National Affairs

Indian Railways set to meet all it’s energy needs of over 33 billion units by 2030

Indian Railways is set to meet all it’s energy needs of more than 33 billion units by 2030.

• The current annual requirement is about 21 billion units. Railways have developed a mega plan for installing solar plants of 20 Gigawaat capacity by utilizing its vacant land by 2030.
• Indian Railways is set to meet its energy consumption which will be over 33 billion units by 2030.
• Railway has adopted a multi-pronged approach towards decarbonization which will be fulfilled by the solar projects, making it the first transport organization to be energy self-sufficient.
• This will help in making Indian Railways green as well as Atma-Nirbhar.

About Ministry of Railways:

• Union Minister– Piyush Goyal
• Minister of State– Suresh Angadi Channabasappa

Government launches contest “Chunauti” to promote startups in small towns

Minister for Electronics and Information Technology  Ravi Shankar Prasad has launched “Chunauti”- Next Generation Startup Challenge Contest to further boost startups and software products with special focus on Tier-II towns of the  country.

• It aims at identifying around three hundred startups working in identified areas and providing them seed funds of upto 25 lakh rupees and other facilities.
• Under this challenge the Ministry of Electronics and IT will invite startups in the areas of work including Edu Tech, Agri Tech and FinTech solutions for masses, Supply Chain and Logistic management, Infrastructure, Medical Healthcare as well as jobs and skilling.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal addresses ASEAN-India Business Council Meet

Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal addressed the Association of SouthEast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-India Business Council Virtual Meet.

• He extended India’s friendship and partnership to ASEAN countries and expected to achieve a target of 300-billion-dollar trade through Business with them.
• He emphasized 3 C’s Cooperation, Collaboration & Commitment as guide for the strategic partnership between India and ASEAN countries.

About ASEAN:

• Secretary General – H.E. Dato Lim Jock Hoi
• Headquarters – Jakarta, Indonesia.

International Affairs

India, Singapore sign Implementing Arrangement on Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief

India and Singapore signed Implementing Arrangement on Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief.

• The two countries held a Defence Policy Dialogue via video conferencing . It was co-chaired by Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar and Permanent Secretary (Defence), Singapore Mr Chan Heng Kee.
• Both sides held discussions on a number of issues of bilateral defence engagements between India and Singapore. Both sides committed to further enhance the security partnership between the two countries.

About Singapore:

• Currency: Singapore dollar
• Capital: Singapore City

State Affairs

Assam to set up Skill University at Mangaldoi

The Government of Assam approved the ‘Assam Skill Development University Bill’, which provides for setting up of World Class Skill University at Mangaldoi, Darrang District at a cost of 900 crore rupees.

• Assam Industry and Commerce Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary made the announcement about the setting up of the university, after a cabinet meeting.
• The University will be the first of its kind in the North-East Region and will be financed by Asian Development Bank (ADB).

About Assam:

• Capital: Dispur
• Chief minister: Sarbananda Sonowal

Appointments & Resignations

Japan’s longest-serving PM Shinzo Abe resigns

The Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe has announced to step down from the post on 28 August 2020, because of the poor health conditions. The 65-year-old had held record 7 years and eight months as leader of the world’s third-biggest economy, becoming the longest-serving Prime Minister in Japanese history.

• Shinzo Abe had been serving as the PM of Japan since 26 December 2012. Prior to this, he had also served as the PM for a short period between July 2006 to September 2007, becoming the youngest PM of the country, elected at the age of 52.

Awards

National Sports and Adventure Awards 2020

President Ram Nath Kovind will virtually confer the National Sports and Adventure Award 2020 on the occasion of National Sports Day today. Mr Kovind will present Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award, Dronacharya Award, Dhyan Chand Award, Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award and Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar.

• Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju, President of Indian Olympic Association Narendra Dhruv Batra and several other dignitaries will attend the ceremony from Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi.
• The Sports Ministry said, 65 awardees are expected to attend the ceremony. The Ceremony will begin at 11 AM and will be broadcast live on AIR News, Doordarshan and Government’s webcast portal.

Ms. Sudha Painuli selected for National Award to Teachers 2020

Ms. Sudha Painuli has been selected for National Award to Teachers 2020.

• She is among the 47 outstanding teachers selected for the National Award to Teachers 2020.
• The teachers have been selected by the Independent Jury at National Level, constituted by the Union Ministry of Education, Department of School Education & Literacy.
• Sudha Painuli is the first NAT Awardee from the Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) established under Ministry of Tribal Affairs. She is serving as the Vice Principal of EMRS-Kalsi, Dehradun, Uttarakhand since its establishment.

Defence News

Rafale fighter jets to be formally inducted into IAF on September 10

Rafale fighter jets will be formally inducted into the Indian Air Force by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on September 10, 2020 at the Ambala airbase in Haryana. French Defence Minister Florence Parly will be invited for the induction ceremony.

• The Rafale fighter aircraft armed with air-to-air missile Meteor and air-to-ground missiles Hammer and SCALP will provide a much-needed edge to the Indian Air Force over its adversaries in the neighbourhood- China and Pakistan.

Sports Affairs

West Indies Cricketer Dwayne Bravo becomes first bowler to scalp 500 wickets in T20I

West Indies All-Rounder Dwayne John Bravo became the first bowler in International Cricket to scalp 500 wickets in Twenty20 International (T20I).

• He achieved the feat in the Carribean Premier League (CPL)2020 match between his team Trinbago Knight Riders and St Lucia Zouks.
• Bravo took the wicket of Rahkeem Cornwall (18) to register his 500th wicket.

Obituaries

‘Black Panther’ star Chadwick Boseman passes away

Black Panther actor, Chadwick Boseman passed away after a four-year battle with colon cancer. He was born and raised in Anderson, South Carolina, and made his acting debut in the TV series “All My Children” in 2003.

• He made his big-screen debut in 2008 in the biopic The Express: The Ernie Davis Story where he played Floyd Little. He played famous Black Panther role in the Marvel cinematic universe.

Veteran Athletics coach Purshottam Rai passes away

Veteran athletics coach Purshottam Rai died due to a cardiac arrest in Bengaluru. He was to be conferred the prestigious Dronacharya Award in the lifetime category. He was 79.

• Rai coached top athletes such as Olympian quartermiler Vandana Rao, heptathlete Pramila Aiyappa, Ashwini Nachappa, Murali Kuttan, MK Asha, EB Shyla, Rosa Kutty and GG Pramila.

Important Days

International Day against Nuclear Tests observed on 29 August

The International Day against Nuclear Tests is observed globally on 29th August since 2010. The day aims to increase awareness about the effects of nuclear weapon test explosions or any other nuclear explosions and the need for their cessation as one of the means of achieving the goal of a nuclear-weapon-free world.

National Sports Day observed on 29th August

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.

• National Sports Day is celebrated in India by presenting awards such as Arjuna Award, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, Dronacharya Award, Dhyan Chand Award.

PIB News

DEA holds Sustainable Finance Collaborative consultation with UNDP

The Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance, Government of India, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme India launched the Sustainable Finance Collaborative on 26th August 2020.

• The consultation was held on 26th, 27th and 28th August over virtual platform which brought forth thematic discussions around some key aspects of Sustainable Finance.

14th India-Singapore Defence Policy Dialogue via video conferencing

The 14th India-Singapore Defence Policy Dialogue (DPD) was held via video conferencing here today. It was co-chaired by Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar and Permanent Secretary (Defence), Singapore Mr Chan Heng Kee.

• Both sides held discussions on a number of issues of bilateral defence engagements between India and Singapore. Both sides committed to further enhance the security partnership between the two countries.
• At the end of the DPD, the Implementing Arrangement on Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR) between India and Singapore was also signed.

Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) celebrating its Golden Jubilee Anniversary

The Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) is celebrating its Golden Jubilee Anniversary today. A function was organised in virtual mode to mark the occasion. Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri G Kishan Reddy graced the function at New Delhi as the Chief Guest.

• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has greeted BPR&D on its Golden Jubilee. In his message Prime Minister said “Over the last 50 years, BPR&D has been unwavering in its commitment in the service of the nation”.

Power Minister graces ceremony of 6th Foundation Day of AREAS through online platform

Shri R.K. Singh, Union Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy and the ex-officio Patron of Association of Renewable Energy Agencies of States (AREAS) graced the ceremony of 6th Foundation Day of AREAS on 27th August 2020 through online platform.

• He launched AREAS websitewww.areas.org.inand also Telephone Directory of AREAS.

Central Institutes of Hotel Management & Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management organise various Activities on Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat

Ministry of Tourism has been regularly working to promote the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha through various activities. Even during the COVID-19 Pandemic Bharat Central Institutes of Hotel Management affiliated to NCHMCT & Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management organised various Activities on Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat since 8th May 2020 to 24th August 2020.

• The activities witnessed an enthusiastic participation in the true spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.

Awards

Marieke Lucas Rijneveld becomes youngest author to win International Booker Prize

A 29-year-old Dutch writer has become the youngest author to win the International Booker Prize.

• Marieke Lucas Rijneveld’s “The Discomfort of Evening,” a dark story about a devout farming family in a strict Christian community in the rural Netherlands, was announced as the winner Wednesday.
• The International Booker Prize is awarded every year to a book of fiction in any language that is translated into English and published in the U.K. or Ireland. The award is separate from the main Booker Prize, and aims to encourage more publishing and reading of quality fiction from around the world.

Sports Affairs

Bryan brothers announce retirement

Bob and Mike Bryan, the most successful men’s doubles team in the history of tennis, are bringing the curtain down on their 22-year professional careers days ahead of the U.S. Open, the site of their major debut in 1995.

• The Bryans, 42, captured a professional era record 119 titles together, including 16 Grand Slams, 39 ATP Masters 1000s and the ATP Finals title four times.
• They also won Olympic gold at London 2012 and were part of the U.S. Davis Cup-winning team in 2007.

Books & Authors

Army Chief MM Naravane Releases Book On National Security

Army Chief General MM Naravane released a book titled “National Security Challenges: Young Scholars’ Perspective” penned by university students.

• The book published by the Army think-tank Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS)
• The book is a tribute to Field Marshal Manekshaw, the great grand strategist of 1971 Indo-Pakistan War that resulted in the liberation of Bangladesh.

Obituaries

Writer-journalist Gail Sheehy passes away

Writer-journalist, Commentator and Pop sociologist, Gail Sheehy passed away. Her best-selling book “Passages: Predictable Crises of Adult Life” was published in 1976.

• Sheehy’s honors included the National Magazine Award, the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award and a citation from the American Psychological Association.

PIB News

Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) – National Mission for Financial Inclusion, completes six years of successful implementation

PMJDY was announced by Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi in his Independence Day address on 15th August 2014. While launching the programme on 28th August, the Prime Minister had described the occasion as a festival to celebrate the liberation of the poor from a vicious cycle.

• On the 6th Anniversary of PMJDY, Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs , Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman reiterated the importance of this Scheme.

Union Education Minister virtually inaugurates Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC) Exam Centre of Aligarh Muslim University

Union Education Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’  inaugurated Examination Centre of Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC),  Aligarh Muslim University through a video conferencing platform. The examination centre has been built on a government grant of rupees two cores.

• The Minister congratulated the AMU Vice Chancellor for ensuring the all-round development with continuous positive transformation despite adverse circumstances due to the Coronavirus outbreak.

PM Modi addresses seminar on Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence manufacturing

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the seminar on Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence Manufacturing via Video Conferencing. Stressing on the need to become Atmanirbhar in Defence Manufacturing, the Prime Minister said our aim is to boost defence production, develop new technology and give significant roles to private players in the defence sector.

• Complimenting Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh and his entire team for working on a mission mode and taking relentless efforts, the Prime Minister said that the objective of achieving self-reliance in defense production will definitely gain momentum from today’s seminar.

Union Education Minister virtually addresses inaugural session of World Urdu Conference organised by National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language

Union Education Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ virtually addressed the inaugural session  of the two days World Urdu Conference organised by  National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language ( NCPUL ) in New Delhi.

• The Education Minister also made an important announcement and said that Urdu writers and literators will be honoured with awards and honours in the name of important personalities of Urdu like Amir Khusrow, Mirza Ghalib, Agha Hashar, Ram Babu Saxena and Daya Shankar Naseem to encourage Urdu writers for literary and creative services by the Urdu Council from next year.

Textile Grand Challenge 2019 organized by Ministry of Textiles to bring forward innovative ideas aimed at phasing out plastic bags

The Textile Grand Challenge 2019 was organized by the Ministry of Textiles with the active support of National Jute Board and the Start up India Team of the Department for Promotion of Industry & Industrial Trade (DPIIT).

• The aim of organizing this historic event was to bring forward innovative ideas by start-ups/ entrepreneurs for development of cost effective and low-weight carry bags using Jute Bio-mass, Jute Plant based bio-polymer and cotton fibre waste tophase out plastic bags.

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