Current Affairs – December 17, 2020 [Today’s News Headlines]

December 17, 2020

Here are Today’s News Headlines for December 17, 2020

India

50th anniversary year celebrations of 1971 war

On December 16, 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lit the “Swarnim Vijay Marshaal” from the eternal Flame of the national war Memorial in New Delhi. This marks the beginning of 50th anniversary year celebrations of India’s victory over Pakistan in 1971 war.

Vijay Diwas: December 16

On December 16 2020, India celebrated Vijay Diwas to commemorate its victory over Pakistan in 1971 war.

Ideas for space situational awareness control centre

The Indian Space Research Organisation has set up a dedicated control Centre for space situational awareness activities. The centre has been named “NETRA” and has been located within the ISTRAC campus off Bengaluru.

India and UK to work towards mutual recognition of academic qualifications

On December 16, 2020, the union Education Minister Ramesh pokhriyal nishank held talks with his UK counterpart in New Delhi. During the talk the countries agreed to set up a joint task force that will work towards the mutual recognition of academic qualifications .

Prasar Bharati CEO elected as Vice President of Asia Pacific broadcasting Union

The CEO of Prasar Bharati, Shashi Shekhar vempati has been elected as the Vice President of Asia Pacific broadcasting union. Asia-pacific broadcasting union was formed in 1964 and it currently has 286 members spread in 57 countries and regions .

economy and corporate

Telecom service providers to procure equipment from trusted sources

On December 16, 2020, the cabinet committee on security approved the national security directive on telecommunication sector that mandate the telecom service providers to procure equipment from sources designated as “trusted”.

National Payment Corporation of India offers offline transaction features in rupay card

On December 15, 2020, the National Payment Corporation of India added features in rupay cards that will allow offline transactions in areas with limited internet connectivity.

400 million USD Loan by World bank to protect the poor

On December 16, 20-20, Government of India and the World bank signed a 400 million USD loan to protect India’s poor and vulnerable from the impact of covid-19.

New Development Bank to provide 1 billion USD loan to rural infrastructure and MGNREGS

The Government of India and the new Development bank has recently signed a loan Agreement of 1 billion USD to support the rural infrastructure of the country and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee scheme .

World

Human Development Index

India has ranked 131 in the recently released Human Development Index topped the index was released by the United Nations development programme. India scored 0.645 in the ranking.

Terror group boko haram claimed abduction of more than 330 Nigerian students

On December 11, 2020, boko haram claimed responsibility for abducting more than 330 Nigerian schoolboys.

Siddharth Chatterjee appointed as United Nations resident coordinator

The United Nations Secretary General Antonio guterres has appointed Siddhartha Chatterjee of India assassinated Nations resident coordinator in China.

United States joins International Group of Central banks in climate change fight

On December 15, 2020, the united states federal reserve joined the International Group of Central banks focusing on climate change risk. So far it was the only major Global Central Bank beside the Reserve Bank of India that was not a member of the the network of Central banks and supervisors.