Current Affairs – December 21, 2020 [Today’s News Headlines]

Here are Today’s News Headlines for December 21, 2020:

India

Advanced hypersonic wind tunnel test facility inaugurated

On December 19, 2020, the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Advanced Hypersonic Wind Tunnel test facility. The facility simulated Mach 5 to 12. Mach is the multiplication factor to the speed of sound. With this India has become the third country after United States and Russia to test the facility.

Exploitation of Sentinel Island will wipe out Tribals in Andaman: AnSI

The Anthropological Survey of India recently said that any exploitation of the North Sentinel island of the Andaman for commercial purposes will lead to the wipe out of the Sentinelese, the most secluded and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group.

Health ministry listed document for vaccine registration

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare recently listed out the documents that can be used for registering to get vaccinated against the covid-19. The beneficiaries can produce Health Insurance Smart cards issued by the labour ministry, driving licence, official identity cards, bank or post office passbook, pension document, service identity card issued to employees, voter ID cards.

District Development Council polls concluded in Jammu and Kashmir

The District Development Council polls in Jammu and Kashmir concluded peacefully. The polls were held in eight faces. It is the first electoral process undertaken since the Abrogation of Article 370.

 Economy and corporate

PayPal imposed Rs 96 lakhs

The American online payment gateway giant PayPal  was imposed Rs 96 lakh penalty by the Financial Intelligence Unit for contravention of the anti money laundering law. PayPal was accused of concealing suspect financial transactions and awaiting disintegration of financial system of India.

 8th hydrocarbon producing basin of India opened

On December 20, 2020, the Public Sector Unit Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) opened India’s 8th hydrocarbon producing basin. It has been opened at Ashokenagar in West Bengal.

World

Nepal Prime Minister recommends dissolution of parliament

On December 20, 2020, the Nepal Prime Minister Sharma Oli recommended the dissolution of Parliament.

International Human Solidaity Day

On December 20, 2020, the International Human Solidarity Day was observed by the United Nations. The United Nations General Assembly in 2005 identified solidarity as one of the fundamental and universal values that should underlie relations between people in the 21st century.

Sports

Cologne World Cup: India wins 3 gold, 2 silver and 4 bronze

On December 20, 2020, India finished the Cologne World Cup with 3 gold, to silver and four bronze medals. These gold medals were won by Simranjit Kaur, Manisha and Amit Panghal. Silver were won by Amit Panghal and Satish Kumar.

4 indigenous sports to be included in Khelo India Youth Games, 2021

The Sports Ministry recently approved the inclusion of four indigenous sports to the Khelo India Youth Games 2021. They are Gatka, Thang-Ta, Kalaripayapattu and Mallakhamba.

FIFA Best Awards presented

Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski was named as the Player of the Year (men) at the FIFA Best Awards ceremony held in Zurich. Other Winner were as follows:

• Player of the Year-Women: Lucy Bronze
• Goalkeeper: Men: Manuel Neuer (Bayern)
• Women: Sarah Bouhaddi (Lyon)
• Coach: Men: Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool)
• Puskas Award (best goal): Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hostpur)

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2020