TODAY’S TOP NEWS: 25 AUGUST, 2020 (GPN)

NATIONAL NEWS:

1. Businesses that provide Adhaar number for the registration under the GST will get approval in three working days.

2. *National Council for Transgender Persons* formed under Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.

3. *The Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly’s monsoon session will commence from Tuesday* with new seating arrangements in the house and all precautions in place to curb the spread of COVID-19.

4. *Sonia Gandhi to continue as Congress interim-chief* till fresh AICC elections are held

5. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways and MSMEs Nitin Gadkari is to *lay foundation stone of and inaugurate 35 highway projects in Madhya Pradesh* on 25th August. These projects will cost around Rs.9,400 crore.

6. *Railways has said that it had to cancel the tender to manufacture 44 Vande Bharat Express trains* since some bidders had revealed the prices offered by them during the technical qualifications stage.

7. *The BJP has not decided whether it will announce a chief ministerial candidate for the Assam elections* , state minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, accusing Congress leader Tarun Gogoi of creating a controversy by stating that the ruling party may nominate former chief justice Ranjan Gogoi for the top job. The former chief justice is not even a member of the BJP and was nominated by the President to the Rajya Sabha,

8. *Rajnath singh Reviews Defence Corridor Progress In UP.*
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Monday, reviewed the progress on implementation of the MoUs signed with Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor through video conferencing.

9. *Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Monday welcomed the unanimous resolution passed by the Congress* Working Committee (CWC) asking Sonia Gandhi to continue as its interim chief till the next All India Congress Committee session.

10. *Unlock 4.0: Metro services may resume from Sept 1;* but schools and colleges are unlikely to reopen anytime soon. Bars, which are so far not allowed to reopen, may be permitted to sell liquor over the counter for take away.

11. *Kerala assembly passes resolution against awarding airport contract to Adani Kerala assembly* on Monday passed a resolution against the Union Cabinet’s decision to award a 50-year contract to run the Trivandrum International Airport to Adani Enterprises Limited instead of a state-run company.

12. *Incessant rains claimed nine lives in Gujarat on Monday and flooded major rivers in the state, prompting 1,900 people to move to safety* , even as the IMD forecast heavy showers for parts of north India, Bengal and Odisha.

13. *BSF to Undergo Tech Upgradation,* to Get 436 Drones and New Anti-Drone Systems
With Rakesh Asthana taking over as full-time Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF), technological upgradation of the force has started with approval for 436 small and micro drones for border surveillance and anti-drone system being currently tested.

14. *The no-confidence motion moved by Congress-led United Democratic Front against the Left Democratic Front government in Kerala* was defeated by 87-40 votes on Monday, Assembly Speaker P Sreeramakrishnan announced.

15. *1 dead, 51 missing as building collapses in Raigad;* The Tarek Garden building, which was around 10 years old, collapsed at Kajalpura in Mahad tehsil around 7 pm. Teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were moved to the spot for rescue operations.

16. *Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Assembly Speaker Gian Chand Gupta and two BJP MLAs tested positive for COVID-19* on Monday, two days before the Monsoon Session of the Assembly is set to begin in Chandigarh.

17. *The Vaishno Devi yatra’s online registration and helicopter booking will be available from August 26 till September 5* : The Jammu and Kashmir government on August 11 decided to open the religious places or places of worship in the union territory, issuing several guidelines for the pilgrims undertaking the yatra. The Yatra is resuming nearly five months after it was suspended due to the coronavirus.

18. *NCC Directorate General writes to Union Home Minister, seeks details of CAPF training areas that can be made available to them for conduct of annual camps* . With the expansion of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) underway, the organisation has approached the Ministry of Home Affairs for utilising training facilities available with the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). NCC cadets are entitled to additional weightage in marks for recruitment in the CAPF if they hold A, B, or C certificates.

19. *BJP, JD(U), LJP to fight Bihar polls together:* BJP President J P Nadda said

20. *CBI may quiz Rhea Chakraborty about financial transactions, replacement of Sushant Singh Rajput’s staff* : Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials on Monday (August 24) visited Mumbai-based Waterstone Resort where Sushant Singh Rajput is said to have spent two months, and also continued the questioning of the actor’s friend Siddharth Pithani and cook Neeraj Singh at the DRDO guest house.

21. *Star singer S P Balasubrahmanyam has tested negative for coronavirus* and he is stable and fine, his son S P Charan said. The 74-year old Balasubrahmanyam, hugely popular for his singing skills in several languages, was admitted to MGM Healthcare here on August 5 after he tested positive for COVID-19.

22. *The health condition of Union AYUSH Minister Shripad Naik* , undergoing treatment for COVID-19, fluctuated from ‘really bad’ to stable during Monday but he is *stable now,* Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said

23. *Phase 2 trial of COVID vaccine to begin today* at across 17 selected sites, including AIIMS Delhi,B J Medical College in Pune, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences (RMRIMS) in Patna, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in Chandigarh, AIIMS-Jodhpur, Nehru Hospital in Gorakhpur, Andhra Medical College in Visakhapatnam and JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research in Mysore, . Around 1,600 people aged above 18 years are likely to participate in the trials.

24. *COVID-19 IN INDIA*
TOTAL CASES 3106348
TOTAL ACTIVE 710771
RECOVERED 2338035
DEATHS 57542

*✈INTERNATIONAL NEWS*

1. *India’s armed forces are prepared to look at any military option if the extensive talks to restore status quo ante along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) do not yield any positive result, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat has said* on the prolonged border standoff with China in eastern Ladakh.

2. *India and China have held several rounds of military and diplomatic talks in the last two-and-half months* but no significant headway has been made for a resolution to the border standoff. On Thursday, the two sides held another round of diplomatic parleys following which the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)

3. *India and Uzbekistan on Monday reviewed the implementation of various key projects as well as initiatives* including the status of negotiations for a bilateral investment treaty to boost economic ties.

*WORLD NEWS*

1. *The Republican National Convention on Monday formally re-nominated President Donald Trump as the party’s presidential candidate for the November 3 election.* Trump, 74, who faces a formidable challenge from former Democratic vice president Joe Biden, 77, is scheduled to deliver his acceptance speech from the South Lawn of the White House on August 27. *Vice President Mike Pence, 61, was also re-nominated* as the running mate of Trump.

2. The *US* government has *permitted emergency authorisation for doctors to use plasma therapy* to treat COVD-19 patients.

3. *Turkey is likely to sign a contract for the delivery of an additional batch of Russia’s S-400 missile systems next year.* It had bought the missile system last year, leading to the suspension from US F-35 stealth fighter jet programme.

4. At least 10 killed in bomb attacks in southern Philippines
Suspected Islamic militants set off powerful bombs in a southern Philippine town Monday, killing at least 10 soldiers and civilians despite extra tight security because of threats of attacks by the Islamic State group-aligned militants

5. *German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday called on Russia to investigate the suspected poisoning of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny* and hold the perpetrators accountable after doctors found indications of a toxic substance in his body.

6. The Syrian government said an *explosion on a main gas pipeline traversing the Middle East* on Monday was the result of a terrorist attack, and the United States said it suspected Islamic State militants of carrying out the sabotage.The Arab Gas Pipeline system extends from Egypt into Jordan and Syria.

7. *WORLD COVID CASES*
CONFIRMED 2,32,60,775
DEATHS 8,05,765

* SPORTS:*

1. *Indian badminton receives 6 awards in 2020 National Sports Awards* : Indian Badminton has created record by receiving 6 awards in 2020 National Sports Awards. Former shuttlers Pradeep Gandhe, Trupti Murgunde and Satyarakash Tiwari were the first badminton players to receive Dhyachand Award for lifetime achievement.

2. Eight-time Olympic champ *Usain Bolt* said he has *tested positive for COVID-19.*

3. *Indian tennis star Rohan Bopanna and his Canadian partner Denis Shapovalov suffered a huge blow as they knocked out of the Western and Southern Open* after slumping to straight sets defeat in the opening round of the men’s doubles event on Monday.

*USD 74.17 GBP 96.95*
_In Bhuvneshwar_(Odsh)
*Gold ₹55,700@10 gm 24 (Krt)*
*Silver ₹67,100@ Kg*
⛽ *Petrol ₹ 82.17*
⛽ *Diesel ₹ 80.03*

* FACTS ABOUT INDIA*

West Bengal state. Founded as an East India Company trading post, it was India’s capital under the British Raj from 1773–1911.

The Dravidian-speaking tribe Bang/Banga that settled in the area around the year 1000 BCE. Other accounts speculate that the name is derived from Venga (Bôngo), which came from the Austric word “Bonga” meaning the Sun-god. According to the Mahabharata, the Puranas and the Harivamsha, Vanga was one of the adopted sons of King Vali who founded the Vanga Kingdom. It was either under Magadh or under Kalinga Rules except few years under Pals. The earliest reference to “Vangala” (Bôngal) has been traced in the Nesari plates (805 CE) of Rashtrakuta Govinda III which speak of Dharmapala as the king of Vangala. The records of Rajendra Chola I of the Chola dynasty, who invaded Bengal in the 11th century, use the term Vangaladesa.

* THOUGHT OF THE DAY:

Life becomes more beautiful, when you realize the simple fact that, you’ll never get the same moments twice.

Zindagi mein guzar jate hai zo makam woh phir nahi aate…

ज़िन्दगी के सफ़र में गुज़र जाते हैं जो मकाम
वो फिर नहीं आते, वो फिर नहीं आते

JOKES OF THE DAY:

1)*महिला* – डॉक्टर साहब, मेरे पति नींद में बातें करने लगे हैं! क्या करूँ?⁉️
*डॉक्टर* – उन्हें दिन में बोलने का मौका दीजिए!

2) Doctor: Rahul you should play daily playing is a good exercise and keeps you fit.

Rahul: Sir, I play Tennis, football and Cricket Daily.

Doctor: Very Good, How long do you Play?

Rahul: I play regularly and almost 2 hrs. continuously…Until the battery of my mobile goes down.

3) Sonia(Angrily): Rahul why did you get 0 Zero in your final exams, earlier you had passed with good marks. WERE YOU ABSENT AT THE TIME OF EXAM!!

Rahul (Sadly): No! , But the boy who sits next to me was….

Sonia Collapse!!

4) Ek ladka shaadi ke liye ek ladki ko dekhne gaya Ladke ne socha ki kyun na ladki ko impress kiya jaaye aur English mein baat karne ki sochi Ladka bola: Suniye aapko English chalti hai na? Ladki sharmate hue dheere se boli: Ji bilkul chalti hai Agar SODA ho saath mein ho tab toh DESI bhi chalti hai.

5) A girl come in class wearing new sandals A boy comments: Chappal achhi hai Girl gusse mein: Nikalun kya? Then all the boys: Tumhaari dress toh aur bhi achchi hai.

6) Teacher: Tum bade hokar kya karoge? Student: Facebooking Karunga Teacher: Nahi mera matlab hai kya banoge? Student: Facebook pages ka Admin banunga

Teacher: Ohoo I mean bade hokar kya hasil karoge?..Student: Facebook Admin Rights..

Teacher: IDIOT Mera matlab bade ho kar mummy papa ke liye kya karoge? Student: Facebook par Page bnaunga I MOM DAD

Teacher: Stupid tumhare papa tumse kya chahte hain ? Student: Mere  Facebook ka Pasword

Teacher: Oh God tumari zindagi ka kya maksad hai? Student: Facebook but never Face your Book.

7) 7) A kanjoos boy fell in LOVE with a kanjoos Girl Girl: Jab Dad so jayenge to main gali mein ek SIKKA phenk dungi tum turrant andar aa jana Lekin ladka sikka phenne ke ek ghante baad aaya aur kuch pareshaan bhi tha Girl: Itni der kyo laga di? Boy: Wo main sikka DHOOND raha tha Girl: Pagal wo tho DHAAGA BAANDH ke phenka tha tabhi waapas kheench liya tha

*TELL ME WHY❓❓*

*How do pigeons always find their way home?*

The species of pigeon have navigational prowess. Pigeons can find their way home, even if released from a distant location blindfolded. They can navigate by sensing the earth’s magnetic fields, and perhaps also by using sound and smell. They can also use cues based on the position of the sun. One theory is that they have both a built-in ‘compass’ and a ‘mapping’ ability. The compass keeps them flying in the right general direction and mapping lets them compare where they are to where they want to go, which is home.

It’s also thought the ‘compass’ relies on the angle and position of the sun. But how they actually ‘map’ isn’t understood. The compass mechanism appears to rely on a combination of sun position and possibly iron ferite particles in the brain and trigeminal nerve and in a special organ on the top of the beak. The map mechanism may relate to advanced spatial mapping and interpolation in the brain, possibly assessing and mapping atmospheric odors, magnetic variations, visual landmarks and low-frequency infrasound. Studies of factors that disrupt homing show that all of these mechanisms are present but different breeds of homing pigeons use different sets of navigational cues. Pigeons have a good memory of places they have flown before and always fly in a circle when first taking air, in order to mentally map these factors.

*LEARN SANSKRIT*

*धूमिका* : Fog

*HOW IT WORKS* ⁉

*How Talc powder is made?*

Talcum powder is made from talc, a mineral made up mainly of the elements magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. As a powder, it absorbs moisture well and helps cut down on friction, making it useful for keeping skin dry and helping to prevent rashes

‍♂️ *GK TODAY*

Washing soda is a chemical compound with the formula *Na2CO3* , known as sodium carbonate, and it’s a salt of carbonic acid.

*VEDIK GYAN*

Story of Kartikeya

*Kartikeya* also known as *Skanda, Kumara* ,, Murugan and Subrahmanya, is the Hindu god of war. He is the son of Parvati and Shiva, brother of Ganesha,

Once Sati, the earlier incarnation of Mother Parvati was spending her time with the Lord. Her father Daksha Prajapati wanted to organize a huge Yajna. Daksha was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu and never had any regard for Shiva whom he denounced as a mad chap and mendicant given to a wayward life. When Sati wanted to attend the Yajna conducted by her father, Shiva forbade her plans. Sati felt miserable and found her way neglecting Shiva’s advice. When all the gods had assembled there except Shiva, she did not receive a proper welcome which made her feel dishonoured. Therefore, not able to face her Lord who had already advised her not to go, she entered the sacrificial fire and gave up her body.

Subsequently, she was born in the house of Himavan, the ruler of mountains. She ardently worshipped Shiva and once again got married to him. Since the gods had attended the Yajna to which Shiva was not invited, they had to suffer miseries in the hands of demons called Taraka and Surapadma. They prayed for years to Lord Shiva to intervene in the matter and save them. Finally the Lord’s mercy gave way and he decided to give rise to a new manifestation of his power to kill the demons. From Lord Shiva’s eyes came out six sparks. Since they were too hot to be borne by any other element in the creation, the task was given to Agni to carry them forward.

Even Agni could not bear the heat of the sparks and therefore left them in a lake called Saravana. In the lake, the six sparks took form as six divine children. The exquisite charm of the children made Shiva and Parvati so happy and they asked the six Karthika sisters to take care of the babies. Sine the children was reared by Karthika sisters, later the name Karthikeya ensued.

Lord Shiva and Parvati came to the lake and Parvati embraced all the six children together and as a result they got one single body with six heads. This is the reason why Karthikeya is also called *Shanmuka* (six faced Lord).

Mother Parvati gifted him with the divine weapon called ‘Vel’ and Lord Karthikeya used the weapon to fight with the demons and put them to death. Once he emerged victoriously, he was heralded by the gods in several terms and Indra, the King of gods gifted Karthikeya his daughter Devasena in marriage. The heavens and the worlds witnessed the marriage with celebrity. Karthikeya brought immortal fame to his parents by achieving a stupendous task with ease. Later he manifested in different ways to please his devotees.He is also known as the lord of Mountains. The mountains near the vicinity of his temples have high positive energies which helps spiritual people to awake their kundalini.

HEALTH CARE: HOME REMEDIES 
( *Note* : These home tips followed in villages/ancient traditions, it is up to you to use it or not)

*sugarcane juice* benefits, you’ll find that it has been attributed as a natural remedy to a score of problems. It’s rich in antioxidants so it helps fights infections and boost the immunity. It’s rich in iron, magnesium, calcium and other electrolytes so it’s great for dehydration. It helps cure the common cold and other infections and also fight fever as it boosts the body’s protein levels.

1. One of the most important health benefits of sugarcane juiceis that it is a diuretic which means that it helps treat urinary tract infections, kidney stones and ensure proper functioning of the kidneys.

2. According to Ayurveda, sugarcane juice helps strengthen your liver and is thus suggested as a remedy for jaundice. Jaundice is a condition where you find yellow pigmentation of the skin and membrane due to elevated levels of a substance known as bilirubin in the bodily fluids and is triggered by poor functioning liver. What sugarcane juice does is replenish your body with proteins lost and nutrients that it needs to recover quickly.

3. Sugarcane juice is extremely rich in minerals which helps prevent tooth decay and bad breath.

4. It is highly recommend for diabetes patients.

PLZ FOLLOW GOVT. NORMS, MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCE, KEEP YOURSELF & YOUR FAMILY SAFE ENDS