Current affairs of 16 September 2020

International Day for Ozone day is observed on 16 September
International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is observed on 16 September every year. The day is observed to spread awareness among people about the depletion of the Ozone Layer and search for possible solutions to preserve it.

Lok Sabha Passes Bill to reduce salaries of MPs by 30%
The Salary, Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament (Amendment) Bill, 2020 was passed by the Lok Sabha. The bill seeks to cut salaries of MPs by 30%.

RBI Issues Draft on Rupee Interest Rate (IR) Derivatives Directions 2020
The Reserve Bank have proposed to allow foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) to undertake the rupee interest rate derivatives which is subject to a ceiling of Rs5,000 crore. These directions aim to encourage high non-resident participation, to enhance the role of domestic market makers in the other market, to improve transparency and to achieve better regulatory oversight.

First 8 Khelo India State Centre of Excellence to get financial support of Rs. 95.19 cr in 4 years
Sports Ministry has identified sports facilities in 8 states to be upgraded to Khelo India State Centre of Excellence. The identified facilities, to be upgraded with an effort to identify and groom Olympic level talent, will be upgraded at a cost of Rs 95.19 crores.

Israel, UAE, Bahrain sign historic US-brokered peace deals
In a landmark moment, Israel, UAE and Bahrain signed Abraham Accords in a signing ceremony presided over by United States President Donald Trump at the White House on September 15, 2020. The signing of Abraham Accords aims to establish foundation of peace agreements between Israel and the two Arab nations- the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

Seven Projects under "Namami Gange" and "AMRUT" schemes inaugurated
PM Modi inaugurated seven projects under Namami Gange and AMRUT Schemes in Bihar. Four of these projects were related to water supply, one to river front development and two of the projects were related to sewerage treatment.

Postage Stamp on India's first Anti-Satellite Missile released
A customized My Stamp on India's First Anti-Satellite Missile (A-SAT) launch was released by the Department of Posts on the occasion of Engineers Day in the presence of National Security Advisor (NSA), Ajit Doval.

Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank presents first ever AICTE Visvesvaraya Best Teacher Awards 2020
Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank today presented the first ever AICTE Visvesvaraya Best Teacher Awards 2020 to 12 faculty members of AICTE approved institutes on the occasion of Engineers Day. The event was organised in virtual mode and the faculty members were felicitated by the Minister through online interaction.

Aditya Puri conferred Lifetime Achievement Award by Euromoney Awards of Excellence 2020
In a first-of-its kind recognition for an Indian corporate leader, Aditya Puri, MD, HDFC Bank was conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award by Euromoney Awards of Excellence 2020. The publication has recognised the iconic leader for his skills in building a world-class Indian bank at a time where there were no similar institutions in existence.

Virat Kohli roped in as Brand Ambassador by EdTech major, Great Learning
Great Learning, one of India's leading edtech companies for professional and higher education today announced the appointment of Virat Kohli, as its brand ambassador. The captain of the Indian cricket team and the world's #1 batsman, who also topped a recent ranking of India's most powerful celebrities, will now be the face of the Great Learning brand.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes 2nd Male Footballer To Score 100 International Goals
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo has become the second male footballer to score 100 international goals after scoring against Sweden in Tuesday's UEFA Nations League match.