1.Miscellaneous
World Environmental Health Day
World Environmental Health Day was observed globally 26th September.
The day is celebrated in order to throw a light on important work being done in the field of environmental health around the world.
Theme: Environmental health, a key public health intervention in disease pandemic prevention.
The observance of the day was inaugurated in 2011 in Indonesia.
Quick Fact: The World Environmental Health Day was launched by the International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH) council.
2.Defence and Security
JIMEX 2020 Commences in the North Arabian Sea
The India-Japan Maritime bilateral exercise (JIMEX) began in the North Arabian Sea from September 26.
The exercise will be conducted for three days.
Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, the exercise is being conducted in a ‘non-contact at-sea-only format’ this year.
The exercise was first started in the year 2012 and it is conducted biennially between the Indian Navy and Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
Quick Fact: This is the 4th edition of JIMEX.
3.Business and Finance
RBI introduces Positive Pay System
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced a “Positive Pay System” that comes into effect from January 2021.
The system aims to make cheque payments more secure.
The system will now make it mandatory to re-confirm key details of cheques for the payments beyond Rs 50,000.
Quick Fact: “Positive Pay” in Cheque Truncation System is being developed by the National Payments Corporation of India.
4.Defence and Security
Pinaka missile production started by DRDO
Pinaka missile production started by DRDO on 26th September.
The Pinaka system was designed and developed by Armament Research and Development Establishment.
The Authority Holding Sealed Particulars (AHSP), responsible for collecting and analyzing defense items, handed over the Pinaka weapon system production project to the Directorate-General of Quality Assurance.
Quick Fact: The Pinaka missile system has a range of 37.5 kilometers.
5.National Affairs
Destination North East 2020 inaugurated
Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated Destination North East-2020 on 27th September through virtual mode.
The theme of the event is the Emerging Delightful Destinations.
Destination North East is a calendar event of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region.
The programme is to feature audio visual presentation of the tourist spots of the states and the region, messages from state icons and achievers, introduction to prominent local entrepreneurs and virtual exhibition of traditional fashion and local products.
Quick Fact: The programme will be held over the duration of 4 days.
6.Conferences and Summits
The India-Sri Lanka virtual Bilateral Summit held
The India-Sri Lanka virtual Bilateral Summit was held between Prime Ministers of both the countries on 26th September.
This is the first time that the Indian Prime Minister has held a bilateral meeting with the neighborhood amid the current situation of COVID-19 pandemic.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also announced a grant assistance of 15 million dollars to Sri Lanka for the promotion of Buddhist ties between India and Sri Lanka.
Quick Fact: The prime minister of Sri Lanka is Mahinda Rajapaksa.
7.India and the World
ADB approved $300 million loan to develop Rajasthan’s secondary towns
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved $300 million for the development of secondary towns in Rajasthan.
The loan amount is to be used to develop inclusive water supply, sanitation infrastructure and services in these towns.
Secondary towns are the localities that have 20,000 to one lakh residents.
Quick Fact: The project is expected to improve water supply systems in at least eight project towns by 2027.
8.India and the World
Vodafone wins tax case against India at International Arbitration Tribunal
The Vodafone Group wins the tax case against India at the International Arbitration Tribunal over retrospective tax demand of ₹20,000 crore.
The Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that conduct of Income Tax Department is a breach of fair and equitable treatment.
The tribunal also directed the government to pay a partial compensation of $5.47 million to Vodafone as legal costs.
9.Miscellaneous
The India Happiness Report 2020
The first all India Happiness Report 2020 was released by Professor Rajesh K Pillania.
The report covers all States and Union Territories and measures happiness across the country, what contributes to people’s happiness, the impact of COVID-19 on happiness, and insights from thought leaders.
The report is based on a nationwide survey covering 16,950 people between March and July 2020
Mizoram, Punjab, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands are the top 3 state/union territories on the report.
Quick Fact: Maharashtra, Delhi, and Haryana have shown the worst possible impact of COVID-19 on happiness.
