Current Affairs Daily Digest – August 14 2020
1. AMRUT Scheme Ranking: Odisha continues to be the Top Performer
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs recently released ranking of states under AMRUT scheme. Odisha has secured first position by scoring 85.67%. Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation Scheme. The scheme aims to provide piped water supply to households in urban areas of the state.
2. ARUNODOI: Assam to launch mega scheme for Women Financial Empowerment
The Assam Government is to identify beneficiaries of new scheme called “ORUNODOI”. The scheme is being launched to help in women financial empowerment. The ORUNODOI will be the biggest scheme in Assam that will benefit more than 17 lakh families. The scheme aims to empower women while boosting economic development.
3. Sudha Murthy, ITC’s Sivakumar bags Gramodaya awards
Chairperson of Infosys Foundation, Sudha Murty and Group Head of Agri and IT Businesses of ITC Ltd, Sivakumar Surampudi are among the winners of the Gramodaya Bandhu Mitra Puraskaras.
The other winners include Padma Bhushan Vijay Bhatkar, Padmasri SP Verma, Vilas Shinde (Director, Sahyadri Farms), Koosam Rajamouli, Former Sarpanch of Gangadevipalli in Telangana, Brig Pogula Ganesham, Founder of Palle Srujana, and Govinda Rajulu Chintala, Chairman of the Nabard.
4. Vice Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi assumes charge as DGNO
Vice Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, AVSM, NM has become the Director General Naval Operations (DGNO). He is a specialist in Communication and Electronic Warfare and was commissioned in the Indian Navy on 01st July 1985. The alumnus of National Defence Academy Khadakwasla, has served on frontline warships of the Navy as Signal Communication Officer and Electronic Warfare Officer.
5. Malayalam poet-lyricist Chunakkara Ramankutty passes away
Malayalam poet-lyricist, Chunakkara Ramankutty passed away. He wrote over 215 songs for 76 movies. Some of his hit songs include ‘Syamameghame nee’ (Adhipan), ‘Sindoorathilakavumayi’ (Kuyiline thedi), ’Nee Arinjo Mele Manath’ (Kandu Kandarinju), ‘Hridayavaniyile gayikayo’ (Kottayam Kunjachan). He is a recipient of Guru Shreshta Award of Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi in 2015.
6. Israel successfully tested “Arrow-2” Ballistic Missile Interceptor
Israel has successfully tested its advanced missile defence system, “Arrow-2” ballistic missile interceptor. The Missile test was conducted in the test site in Central Israel over the Mediterranean Sea. The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) of the United States of America along with Israeli Air Force and Israel Aerospace Industries conducted the testing.
7. Historic peace agreement between UAE & Israel
President of USA, Donald J. Trump, Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Nahyan have agreed to the full normalization of relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates.
8. SS Mundra becomes new non-executive Chairman of IBH
Former RBI deputy governor, Subhash Sheoratan Mundra has been appointed as non-executive chairman of Indiabulls Housing Finance (IBH) with immediate effect. He had joined the board of IBH in 2018 as an independent director.
9. Sports Ministry to organise “Fit India Freedom Run”
“Fit India Freedom Run” would be organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports from 15th August to 02nd October 2020. The ministry is organising “Fit India Freedom Run” to mark the 74th Independence Day of India on August 15 to 151st birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on October 2. This would be the largest country-wide run, targeted to encourage fitness among the masses while following the COVID-19 protocols.
