1. India, Uzbekistan hold first meeting of the National Coordination Committee

India and Uzbekistan held the first meeting of their National Coordination Committee on August 24, 2020.

The committee has been set up to monitor the implementation of the mutually agreed projects between India and Uzbekistan.

The National Coordination Committee was constituted under the directions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The first meeting of the committee was co-chaired by the Minister of State for External Affairs, V. Muraleedharan and Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan and Minister of Investments and Foreign Trade, Sardor Umurzakov.

2. Rohingya relocation to Bhasan Char island may start after Monsoon

The Bangladesh government is planning to begin the relocation of Rohingyas to the newly built facility at Bhasan Char island after the monsoon season.

The move is aimed at giving the refugee community from Myanmar a better place for living.

The announcement was made by the Bangladesh Foreign Secretary, Masud Bin Momen during a webinar in Dhaka.

Momen stated that the Bangladesh government is planning to take relatives of the 306 Rohingya refugees already settled in Bashan Char and other representatives to show the facilities available on the island for the people to be settled there.

3. PM Modi wishes people on World Gujarati Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended wishes to all Gujaratis on the occasion of World Gujarati Day which is observed every year on 24 August.August 24 is Poet Narmad’s birthday and is celebrated as a day dedicated to Gujarati language and literature.

Narmadashankar Dave ‘Narmad’ was a visionary creator, philosopher, pioneer of social justice and a proud Gujarati poet.

The poet who is considered to be the founder of modern Gujarati literature, introduced his fearlessness and creativity through a magazine called ‘Dandio’.

4. The Book “Delhi Riots 2020: the Untold Story” is set to be Published

The book “Delhi Riots 2020: The Untold Story”authored by Monika Arora, advocate, Sonali Chitalkar(political Science) and Prerna Malhotra(English) teachers at Delhi University is set to be published by Garuda Prakashan.

The book was released by Bhupendra Yadav, member of parliament and national general secretary over a virtual event in the presence of BJP leader, Kapil Mishra.

The 190-page book presents the story of the three-day violence that affected North East Delhi in February 2020.

The book blames the Muslim mobs and frames the urban naxals and jihadists in association with Islamic states for violence in the key areas.

The book resembles a “fact finding report” on the violence published by the women groups of intellectuals and academicians.

5. IAF launches mobile app ‘MY IAF’ to provide career-related information to aspirants

Indian Air Force launched a mobile application, “MY IAF”.The app will provide career-related information to those who want to join the Indian Air Force.

The application, developed in association with Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), provides career-related information and details for those desirous of joining the IAF.

The user-friendly format of the app serves as a single digital platform interfacing the users with the details of the selection procedure, training curriculum, pay and perks etc for both officers and airmen in the IAF.It also provides glimpses into the history and stories of valour in the IAF.

6. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar tests positive for COVID-19

Haryana Chief Minister, Manohar Lal Khattar has tested positive for the widespread COVID-19.

The Chief Minister of the state confirmed the news through his official Twitter account.

On August 20, 2020, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Jal Shakti has tested positive for COVID-19. He and Mr.Khatttar had met for the meeting on August 18.

7. Ahmedabad Railway Division successfully introduces unique concept of Baggage Sanitization

In Gujarat, Ahmedabad Railway Division has successfully introduced a unique concept of Baggage Sanitization and Wrapping at Ahmedabad Railway Station.

It is a first of its kind across the Indian Railways.

AIR correspondent reports, the baggage sanitization and wrapping machine ensure 360 degree sanitization of the luggage by using ultra violate radiation.

The machine has been installed by a private enterprise. Talking to media, Ahmedabad Divisional Railway Manager Deepak Kumar Jha said there are no harmful effects of UV rays on tiffins, food, vegetables or water kept in the baggage.

This is an ideal solution for the passengers travelling by the Railways amid the pandemic.

He said the machine has been set up on around 69 sq meters space on Ahmedabad Railway Station which will help Ahmedabad Division to earn additional revenue of six lakh rupees.

This service will be voluntary for passengers for which they will have to pay charge upto80 rupees depending upon the size and weight of the luggage.

8. Eight-time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt tests positive for coronavirus

World-record sprinter and eight-time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt has tested positive for the coronavirus. He is self-isolating at his home in Jamaica after last week celebrating his 34th birthday with a big bash mask-free.

He is a world record holder in the 100 metres, 200 metres and 4 × 100 metres relay.

Bolt improved upon his second 100 m world record of 9.69 with 9.58 seconds in 2009.

He has twice broken the 200 metres world record, setting 19.30 in 2008 and 19.19 in 2009.

9. Army Chief honours 51 SAG of the National Security Guard

Chief of Army Staff on honoured the 51 Special Action Group of the National Security Guards in recognition of its achievements in combating terrorism.
The ‘COAS (Chief of Army Staff) Unit Appreciation’ was conferred on the elite group for its “outstanding achievements” in anti-terror operations.

The group draws 100 per cent of its manpower from the Indian Army and has established itself as an elite counter terrorist force earning many gallantry awards including three Ashok Chakra which is India’s highest peacetime gallantry honour.

Since its raising in December 1984, 51 Special Action Group has carved a niche for itself.

10. Govt extends validity of Motor Vehicle documents till Dec 31

The Road Transport and Highways Ministry has decided to extend the validity of Motor Vehicle documents till the 31st of December.

The Ministry had earlier issued advisories on 30th March and 9th June this year regarding extension of validity of the documents related to Motor Vehicles Act and Central Motor Vehicle Rules.

It was advised that the validity of Fitness, Permit, License, Registration or any other concerned documents may be treated to be valid till 30th of September.

The decision was taken after considering the situation due to COVID-19 across the country.

This step is likely to help out the citizens in availing transport related services.