Top GKToday’s News Headlines-14 August 2020

Here are Top GKToday’s News Headlines for August 14, 2020

India

DIAT develops face mask “Pavitrapati”, anti-microbial body suit “Aushada tara”

Pune-based Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT) developed a biodegradable face mask named “Pavitrapati” which acts a virus neutraliser and an anti-microbial body suit named “Aushada tara”. Both were manufactured by Kolhapur-based textile company M/s Siddheshwar Techtessile Pvt. Ltd., Maharashtra.

Defence Minister launches Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on August 13, 2020 launched the Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO). The NIIO puts in place dedicated structures for the end users to interact with academia and industry towards fostering innovation and indigenisation for self-reliance in defence production.

Indian Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Vessel ‘Sarthak’ launched

An Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) for the Indian Coast Guard named ‘Sarthak’ on August 13, 2020. OPV Sarthak is the fourth in the series of five OPVs. It has been designed and built indigenously by M/s Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL).

Economy

PM unveils ‘Honouring the Honest’ platform for Transparent Taxation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 13, 2020 launched a “Transparent Taxation — Honouring the Honest” platform that provides faceless assessment and faceless appeal and a taxpayers’ charter. Faceless assessment seeks to eliminate corrupt practices by eliminating the need for physical interface between assessing officers and assessees. The cases of scrutiny will now be allocated randomly to any official in any part of the country.

Retail inflation inches up to 6.93% in July

Retail inflation inched up to 6.93% for the month of July as food prices shot up owing to disruption and floods in eastern India. The data for the month of June has been revised upwards to 6.23%.

INOX group to be official sponsor of Indian team at 2021 Tokyo Olympics: IOA

The INOX group will be the official sponsor of the Indian team for the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics (July 23-August 8, 2021), the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) announced on August 13, 2020.

World

Maldives: India to give credit & grant for Greater Male Connectivity Project

India will fund the implementation of a major connectivity project in Maldives through a $400 million line of credit and $100 million grant, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on August 13, 2020 after holding talks with his Maldivian counterpart Abdulla Shahid. The 6.7 km Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP) will connect Male with three neighbouring islands — Villingili, Gulhifahu and Thilafushi.

Israel tests Arrow-2 advanced missile defense system

Israel’s Defense Ministry said on August 13, 2020 it conducted a successful test of Arrow-2 – the country’s advanced missile defense system against long-range ballistic attacks. Arrow-2 is part of the multi-layered system Israel has developed to defend against missiles of short as well as long ranges. It includes Iron Dome, David’s Sling and the Arrow-3 system.

Chinese President launches ‘Clean Your Plate Campaign’

China has officially launched a new version of “Clean Your Plate Campaign” flagged by Chinese President Xi Jinping. “Different from the previous campaign, which was aimed at putting an end to officials’ extravagant feasts and receptions, the 2.0 version calls for the public to stop wasting food,” state-run Global Times reported on August 13, 2020.

Month: Current Affairs - August, 2020