Current Affairs – December 19, 2020 [Today’s News Headlines]

December 19, 2020

Here are Today’s News Headlines for December 19, 2020

India

Indigenously developed DRDO systems handed over to Indian Defence forces

On December 18, 2020, the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh handed over three Defence systems developed Defence Research and Development Organisation to the Indian Defence Forces. The Indian Maritime Situation Awareness System was handed over to Indian Navy, ASTRA Mk-1 missile was handed over to Indian Air Force and the Border Surveillance System was handed over to the Indian Army.

ICMR Director General test positive for covid-19

Director General of Indian Council of Medical Research, Balram Bhargav are tested positive for covid-19. He has been admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences.

Economy and Corporate

CBI books Transstroy for Rs 7,926 crores bank fraud

The CBI has booked the Transstroy India Limited and its directors for a bank fraud of 7926 crores of Rupees.

First Centre of Excellence for skill development in power sector

On December 18, 2020, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship announced the inauguration of first Centre of Excellence for skill development in power sector in the campus of National Institute of Solar Energy in Gurugram.

Greenfield airport in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh

The Greenfield airport that is being built in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh has been named The Noida International Airport. The logo of the airport carries the state bird of Uttar Pradesh, the Sarus Crane.

India-Australia Economic Strategy Report

On December 18, 2020, the Union Minister of Railways, commerce and industry, Consumer Affairs, food and distribution Piyush Goyal addressed the CII session on enhancing India Australia bilateral trade and economic relationship. During the event, the Minister launched India Australia economic strategy report.

Ratan Tata won Global Visionary of Sustainable Business and Peace Award

The chairman of Tata Group, Ratan Tata is to be honoured with Global Visionary of Sustainable Business and Peace award. The award is to be presented during the launch of Federation of Indo Israel Chamber of Commerce International chapter in Dubai.

Foreign Exchange Reserves at 578.569 billion USD

In the week that ended on December 11, 2020, India’s foreign exchange reserve declined by 778 million USD. The foreign currency assets fell by 1.042 billion USD. The gold reserves group by 284 million USD. The special drawing rights with the International Monetary Fund marginally increased by 3 million USD.

World

India ranked 111 on Human Freedom Index, 2020

In a world wide ranking of civil, economic and personal freedom, India was placed at 111th spot of the 162 countries. The first three spots were occupied by New Zealand, Switzerland and Hong Kong. The overall human freedom score was 6.43.

World Bank comes out with corrected doing business rankings

The world bank has come out with corrected doing business rankings following review of data irregularities. According to the revised rankings China has been lowered by 7 notches in the index, that is, from 78 to 85.