Current Affairs – December 23, 2020 [Today’s News Headlines]

Here are Today’s News Headlines for December 23, 2020:

India

India International Science Festival inaugurated

On December 22, 2020, PM Modi inaugurated the India International Science Festival. Theme: Science for Self-Reliant India and Global Welfare.

Lancet Study: 1.7 million deaths in India due to Air Pollution

According to a recent study by the Lancet, around 1.7 million deaths in India occur due to air pollution. The economic loss in the country due to air pollution I 1.4% of GDP.

Stamp to mark Centenary celebrations of Aligarh Muslim University

On December 22, 2020, PM Modi released postal stamp to mark the centenary celebrations of Aligarh Muslim University.

Economy and Corporate

Suspension of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code

The Government of India is to extend the suspension of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code till March 31, 2021. This will help business cope with the lingering difficulties posed by COVID-19 pandemic.

Central Bank of India launches “RuPay Select” Debit Card

On December 22, 2020, the Central Bank of India launched the contactless “RuPay Select” debit card in association with National Payments Corporation of India.

“Infinite India” platform

ICICI Bank has set up an online “Infinite India” platform to provide banking services to foreign companies.

ONGC begins oil production in Bengal Basin

The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation has started oil production at the Ashokenagar well in the Bengal Basin.

GoI invites EoI

On December 22, 2020, the Government of India invited Expression of Interest for divestment of its 63.75% shares in the Shipping Corporation India Limited. The Shipping Corporation India was incorporated in 1961. It owns 59 vessel, 13 crude oil tankers and eight off-shore supply vessels.

World

President Trump confers Legion of Merit

On December 21, 2020, the US President Donald Trump conferred the Legion of Merit on Prime Minister Modi for his leadership in elevating the bilateral partnership and accelerating emergence of India as a global power. The Legion of Merit is one of the highest military honours of the US.

India-Japan Defence talks

On December 22, 2020, the Defence Minister Raj Nath spoke to his Japanese counter part Kishi Noubo about the bilateral defence and security cooperation between the countries.

Sports

Rafael Nadal wins Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award

On December 20, 2020, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer won the top awards of ATP for the year 2020. Djokovic won the “Year-end No. 1” award. Nadal received the “Stefan Edberg sportsmanship” award. Tiafoe won the Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award.

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2020