? Russia and Brazil have signed a strategic cooperation agreement for the production and marketing of the world’s first registered coronavirus vaccine ‘Sputnik V’.
? The Indian Government on August 12, 2020 announced that it has allowed the sale and registration of electric vehicles without pre-fitted batteries. The move is aimed at reducing the upfront cost of these vehicles, as pre-fitted batteries account for almost 30-40 percent of the total cost of the vehicle.
? The Medical Council of India (MCI) on August 10, 2002 said that any qualification obtained from medical colleges located in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh (PoJKL) shall not entitle a person to practice modern medicine in India.
? The Assam state government is all set to roll out Arunodoi Scheme from October 2, 2020, with an aim to provide financial assistance to around 17 lakh families in the state. Under the scheme, Rs 830 will be given every month to the eligible 17 lakh families to buy the essential items of food.
? Reliance Foundation has partnered with U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) for the Women’s Global Development and Prosperity (W-GDP) Initiative, which aims to reduce the gender digital divide in India, the philanthropic arm of the Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) said on August 12, 2020.
? Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the ‘Transparent Taxation-Honoring the Honest’ platform on August 13, 2020. The platform includes three major reforms- faceless assessment, faceless appeal and taxpayers’ charter.
? The International Youth Day was celebrated on August 12, 2020 with its theme as ‘Youth Engagement for Global Action’.
? The World Elephant Day was celebrated on August 12, 2020.
? The Indian government has extended an assistance of USD 1 million to Antigua and Barbuda to combat the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
? Israel’s Defense Ministry conducted a successful test of the nation’s advanced missile defense system-Arrow-2 interceptor-against long-range ballistic attacks on August 12, 2020.