IMPORTANT CURRENT AFFAIRS OF AUGUST 20th, 2017

IMPORTANT CURRENT AFFAIRS OF AUGUST 20th, 2017

1. India’s First World Peace University Inaugurated in MIT, Pune

i. MIT World Peace University, the first of its kind in India, was inaugurated by Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis.

ii. Following the celebrations, a two-day ‘Global Summit Science and Spirituality for World Peace’ was organized on the next day discussing issues of national and international importance and how a different outlook towards education could solve many of them.

2. Sadbhavana Diwas: 20 August

i. The Sadbhavana Diwas or Harmony Day is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary (August 20) of Rajiv Gandhi.

ii. On this day national integration, peace, love, affection and communal harmony among all Indians is encouraged. Shri Rajiv Gandhi was born on August 20, 1944, in Bombay. At 40, Mr. Rajiv Gandhi was the youngest Prime Minister of India.

3. 'Champions of Change' Initiative Organised by NITI Aayog

i. PM Narendra Modi addressed a gathering of young entrepreneurs and CEOs startups at an event organised by NITI Aayog. The event called 'Champions of Change' was organised by India’s policy think-tank, was aimed at bringing together young businessmen at a place and share ideas.

ii. The "Champions of Change" initiative is one effort to bring together diverse strengths for the benefit of the nation and society.

4. Rs 50 Note to be Launched Soon

i. The Reserve Bank of India will shortly issue Rs 50 denomination banknotes in the Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series signed by Governor of RBI Dr. Urjit Patel. The base colour of the note is fluorescent blue.

ii. The new Rs 50 banknote has a motif of Hampi with a chariot, depicting the country’s cultural heritage, and the Swachh Bharat logo with slogan on the reverse. All the banknotes in the denomination of Rs 50 issued by the Reserve Bank in the earlier series will continue to be legal tender.

5. Telangana CM Chosen for Agriculture Leadership Award

i. Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao has been selected for the prestigious Agriculture Leadership Award-2017. The award will be presented on September 5 at Taj Palace Hotel in New Delhi.

ii. The Chief Minister has been selected for the award for his innovative services rendered to the welfare of farmers and the farm sector. 

6. Indian Athletes Bag Record 37 Medals at World Dwarf Games

i. The Indian contingent created history in the World Dwarf Games by winning a record haul of medals.

ii. The 21-men Indian team won 37 medals including 15 golds, 10 silver and 12 bronze medals in the 7th edition of the World Dwarf Games. It was held in Toronto, Canada. Arunachalam Nalini, who won five medals, including one gold.