Current Affairs Daily Digest – August 08 2020
1. International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is observed on 9 August
International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is observed on 9 August 2020. The day is observed by the United Nations (UN) and its member states. The day marks the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in 1982.
Theme:
The theme of 2020 International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples “COVID-19 and indigenous peoples’ resilience”.
2. Quit India Day is observed on 9 August
Quit India Day is observed on 9th August every year. The day commemorates the important movement in the freedom struggle. The day is celebrated to pay tribute to the freedom fighters.
The Quit India Movement is also known as India August Movement or Bharat Chodo Andolan. It was launched by Mahatma Gandhi at the Bombay session of the All-India Congress Committee (AICC) on 8 August 1942 during World War II. The movement demanded “An Orderly British Withdrawal” from India.
3. Prof. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Joshi took oath as Chairman of UPSC
Prof. (Dr.) Pradeep Kumar Joshi took the oath of office and secrecy as Chairman of Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on 7 August 2020. The oath office was administered by Shri Arvind Saxena, the outgoing Chairman of the Commission. Prior to this Prof.(Dr.) Joshi served as a Member of UPSC.
4. Hardayal Prasad becomes new MD & CEO of PNB Housing Finance
PNB Housing Finance has announced the appointment of the former SBI Card head, Hardayal Prasad as its new managing director and chief executive officer. Prasad will take over from, Neeraj Vyas the current interim managing director and chief executive officer of the company, will step down from the position on August 10.
5. Delhi Govt launches new “Electric Vehicle Policy”
Delhi government has launched the “Electric Vehicle Policy” for the national capital under which will waive registration fee, road tax, and provide an incentive of up to ₹1.5 lakh for new cars. The government aims to generate employment to give a boost to Delhi’s economy and reduce pollution levels in the national capital.
6. India to participate in Kavkaz 2020 exercise in Russia
India will take part in the multilateral military “Russian Kavkaz 2020” strategic command-post exercise to be held in Astrakhan, Russia. The Indian contingent includes 150 Army personnel and a smaller number of personnel from the Navy and Air Force.
7. India to host ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2021
The International Cricket Council has confirmed that the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2020 that was postponed due to Covid-19 will be held in Australia in 2022. India will host the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 as planned.
ICC has also decided to postpone the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2021 in New Zealand till February-March 2022 because of the impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on cricket globally.
8. G.C. Murmu becomes new Comptroller and Auditor General of India
Former Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor, Girish Chandra Murmu has been appointed as the new Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India. He is the 14th CAG of India. He will assume office on 8 August 2020. He will replace Rajiv Mehrishi, a 1978 batch IAS officer of the Rajasthan cadre, as the CAG.
9. First Kisan Rail from Devlali to Danapur flagged off
Indian Railways unveiled the first “Kisan Rail” from Devlali to Danapur on 7th August 2020 from Devlali. Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Rural Development and Panchyati Raj Minister, Narendra Singh Tomar and Railways and Commerce & Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal flagged off the train via video conferencing.
