National:
- On 20th October 2020, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled a new version of the procurement manual of the premier military research institute DRDO featuring simplified procedures for involvement of the private sector in various research and development projects.
The defence ministry said, “The procurement manual – 2020 will facilitate faster execution of R&D projects/programmes. The modified features in the manual will go a long way to facilitate participation of industry in various R&D projects.” - The Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare organized Mahila Kisan Diwas on 15th October, 2020.
During this event, e-book on “Inspiring Stories of Progressive Women Farmers” was released & two short video films on “Mahila Krishak and her Contribution in Agriculture” and “Global Examples of Successful Women Farmers” were launched.
44th Kerala Film Critics Award:
- Kerala Film Critics Award is the only private award in Kerala other than the state awards that is adjudged by a jury.
Best film in 2019– “Jallikattu” movie Director Lijo Jose Pellissery
Best director– “Geetu Mohandas” for her movie Moothon
Best actor– “Nivin Pauly” for his portrayal of the protagonist in the Moothon movie
Best actress award– “Manju Warrier” for her role in Prathi Poovankozhi
Chalachithra Retnam lifetime achievement award– Filmmaker Hariharan
Mammootty was awarded with the Ruby Jubilee Award instituted to commemorate 40th year of the association for his outstanding contributions to Indian cinema.
Chalachithra Prathibha awards– Cinematographer S Kumar, director and art director Nemom Pushparaj, senior actress Sethulekshmi and Nana photographer Kollam Mohan
International:
- In latest “World Economic Outlook” report, IMF said Indian economy- Real GDP growth (Annual percent change) is projected -10.3 percent for this year. However, India is likely to bounce back with an impressive 8.8 per cent growth rate in 2021.
The report also projected World Output, for this year, it would contract by 4.4 percent and bounce back to 5.2 percent in 2021. In report Advanced Economies also projected: -5.8 for this year & 3.9 for year 2021.
Business & Technology:
- NITI Aayog on 19th Ocotber, 2020, announced a partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to establish a Frontier Technologies Cloud Innovation Center (CIC) in India. This is with an aim to help address societal challenges by leveraging technology.
- On 20th October, 2020, Microsoft Corp said company is partnering with Elon Musk-led SpaceX and others as it targets space customers. The partnership with SpaceX Starlink will provide high-speed satellite broadband for Microsoft’s cloud computing data centers.
Important Day:
- The ‘Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers’ celebrated its 78th Corps Day on 15 Oct 2020.
Death:
- Former IAS officer and writter of Chola History books, B Venkataraman died in Delhi on 20th October 2020. He was 95.
Some of the books that he had authored include: “Laddigam: A Later Chola Temples”; “Temple Art under the Chola queens”; “Rajarajeswaram-the pinnacle of Chola art” on the Thanjavur Brihadeeshwara temple. He had co-authored a book “Later Chola Temples” with his father. - Renowned vocalist ‘T S Ramaa’ died in Bengaluru on October 20, 2020. He was 70.
- The first woman officer of the Indian Air Force, Wing Commander (retd) Vijaylakshmi Ramanan died due to age related ailments on 18th October 2020. She was 96.