Top Current Affairs – September 17, 2020 (Morning Digest)

GKToday presents daily digest of Top Current Affairs covering major news updates of the day. Here are the morning updates for Current Affairs of 17 September 2020:

Centre to release advance grants to implement, maintain old age homes

In view of the on-going coronavirus pandemic, the Union Government has decided to release advance grant to implementing agencies to run and maintain old age homes under its National Action Plan for Senior Citizens. Approximately Rs.83 crore has already been released to the implementing agencies this fiscal till date.

Doval, Chinese counterpart to attend virtual BRICS meeting

Amid the border standoff, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi will be virtually attending the 10^th meeting of NSAs of the Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa grouping today. This meeting is a part of a series of events hosted by Russia, the current chair of BRICS.

IBSA calls for strengthening global commitment to hasten reform of UNSC

In a joint statement issued after the a customary meeting of the foreign ministers of the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA), the three countries have called on the global community to redouble efforts and strengthen commitment for an “accelerated and comprehensive reform” of the UN Security Council.

Maharashtra government unveils insurance scheme for road accident victims

The Balasaheb Thackeray Road Accident Insurance Scheme was approved by the state cabinet. Under this scheme, anyone who is injured due to road accidents would be eligible for free treatment in hospitals up to Rs.30,000. The scheme would cost the Rs.125 crore each year for the state government.

Centre signs 70 defence contracts during last fiscal

While 38 defence contracts were signed with Indian vendors, the 32 others were inked with foreign vendors in the last financial year. 16 other deals have been signed this fiscal until the month of July.

TN proposes IPC amendment to increase jail terms for crimes against women, children

The state government has sent a proposal to the Centre to amend the Indian Penal Code sections to increase jail terms for certain crimes against women and children. These crimes relate to dowry-related deaths, assault, stalking and trafficking of minor girls.

Atal Tunnel construction completed

10 years after the initiation, the construction of the Manali-Leh tunnel, called Atal Tunnel, has been completed. The BRO-constructed tunnel reduces distance between Manali and Leh by 46 km and save 4 hours of travel time.

Month: Current Affairs - September, 2020