projects.

86. On August 26, 2020, the National Health Authority released the Draft Health Data Management Policy under the National Digital Health Mission. The main objective of the policy is to provide adequate guidance and set framework to secure processing of personal and sensitive personal data of individuals.

87. The Centre for Science and Environment recently released a report on construction waste, according to which, India recycles only 1% of its demolition and construction waste. India generates around 150 million tonnes of construction and demolition waste every year. However, the official recycling capacity is just about 1% which is 6,500 tonnes per day.

88. The Government of India is to bring 11 ordinances in Parliament during Monsoon session that is to commence in September 14, 2020. The Parliament is to have several preventive measures to stop COVID-19 infection during the session. Highlights The Monsoon session is to continue till October 1, 2020.

89. On August 27, 2020, a five-judge constitutional bench of Supreme Court ruled that the states can sub classify list of Scheduled Caste, Socially and Educationally Backward Classes and Scheduled Tribes to provide preferential treatment to those that are deprived within. The bench disagreed with the 2004 judgement of Supreme Court in E V Chinnaiah Vs State of Andhra Pradesh.

90. The NITI Aayog recently launched Nationally Determined Contributions Transport Initiative for Asia (NDC-TIA). The initiative was launched to decarbonize transport and provide technical support on Green Gas emission reduction measures.

91. On August 28, 2020, the Punjab Government passed a resolution against the farm ordinances of the central government. It was promulgated in June 2020 to provide barrier-free trade of farmers produce outside the markets that are specified under State Agriculture Market Laws. It allows intra-state and inter-state trade of farmers.

92. On August 28, 2020, the Union Government sought a response from the Central Government on Public Interest Litigation seeking directions to frame guidelines in identifying minorities at state level.

93. Every year, India celebrates National Sports Day on August 29 to commemorate the birth anniversary of the legendary hockey player Dhyan Chand. He was born on August 29, 1905.

94. The United Nations recently released the first ever guidelines to social justice for people with disabilities in order to make it easy for them to access justice systems in the world.

95. The New Delhi Railway Station is the second busiest and the largest in India. It handles more than 4.5 lakh passengers per day. The station is to be redeveloped by the Rail Land Development Authority at Rs. 6,500 crores.

96. On August 31, 2020, the former President Pranab Mukherjee passed away at 84 after testing positive for COVID-19. The Government of India has announced seven-day state mourning.

International

1. British high commissioner to India Philip Barton on Monday got appointed as the permanent under-secretary to head the newly merged Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. This new appointment of Sir Philip Barton as the Permanent Under-Secretary of the new ministry came just after the approval of United Kingdom's Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab.

2. US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that bans federal agencies from hiring foreign workers especially those on H-1B visa on contracting or subcontracting.

3. A two-member bench of Islamabad High Court comprising Chief Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb appointed the three senior lawyers in the case of 50-year-old retired Indian Navy officer Kulbhushan Jadhav.

4. Pakistan recently released a new political map claiming the entire territory of Jammu & Kashmir, and part of Gujarat including the erstwhile state of Junagadh as part of its territory.

5. In the central region of Beirut, the capital of Lebanon a huge blast triggered off in a port warehouse where highly explosive material was stored. The blast leads to the killing of 78 people and injury to nearly 4,000.

6. On August 5, 2020, India contributed 15.46 million USD to the India-UN Development Partnership Fund. India has contributed the funds to the United Nations Office for South-south Cooperation (UNOSSC) as a permanent representative of the UN. Of this, 9.46 million USD has been dedicated to the Commonwealth countries and 6 million USD to the overall fund.

7. The Government of India has extended Line of Credit of worth 18 million USD to Maldives to expand fishing facilities at Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO).

8. The United Nations released 6 million USD in response to the explosion at Beirut port. With this, the total UN funding towards relief operation of the explosion has come to 15 million USD.A catastrophic blast occurred at the Lebanon capital, Beirut. It was driven by tonnes of Ammonium Nitrate.

9. On August 8, 2020, the island of Mauritius declared environmental emergency due to oil spill caused by Japanese owned ship that was stranded off the coast days ago. The MV Wakashio of Japanese companies Nagashiki Shipping Ltd and Okiyo Maritime Corporation was on its way from Brazil to Singapore carrying 4,000 tonnes of fuel. The ship ran aground on July 25, 2020.

10. The Bangladesh Government is to construct war memorial for Indian soldiers killed in 1971 war. The memorial is to be constructed in Ashuganj, Brahmanbaria bordering Tripura. This is mainly due to its significance in the Liberation War of 1971.

11. The Mount Sinabung of Indonesia has erupted again. The volcano was dormant for 400 years and erupted recently in the year 2010 and in 2014.

12. The US elections are due for the year 2020. While President Donald Trump has one more term to run for US elections, he is to be challenged by the opponent Joe Biden. Joe Biden was the Vice President of the US during President Obama's period.

13. Israel recently shared its artificial intelligence (AI)-based technologies and high-end equipment with AIIMS, Delhi. This is a part of India-Israel cooperation fight against COVID-19.

14. On August 12, 2020, the Ministry of Commerce announced that China is extending anti-dumping tariff on fibre optic products made in India.

15. On August 13, 2020, the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced that the Indian Government will provide 100 million USD of grant and 400 million USD of line of credit to Maldives. The funds are to be used for connectivity projects.

16. On August 14, 2020, the United Nations defeated the US demand of extending arms embargo on Iran indefinitely. Embargo is an official ban on trade and other commercial activity on a country.

17. The Government of India has sent 58 tonnes of emergency humanitarian aid to the people affected by Beirut Explosion in Lebanon. This includes Personal Protective Equipment, surgical gowns, surgical gloves as well.

18. The United Arab Emirates became the first Gulf country to sign peace agreement with Israel recently. The Agreement is also called Abraham Accord. Israel is the third Arab country after Egypt (1979) and Jordan (1994) to sign the peace agreement.

19. Taiwan recently signed an agreement to buy 66 of the latest F-16 jets from the US. This is expected to escalate the tensions between US and China further.

20. The fourth session of Anti-Drug Working Group was held virtually. All the member countries of the group such as India, Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa participated in the session.

21. The Indian Railways is constructing world's tallest pier bridge in the state of Manipur. The bridge is 141 metres high. It has surpassed the record of 139 metres tall Mala-Rijeka bridge in Montenegro, Europe.

22. Malaysia has recently detected a new COVID-19 strain that is 10 times more infectious. The mutation of the virus is called DG14G.

23. On August 17, 2020, India and Nepal agreed to speed up India-aided Development Projects. This is being done amidst China's continuous efforts by China to draw Kathmandu into its sphere of influence by providing infrastructure projects and loans at low rates.

24. On August 17, 2020, India and UAE held their 13th Joint Commission Meeting virtually.

25. On August 20, 2020, the External Affairs Minister S Jai Shankar attended ASEAN-India Network of Think Tanks (AINTT). It was the sixth-round table conference between India and AINTT.

26. The Supply Chain Resilience Initiative first proposed by Japan. The initiative aims to reduce the dependency in China. Japan is to be joined by India and Australia. It is a direct response to companies that are concerned about Chinese political behaviour and disruption to supply chain.

27. India and Israel signed a new cultural agreement to strengthen people-to-people exchanges. This agreement was signed by India's Ambassador to Israel, Sanjeev Singla and Israel's Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi.

28. On August 21, 2020, Myanmar Government and ten armed ethnic groups in the country signed National Ceasefire Agreement at the Union Peace Conference.

29. On August 21, 2020, an outbreak of West Nile Virus spread by mosquitos claimed the lives of two people in Spain and left 23 in hospital.

30. Myanmar has pushed back against China after trying to widen its influence through China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC). The decision was influenced from the experience of Pakistan in China Pakistan Economic Corridor and with Sri Lanka being pushed towards debt trap.

31. On August 21, 2020, the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the discovery of large natural gas reserves in the Black Sea coast. According to the announcement made by the President, 320 billion cubic metres of natural gas has been discovered.

32. The United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) recently authorized the use of blood plasma therapy for COVID-19 patients.

33. On August 24, 2020, Government of Maharashtra and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank signed loan agreement of 500 million USD to improve service quality, safety and network capacity of suburban railway system in Mumbai.

34. On August 25, 2020, the World Health Organization announced that the health care workers are to receive COVID-19 vaccine after senior citizens.

35. The Bangladesh Government is to relocate Rohingyas to the newly built facility at the Bashan Char Island. This is being done to provide a better place of living for the refugee community from Myanmar.

36. On august 25, 2020, the Interpol issued red notice against Ami Modi, the wife of Nirav Modi. She is the prime suspect in the Rs 13,500 crore Punjab National Bank fraud case. A red notice acts an international arrest warrant.

37. On August 25, 2020, the World Health Organisation declared Africa polio-free. The disease is now found only in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

38. India and Bangladesh will open new inland waterway from September 3, 2020. This is based on the agreement signed by the countries in May 2020 on Inland Water Transit and Trade. The number of IBP (Indo-Bangladesh Protocol) routes were increased from eight to ten.

39. The Industrial Ministers of BRICS countries attended video meeting on 5G, industrial internet and Artificial Intelligence.

40. The Joint Commission meeting between India and Vietnam was recently held virtually. It was chaired by the External Affairs Minister of India Dr S Jai Shankar and his counter part Mr Pham Binh Minh, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vietnam.

41. On August 27, 2020, Russia released a 40-minute video of detonation of the world's most powerful hydrogen bomb. The bomb was called the Tsar Bomb. It is believed to be 3,333 times more destructive than that of the Hiroshima Nagasaki Atom bombs Little Boy and Fat Man.

42. Kerala is to set up its first International Women Trade Centre in terms of the United Nations Sustainable Development goals. This is first of its kind in India.

43. On August 28, 2020, the longest serving Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe resigned due to health issues. He was suffering from ulcerative colitis.

44. The Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal addressed the Association of South East Asian Nation-India Business Council meet.

45. On August 28, 2020, the United Nations announced that it will reduce the peace keeping forces in Lebanon for another year. Also, it will reduce the number of troops

46. On August 28, 2020, the India-Singapore Defence Policy Dialogue was held in video conference. The countries agreed to discuss number of issues of bilateral defence engagements. They agreed to enhance the security partnership.

47. The ASEAN-India Economic Ministers Consultations was held virtually. India was represented by the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal.

48. India recently announced its withdrawal from the International Military Exercise to be held in Russia. The exercise is to be held between September 15, 2020 and September 26, 2020.

Defence

1. During the global pandemic when the country is drifting towards self-reliant India "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" The Ministry of Defence (MOD) published a draft on ‘Defence Production & Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP) 2020' for public feedback which the ministry awaits till 17th August 2020.

2. On August 9, 2020, Defence Minister Raj Nath Singh announced that India has put ban on 101 items to boost indigenous production. The list of 101 items was prepared by the Defence Ministry. This is being done to make India self-reliant under Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.

3. The Indian Armed Forces have decided to revive "Project Cheetah" amidst tensions with China. The project was pending for a long time and the tri-services have now decided to revive the project under Rs 3,500 crores.

4. On August 12, 2020, the Indian Air Force deployed two Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) manufactured by HAL in Ladakh region. They are deployed for operations at high altitude amid India-China border tensions.

5. On august 13, 2020, Israel successfully tested the advanced missile defence system Arrow-2. The missile was developed to defend against the short- and mid- range rockets that are fired from Lebanon and Gaza and also long-range missiles fired from Iran.

6. On August 14, 2020, the Defence Minister Raj Nath Singh launched "SRIJAN", an online portal to promote indigenization of Defence production.

7. On August 16, 2020, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved a major Expansion Scheme. Under the scheme, the National Cadet Corps (NCC) is to be expanded to 173 border areas and coastal districts. Around 100,000 new cadets are to be inducted.

8. As the Prime Minister Modi addressed the country at the Red Fort, DRDO (Defence Research Development Organization) anti-drone system was deployed for PM security.

9. On August 24, 2020, the Indian Air Force launched MY IAF mobile application. The application provides career related information and job details to candidates.

10. The aircraft carrier, INS Viraat that served the Indian Navy for more than 30 years is to be dismantled at Alang, Gujarat. The ship was decommissioned three years back.

11. The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 is to be extended for six more months in the state of Assam.

12. On August 26, 2020, the Government of India set up an expert panel to redefine the roles and responsibilities of Defence Research Development Organization.

13. The Indian Navy is to acquire 24 new submarines. This is being done to bolster India’s underwater fighting capabilities. India is to launch the bidding process of procuring these submarines in September 2020.

14. In order to enhance the combat potential and rebalance defence expenditure, the Ministry of Defence has set up a three-member committee under Lt General Shekatkar (retd). The main task of the committee is to review the utilization of Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Services (AFHCS).

Business, Economy & Banking

1. Walmart-owned Flipkart on Friday announced that 6 lakh artisans across the country will be added this year to their Samarth programme which was launched last year in 2019.

2. Following a ban on popular Chinese applications, the Indian Government has moved the import of Color TV sets from free to restricted. India imports the majority of TV sets from China. This move by the government is aimed to promote PM Modi's vision of "Vocal for Local" which will boost domestic manufacturing and balance the trade deficit the country is currently facing against China.

3. After reporting its blockbuster Quarterly result stock of Apple Inc increased 10% to a record high making Apple world's most valuable publicly listed company. The company has shown a great recovery from its low-point in March during the pandemic.

4. The central government comes up with a centralized e-invoicing scheme for business having turnover more than 500 crores. As per the recent scheme, it will be mandatory for all those businesses with a turnover of more than 500 crores to generate all their B2B invoices on a centralized government portal which will go live from 1st October.

5. Proposed by KVIC (Khadi and Village Industries Commission) and approved by the Minister of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises Nitin Gadkari Khadi Agarbatti Aatmanirbhar Mission is all set to generate employment for the local artisans making India self-reliant in agarbatti production.

6. Now its officially confirmed Reserve Bank of India has given green signal to the appointment of Sashidhar Jagdishan as the chief executive and managing director of HDFC Bank. Sashidhar Jagdishan who has been working with the HDFC bank since 1996 as the "change agent" will succeed Aditya Puri.

7. On August 6, 2020, the six-member Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of Reserve Bank of India held its meeting in New Delhi. The committee was headed by RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das.

8. On August 6, 2020, the Reserve Bank of India launched "Innovation Hub" for ideation and incubation of new capabilities that can be leveraged to deepen financial inclusion.

9. The Reserve Bank of India has constituted a panel under former ICICI bank CEO K V Kamath. The panel will make recommendations on financial parameters that are to be considered to structure loans that are impacted by COVID-19.

10. The Insolvency and Bankruptcy board of India recently amended the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India Regulations. This is the second amendment. The amendment has made major changes to the voluntary liquidation process.

11. The Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently launched National Infrastructure Pipeline online dashboard. The dashboard is to act as a one-stop solution for all stakeholders who are looking for information about infrastructure projects.

12. On August 12, the Prime Minister Modi is to unveil a new platform called "Transparent Taxation-Honouring the Honest". This was earlier announced by the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as "Tax Charter" in Budget 2020-21.

13. With the Government of India pushing solar power in several aspects including Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has received several proposals to make Solar Equipment for over 10 GW.

14. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare recently announced that India ranks first in Organic Farming. Also, India ranks ninth in terms of areas under Organic Farming.

15. A high-level ministerial panel of Goods and Services Tax council recently favoured e-way bill for intra state movement of gold. It will help track movement of gold under tax evasion and smuggling.

16. On August 17, 2020, the Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister C N Ashwanthnarayan announced that the State Government is to build an industrial corridor between Mysuru and Bidar. This is being done to augment the development of commerce and industry in the state.

17. On August 17, 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting to review preparations for National Master plan on Multi-modal Connectivity of Economic Zones Project. This will boost infrastructure, productivity, economic progress and opportunity for youngsters.

18. On August 18, 2020, the Asian Development Bank approved 1 billion USD loan to support construction of modern high-speed Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System in India. The system is first of its kind.

19. On August 18, 2020, the Ministry of Railways announced that the drone-based surveillance system is to be introduced for the purpose of railway security.

20. On August 19, 2020, the Union Cabinet approved to set up National Recruitment Agency. The agency is to conduct Common Eligibility Test for Public Sector Banks and Government Jobs.

21. On August 19, 2020, the Union Cabinet approved redevelopment of three airports in Jaipur, Thiruvananthapuram and Guwahati. The projects are to be developed by Adani Enterprises Limited.

22. On August 20, 2020, the Reserve Bank of India released Framework for Authorisation of Pan-India Umbrella Entity for retail payments.

23. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched the National Strategy for Financial Education (NSFE) to be implemented for the period of next five years i.e. 2020 to 2025. This is the second national strategy; the first NSFE was launched in 2013. NSFE 2020-25 has been launched with an aim of achieving a financially aware and empowered India.

24. Ramesh Chand task force by Niti Aayog has recommended to link sugarcane prices to sugar rates. The task force highlighted that it is essential to keep the industry in a good financial health. In its report, the task force has recommended for a one-time increase in the minimum sugar price at Rs 33 per kg. This report of the task force was finalized in March 2020 and published on August 20.

25. The State-Owned Technology Parks in India (STPI) are to have the largest ecosystem to incubate new technologies. This is to be achieved by setting up 21 Centres of Excellence in these parks.

26. The National Statistical Office is to release its data for this quarter on August 31, 2020. According to the NSO officials, in spite of agricultural production going up in the country, the GDP is contracting. This is the first time India is witnessing fall in GDP in spite of agricultural production going up.

27. On August 24, 2020, the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman announced that the businesses with annual turnover of up to Rs 40 lakhs are exempted from GST. Earlier the limit was Rs 20 lakhs.

28. On August 25, 2020, the Reserve Bank of India released its annual report 2019-20. The report has made it very clear to the world that the apex bank stands as a bank with the highest levels of financial resilience globally. According to the report, the total income in 2019-20 has increased by 28.97%.

29. On August 27, 2020, the finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman chaired the 41st GST Council meet. The council discussed states compensation and revenue losses.

30. On August 28, 2020, the Government of India launched “Chunauti”, the next generation start up challenge contest. Around 300 start ups working in select areas are to be identified and provided with seed fund up to Rs 25 lakhs.

Science & Technology

1. Reliance Bangladesh LNG and Power a joint venture between India's Reliance Power and Japan's JERA are all set to develop a new gas-fired power generation project in Bangladesh through their project company. A total of $642 million with a group of banks which includes the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) has been allocated.

2. Oil-rich Gulf state UAE finally starts its first-ever nuclear reactor "Barakah" at Abu Dhabi on the Gulf coast. Barakah was expected to start its operation in 2017. However, due to various safety issue, it kept on getting delayed.

3. Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley two US astronauts who were sent to the International Space Station two months ago return to the planet Earth safely following a 21-hour overnight journey. The astronaut were sent by NASA in collaboration with Elon Musk's company Space-X. The Crew Dragon designed and operated by Space-X which is also being used for this flight test can stay in orbit about 110 days.

4. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) with a joint effort of the health ministry and the AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Science) is planning to set up the National Clinical Registry (NCR) which will help country's researchers and policymakers understand the efficacy of investigational therapies, adverse effects taking place and generate evidence for improving the treatment of Covid-19 patients.

5. Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) which is the Aviation security regulator in the country has issued guidelines for drone operating systems, which act like cockpits on the ground to remotely pilot the unmanned aerial vehicle.

6. India's top drug regulatory body DCGI (The Drugs Controller General of India) finally gave green signal to Serum Institute of India (SII) for conducting phase II and III clinical trials of Astra Zeneca vaccine developed by the Oxford University against coronavirus disease. The approval came after scrutiny was done based on the recommendations of the group of a medical expert on COVID-19.

7. A health startup at IIT Madras in joint collaboration with HELYXON has developed a device called OXY2. This newly designed device can easily take vitals of an individual such as heart rate, temperature, oxygen saturation and respiration rate clinically accurate. The device is made commercially available now and has already been deployed to monitor 2000 patients a day in hospitals.

8. On August 5, 2020, the State Government of Karnataka launched India's first mobile RT-PCR lab in Bengaluru. The lab was developed by Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. The lab has been named Mobile Infection Testing and Reporting (MITR) lab. It is capable of conducting 9000 tests per month.

9. A catastrophic blast occurred recently at the Lebanon capital, Beirut. The blast was driven by tonnes of Ammonium Nitrate that killed more than 135 people. Also, it injured more than 1000s.

10. The COVAX Facility of the World Health Organization recently renewed its invitation to countries to join its COVID-19 vaccine facility. The COVAX facility is a mechanism designed to guarantee fair, rapid and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines.

11. The Aerospace Start up Skyroot Aerospace has test fired an upper stage rocket engine and has become the first Indian private company to demonstrate the capability of homegrown rocket engine.

12. On August 12, 2020, the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration met for the first time. The meeting was chaired by the Niti Aayog member Dr V K Paul along with Secretary of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

13. The planet hunter of NASA called the TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite) has found 66 new Exo planets. TESS is Transitioning Exoplanet Survey Satellite. It scanned about 75% of the starry sky during its mission.

14. The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) has recently stated that the Corals in the North Indian Ocean have vital answers about the onset and withdrawal of Indian Monsoons. The Indian Monsson has been arriving with variabilities in the recent years. This is due to several factors apart from Climate Change. The Lakshadweep and Maldives Corals have answers to these variabilities according the IITM Study.

15. On August 16, 2020, the United States Food and Drugs Administration authorised the emergency use of saliva based diagnostic test for COVID-19. This is to be a game changer as it provides the results rapidly. The testing method has been named "SALIVA DIRECT".

16. On August 17, 2020, the United Kingdom launched 3 million pounds of Innovation Challenge Fund in India. The funds were launched to support Indian scientists in industries and academia to tackle COVID-19 and climate change.

17. There are five dwarf planets in the solar system. They are Pluto, Eris, Haumea, Makemake and Ceres. The NASA researchers have now discovered that the Ceres has an ocean world.

18. The NASA Scientists have discovered a small but an evolving dent in the earth's magnetic field. The dent has been found over South America and South Atlantic Ocean. It is an unusually weak spot and is called South Atlantic Anomaly.

19. On August 18, 2020, the Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad launched the "Swadeshi Microprocessor Challenge". The challenge is being launched to achieve self-reliance or Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.

20. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on August 20 said that the second lunar mission of India Chandrayaan-2 has completed one year around the Moon in the lunar orbit. According to ISRO, all the instruments of Chandrayaan-2 are performing well at present.

21. The scientists at the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observation Science (ARIES) has found dwarf galaxies that are forming new stars at the rate of 10-100 times more than that of Milky Way Galaxy. This however, according to the scientists do not last longer than a few tens of million years.

22. ASTROSAT, the first multi wavelength satellite has detected extreme UV light from galaxy that 9.3 billion light years away from the Earth.

Government Schemes

1. The Union Minister of Consumer Affairs Ram Vilas Paswan extended the One Nation One card scheme to four more states and UT's Jammu & Kashmir, Manipur, Nagaland and Uttarakhand. With this new move, the scheme has now been enabled in 24 states and UT's across the country.

2. The Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan recently launched an innovative initiative Vidyarthi Vigyaan Manthan 2020-21 (VVM). This initiative under the national programme is created to make science an interesting study among students from class 6 to 11.

3. "Swachh Bharat Kranti" is a translated copy of the book "Swachh Bharat Revolution". Swachh Bharat Kranti is a Hindi version and Swachh Bharat Revolution is the English version.

4. On August 7, 2020, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal launched "Delhi Electric Vehicle Policy". Under the new policy, the State Government of Delhi will waive registration fee and road tax. Also, it will provide an incentive of up to Rs 1.5 lakhs for new cars in the NCR region.

5. On August 10, 2020, the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched Atma Nirbhar Bharat Saptah. The scheme aims to shift India towards local manufacturing and aid "Make in India" initiative.

6. The web based comprehensive Telemedicine solution eSanjeevani has so far provided 1.58 lakh online consultations according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

7. The Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel announced about the launch of "Indira Van Mitan Yojana" on the eve of International Day of World Indigenous People. It is an initiative to support forest dwellers of Chhattisgarh and achieve self-reliance.

8. On August 10, 2020, the Gujarat Government launched a new scheme called the Mukhya Mantri Kisan Sahay Yojana. The scheme will replace Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana in the state for the current year alone.

9. On August 12, 2020, the number of applications received by the Government of India under PM-SVANidhi Scheme crossed 5 lakhs in 41 days of its launch. The scheme was launched to benefit the street vendors. PM SVANidhi is PM Street Vendor's Atma Nirbhar Nidhi.

10. On August 13, 2020, NITI Aayog announced that it has selected Oracle Corporation to modernise vital IT infrastructure in 112 most backward districts under its Aspirational Districts Programme.

11. On August 12, 2020, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways announced that the Electric Vehicles shall be sold and registered without pre-fitted batteries. This will reduce cost of Electric Vehicles by 50%.

12. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs recently released ranking of states under AMRUT scheme. Odisha has secured first position by scoring 85.67%.

13. On August 15, 2020, PM Modi launched the National Digital Health Mission during his address at the 74th Independence Day celebrations.

14. On August 20, 2020, the results of Swachh Survekshan, 2020 were announced.

15. Rajasthan Government has launched the ‘Indira Rasoi Yojna' in order to pay special tribute to the former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 76th birth anniversary on August 20. As the name suggests, Indira Rasoi is a scheme to provide nutritious food to poor people in urban areas at affordable prices.

16. On August 21, 2020, the National Highway Authority of India launched the mobile application called "Harit Path". The application has started creating user IDs for experts. So far 7,800 plants have been geo-tagged using the application.

17. On August 21, 2020, the Employee State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) extended the unemployment benefit scheme Atal Bimit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana till June 2021.

18. On August 22, 2020, the Power Ministry announced that the Generating Companies and the Transmission Companies have been advised to charge Late Payment Surcharge at a rate not exceeding 12% per annum. With this, the financial burden on Discoms is to ease out.

19. On August 23, 2020, the Central Government wrote to the State governments and the Union Territories that all the disabled persons should be included under National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013.

20. The Indian Railways have generated more than 6,40,000-man days under Garib Kalyan Rozgar Abhiyan in six states. They are Jharkhand, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh.

21. An analysis of data available at the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) portal says that the share of women in the NREGS is the lowest since 2013-14. It has dipped to 52.46%.

22. According to the data provided by Ministry of Finance to Rajya Sabha, Tamil Nadu topped the list in availing loans to women. It was followed by West Bengal and Karnataka.

23. On August 26, 2020 the Government of India announced that it is to track the illegal beneficiaries of PM-KISAN scheme. The Ministry of Agriculture is to carry out the process.

24. The CRISIL report says that the average income of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) has doubled during COVID-19 lock down.

25. On August 27, 2020, the National E-Governance Division and the Common Service Centres (CSC) signed a pact to facilitate the delivery of UMANG application services through CSCs. By this, the services of the application will reach the citizens easily as the network of Common Service Centres are strong with more than 3.75 lakhs connected together.

26. On August 27, 2020, the Ministry of Civil Aviation sanctioned 78 new routes under 4th round of regional connectivity scheme (RCS). So far 766 new routes have been sanctioned under the scheme.

27. On August 27, 2020, the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry launched National GIS enabled Land Bank System. GIS is Geographic Information System.

28. On August 26, 2020, the Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare decided to integrate electronic pension payment order with Digi Locker. This will enhance Ease of Living of the Central Government Pensioners.

29. On August 28, 2020, Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana completed its six years of journey. The Ministry of Finance has shared its achievements in a series of tweets.

30. The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) announced that around 2 million people subscribed for Atal Pension Yojana between April 2020 and August 2020. It has brought the base of government backed pension scheme to 21 million.

31. The Government of India has decided to provide smart rural water supply system under Jal Jeevan Mission, Digital India, Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan and Make in India. The Jal Jeevan Mission is being implemented in the country with the aim of providing clean tap water connection to every rural household by 2024. Under the programme, the 55 litres of water is to be provided per day on a long- term basis.

32. The Gujarat Government recently announced that the first sea plane services of India is to begin from October 31. October 31 marks the birth anniversary of Sarsar Vallabhai Patel. The first seaplane is to take off from Sabarmati river front to Statue of Unity in Kevadia in Narmada district.

Awards & Honours

1. The Dutch author Marieke Lucas Rijneveld has become the youngest to win the International Booker Prize. He won the prize for his debut novel "The Discomfort of Evening".

Sports

1. Recently Union Sports Minister Kiran Rijiju in the first general meeting of the Khelo India asked the states to actively organise the Khelo India Games to gather a larger pool of talent from the grassroots level.

2. Indian Cricket players M S Dhoni and Suresh Raina announced their retirement from International Cricket. This means that they shall still play for games conducted within India.

3. On August 22, 2020, the Government of India announced the National Sports Awards, 2020. Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award, Dronacharya Award, Dhyan Chand Award, Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar, Other Awards

4. On August 24, 2020, the table tennis star Poulomi Ghatak retired quietly. She had represented India at the Commonwealth Games in 2006 and Common wealth championships between 2000 and 2008. She entered Olympics at Sydney for the first time when she was 16.

References:
jagranjosh.com
gktoday.in
business-standard.com

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Comments ( 2 )

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    4 years ago
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    4 years ago
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