Current Affairs August 2020 - Places in NEWS

1 - Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur topped NITI Aayog’s aspirational districts ranking

Bijapur district in Chhattisgarh topped the list of aspirational districts ranked by government think-tank Niti Aayog for the February-June 2020 period. Ri-Bhoi (Meghalaya) and Bahraich (Uttar Pradesh) achieved the second position and third position respectively. The rankings were based on six developmental areas during February-June 2020.

NITI Aayog’s aspirational districts ranking aims to transform districts, that have shown relatively lesser progress in key social areas and have emerged as pockets of under-development.

2 - “Thenzawl Golf Resort” virtually inaugurated

Union Minister of State for Culture & Tourism (Independent charge) Prahlad Singh Patel virtually inaugurated the “Thenzawl Golf Resort” Project in Mizoram. It is the first golf course of Mizoram.

The project was approved under the “Integrated Development of New Eco Tourism” of Swadesh Darshan under Ministry of Tourism. It was constructed by Edufice Infraservices Private Limited of New Delhi at a cosst of nearly Rs. 64.48 Crore. The total site area is 105 acres and the play area is 75 acres.

3 - Indore won cleanest city in country award in Swachh Survekshan 2020

Indore emerged as the cleanest city of India for the fourth consecutive time, leaving behind 4,242 cities of the country. Bhopal has been selected as Best Self Sustainable Capital with inclusion in the top-10.

Surat in Gujarat and Navi Mumbai of Maharashtra grabbed the second and the third spot on the list. Among the small cities, Karad, Sasvad and Lonavala - all from Maharashtra, held the top three positions.

4 - Death Valley records hottest temperature in a century

A thermometer at Death Valley’s Furnace Creek in the Southern California desert has recorded 54.4 degrees Celsius temperature, making it the highest temperature in more than a century. The US National Weather Service was yet to verify the recorded temperature.

Death Valley’s all-time record high, according to the World Meteorological Organization, is (56.7°C) taken on July 10, 1913 at Greenland Ranch. The current heatwave stretches from Arizona in the south-west, up the coast to Washington State in the north-west.

5 - India’s longest river ropeway inaugurated in Assam

The Assam government inaugurated a 1.8-km-long ropeway over the Brahmaputra, connecting Guwahati to North Guwahati to reduce travel time and promote tourism in the State by providing a breathtaking view of the mighty Brahmaputra. It is built at the cost of Rs. 56 crore.

The ropeway comprises of two cabins, each with a capacity of 30 passengers and one operator. It is one of the most advanced & longest river crossing Aerial Tramway systems in India.

6 - Ahmedabad Railway Division launched first of its kind baggage sanitization & wrapping machine

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. The machine has been set up on around 69 sq meters space.

The baggage sanitization and wrapping machine ensure 360 degree sanitization of the luggage by using ultra violate radiation. There are no harmful effects of UV rays on tiffins, food, vegetables or water kept in the baggage. This service will be voluntary for passengers for which they will have to pay charge upto 80 rupees depending upon the size and weight of the luggage.

7 - NCPUL organised “World Urdu Conference” in New Delhi

The two days World Urdu Conference was organised by National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL) in New Delhi. Union Education Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ addressed the conference. A webinar was conducted to celebrate the quintessential spirit of Urdu, its inclusive ethos and creative character.

The National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language is an autonomous regulatory body responsible for the regulation of Urdu. NVPUL has become the biggest Urdu networking hub in the world.

8 - Famous art of 'Etikoppaka' dolls of Visakhapatnam district finds a place in "Mann ki Baat"

The famous art of 'Etikoppaka' dolls of Visakhapatnam district found a mention in the "Mann ki Baat" programme of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Prime Minister made a special mention of the famous Etikoppaka dolls saying that the toys would be useful to unleash the creativity in children in the current Pandemic situation.

Etikoppaka is a small village on the banks of Varaha River in Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh, India. In 2017, the traditional Etikoppaka toys acquired a Geographical Indications (GI) tag. Toys are made of soft wood and lacquer color.