Author: Shivali Varshney, Vidhyarthi Darpan

CURRENT AFFAIRS
20 August 2020

NATIONAL NEWS:

A) CBI shall probe Sushant Singh Rajput case, rules SC

The Supreme Court has approved the ongoing CBI investigation, recommended by the Bihar government, into the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput. The court invoked its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to order that any future FIRs registered in connection with the case, including those by the Mumbai Police, will be investigated by the central agency. Asserting that an impartial probe is the need of the hour, the court also asked the Mumbai Police to hand over to the CBI all the evidence it has collected so far. The court upheld the validity of the FIR registered by the Bihar Police on the complaint filed by Sushant’s father. At the same time, Justice Roy also said the Mumbai Police had jurisdiction in the case owing to the fact that certain incidents, including the death of the actor, had occurred in that city.

B) Prashant Bhushan asks SC to defer sentencing

Advocate Prashant Bhushan today asked the Supreme Court to defer the sentencing hearing in a Suo Motu criminal contempt case in which he was convicted on August 14. The sentencing hearing is scheduled before a 3 Judge Bench which will be led by Justice Arun Mishra on August 20. He was represented by advocate Kamini Jaiswal. He said that they will file a review petition against the Judgment dated August 14 within the period of 30 days as provided under Order 47 of the Supreme Court Rules of 2013. He said that his review petition should be treated as a first appeal against conviction when it will be filed.

C) Covid Watch: Numbers and Developments

The number of reported coronavirus cases from India stood at 28,31,341 with the death toll at 53,979. India on Tuesday reported 64,531 new cases. Andhra Pradesh is fast becoming India’s latest problem state, recording 9,742 new coronavirus cases and 86 deaths today. With this, the state’s tally rose to 3,16,003 and the toll stood at 2,906. Meanwhile, former President Pranab Mukherjee’s health deteriorated as he developed a lung infection, the Army’s Research and Referral hospital in Delhi said. He was admitted to the hospital on August 10 for an operation to remove a clot in his brain. Also, the World Bank on 19 August indicated that it may further lower its growth projections for India and said critical reforms in areas such as health, labor, land, skills, and finance are needed if the country is to come out stronger from the Covid-19 crisis.

D) Union Cabinet gives nod for National Recruitment Agency.

At a Cabinet meeting on 19 August, the Central government approved the setting up of a National Recruitment Agency (NRA), first proposed in the Union Budget 2020. The NRA will conduct a Common Eligibility Test (CET) for selection to non-gazetted posts in the central government and public sector banks. There will be a single entrance examination or CET for all non-gazetted posts — Group B and C posts. Candidates who qualify through this Common Entrance Test (CET) can apply to any of the recruitment agencies for a higher level of examination. The score will be valid for three years, during which the candidate can apply for jobs in different sectors depending upon his/her aptitude and preferences. Explaining the role of the NRA, DoPT Secretary C. Chandramouli said that Railways, Banks, and SSC examinations will be brought under the newly formed agency.

 

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

A) Millions of women lost access to contraception, safe abortion due to Covid-19: Marie Stopes study

A multi-country study by the NGO Marie Stopes International (MSI) has found that millions of women have lost access to contraceptives and safe abortions as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. In its study, MSI says that during January-June 2020, due to the restrictions and disruptions triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic, 1.9 million fewer women were served by its programs, which could potentially lead to 1.5 million additional unsafe abortions, 900,000 additional unintended pregnancies, and 3,100 additional maternal deaths. The report further says that in India alone, lockdown restrictions have led to 1.3 million fewer women having access to MSI’s services.

B) Harley-Davidson may exit India.

Roughly after 10 years of its entry, Harley-Davidson Inc. is looking to wind down its assembly operations in the country as a result of weak sales and a lack of visibility for future demand. The makers of the iconic motorcycle of the United States has sent out tentacles to a few automakers through consultants. This was done for a possible outsourcing arrangement by using its leased assembly facility at Bawal in Haryana. Last month, Harley- Davidson in a statement that was accompanying their second-quarter results has said that the company is evaluating some plans in order to exit those international markets where the sales and profits do not support the continued investment in the future.

C) UAE connects first Arab nuclear plant to the power grid

On 19 July, United Arab Emirates announced that it has connected its Barakah nuclear power plant to the national grid which is a new first for the Arab world.This milestone is following the successful start-up of the 1st reactor of the plant at the end of last month. This willhelp in meeting 25% of the electricity needs ofUAE from nuclear power.Tge CEO of Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation has said that the safe and successful connection of Unit 1 to the grid was the key moment when they begin to deliver on their mission to power the growth of  nation by supplying clean electricity. There has been substantial oil and gas reserves in United Arab Emirates, but itis having a population of 10 million, someet their demands, UnitedArab Emirates has made huge investments in thedevelopment of clean alternatives, including solar energy.

D) Pakistan rejects any possibility of diplomatic ties with Israel.

The Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan has  rejected any kindof possibility of establishing diplomatic relations with Israel. He said that they have a very clear policy on Israel. As per Jinnah, Pakistan cannot accept Israel unless the Palestine people will get all their rights and independence. Both the countries do not have any diplomatic relations and moreover their aircrafts are also not allowed to use of each other’s airspace. His comments came out because of the recent peace overtures between Israel and United Arab Emirates. Furthermore, he also rejected any kind of relationship of Pakistan with Saudi Arabia which were under stress because of the Kashmir issue.

CURRENT AFFAIRS
19 August 2020

NATIONAL NEWS:

A) PM-CARES funds need not be credited to NDRF: SC

On 18 August, the apex Court held that the money received into the PM-CARES Fund need not be credited to the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) in order to fight against Covid-19. The court also held that there is no statutory prohibition on individuals to make voluntary contributions to NDRFunder Section 46(1)(b) of the Disaster Management Act of 2005. The judgment, read out by Justice Bhushan, found no reason to modify the National Disaster Management Plan. The judgment was in response to a PIL filed by the Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL), represented by senior advocate Dushyant Dave and advocate Prashant Bhushan. The government took the stand that PM-CARES was a “public charitable trust” to which “anyone can contribute”. It is a “misconception” that contributions received by a public trust such as PM-CARES could be transferred to a statutory fund such as the NDRF, the government maintained in the Supreme Court.

B) Government jobs only for locals, says Madhya Pradesh CM

On 18 August, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that government jobs in the State would now be reserved for people from the state only. In a video message, he described this decision as an important decision and told that they are going to make the required provisions for the same. He also said that the resources of Madhya Pradesh are only for the children of Madhya Pradesh. Their aim is to include the State’s talent in its development. Former Chief Minister Kamal Nath said that Chouhan had, in fact, acted in accordance with the decisions of the previous Congress government.

 

C) Ashok Lavasa resigns as Election Commissioner

The current Election Commissioner of India, Ashok Lavasa has submitted his resignation to the President, asking to be decided by 31 August. He was appointed as a vice-president at the Asian Development Bank, which was announced in July, and therefore, his resignation was expected. He was a retired IAS officer of the batch of 1980, he had been appointed as an Election Commissioner in 2018 and there were high chances that he can to become the Chief Election Commissioner when the present Chief Election Commissioner, CEC Sunil Arora retires in April 2021. But in July, the Manila-headquartered ADB announced that Ashok Lavasa had been appointed the VP for the private sector and public-private partnerships. His departure from the Election Commission now means that EC Sushil Chandra is next in line for the post of CEC.

D) COVID Watch: Numbers and Developments

The number of reported coronavirus cases from India stood at 27,52,727 with the death toll at 52,865. Union Home Minister Amit Shah was on Monday night admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi. He had tested negative on August 14. He was complaining of fatigue and body aches for the last 3to 4 days. He was tested negative for Covid-19. He is now been admitted to AIIMS for COVID care. Meanwhile, the Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has said that India has begun negotiations with 13 more countries to establish air bubble arrangements for international flight services. The countries are Australia, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Nigeria, Bahrain, Israel, Kenya, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

A) Pakistan gets approval for phase 3 trials of a covid19 vaccine.

The drug watchdog of Pakistan has approved the phase-III clinical trial of a Covid-19 vaccine which was developed in collaboration with a Chinese company. As per a statement released from the National Institute of Health (NIH), the vaccine has obtained formal approval from the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) for phase-III clinical trial of a vaccine developed by CanSinoBio, which is a Chinese biopharma major, and Beijing Institute of Biotechnology China (BIB).

B) Curbs on China FDI hit GM car plant sale.

The ongoing tensions with China at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) could impact the decision of the Indian government on a major U.S.-China auto plant deal in Maharashtra, with thousands of jobs on the line. The deal by the United States owned General Motor India (GMI) to sell its car manufacturing plant in an Industrial Area, near Pune, to Great Wall Motors (GWM) which is a Chinese company is waiting to get clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs. However, no clearances have been granted for Chinese FDI in the past few months, complicating matters for the U.S. company, which wants that India should exit with this deal. The MEA and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry did not comment on the status of the application

SPORTS NEWS

A) Rohit Sharma, VineshPhogat, Manika Batra, M Thangavelu recommended for Khel Ratna Award.

This year, Indian Cricketer Rohit Sharma,  woman wrestler VineshPhogat, Paddler Manika Batra, and Rio Paralympic gold-winning high jumper MariappanThangaveluwere among the 4 athletes who were recommended for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, which is the highest sporting honor of the Country. The selection was done by a 12-member selection committee of the Sports Ministry.

B) Dream 11 wins IPL title sponsorship rights.

Dream11, a fantasy sports application, has bagged the title sponsorship rights for the IPL’s 2020 edition for ₹222 crores. The Chairman of IPL, Brijesh Patel has confirmed that Dream11 was finalized after evaluating the 3 bids that were submitted during the prescribed window earlier on18 July. Dream11, which has been a BCCI and IPL partner for a couple of years now, also has a minority investment by Chinese firm Tencent Holdings.BCCI was forced to invite EoIs for IPL title sponsorship rights after Vivo India pulled out barely six weeks before the start of the tournament.

CURRENT AFFAIRS
18 August 2020

NATIONAL NEWS:

A) SC to examine in detail when corruption allegations against the judiciary can be made public.

The Supreme Court on 17 August has decided to launch a detailed examination under which circumstances, a person can make public allegations of corruption against the judiciary. This decision came out just a few days later on the very criticized judgment which held human rights lawyer Prashant Bhushan guilty of contempt of court. A 3 Judge Bench has also decided to hear the arguments on laying down a procedure to be followed if such statements of corruption are made in public against the sitting as well as the retired judges. The Bench referred to the majority judgment delivered by Justice J.S. Verma in 1992 which concerned about the removal of a Supreme Court judge. That judgment had laid down the procedure to deal with allegations against a sitting judge and said the judge had to be given a fair opportunity to be heard, and the process had to be restricted to a limited circle of high judicial functionaries and parliamentarians. The Justice Arun Mishra bench said that the 1992 judgment was against publicly making allegations against judges.

B) Facebook public policy director alleges threat to life.

The public policy director of Facebook India, Ankhi Das, on Monday, registered a police complaint in South Delhi claiming that she has received threats and offensive messages on social media. She has filed the complaint and reported the matter to the senior police officers as well. Atul Thakur, DCP (South) said they have received the complaint and an FIR will be registered only after preliminary investigation. In her complaint, she has said that the threats were in connection to an article published in the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on August 14, 2020. She also said that the WSJ report was published further in a distorted manner by many publications in India. She has also mentioned some Twitter and Facebook accounts in her complaint.

C) SC refuses to postpone NEET/JEE.

On 17 August, the Supreme Court has refused to take cognizance of a petition which is filed by the students who were asking to postpone the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and Joint Entrance Examination (JEE). The students had sought a postponement due to pandemic-linked risks. But the SC refused the petition after recording the exam authorities’ assurance that all necessary precautions would be taken to ensure the safety of the candidates, whose numbers run into lakhs. “Education should be opened up. Covid-19 may continue for a year more. Are you going to wait for another year? The petition seeking postponement of the NEET and the JEE scheduled in September had been filed by 11 students from 11 States.

D) Heavy rains cause a flood-like situation in AP, Telangana

Heavy monsoon rains over the past 4 days have led to flood-like situations in several parts of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The water level at Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage (SAC-Dowleswaram) on the Godavari is inching close to the danger mark, with the discharge of nearly 19 lakh cusecs of the floodwater. Thousands have been evacuated from low-lying areas in East and West Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh. In Telangana, if cropland gets submerged, farmers could be staring at huge losses.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

A) S. imposes more sanctions targeting Huawei

The administration of the U.S. on 17 August has expanded its sanctions on the Huawei company of China. This is a move that aims at further limiting the technology giant access to computer chips.  The Commerce Secretary has said that  Huaweihave worked through 3rd parties so as to harness the technology of the U.S. which undermines the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States. The officials of the United States have argued that Huawei has a security risk because of its links to the Beijing government. However, this claim had been denied by the company. The Trump administration has banned Huawei from 5G wireless networks in the U.S. and has pressed allies to do the same.

B) New Zealand postpones poll to fight the second wave of the virus.

The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Ms. JacindaArdern on 17 August has postponed the elections of New Zealand. This step was taken to focus on fighting the second wave of COVID-19. The disease has killed more than 7,66,000 people globally. Many countries have also plunged into recession since COVID-19 first emerged in China late last year. This decision provides sufficient time for all the parties for campaigns. Moreover, the Election Commission also gets enough time for ensuring smooth conduct of the elections. The return of coronavirus has sent the largest city of New Zealand into lockdown again because of which people have discouraged from voting in September. The election is shifted to October.

C) Indian, Nepalese diplomats discuss bilateral projects.

The diplomats of India and Nepal on 17 August met in Kathmandu. They reviewed the status of a number of bilateral projects that are going on between both the countries. This is the first diplomat level meeting between both countries in the year 2020. The meeting relates to the Kalapani territorial dispute. The two teams which are led by the Foreign Secretary of Nepal, Shankar Bairagi, and Indian Ambassador in Kathmandu Vinay Mohan Kwatra, discussed cross-border railways, Arun-III hydropower project, Pancheshwar multipurpose project, construction of the Nepal Police Academy and Ramayana projects among other items.

CURRENT AFFAIRS
17 August 2020

NATIONAL NEWS:

A) Changes afoot for Monsoon session of Parliament.

The pending Monsoon session of the Indian Parliament will include the use of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation system and polycarbonate separators. These arrangements are done by following the norms of social distancing under the restrictions induced by Covid-19. The Parliament has to meet by September 23. In keeping with the requirements, four large display screens in the chamber of the Rajya Sabha, six small screens in its four galleries, audio consoles in the galleries, etc. are being installed. It was decided that chambers and galleries of both the Houses would be used for conducting the session under the prevailing restrictions.

 

B) Airlines shift focus from passengers to stay airborne.

Our Aviation Correspondent has a report today on the measures being taken by various Indian airlines as they struggle to stay afloat after their business was severely hit by months of lockdown. Except for IndiGo, most of the airline companies have run out of cash. They are totally dependent on their promoters. Airlines have to recapitalize and fund the next two years of operations and without massive recapitalization.

 

C) Covid Watch: Numbers and Developments

The number of coronavirus cases reported from India stands at 26,39,603 with the death toll at 50,938. India on Friday recorded 63,490 new cases. The ministry added that the recovery rate in 32 states and Union Territories have exceeded 50% and more than 18 lakh people in the country have recovered from the disease so far.

Former Indian cricketer and Uttar Pradesh Minister Chetan Chauhan died on 16 August. He was 73. Mr. Chauhan was admitted to hospital on July 17 after he had tested positive for COVID-19. He succumbed to COVID-19 around 5 p.m, hospital sources said. Mr. Chauhan was put on a ventilator after he had developed kidney and blood pressure problems and his condition deteriorated.

D) Detention of Kafeel Khan has increased.

The Uttar Pradesh government has extended the detention of DrKafeel Khan under the National Security Act by three months. Khan has been in jail since January 29 for delivering an allegedly provocative speech at a protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act on December 10. Khan was arrested on January 29 and granted bail in the case by a court in Aligarh district on February 10. However, he was not released from the Mathura jail. Instead, the NSA was invoked against him three days later and his detention continued.

 

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

A) Telephone services resume between UAE and Israel after the peace agreement.

The Telephone service between the United Arab Emirates and Israel began working on 16 August as both the countries have opened diplomatic ties. The Press journalists in both countries were able to call each other both from landline and cellular phones as well. Also on 16 August, Israeli news websites that were previously blocked by the UAE authorities could be accessed without using means to bypass internet filtering in the Emirates. The connection of phone service represents the first sign of the deal between UAE and Israel.

B) Chinese Minister makes a rare visit to Tibet border.

The Foreign Minister and State Councillor of China Wang Yi have made a rare visit in order to inspect the border infrastructure in Tibet. The Chinese media has linked this visit to the recent tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India. Mr. Wang on 14 August had met with the top Communist Party official in Tibet, along with the chairman of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) government. He urged them to safeguard national security.

 

C) Influenza vaccine firms make a record number of doses.

The makers of the Global influenza vaccine have produced a record number of doses for dealing with the upcoming flu season. This was done because the authorities try to reduce the burden on hospitals because they are already overburdened with lots of patients of covid19. The pharmaceutical companies in the US have planned to produce approximately 196 million doses so as to serve a population of 330 million. Vaccine maker Seqirus plans to increase production by roughly 15% in the U.S.from 52 million to 60 million doses. The vaccination of this Widespread flu can help free hospital beds, which is a vital public health measure in order to combat the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

CURRENT AFFAIRS
16 August 2020

NATIONAL NEWS:

A) LAC or LOC, our jawans gave a befitting response: PM.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the address on Independence Day from the Red Fort said that Indian soldiers had given a befitting reply to those who challenged the country’s sovereignty, from the Line of Control to the Line of Actual Control, whenever India has been challenged, our soldiers have given a fitting response in a language they understand. In a speech that lasted 90 minutes, Modi spoke about the policies and programs that were framed to meet the health and economic challenges of the pandemic, and the security challenges at the border. Applauding the frontline workers in the battle against the novel coronavirus, he said India was going through a unique phase due to the pandemic but would emerge victoriously. Stressing that India should be self-reliant, he said self-reliance should become a mantra for all countrymen.

 

B) National Digital Health Mission and health ID card for every citizen

PM Modi has said that the pandemic has brought home to us the importance of strong health systems and interventions. With this in view, the government will be launching a National Digital Health Mission that would give every Indian a health identity verifiable digitally and will work as each Indian’s health account. Every test, disease, diagnosis, and medical report along with medical prescriptions will be stored in every citizen’s health ID. The PM also announced that there were three coronavirus vaccine candidates at various stages of trial in India. In preparation for the time when any of these become viable for use, the government already has an elaborate road map for its production and distribution in the shortest possible time.

C) Committee to review the minimum age of marriage for women.

On the infrastructure front, Modi announced that that the task of connecting India’s more than six-lakh villages with an optical fiber network will be completed in the next 1,000 days. Besides, high-speed internet connectivity via submarine optical fiber cable will be extended to Lakshadweep in this period. Modi also became the first Prime Minister to talk about menstrual health in an I-Day speech as he announced that 5 crore sanitary pads priced at ₹1 had been distributed through 6,000 Jan AushadhiKendras spread across the country. He further announced that a committee has been set up to reconsider the minimum age of marriage for women. Currently, the law prescribes a minimum age of 21 years for men and 18 years for women.

 

D) COVID Watch: Numbers and Developments.

The number of coronavirus cases reported from India stood at 25,65,971with the death toll at 49,764. India on Friday recorded 65,002 new cases. Indian companies have sought technical details on the trials of Russian Covid-19 vaccine from the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) for possible production in India, Indian Embassy sources in Moscow said. Earlier this week, Russian President Vladimir Putin had announced the successful development of the world’s first vaccine against Covid-19.

Chetan Chauhan, who is also a cabinet minister in the Uttar Pradesh government, was admitted at the SanjayGandhiPGIHospital in Lucknow after testing Covid-19 positive on July 12. He is currently on ventilator support.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

A) ‘I have more Indians than her’, Trump taunts Kamala Harris

US President Donald Trump while speaking to members of the City of New York Police Benevolent Association said that if Joe Biden would become the President, he will immediately pass legislation to gut every single police department in America and probably Kamala Harris is a step worse. She is of Indian heritage. I have more Indians than she has. Democratic Presidential nominee Joe Biden’s running mate Kamala Harris is of mixed Indian and Jamaican heritage. Harris’s candidature, announced earlier this week, has been widely seen as a big challenge for Trump’s Presidential bid, given her stronger track record in public debates compared to her Republican counterpart Mike Pence.

B) Nepal PM Oli calls up Modi on Independence Day.

Prime Minister of Nepal K.P. Sharma Oli on 15 August called up Prime Minister Narendra Modi and held a discussion. A Nepalese official statement declared that Oli has sought some meaningful bilateral cooperation with India. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that anti-COVID-19 cooperation was discussed during the phone call.

This high-level contact came after nearly nine months of tension and verbal sparring after India asserted control over the Kalapani-Lipulekh-Limpiyadhura region of Pithoragarh, which is claimed by Nepal. In response, Nepal had issued a map that depicted the region as part of Nepalese sovereign territory and urged India to convene Foreign Secretary-level dialogue to address Nepal’s concerns. Today’s phone call is expected to boost the upcoming “oversight mechanism” level dialogue which is planned for next week. The discussion between the Foreign Secretary of Nepal Shankar Bairagi and Indian ambassador to Kathmandu Vinay Mohan Kwatra will focus on bilateral development projects and other issues such as border security and Covid-19 management. However, the Kalapani issue is unlikely to be a part of this initiative.

 

C) Idols from U.S. galleries handed over to India.

The U.S. authorities have formally handed over to India a set of priceless antique pieces, including a limestone relief of Shiva and Parvati, a marble Apsara, and some other idols. The artifacts were handed over to Indian officials at a ceremony to mark the Indian Independence Day festivities in New York. They were reportedly stolen and smuggled out of the country at different times. They were seized from the Nancy Weiner Gallery, Christie’s in New York, and the Maitreya Gallery, all of which are situated in the United States. This is the first time the American law enforcement agencies have disclosed the names of the galleries and individuals in possession of the artifacts and their valuation.

 

D) UAE’s deal with Israel has made it a legitimate target’

An ultraconservative Iranian newspaper said on 15 August that the United Arab Emirates (UAE)’s decision to normalize ties with Israel has made it a “legitimate target” for pro-Tehran forces. The deal reached with the UAE is only the third such accord Israel has struck with an Arab state. As part of the agreement, Israel pledged to suspend annexation of Palestinian lands, although Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stressed that did not mean it was abandoning plans to one day annex the Jordan Valley and Jewish settlements across West Bank. The UAE downgraded ties with Iran in 2016. But their relations had appeared to be on the mend in recent months, with Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif holding rare talks with his UAE counterpart only last week.

 

SPORTS NEWS

A) S. Dhoni calls it quits: ‘Consider me retired’

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, a man of few words and massive sixes, announced his retirement from international cricket in his inimitable, understated style. Through his official Instagram handle ‘mahi7781’, the former India captain, who led India to the 2011 World Cup title, put out a statement on the evening of:15 August: “Thanks. From 19.29 hrs consider me as Retired.”Dhoni had taken everyone by surprise with his retirement from Tests in Australia in December 2014. He addressed a press conference after the third Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and walked away. A BCCI release then mentioned that he had retired from Tests! He continued to play ODIs and Twenty20s, and that journey extended till last year. His final appearance for Virat Kohli’s men ended in defeat against New Zealand in the ICC World Cup semifinal at Manchester’s Old Trafford on July 10. He scored a 72-ball 50 and retreated. In retrospect that was his finish-line.While there was talk about a swan song during the ICC Twenty20 World Cup later this year in Australia, the COVID-19 pandemic played spoilsport. Dhoni fans can now watch him turn out for Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League in the United Arab Emirates from September 19.

CURRENT AFFAIRS
15 August 2020

NATIONAL NEWS:

A) SC finds Prashant Bhushan guilty of contempt for tweets against CJI

A three-judge Bench of the Supreme Court today found noted civil rights lawyer Prashant Bhushan guilty of criminal contempt by ‘scandalizing the court’. The court found that his tweet on a photograph of Chief Justice of India Sharad A. Bobde astride a bike, and another on the court’s role in the past six years ‘ scandalized’ the Supreme Court as an institution. The tweets had the effect of attempting to destabilize Indian democracy. Such malice should be dealt with an iron hand in the larger public interest. The magnanimity of courts should not extend to weakness, the Bench, headed by Justice Arun Mishra, said in a 108-page judgment. It will pronounce the sentence on August 20. Bhushan’sdefence, that criticism was not contempt, was dismissed by the court. According to the Contempt of Court Act, 1971 punishment could be imprisonment that may extend to six months, or fine of ₹ 2,000 or both.

B) Nagaland would ‘co-exist’ with India, but not merge with it: NSCN-IM

On the eve of Independence Day, chief of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-IM (NSCN-IM) ThuingalengMuivahon14 August said the Centre recognized the sovereignty of the Nagas when it signed the 2015 Framework Agreement and that the Nagas will co-exist but not merge with India. He said that they were not asking the Government of India for a Naga national flag and a separate constitution as recognize them or not, we have our own flag and constitution. The speech, made on the eve of Independence Day, comes at a time when talks between the Centre and the Naga group have hit rough weather, with the latter demanding the removal of the interlocutor and Nagaland Governor R.N Ravi. Earlier this week, the NSCN-IM had for the first time released the details of the 2015 Framework Agreement, stating that the Centre had agreed to “share the sovereign power” and to provide for an “enduring inclusive new relationship of peaceful co-existence of the two entities”.

C) Travel e-passes for all in TN from August 17: CM

In what will come as a big relief to many, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami has announced that from August 17, e-passes will be approved for anyone who needs it for important purposes. Currently, e-passes can be sought only for purposes such as medical emergencies, deaths and weddings. The lack of inter-district mobility has been a huge impediment to businesses in the state, which have been struggling to bring back workers.The state government has, however, clarified that the relaxation applies only for those seeking e-passes for inter-district travel within Tamil Nadu. For those coming in from other states and countries, existing norms will continue to apply.

D) COVID Watch: Numbers and Developments

The number of coronavirus cases reported from India stood at 25,11,788 with the death toll at 49,001. India recorded 64,553 new cases on 14 August.

Twenty-two officials who responded to the plane crash in Kerala last week have tested positive for coronavirus. The Air India Express plane had landed with 184 passengers from Dubai under the center’sVande Bharat Mission.

In yet more sobering news from the state, Health Minister KK Shailaja today said that Kerala may report 10,000 to 20,000 coronavirus cases per day between August and September if more people don’t join the fight against the pandemic.

The Union Home Minister Amit Shah on14 July said that he had tested negative for Covid-19 infection. Shah, who tested positive on August 2, was admitted to Medanta Hospital, Gurugram. Singer S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, who was admitted to a hospital after testing positive for Covid-19 last week, is on life support and his condition is said to be ‘critical’.

E) Independence Day ceremony to be held while following the social distancing norms.

More than 4,000 people have been invited for the Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort. The persons who are invited are several diplomats, officials, and media personnel. The event is being organized keeping in mind the Covid-19 protocols, the Defence Ministry said today. It said seating arrangements have been made under the guiding principle of Do GazkiDoori (maintaining distance of two yards) between any two guests.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

A) Trump stokes a false birther claim.

On 13 August, U.S. President Donald Trump gave acceptance to a false and racist conspiracy theory about the eligibility of Kamala Harris to be a vice president of the U.S. This gave fuel to an online disinformation campaign. When it was asked at the White House regarding the same, Trump told the reporters that he had heard rumors that Harris who is a Black woman and a U.S.-born citizen and whose parents were immigrants, does not meet the requirements to serve in the White House. He added that he considered the rumors very seriously.

 

B) Iran, Turkey lash out at UAE over Israel deal.

On 14 August, Iran and Turkey had lashed out at their regional rival i.e. the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for its decision to normalize the diplomatic relations with Israel. UAE accuses Israel of betraying the Palestinian cause, even as much of the international community welcomed the move. Iran’s Foreign Ministry called the U.S.-brokered deal a dagger that was unjustly struck by the UAE in the backs of the Palestinian people and all Muslims. The UAE, which has never fought with Israel and has quietly been improving ties for years, said the agreement put a hold on Israel’s plans to unilaterally annex parts of the occupied West Bank, which is the heartland of the future state of the people of Palestine. Later on 14 July, Turkish President Recep Erdogan said he was considering downgrading Turkey’s relations with the UAE and recalling its Ambassador.

C)  Turkey hits out at France over sea stand-off

On 14 August, Turkey accused France of acting like a bully because EU Foreign Ministers met to address an emerging crisis in the energy-rich eastern Mediterranean. The search for oil and gas in disputed waters not far from Cyprus has pitted Turkey against its uneasy NATO ally Greece and the entire EU bloc. Turkey’s decision to send a seismic vessel accompanied by a small Navy fleet into the increasingly volatile region on Monday prompted Greece to dispatch in its own military assets to observe what was going on. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday underscored the fraught nature of the stand-off by warning of a “heavy price” to pay for those who threaten Turkey’s Oruc Reis research ship. The Greek Defence Ministry denied being involved in an incident with the ship.

D) India hails UAE-Israel pact, reiterates Palestine cause

On 14 July, India has welcomed the normalization of ties between Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), calling them both key strategic partners. The trilateral agreement called the “Abraham Accords”, signed along with the U.S. on Thursday, also commits Israel to suspend its plans for annexation of Palestine majority areas. While the announcement of the agreement has been welcomed by India, it will also mean continuing to walk a balance on West Asian politics. According to experts, the normalization of ties between Israel and the UAE could be followed by similar actions by other Gulf countries, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and strong reactions from other countries in a region India has deep stakes in terms of energy supplies and expatriate populations. New Delhi will also need to watch ties with Iran, which has slammed the agreement and will see Arab-Israeli tie-ups as a direct threat to its security.