Current Affairs Daily Digest – August 20 2020
1. Lakshmi Vilas Bank launches “LVB DigiGo” instant account opening facility
Lakshmi Vilas Bank (LVB) has launched LVB DigiGo, a digital initiative to enable the opening of savings account instantly. LVB’s new initiative will help people to avail the most required banking services instantly through the website.
As a Lakshmi DigiGo customer, one can visit the nearest LVB Branch and convert his/her “Lakshmi DigiGo”, account to a fully-featured regular account of choice and avail cheque book, debit card and a host of other facilities.
2. 5th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament held virtually
5th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament (5WCSP) was held virtually. The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Geneva, and the Parliament of Austria jointly organized the two day Conference with the support of the United Nations (UN). The conference was held with the theme “Parliamentary leadership for more effective multilateralism” to deliver peace and sustainable development for the people and planet.
3. YES Bank launches unique facility ‘Loan against Securities’
‘Loan against Securities’ is an unique digital solution launched by the YES Bank under its loan in seconds platform. “Loan against Securities” will enable customers to avail loan facility against the securities that they hold. The customers are required only to pledge the securities and not selling them.
4. “Pavitrapati” & “Aushada tara” launched to fight against COVID-19
Defence Institute of Advanced Technology, DIAT (DU) has launched two products namely “Pavitrapati” & “Aushada tara” to fight against COVID-19. “Pavitrapati” is an Ayurvedic based Biodegradable Face Mask which will act as a virus neutraliser in order to provide resistance against the bacteria / virus. These masks will be made available on online platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart etc.
5. Muthoot Finance, Kotak General Insurance tie up to offer COVID-19 cover
Muthoot Finance has tie-up with Kotak Mahindra General Insurance to offer COVID-19 insurance cover of up to Rs 1 lakh against the gold loan. The company will be providing complimentary COVID-19 insurance cover to their eligible customers through Muthoot Finance Ayush Gold Loan, an exclusive initiative of Muthoot Group. This specific cover will only be available for the customers opting to avail gold loan under the Super Loan scheme.
6. ADB approved USD 1 billion loan for rapid transit system in India
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 1 billion (Rs 7,485 crore) loan to construct the modern, high-speed 82-kilometre (Delhi – Meerut) Uttar Pradesh Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) in India. The transit system project aims to help decongest the city and improve regional connectivity by establishing transit options through densely populated sections of the NCR connecting Delhi to Meerut in Uttar Pradesh.
7. Luis Abinader becomes new President of Dominican Republic
Luis Rodolfo Abinader Corona has been sworn in as the 54th President of Dominican Republic. He succeeds Danilo Medina of Liberation Party. Abinader’s Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) won the elections with 53% vote, while Gonzalo Castillo who was the candidate of the ruling PLD got 37.7%.
8. British Tennis legend Angela Buxton passes away
Former British tennis player, two-time Grand Slam doubles champion and equal rights pioneer Angela Buxton has passed away. Buxton won the women’s doubles alongside Althea Gibson at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon in 1956. Buxton also reached the singles final at Wimbledon 1956 but lost to American Shirley Fry.
9. Indian Akshay Urja Day 2020
Indian Akshay Urja Day or Renewable Energy Day is observed on 20th August every year. Indian Akshay Urja is observed to mark the importance of renewable energy resources in India. India’s government is aware of the importance of development or renewable energy sources to provide the state with a sustainable amount of energy. It is significant to promote awareness about renewable resources among people who are ignorant about the subject.
10. Sadbhavana Diwas: 20th August
Every year on 20th August, the birth anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi is celebrated as Sadbhavana Diwas or Harmony Day. This year on 20th August 2020, we are going to celebrate the 76th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. The Indian National Congress instituted Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Award in 1992, a year after his death.
11. India names Bangladesh to be a priority recipient for COVID-19 vaccine
Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla in Dhaka on August 19, 2020, informed that India will supply the COVID-19 vaccine to neighbouring country Bangladesh on a priority basis once it gets the nod and mass production starts.
12. Ravi Shankar Prasad launched Swadeshi Microprocessor Challenge to boost Start-up
Union Minister of Law & Justice, Communications and Electronics & Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad launched “Swadeshi Microprocessor Challenge- Innovate Solution for #Aatmanirbhar Bharat” on 18 August 2020. The aim is to provide further impetus to the strong ecosystem of Start-up, innovation, and research in the country.
