www.gradeup.co

1

www.gradeup.co Important News: Other States

August 2020

✓ Madhya Pradesh state government has identification number. The 8-digit number will launched a public awareness campaign “Ek enable seamless delivery of state government Mask-AnekZindagi” from August 1-15. services. ✓ Maharashtra government approved MagNet ✓ Uttarakhand state is set develop India’s first project worth Around Rs 1,000 crore to Help Snow Leopard Conservation centre. Farmers. Note: The main aim of the centre is to Note: This will boost the fruit and vegetable conserve and restore Himalayan ecosystems. It production and will improve processing and also aims to conserve elusive snow leopards minimise the losses in the sector of and other endangered Himalayan species. A perishables. number of snow leopards has been spotted in ✓ Andhra Pradesh state government has signed the districts of Pithoragarh and Uttarkashi. an MoU with Hindustan Unilever Ltd, P&G ✓ Haryana state government has launched and ITC to Support Economic Empowerment “Mahila Evam Kishori Samman Yojana” to of Women. provide free sanitary napkins to girls and ✓ Union territories Dadra and Nagar Haveli & women of below poverty line (BPL) families. Daman and Diuhas launched E-Gyan Mitra ✓ Haryana state government has launched mobile application for online education. “:Mukhya Mantri DoodhUphar Yojana” to Note: Through the app, the students from provide fortified flavoured skimmed milk primary till the higher secondary can take powder to women and children. online classes along with attempting. The app ✓ Chhattisgarhgovernment has launched will have lectures and quizzes posted by “Shaheed Mahendra Karma teachers along with a system of monitoring in TendupattaSangrahakSamajik Suraksha which teachers can monitor students’ progress Yojana” for tendu leaves collectors. ✓ ‘Thenzawl Golf Resort’ project has been Note: Used for making bidis (leaf-wrapped inaugurated in Mizoram. cigarettes), these are collected by forest Note: The project will develop Golf Tourism dwellers and from them it is purchased by the attracting both national and international state government.Mahendra Karma was tourist in the country. It will have an popularly known as Bastar tiger for his tough international standard of 18 holes Golf Course stand against Naxals.He was among 29 people, with a total cost of Rs 92.25 crore. Designed including senior Congress leaders, who were by: Canadian based Golf Course Architect killed in a Naxal attack in Jhiram valley of Firm Graham Cooke & Associates and 30 Eco Bastar district on May 25, 2013. Log Huts. ✓ Maharashtra became the first state in India to ✓ ‘E-Raksha Bandhan’ awareness programme collaborate with Google India for state-wide launched by Andhra Pradesh is related to distribution of G suite for Education and Cybercrime. Google Classroom. Note: It is a month-long online campaign that ✓ The Ministry of Railways has inaugurated a will create awareness on Cyber crimes across dedicated museum for railways in Hubballi, the State with slogan ‘Let us make August a Karnataka. month of e-freedom and e-safety. Note: This is the first of its kind museum in ✓ Haryana state government has launched Northern Karnataka and second in South “ParivarPehchan Patra” to enable the Western Railways after the historic railway citizens to get the benefits of various central museum at Mysore, Karnataka.The main and state government schemes. objective of the museum is to preserve and Note: PPP each family will be considered as a portray the glorious heritage of various single unit and will be allotted a 8 digit unique branches of Railways and displays the gradual 2

www.gradeup.co evolution of advanced systems in all spheres Vendors Atma-Nirbhar Scheme (PM of Railway. SVANidhi). The state has sanctioned interest ✓ Gujarat state government has launched free loans of Rs 10000 to more than 58000 Mukhya Mantri Kisan Sahay Yojana. street vendors, so far. Identity cards are Note: The yojana has been announced for the distributed to the registered vendors. current Kharif season and all farmers of the ✓ Madhya Pradesh has launched the ‘Ek state will be covered under this scheme. Sankalp – Bujurgoke naam’ campaign for Farmers would not have to pay any premium the elderly people living alone in homes or registration process for the scheme. during the global pandemic COVID-19. ✓ Assamstate government has started Note: This unique campaign is proving to be a “Orunodoi Scheme” for women’s boon for the Elderly People living alone in empowerment. homes during the global pandemic COVID- Note: Under the “Orunodoi” scheme, Rs 830 19. per month aid would mean an additional ✓ Madhya Pradesh has launched the ‘Ek annual income of Rs 10,000 to the poor Sankalp – Bujurgoke naam’ campaign for households to meet their medical, nutritional, the elderly people living alone in homes and academic needs besides to meet the during the global pandemic COVID-19. additional spending during various festivals,”. Note: In this campaign, the police are taking ✓ The Madhya Pradesh state government has care of the elderly people from the food to announced to name Gwalior-Chambal their health. Renowned social activist Anna Expressway after Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Hazare has also praised this initiative of Note: The Gwalior Chambal Expressway is a Chhatarpur Police. 6 lane expressway connecting Madhya ✓ Delhi state government has launched the Pradesh with Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, Niraman Mazdoor Registration Abhiyan through the ravines of Chambal region. The for construction workers from August 24 to expressway will go parallel to the Chambal September 11. River via Shivpuri, Bhind, Morena to Kota Note: Special camps would be set up for (Rajasthan). construction workers to register themselves ✓ Nagaland state government has launched and take advantage of nearly 18 different “YellowChain” centralized e-commerce assistance schemes. Delhi government will set platform. up camps at 70 schools—one each in all the 70 Note: Yellow Chain will act as an integrated assembly constituencies of Delhi—to help platform for the people of the state, where any workers who are not tech-savvy. Seller/Service Provider/Individual/Group can ✓ Odisha government is working on a mobile- register themselves and upload their products, based application to enable farmers to upload trades, skills, services etc. to enable the picture of grievances such as water availability citizens/buyers to have access to their Service in canals and their redressal in a fixed or Product. timeframe. ✓ Chhattisgarh state government has launched ✓ Kerala is to host the first-ever State a student centric scheme named as Dragonfly Festival 2020. “PadhaiTuhar Para”. Note: The festival has been christened as Note: The scheme will enable the school Thumbimahotsavam 2020. ‘Pantalu’ is the students to study with the help of community official mascot of the festival. in their localities and villages, in view of the ✓ The longest river ropeway of India has been suspension of classes due to coronavirus inaugurated in Assam. outbreak. Note: The ropeway will be operated from ✓ Madhya Pradesh state top in implementing Kachari Ghat in Guwahati to Dol Govinda PM SVANidhi Scheme. temple in North Guwahati. The new ropeway Note: Madhya Pradesh is the leading state in service empowered with state-of-the-art implementing the Pradhan Mantri Street 3

www.gradeup.co technology will decrease the travel time Note: The IWTC seeks to accelerate the between Guwahati and North Guwahati. women entrepreneurship and secure gender ✓ Odisha has launched a new scheme for parity. It will also offer a safe place away from promoting intensive aquaculture through home to women to start new businesses, set up Biofloc technology in fisheries. or expand, and get their products marketed ✓ Kerala state will establish the first globally. international women’s trade centre (IWTC) July 2020 of India. ✓ Madhya Pradesh government has launched ✓ Odisha state government has launched “HamaraGhar-Hamara Vidyalaya” campaign ‘Balaram Yojana’ to provide crop loans to to take care of academic regularity of the landless farmers. students during the Lockdown due to COVID- Note: Under the new scheme, the landless 19 pandemic. cultivators will get loans through joint liability Note: The scheme will start on 6th July 2020. groups (JLGs). Under the scheme, the school bells are going ✓ Haryana government has decided to bring an to be heard within the student’s house and the ordinance under which 75 percent of the jobs teachers will begin the class of the students with a salary of less than Rs 50,000 per month after the bell. The scheme provides a school- will be reserved for the locals of the state.. like environment for the children taught at ✓ ‘Self Scan’ mobile application has been their home through online classes. launched by West Bengal government as an ✓ Karnataka government has launched a portal, alternative for the much popular Chinese ‘Skill Connect Forum’ to connect job seekers document scanning application- Cam Scanner. and employers on a common platform. ✓ Maharashtra government has launched ✓ The UK India Business Council signed a ‘Maha Jobs’ portal that will will bridge the Memorandum of Understanding (Mou) with gap between the Industrial Units/Employers Maharshtrafor Sustainable Business and the Workers. Relation. ✓ Karnataka government has launched ‘Nekar Note: MIDC is the premier industrial Samman Yojane’ for the weaver’s community infrastructure development agency of the in the state. Government of Maharashtra. This business ✓ Assam’s DehingPatkai Wildlife Sanctuary is framework between the UKIBC and being upgraded to a National Park is located in Government of Maharashtra will help the State which state of India. to proactively better its business environment Note: It is located within the larger and strengthen its collaboration with British DehingPatkai Elephant Reserve, spreading business. across the coal- and oil-rich districts of Upper ✓ Delhi State government has launched an e- Assam (Dibrugarh, Tinsukia and Sivasagar). learning portal — LEAD for schoolchildren. After upgradation, DehingPatkai will be the Note: The portals will give students access to 6th national park in Assam. The other five are textbooks, study material and course content Kaziranga, Nameri, Manas, Orang and Dibru- as per the syllabus of the CBSE, NCERT and Saikhowa. Delhi government’s curriculum online. It will ✓ Odisha becomes the first state in India to use include digital QR coded textbooks, Space Technology & Artificial Intelligence for explanatory videos, practice questions and safeguarding government lands. evaluation. Note: The Bhubaneswar Land Use ✓ World’s largest, 10,000 bed Sardar Patel Intelligence System is a geo-tagged repository COVID Care Centre and Hospital (SPCCCH) that would monitor and detect all government was inaugurated in Delhi. lands in Bhubaneswar. This will be done by ✓ Madhya Pradesh government has launched a using high-resolution satellite imagery. social media campaign, ‘IntzaarAap Ka’ to attract tourists in the state. 4

www.gradeup.co ✓ Madhya Pradesh government has launched ✓ Chhattisgarh state government has launched 'Roko -Toko' campaign for those who do not “GodhanNyayYojna” for cattle ranchers. wear masks. Note: Under the ‘GodhanNyay Yojana’ Note: In Madhya Pradesh, the government Chhattisgarh government will purchase cow will now run a Roko -Toko means stop and dung at the rate of Rs 2 per kg. campaign for those who do not wear masks. ✓ Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the ✓ India’s first e-Lok Adalat to ensure the foundation stone for the ₹3,054-crore “Water administration of justice and to solve the Supply Project” in North Eastern state financial crisis of the parties and lawyers amid Manipur. COVID-19 pandemic was organized in Note: The project outlay is Rs 3054.58 crore, Chhattisgarh. with a loan component funded by the New ✓ Jharkhand government has signed an MoU Development Bank. with HDFC Bank to provide digital payment ✓ Mizoram becomes the first state in the solutions to the state’s transport department. country to implement the Green-Agriculture ✓ Madhya Pradesh state has topped among the (Green-Ag) project funded by the Global other states in the implementation of PM Environment Facility (GEF). Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM ✓ The UK India Business Council (UKIBC) SVANidhi). signed a memorandum of Understanding Note: The scheme is presently benefiting the (MoU) with which state government to speed beneficiaries of 378 urban bodies of the state. up the business and industrial development in Till now 8,70,330 street vendors have Gujarat. registered under the scheme, out of which ✓ Haryana government has employed the aerial 1,76,000 street vendors have been issued the seeding technique to improve green cover in identity cards and vending certificates. the Aravalli area of the state. ✓ Telangana Govt. has launched ‘CybHER’, a ✓ Kerala government has announced a new month-long virtual awareness campaign to Entrepreneurship Development Programme to make cyberspace safe for women and children. address the issues of shortage of working ✓ Poba Reserve Forest would be upgraded to a capital. wildlife sanctuary in Assam. Note: The programme will be implemented ✓ Andhra Pradesh government has announced through the Kerala Financial Corporation Renewable Energy Export Policy 2020, which (KFC), which will provide loans up to 90 permits the sale of power to the other states of percent of the project cost subject to a India. maximum of Rs 50 lakh at 10 percent interest. ✓ Delhi state government has approved The government will give 3% interest as ‘Mukhya Mantri GharGhar Ration Yojana’, subsidy thereby; the net interest rate will be which will be launched in six to seven months. 7%. Note: It will be linked to Centre’s ‘one nation, one ration card’ scheme. The scheme will help the beneficiaries get ration delivered at home. June 2020

✓ Kerala becomes the first state to declare ✓ Jammu & Kashmir has launched a the internet as a fundamental right of salary tracker mobile app ‘MeraVetan’ the citizen. for government employees. ✓ Rajasthan state occupied the first rank in • Note: With the launch of the COVID 19 Management Index MeraVetan App (V-1),the analyzed for 10 states by the Ministry of employees especially posted in Home Affairs, GoI. remote & rural areas who don’t have access to the DDO will easily

5

www.gradeup.co access their salary and other details • Maharashtra is one among a few anytime. states like Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, • This application developed by the Haryana in India which have a National Informatics Centre dedicated department to address (NIC) – J&K State Centre on the climate change. Android Platform to provide end to ✓ Financial assistance Rs 10,000 will be end computerization of JK provided tailors, barbers and dhobis under Payment System (JKPaySys) ‘JaganannaChedodu’ scheme launched application. by Andhra Pradesh state government. ✓ Chhattisgarh has launched a special ✓ Punjab government has launched campaign “Spandan” to check mental ‘GharGharNigrani’ app for house-to-house stress and depression among its police surveillance to contain the spread of personnel. COVID-19. ✓ Gujarat Govt. occupied top position in • With the help of the application, the ‘Food Safety Index 2019-20 released the Punjab Government is to cover by the Food Safety and Standards all the persons that are below the Authority of India (FSSAI)’ among the age of 30 years. The survey will larger state. cover persons that have influenza • Note: Gujarat is followed by like illness. Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. ✓ Odisha has become the first state in the The Food Safety and Standards country to receive ISO certification for Authority of India (FSSAI) hostels meant for tribal students. released the results of the second • Note: This feat has been achieved 'State Food Safety Index' to due to 'Mission Suvidya' project celebrate the World Food Safety which was launched by ST&SC Day during a webinar. Welfare Department to provide all ✓ The colour of water in Lonar lake has the tribal hostels of the state changed to pink due to salinity and uniform standards of infrastructure, presence of algae in the water body. The amenities and human resources lake is located in Maharashtra. earlier. • Note: The lake was formed after a ✓ Kerala governments implemented ‘Food meteorite hit the Earth some forest’ project in tribal belts of the state. 50,000 years ago. Located around • Note: As part of the ‘Tribal 500 km from Mumbai, the Lonar Comprehensive Development lake is in Buldhana district of Programme in Kerala the "food Maharshtra. forest" projectis being ✓ Himachal Pradesh government has implemented in cooperation with launched ‘Panchvati Yojana’ for the senior the citizens of rural areas of the state. MahilaKissanSashaktheekaranP • Note: Under the yojana parks & ariyojana of the Central gardens will be established in every Government. development block with mandatory • The project aims to provide food facilities under Mahatma Gandhi security to 192 tribal villages in Employment Guarantee Act Attapadi. (MNREGA) 2005, Scheme of ✓ West Bengal government has launched Rural Development Department. Karmo Bhumi, a job portal to help IT ✓ Maharashtra government has decided to professionals who have lost their jobs after rename the state’s Environment Ministry the outbreak of COVID-19 and returned to as ‘Environment and Climate Change the state. Ministry’. 6

www.gradeup.co ✓ Tripura state government has decided to 100-day employment guarantee start ‘EktuKhelo, EktuPadho’ –meaning scheme of the Kerala Government ‘Play Little, Study Little’ scheme. for urban poor. • Note: The scheme will be ✓ Himachal Pradesh state’s Panchayati Raj implemented via SMS or Department won the 1st prize under e- WhatsApp. For students, those who Panchayat Puraskar-2020. have access to smartphones of their ✓ Tripura state government has launched parents will be able to access the MukhyamantriMatru Pushti Uphaar scheme through WhatsApp. scheme to provide nutrition kits to ✓ Rajasthan state government is going to pregnant and lactating women. launch Indira Rasoi Yojana for the poor. • Note: The scheme is a part of the • Note: Under this scheme, pure and state’s efforts to fight malnutrition nutritious food on concessional and maternal mortality. rates is going to be provided to the ✓ World’s Largest Plasma Therapy Trial needy twice each day. under Project ‘Platina’ was launched in • The State government will spend Maharashtra state. ₹100 crores every year on the ✓ The forest department of Uttarakhand scheme. state has developed India’s first lichen ✓ Jharkhand state government is to launch park. a job guarantee scheme to provide 100-day • Note: Lichens are found in the work guarantee to the unskilled workers Himalayas up to 5000 metres are living in the urban areas of the state. important species as they are the • Note: The scheme aimed to best bioindicators of the pollution enhance the livelihood security for levels. the urban poor will be named • Uttarakhand has more than 600 Mukhyamantri SHRAMIK (Shahri species of lichens followed by Rozgar Manjuri For Kamgar). Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and • Ayyankali Urban Employment Kashmir with 503 and 386 species Guarantee Scheme (AUEGS) is the respectively. May 2020

✓ Chhattisgarh toppedin providing employment ✓ Saffron of Kashmir region has been granted under the MGNREGS with the Geographical Indication (GI) tag-- • Note: Chhattisgarh is the first state to Kashmir Saffron. provide employment to over 18 (18.51) ✓ Maharashtra government has announced a lakh unskilled labourers, followed by free and cashless health insurance scheme to Rajasthan (2nd) to 10.79 lakh all its citizens. workers &Uttar Pradesh (3rd) to • Note: Under the Mahatma Jyotiba around 9.06 lakh workers under the Phule Jan Arogya Yojana, people in Mahatma Gandhi National Rural the state can avail of the benefits of Employment Guarantee Scheme free and cashless health insurance. (MGNREGS). ✓ Andhra Pradesh state government has ✓ Manipur’s Chak-Hao, the black rice gets launched a mobile application ‘CMAPP Geographical Indication (GI) tag. (Comprehensive Monitoring of Agriculture, ✓ Terracotta work of Gorakhpur (UP) has Price, and Procurement)’ to monitor the been granted with the Geographical agriculture needs of the farmers in the state. Indication (GI) tag. ✓ Himachal Pradesh government announced to ✓ Kovilpattikadalaimittai of Kovilpatti, launch the "Nigah" Scheme to properly Thoothukudi (Tamil Nadu) has been granted sensitize and educate family members of with the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. 7

www.gradeup.co people coming from other states so that social Rangarajan to assess the immediate and distancing is effectively maintained. medium-term impact of the COVID-19 • Note: Under the scheme, a team of pandemic on various sectors of the State’s ASHA workers, health workers, and economy. Anganwadi workers would visit the ✓ Uttarakhand government has launched family members of persons arriving “HOPE” (Helping Out People Everywhere) from other states. portal to help unemployed youth to get jobs ✓ West Bengal government has launched “Exit opportunities. App” for stranded people of other states. ✓ West Bengal government has launched • Note: “Exit App” will enable these ‘MatirSmristi’ scheme to utilise 50,000 acres people who are willing to go back of barren land in 6 districts. to their native states, by applying • Note: This scheme helps to online on this app. generate income activities in ✓ Himachal Pradesh government has decided horticulture and pisciculture to start the “Mukhya Mantri ShahariRojgar involving the locals. Guarantee Yojna”. ✓ Rajasthan government has levied2% • Note: In this Yojana, 120 days Krishak Kalyan fees on agricultural produce assured employment will be brought or bought or sold in mandis. provided to people living in urban ✓ Madhya Pradesh government has launched areas. It is being launched to revive Charan Paduka campaign, first of its kind the coronavirus-hit economy of the initiative for migrant labourers passing state. through the state. ✓ Madhya Pradesh has become the 1st state ✓ Karnataka state has launched its first cyber in the country to provide mid-day meal security-specific accelerator programme ration. 'H.A.C.K' for start-ups recently. • Note: Distribution of the mid-day • It is housed at Indian Institute of Meal ration with the help of Science, Bengaluru. Anganwadi workers, Panchayat ✓ Jammu & Kashmir (UTs), the Department of representatives and local teachers was Information and Public Relations has started taken in sending ration to the students an initiative “SUKOON – COVID-19 Beat at their home after the school closing the Stress” program. in April. ✓ “Mee Annapurna” initiative has been ✓ Tripura government has launched launched by an IRDA licensed insurance ‘Mukhyamantri Yuba Yogayog Yojana’. intermediary Integrated Risk Insurance • The Scheme aims to provide grants Brokers Limited (IRIBL) in Maharashtra. for the purchase of smartphones to • This initiative is based on three the students of final year to empower commandments namely: them digitally& help them leverage Expertise, Engagement and the advantages of an interconnected Entitlement. world. ✓ Chhattisgarh government has launched ✓ Madhya Pradsh government has launched “Rajiv Gandhi KisanNyay Yojana” on the country's first ever ‘FIR AapkeDwar occasion of death anniversary of former Prime Yojana’ to lodge FIR. Minister Rajiv Gandhi. • Note: Madhya Pradesh is the first state ✓ Uttar Pradesh government has set up a in the country to implement such an ‘Start-up Fund’ under its Information innovative scheme under which now TechnologyandStart-up Policy 2017. people would not be required to visit • Note: An MoU has been signed police station to lodge a FIR. between the Uttar Pradesh ✓ Tamil Nadu government has constituted a 24- government and the Small member high-level committee headed by C Industries Development Bank of 8

www.gradeup.co India (SIDBI) and the fund will be • Note: The government of Madhya managed by SIDBI. Pradesh launched a portal ‘MP ✓ Madhya Pradesh hasstarted Didi Vehicle RojgarSetu Portal’ for the unemployed Service for rural women for the safe delivery migrants to register and find jobs in the and other emergency services, under the field related to their skills. women Rural Livelihood Mission. ✓ Uttarakhand state government has launched • Note: The mission has been started in “MukhyamantriSwarozgar Yojana” to retain tribal-dominated Jhabua district of the migrants who have returned to the state Madhya Pradesh (MP). during the lockdown. ✓ Uttarakhand become the first state to release • Note: The scheme aims at report on conservation of endemic, threatened providing self-employment floras. opportunities to youth and a boost ✓ Madhya Pradesh government has launched to reverse migration, specifically ‘Rozgar Setu Yojana’ for skilled migrant entrepreneurs returning to workers who returned to the state. Uttarakhand. April 2020

✓ Tamil Nadu state topped in the all-India level ✓ Andhra Pradesh state government has started for micro-irrigation (MI), under Pradhan distributing pensions at the doorstep to its Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY). 58,44,240 beneficiaries. • Note: Tamil Nadu topped with • Note: They are using its 2.5 lakh coverage of 2,06,853.25 ha for the volunteer eliminating the need for year financial year 2019-20. pensioners to step out of their • The state is followed by homes. Karnataka and Gujarat with • The aim is to encourage 1,41,103.56 Ha and 1,08,322.00 beneficiaries to stay at home and Ha of coverage respectively. avoid stepping out. ✓ A ‘Modi Kitchen’ has been set up in Tamil ✓ The Odisha government has launched an Nadu. online cultural competition “Mo Prativa” in ✓ Karnataka state government has launched a collaboration with the UNICEF. mobile application ‘Corona Watch’. ✓ Telangana state has been installed ‘V Safe • Note: The mobile application aims Tunnel’ to sanitize people. to track the movement history of • The ‘V Safe Tunnel’ aims to persons tested positive, before their minimize the local transmission of detection in order to take Coronavirus in the state by providing precautions and to contain the maximum protection to people coronavirus outbreak. passing through the tunnel in around • The app will also provide the date 20 seconds. and time of visit to spots by the ✓ As per the report published by Comptroller patients. ‘Corona Watch’ app also and Auditor General (CAG) for the year comprises a list of government ended March 31, 2018 Rajasthan state designated first response hospitals commits highest crime related to the for COVID-19 where citizen with environment in the country. symptoms can visit. ✓ Kerala becomes the first state to commence ✓ Odisha state govt has celebrated its clinical trial plasma therapy treatment. formation day on April 1, 2020. ✓ UT Delhi has announced a 5T plan which • Note: Utkal Divas (Odisha Day) includes- Testing, Tracing, Treatment, is celebrated every year on 1st Teamwork and Trackingand monitoring to April all over Odisha. control the spread of COVID-19 in the state.

9

www.gradeup.co ✓ Delhi government has launched “Operation rapid tests at 5 p.m where 52 persons SHIELD” in identified Containment Areas of were tested and all were found the state to control the spread of the COVID-19 negative. coronavirus pandemic. ✓ Border Roads Organisation has constructed • Note: It deals with sealing, home 430 feet long bailey “Daporijo Bridge” in quarantine, isolation & tracking, Arunachal Pradesh. essential supply of commodities, • Note: The bridge was inaugurated by local sanitisation and door-to-door Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister health checkups. Pema Khandu over video o S– Sealing of the conferencing. immediate • The bridge is built over Subansiri area/surroundings after River the largest tributary of geographical marking. Brahamputra. o H– Home quarantine of all • The new bridge will provide adequate the people living in the movement of supplies for 451 villages area. and approximately 3,000 security force o I– Isolation and tracing of personnel deployed along the India- people who have been first China border. and second contacts. ✓ Himachal Pradesh state government has o E– Essential supply of rolled out “e-sanjeevani-opd” for free online commodities is ensured. medical consultation to sick people. o L– Local sanitization of the • Note: The “e-sanjeevani-opd” has area by authorities. been launched to provide free online o D– Door-to-door health medical consultation to sick people at checks of everyone living their residence throughout the state. in the area. • Hence, through this new initiative, the ✓ Manipur state Government has launched a Himachal Pradesh government will new initiative “Food Bank” based on the ensure the facility of health services to theme ‘Help End Hunger Today’. the people in the wake of COVID-19 ✓ Arunachal Pradesh state government has Pandemic. launched an app called “COVIDCARE”. ✓ Madhya Pradesh government has launched • Note: The newly developed ‘Chief Minister COVID-19 Yoddha Kalyan “COVIDCARE” app is an effort of Yojana’ to benefit the Anganwadi workers and the Arunachal Pradesh government Assistants of the state. to combat COVID-19. • Note: Under the scheme, the state • The “COVIDCARE” app has been government will provide a special launched for the people who are health insurance cover of Rs 50 lakhs. quarantined, asymptomatic or • The benefit of this scheme will be COVID-19 patients, facilitating given to the warriors under the Pradhan them various facilities through the Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana app. (PMGKY), which was launched by the ✓ Goa becomes the first state to integrate central Government to cover only the allopathy and Ayurveda to treat COVID-19 field staff of health, police and other patients. departments working day and night to ✓ Rajasthan becomes the first state in the prevent the spread of coronavirus country to carry out Rapid Testing for Covid (COVID-19). 19. ✓ Rajasthan government has partnered with • Note: State’s urban primary health MedCords to provide online consultations and centre of TopkhanaDesh (also known to deliver medicine to the people of the state. as Jaju Dispensary) in Jaipur started 10

www.gradeup.co • Note: MedCord will provide the • The helpline is to reach out to people requirements of over 68 million people in the corona hotspot areas and to throughout Rajasthan through its identify the Influenza Like illness integrated solution – Aayu and (ILI), Severe Acute Respiratory SehatSathi app. Infection (SERI) and the corona like • MedCord is fully adopted in 7 districts symptoms. of Rajasthan (Kota, Udaipur, Sri ✓ Assam state government has launched a Ganganagar, Bikaner, Ajmer, Pali special scheme called ‘Dhanwantari’, under and Jaipur). which locally unavailable medicines will be ✓ Delhi government has launched “Assess Koro delivered to patients at home. Na” app for door-to-door survey in COVID-19 • Note: This medicine is free up to 200 containment zones. rupees. If the required medicine is not • With this app, the data collected can be available at a distance of 10 km from uploaded on the servers in real-time the house, the government will provide and immediate analysis. the medicine at home. This facility can ✓ Gujarat government has approved the 3rd be availed by calling 104. edition of his government’s ‘SujalamSufalam ✓ Andhra Pradesh government has launched Jal Sanchay Abhiyan’ (SSJA). zero interest loan scheme for Women Self- • Note: The scheme will continue till Help Groups (SHGs). June 10, 2020 with a focus on • Note: Each SHG will receive a sum deepening of lakes, check dams and ranging from Rs 20,000 to Rs 40,000 rivers by removing silt. It will be done towards the interest component on with people’s participation as well as their loans. under Mahatma Gandhi National ✓ Madhya Pradesh government has launched Rural Employment Guarantee Act Jeevan Shakti Yojana to enable women in (MNREGA). urban areas to earn by making masks at home. ✓ Himachal Pradesh state government has ✓ Gujarat state government has launched a started to use eSanjeevaniOPD through which unique initiative called free online medical consultation & general ‘UmbareAanganwadi under Integrated health advice will be provided to the people Child Development Services programme to at their residence. reach out to children during the lockdown. ✓ Karnataka state government has launched ✓ Andhra Pradesh state government has “Apthamitra” helpline toll free number and an launched ‘Covid Pharma’ app to keep a application to empower the people to fight track of people buying medicines over the against coronavirus pandemic. counter (OTC) for cough, cold and fever from medical stores across the state. March 2020

✓ Punjab state government has prohibited • Note: The project has been taken Online Food Supply Aggregators by the AAI as part of its (OFSAs) related to those Food Business Corporate Social Responsibility Operators (FBOs) who are not possessing (CSR) scheme and the project will hygiene rating. benefit 6000 families. ✓ The historic City Chowk, which was a • The equipment hiring centers commercial centre in Old Jammu, has consists of equipment related to been renamed as ‘Bharat Mata Chowk’. agriculture, animal husbandry & ✓ Tripura state government the Airport fisheries and the equipment will be Authority of India (AAI) has signed a rented to the needy farmers, Self Memorandum of Understanding Help Groups (SHG)& to other (MoU) equipment hiring centres. needy at a minimal cost. 11

www.gradeup.co ✓ Madhya Pradesh state cabinet approved • Note: The state government of to form trust for ‘Ram Van Gaman Path’ Jharkhand will launch its “Star project. Rating Program” on June 5, • The project seeks to retrace the 2020, to rate industries based on route believed to have been taken the amount of pollutants generated by Lord Ram during his life in by them. forest and it is proposed to be • With this, it became the 3rd state constructed from Chitrakoot to in India to launch this system for Amarkantak. industries after Maharashtra & • State chief secretary will be the Odisha. member of the trust. ✓ Himachal Pradesh state government has ✓ Kerala. state government will be launched launched Police Station Visitor Survey digital literacy drive named “I am also System and e-Night Beat Checking digital”. System. ✓ Punjab government has launched a mobile • Note: Himachal Pradesh Chief app to spread awareness and precautions to Minister (CM) Jai Ram Thakur be taken against coronavirus. launched Police Station Visitor • Note: The Punjab Government Survey System and e-Night Beat launched “Cova Punjab” mobile Checking System for Himachal application to spread awareness police in Shimla. and precautions to be taken against • These systems help the Police coronavirus. Department to provide an ✓ Andhra Pradesh state govt. has launched immediate response to the NIGHA application to curb the use of complaints registered in the police money and alcohol in the upcoming local stations. body elections. ✓ Gujarat state Police becomes first in ✓ Maharashtra government has approved India to introduce taser guns. the implementation of “happy hours” for • Note: The Gujarat Police is auto rickshaws, reducing 15% of fare equipped with taser guns in order prices from 12 pm to 4 pm. to ensure safety and security of the ✓ Karnataka government has launched public. ‘Namaste over Handshake’ campaign to • The Gujarat Police is equipped prevent from COVID-19. with taser guns to ensure safety ✓ Phool Dei festival was celebrated in and security of the public. Uttarakhand. • By introducing the taser guns as • Note: The festival also showcases part of police weapons, Gujarat the inner bonding between the becomes the first state in India. communities who all are residing ✓ Goa has become the 1st Indian state to in the hills. launch assessment tool for COVID-19. • It is the harvest festival of • Note: Goa health minister Uttarakhand that is celebrated in Vishwajit Rane launched Test the month of Chaitra (March- Yourself Goa, a self-assessment April) in the Hindu Calendar. tool for COVID-19 to help people • The term ‘Dei’ refers to identify if they are infected by the ceremonial pudding which is the virus without visiting a doctor or key food in the festival that is made hospital. from jaggery, Whiteflour& curd, ✓ Amidst Coronavirus outbreak which are offered to everyone. becomes the 1st state to impose curfew ✓ Jharkhand becomes the third state in after lockdown fails -- Punjab. India to launch its “Star Rating Program”. 12

www.gradeup.co • Note: With this, it becomes the 1st during the nationwide lockdown to state in the country to take drastic curb the spread of COVID-19. measure to stop the spread of ✓ Andhra Pradesh government has set up coronavirus (COVID-19). “Mobile Hand-wash facilities” for the ✓ Justice Bhushan P Dharmadhikari has benefit of Slum Dwellers amidst lockdown been appointed as the Chief Justice of in the state. Bombay High Court. ✓ Nagaland state government has launched ✓ Jharkhand state government has launched the Self Declaration COVID19 App. a mobile app PRAGYAAM to issue e- • Note: The app will be mandatory passes. for any person who entered • The app aims to issue e-passes to Nagaland after March 6. everyone associated with the ✓ Odisha government has launched ‘Mo delivery of essential services Jeeban programme’ for the containment of COVID-19 pandemic. February 2020

✓ Andhra Pradesh (AP) has launched a ✓ The MukyamantriParivarSamridhi Yojana doorstep pension delivery scheme named scheme has been launched by Haryana ‘YSR Pension Kanuka’. Government. ✓ Sale of all types of online lottery schemes has • The scheme is about providing been launched by the state of Punjab. financial assistance of Rs.6000 to the ✓ 34th edition of Surajkund International families below the poverty line and the Crafts Mela was held in Haryana. amount will be transferred through • The main motto of this mela is to DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) to Bank promote handicrafts, rural crafts, arts accounts. and the culture of the country and also ✓ Kerala state unveiled an initiative of setting to bring our country’s heritage among up 1,000 ‘Kudumbashree’ hotels to provide new generations. subsidised meals at Rs 25. ✓ The Amarkantak Narmada Mahotsa 2020 ✓ The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh was conducted by Madhya Pradesh. YeduguriSandintiJaganmohan Reddy has ✓ The Janasevaka scheme is launched by launched the 1st Disha Police Station in the Karnataka state. State at Rajamahendravaram. • to provide home delivery of various • Note: The Disha Police station has government services like ration cards, been established to provide speedy senior citizen identity and health cards, justice to female victims of sexual etc. assaults and other heinous crimes ✓ The first of its kind in the country, glass floor under the Protection of Children suspension bridge is being built in from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, Uttarakhand. 2012. ✓ For the first time Madhya Pradesh ✓ First Helicopter Services under UDAN government has decided to use drones for Scheme has been launched by Uttarakhand. mapping villages. ✓ To inculcate reading habits among students ✓ The highest number (33,964) of women who ‘Reading Mission’ has been launched by go missing in India are from Maharashtra. Haryana. • Note: This is as per the report titled ✓ Name the region Tamil Nadu to be declared as ‘missing women and children in India’ Protected Agricultural Zone-- Cauvery released by National Crime Records Delta Region. Bureau (NCRB). • Only Agro-based Industries are allowed in the Protected Zone.

13

www.gradeup.co ✓ With an aim to promote the practice of • Through this app, the public can planting trees in the state `Pyaar ka Paudha` inform police about drug abuse and its drive under the Jal Jeevan Hariyali distribution. campaign has been launched by Bihar. ✓ Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan • Note: The state Government of Bihar’s Mohan Reddy has launched a scheme Department of Environment and Forest JaganannaVasthiDeevana. in Patna has launched `Pyaar ka • Note: The 'JaganannaVasathiDeevena' Paudha` campaign. scheme will aid students pursuing ✓ Manipur government has launched various post-intermediate courses and “AnganphouHunba” (Sowing of First Crop are from low-income households with Paddy) programme. hostel and mess fees and ensure that ✓ Haryana government has renamed Ambala they get Rs 20,000 per year. city bus stand after Sushma Swaraj. ✓ Losar festival is being celebrated in ✓ To modernise all government hospitals Nadu- Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. Nedu scheme has been launched by Andhra • Note: Losar festival is celebrated on Pradesh. the 1st day of the lunisolar Tibetan ✓ Atal Kisan – Majdoor canteens has been calendar and is also called Tibetan launched by Haryana. New Year. • Note: These canteens provide • Itis a festival related to Tibetan affordable and cheap meals to farmers Buddhism and marks the Ladakhi and labourers at a concessional rate of New Year. 10 rupees per plate in all mandis and ✓ Madhya Pradesh state became the 1st state to sugar mills. 25 such canteens will be introduce the unified registration card. established this year. ✓ ‘Vasantosav’ Cultural festival is organised ✓ Tea Board of India has organized “Run for by Gujarat Government. India Tea” in collaboration with Tripura Tea • The theme of “Vasantotsav” 2020 Development Corporation (TTDC). was “EkBhaartShreshth Bharat”. • Note: The event has been organized to ✓ Indian city Mumbai has launched world’s further promote and popularise Tripura largest airport-based temperature-controlled tea alongside India tea and to boost the facility. tea industry in the state. • Facility known as the ‘Export Cold ✓ “Yodhav” (Warrior) mobile app has been Zone’ for processing and storage of launched by Kerala. agro and pharma products. January 2020

✓ The Andhra Pradesh government is ✓ Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports planning to introduce door-delivery of sand Kiren Rijiju flag off ‘Fit India Cyclothon’ in from 2nd January 2020. Panaji, Goa. • The AP government will deliver sand • This event is organized with the aim to at doorsteps and collect transportation get the people involved in outdoor charges from the customers. activities and starting a cycling culture ✓ ‘Cyber Safe Women’ initiative launched by in the state. the Maharashtra Government. ✓ Women with Wheels’ cab service has been • Note: Maharashtra Government has started at Indira Gandhi International Airport launched a ‘Cyber Safe Women’ (IGIA), New Delhi by ‘Sakha cabs’ for the initiative to ensure that women and safety of women. children do not fall prey to these cyber- • Note: The taxis are operated by criminal activities. women drivers and the services are 14

www.gradeup.co provided only to women or men with • Arunachal Pradesh has become the 1st family. state in the country to initiate the • The cab had been installed with GPS International Union for Conservation (Global Positioning System) and panic of Nature’s (IUCN) ‘red listing’ at the button to help the women drivers & state level. women passengers. ✓ The famous Parshuram Kund Mela was ✓ Indian Railways launches integrated helpline organized in Arunachal Pradesh. number for passengers -- 139. ✓ Magh Bihu, an auspicious harvest festival is • Note: The Indian Railways has being celebrated in Assam. integrated its helpline numbers into a • Note: Magh Bihu, an auspicious single number 139 for quick grievance harvest festival is being celebrated in redressal and enquiries by passengers Assam. Magh Bihu falls in the local during their train journeys. month of ‘Magh’ during mid-january. ✓ ISRO to set up Human Space Flight Centre in • It is also called ‘Bhogali Bihu’ or Challakere, Karnataka. ‘Maghor Bihu’ as it is celebrated with ✓ The Gujarat govt. has announced to set up community feasts after the annual Vikram Sarabhai Children Innovation Center harvest takes place. (VSCIC) in Gandhinagar. ✓ The 1st edition of the Krishi Manthan 2020 • It will identify, nurture and promote which is a Food, Agri-business and Rural children’s innovation in the state. Development Summit of Asia was held in ✓ The fourth 'Buxa Bird Festival' has begun in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Buxa National Park in Alipurduar, West ✓ NagobaJatara tribal festival was celebrated Bengal. in the state of Telangana. ✓ The famous chariot festival of the ✓ Five-day-long festival of ‘Lai Haraoba’ held SuchindramThanumalayan Temple is being in Agartala, Tripura. held in Tamil Nadu. • Lai Haraoba is celebrated through oral ✓ ChapcharKut, the biggest and most literature, music, dance, and rituals. important festival of the state will be ✓ 1st virtual police station has been launched in celebrated in Mizoram. Odisha state. • ChapcharKut is a spring festival • This will facilitate online registration celebrated usually in March after of FIR (first information report) in completion of the Jhum cultivation. unknown motor vehicle theft cases. • Jhum cultivation, also known as the ✓ Maharashtra government has made reading slash and burn agriculture, is the Preamble of the Constitution mandatory in process of growing crops by first schools. clearing the land of trees and • The above decision will be vegetation and burning them thereafter. implemented from 26 January 2020 • Zo Kutpui Festival celebrated in through a programme “Sovereignty of Mizoram. Constitution, the public interest of ✓ A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was all”. signed with International Union for ✓ City will host the 14th Global Healthcare Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) to red Summit 2021 -- Visakhapatnam. listing of orchids by Arunachal Pradesh.

15

www.gradeup.co • The focus of the Global Health ✓ Indian Navy has launched an expedition, to Summit is an Indian-centric approach, promote the maritime heritage of India in the with special events such as global Naval Dockyard – Mumbai, Maharashtra. impact and India’s contribution in • Note: The expedition extends from providing cost-effective medicines and Arnala fort, Northernmost fort of addressing the shortage of healthcare Maharashtra to Sindhudurg fort, the professionals. southernmost fort of Maharashtra, ✓ HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal has covering more than 555 km. inaugurated the 28th edition of annual New ✓ Union Home Minister Amit Shah has Delhi World Book Fair at Pragati Maidan in released a book on the life of Prime Minister New Delhi. Narendra Modi -- KarmayoddhaGranth. • Note: As part of Mahatma Gandhiji's ✓ Global Investors Meet ‘ASCEND 2020’ will 150 birth anniversary celebrations, the be held in -- Kochi, Kerala. theme of this year is Gandhi:The ✓ The 31st International Kite Festival was Writers' Writer. Eminent Gandhian inaugurated at Sabarmati Riverfront, scholar Girishwar Mishra is the chief Ahmedabad. guest on the occasion. ✓ Note: As a part of the official celebration of ✓ The book fair organised by National Book 'Uttarayan' or 'Makar Sankranti', Trust (NBT). Ahmedabad has been hosting the ✓ Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated International Kite Festival since 1989. the National Traders Convention in New ✓ The fifth edition of the Pulses Conclave will Delhi. be held in Lonavala, Maharashtra from -- 12- • Note: The convention has been 14 February 2020. organized by the Confederation of All ✓ Union Steel Minister Dharmendra Pradhan India Traders and will deliberate upon has launched a mission to accelerated various issues concerning traders. development of eastern India through ✓ Third international symposium on marine integrated steel hub -- Mission Purvodaya. ecosystems – challenges and opportunities • Note: Under the mission, the (MECOS-3) is to be held in Kochi government will enhance capacity • Note: Eminent marine scientists, through easing the setup of greenfield oceanographers, fisheries researchers, steel plants, develop steel clusters near and marine biotechnologists from integrated steel plants as well as across the globe are expected to demand centers. participate in it. ✓ Narendra Modi has announced to rename the ✓ Khadi and Village Industries Commission Kolkata Port Trust after -- Shyama Prasad (KVIC) has inaugurated the first silk Mukherjee. processing plant at Surendranagarin ✓ ‘Wings India 2020’ to be held at Begumpet Gujarat. Airport Hyderabad in March 2020 • Note: This would help cut down the • The theme of the exhibition is “Flying cost of production of silk yarn for all”. drastically and increase the sale and ✓ India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier availability of raw material for “Vikrant” likely to be commissioned by Gujarati 'Patola' sarees locally. 2021.

16

www.gradeup.co ✓ The 27th edition of South Asian Trade and ✓ Indian Railways has commissioned India’s Travel Exchange Expo (SATTE) 2020 was 1st governmental waste-to-energy plant in held at India Expo Mart Greater Noida – Bhubaneswar. Delhi NCR. ✓ A festival to celebrate the spirit of India ✓ 12th National Tribal Youth Exchange “Bharat Parv 2020” was celebrated in Red Programme was held in Puducherry. Fort, New Delhi. ✓ Union Culture and Tourism • The objective of Bharat Parv is to MinisterPrahlad Singh Patel launched an encourage people to visit different exhibition titled “Indian Heritage in Digital tourist places of the country and to Space” in New Delhi. inculcate the spirit of ‘Dekho Apna ✓ The 2nd edition of NIC Tech Conclave- Desh’. 2020 held in New Delhi. ✓ India’s first Mahatma Gandhi convention • This conclave will contribute centre opens in Niger. immensely to the capacity building of ✓ The Central Government has aimed to Government officers across the country achieve objective of Housing for all by 2022. and help in delivering high-quality • Note: The Central Government has citizen-centric services. This year aimed to achieve objective of Housing conclave theme is “Technologies for for all by 2022 (which coincides with Next-Gen Governance”. 75 years of Indian independence) ✓ PM Narendra Modi and Nepalese PM Khadga under Pradhan Mantri Awas Prasad Sharma Oli jointly inaugurated the 2nd Yojana-Grameen (PMAY-G) Integrated Check Post at Jogbani (Bihar, scheme. India) – Biratnagar (Nepal) ✓ Committee on Indian Academy of Highway • Jogbani – Biratnagar acts as an Engineers (IAHE) headed by Yudhvir Singh important trade point between the two Malik. nations and is equipped with modern • The report stresses to improve the facilities. present training infrastructure, content, ✓ ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ scheme will training methodology & to create be implemented across the country by June 1, linkages with world-famous 2020. international institutes and undertake ✓ Panel to create tougher law against sexual applied research & related works. harassment at work will be headed by Amit ✓ The Assam Rifles (military unit) has Shah. constructed a war memorial “Veer ✓ Union Minister of Law and Justice Samriti” in Nagaland. (MoL&J) Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad ✓ 1st ever Innovation festival was organized at inaugurated the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Arunachal Pradesh. Blockchain Technology in Bengaluru, ✓ India’s 1st Super Fab Lab facility was Karnataka. inaugurated in Kerala. ✓ 1st Session of India-Norway ✓ The 1st edition of Ganga-Volga Dialogue of DialogueonTrade & Investment held in New Civilizations 2020 was held in New Delhi. Delhi. • Note: The 1st edition of Ganga-Volga ✓ World’s largest meditation centre was Dialogue of Civilizations 2020 based inaugurated in Hyderabad, Telangana.

17

www.gradeup.co on the theme “Connectivity”, between ✓ India’s first e-waste clinic was opened in India & Russia was held in New Delhi. Bhopal. ✓ France will be the guest of honour at New ✓ Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Delhi World Book Fair for the year 2022. has decided to observe 2020 as the “Year of ✓ The Department of Biotechnology has Mobility” for the welfare of the troops. organized a 2-day long International ✓ India's flagship global conference on Summit on Women in STEM–“Visualizing geopolitics and geo-economics Raisina the Future: New Skylines” in New Delhi. Dialogue held in New Delhi. • The aim of the summit is to increase • Raisina Dialogue (fifth edition) the participation of women in STEM jointly organized by the Ministry of (science, technology, engineering and External Affairs and the Observer math) field for development of Research Foundation. scientific career. Important News: India made by states during regional and national workshops since inception of the programme. August 2020 ✓ CREDAI Awaas App has been launched by Housing minister Hardeep Puri to market ✓ Recently, the Atal Innovation Mission residential properties. (AIM) has launched an incubator capabilities ✓ As per the recommendation by the enhancement program ‘AIM-iCREST’ in Parliamentary Committee on Labour, the collaboration with Bill & Melinda Gates minimum eligibility period for gratuity Foundation and Wadhwani Foundation. payable to an employee on termination of his ✓ 6th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting employment-- One year. was held under the presidency of Russia. ✓ Dr. Harsh Vardhan has launched “Vidyarthi Note: Prakash Javadekar, Union Minister of Vigyan Manthan 2020-21”, a national level Environment, Forest and Climate Change programme for popularizing science among (MoEF&CC) participated in the meeting.The school students of class sixth to Eleventh. BRICS nations called the initiative to improve Note: It is India’s largest Science talent search the environment and promote the circular examination for New India using Digital economy in national plans for economic Devices. recovery after COVID-19 ✓ Union Minister of Education Ramesh ✓ Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways Pokhriyal Nishank has laid the foundation and MSMEs, Nitin Gadkari upstream stone of Indian Institute of Management (IIM) carriageway of Mahatma Gandhi bridge in Sirmaur at Dhaula Kuan in Himachal Bihar. Pradesh. Note: Over 5.5 km, this four lane bridge at ✓ A New initiative by the National Cooperative NH-19 between Patna and Hajipur is being Development Corporation (NCDC) the renovated to replace its existing concrete Sahakar Cooptube NCDC Channel has been superstructure by new steel deck launched by Narendra Singh Tomar. superstructure, consisting of about 6600 metric Note:The channel is a new initiative by steel. National Cooperative Development ✓ Narendra Singh Tomar released a booklet on Corporation (NCDC).During the launch event, ‘Best Practices in Digital India Land Records the minister also rolled out guidance videos Modernization Programme (DILRMP). made by NCDC on ‘Formation and Note: The booklet is prepared by Department Registration of A Cooperative’ for 18- of Land Resources (DoLR), Ministry of Rural different states in Hindi and regional Development. It is based on the presentations languages.

18

www.gradeup.co ✓ Pradip Shah is the head of the 7-member students, academics and nations all across the committee formed by International Financial globe. Services Centre Authority for developing ✓ The Khadi and Village Industries Commission plans on international retail business. (KVIC) will open the Silk Training cum ✓ DD Assamhas been launched by Minister of Production Center in Arunachal Pradesh. Information and Broadcasting Prakash ✓ Website portal My Handloom has been Javadekar recently. launched by the Union Minister of Textiles ✓ India's first Kisan Special Parcel Train or and Women & Child Development, Smt Kisan Rail was from flagged off between two Smriti Zubin Irani, for the individual weavers stations Devlali to Danapur. and organization. ✓ The Government of India has extended Line of Note: The Union Minister of Textiles and Credit of worth 18 million USD to Maldivesto Women & Child Development, Smt Smriti expand fishing facilities. Zubin Irani launched a website portal, ‘My ✓ The Ministry of Education organized the Handloom’ for the individual weavers and “Conclave on Transformational Reforms in organization on the occasion of the 6th Higher Education under National Education National Handloom Day on 7th August, 2020, Policy(NEP)” in association withUniversity virtually. Grants Commission(UGC). ✓ Delhi International Airport Limitedhas ✓ National Skill Development Corporation developed AIR SUVIDHA, a first-of-its-kind (NSDC) joined hands with Global digital portal allowing international arriving skills training provider to support the passengers to fill a mandatory self-declaration continuity of digital skilling of the Indian form and eligible passengers to apply for workforce – Simplilearn. exemption from compulsory institutional ✓ A new Platform, “Technical Platform on the quarantine for coronavirus. Measurement and Reduction of Food Loss and Note: It will make passengers’ journey more Waste” to support the global reduction of food convenient and comfortable in a contactless loss and waste has been launched by FAO. way as they won’t have to fill the physical Note:The official launch of the platform will copies of the forms on arrival.The online be on the first International Day of Awareness forms have been developed in collaboration of Food Loss and Waste (IDAFLW) which with various state governments, Ministry of will be observed on 29th September 2020. Civil Aviation, Ministry of Health and Family ✓ Food Safety and Standards Authority of India Welfare (MoHFW) and Ministry of External (FSSAI) has signed an agreement with Affairs (MEA). Council of Scientific and Industrial ✓ In a push for 'Make-in-India',Rajnath Singh Research (CSIR)for collaborative research has launched 'Atma Nirbhar Bharat Saptah' to and information dissemination in the area of focus more on the vision of the government to food and nutrition. shift to local manufacturing. Note: The collaboration between these two Note: The main idea behind this is to premier institutions of India will contribute in emphasize the importance of domestic defence fulfilling the vision of New Food System production in the country. The ministry is 2050. pushing for domestic manufacturing of ✓ The global conference on “Reimagining and defence items very aggressively. Transforming the University: Confluence of ✓ National portal SURAKHSYA is being Ideas during and Beyond the COVID-19 launched by the Ministry of Environment and Disruption” was hosted by Indian university Forest on Human-Elephant conflict to collect O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU). real-time information and will also manage Note: The conference provided a platform to conflicts on a real-time basis. discuss to reimagine and transform the idea of Note: He will also launch portal on Human university that will impact the lives of the Elephant Conflict on the eve of World Elephant Day, 2020.The World Elephant Day 19

www.gradeup.co is observed every year on 12th August to ✓ Swacch Bharat Mission Academy is an IVR spread awareness about the animal. based mobile online learning course launched ✓ Mumbai become the first city in India to have by Union Jal Shakti Ministry. women symbols on traffic signals and signage. ✓ Indian Railways is constructing the world’s ✓ 121Police personnel have been awarded the tallest pier bridge across river Lajai in “Union Home Minister’s Medal for Manipur. Excellence in Investigation” for the year 2020. ✓ NASSCOM Association with organization ✓ Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) ‘Atal Innovation Mission’ has launched has organized the “India@75 Summit – Artificial Intelligence (AI) based Step-up Mission 2022”. module for school students. Note: The summit was focused on ✓ As per the draft plan prepared by the Ministry ‘reinventing technology in India’. The MSME of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), the Ministry and Industries should be made import “One Sun, One World, One Grid” substitutes, cost-effective, pollution-free and (OSOWOG) initiative will 140 indigenous. countriesthrough a common grid that will be ✓ Niti Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) used to transfer solar power. has rolled out second edition of Student Note: “The vision behind the OSOWOG Entrepreneurship Programme (SEP 2.0) in mantra is “the Sun never sets” and is a collaboration with Dell Technologies. constant at some geographical location, ✓ Festive sweet dish ‘Khaje’, spicy Harmal globally, at any given point of time. Chilli and Myndoli Banana (Moira Banana) of ✓ IIT Bombay has secured top position in the Goahas obtained Geographical Indication (GI) ‘Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovation tag from the Geographical Indications Achievements,’ (ARIIA) 2020 for being the Registry. best centrally funded institution in India. Note: The Bicholim based All-Goa Khaje Note:The top five centrally funded institutions Producers Association (AGKPA) applied for in the list are 1. IIT Madras; 2. IIT Bombay; 3. the GI tag of Khaje through the department of IIT Delhi; 4. IISc Bengaluru; 5. IIT science and technology in 2019. Myndoli Kharagpur.The ARIIA ranking was launched Banana Growers Association, Ibrampur, in 2019 by the Innovation Cell of the Ministry Pernem applied for the GI tag of Moira of Education. The objective of ARIIA is to bananas. rank higher education institutions and ✓ Krishi Megh is the data recovery centre of universities in India as per Innovation, ICAR organization. Entrepreneurship, Startup, and Development Note: Krishi Megh is the data recovery centre amongst faculty and students. of ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural ✓ Quality Control Lab has been set up by the Research).The data recovery centre has been Marine Products Export Development set up at National Academy of Agricultural Authority (MPEDA) in Porbandar, Gujarat. Research Management (NAARM), ✓ The Central Water Commission (CWC) of Hyderabad. India has launched the flood forecasting ✓ Tribal freedom fighter museums are under initiatives across India in association with tech development by ministry of tribal affairs -- 9. giant Google. Note: The nine museums are being developed ✓ With the vision of going one step further in Gujarat (Rajpipla), Jharkhand(Ranchi), towards self-reliance or “Atma Nirbhar Andhra Pradesh(Lambasingi), Bharat” Ministry of Electronics and Chhattisgarh(Raipur), Kerala (Kozhikode), Information Technologyhas launched Madhya Pradesh (Chhindwara), Telangana ‘Swadeshi Microprocessor Challenge’. (Hyderabad), Manipur (Senapati) and ✓ Delhi Police has signed an MoU with All Mizoram (Kelsi). India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) for extending ayurvedic mode of preventive and

20

www.gradeup.co promotive health services in the residential (TAAI)and FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) colonies of the force. with primary objective of women ✓ The Speaker of Lok Sabha, Om Birla attended empowerment. the virtual mode of Fifth World Conference of ✓ APEDA functions under Ministry of Speakers of Parliament (5WCSP) organized Commerce and Industry has signed two jointly by International Parliamentary Union MoUs with AFC India Limited and National and the Parliament of Austria. Cooperative Union of India (NCUI) for ✓ Central government departments has launched working together in the interest of agriculture its new official logo displaying three goals of and allied sectors. the department, Accuracy, Validity, and ✓ Ramesh Chand will head the task force Reliability-- Labour Bureau. constituted by the NITI Aayog that ✓ To improve the production and productivity of recommended linking of Sugarcane prices to raw Jute in the country Jute Corporation of sugar rate. India (JCI) signed a Memorandum of ✓ IT majors Tech Mahindra joined hands with Understanding (MoU) with National Seeds NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Corporation (NSC). Platform (WEP) to support Indian women ✓ The Bureau of India Standards (BIS) signed entrepreneurs. with an MoU with IIT Roorkee for ✓ ReNew Power signed a partnership agreement collaboration in areas of Standardization and with UNEP to promote increased access to Conformity Assessment based on equality and renewable energy and improved energy reciprocity. efficiency. ✓ India’s rank in the 2nd edition of global ✓ National Highways Authority of India research “Digital Quality of Life (DQL) (NHAI) has developed the ‘Vendor Index 2020” released by online privacy Performance Evaluation System’ to solutions provider SurfShark-- 57th. establish a transparent and comprehensive ✓ TL Alameluwill head the ten-member performance rating system for its consultants, committee set up by IRDAI to recommend contractors and concessionaires. setting up loss prevention entities for non-life ✓ Rajnath Singh has launched the Directorate insurers. General National Cadet Corps (DGNCC) ✓ Tata Steel has launched the FerroHaat App, a Mobile Training App. first-of-its-kind mobile application (App) in Note: The Mobile Training App will support the world to source steel scrap from the in conducting countrywide online training of traders. NCC cadets as it has been affected adversely ✓ Nitin Gadkarihas launched the mobile app due to the restrictions imposed by COVID-19. named ‘Harit Path’ to monitor plantation along The DGNCC Mobile Training App seeks to national highways. offer entire training material to the NCC The minister launched ‘Harit Path’, a mobile cadets on one platform. app to monitor the plantations through geo- ✓ National e-Governance Division (NeGD) is tagging and web-based GIS-enabled working under MeitY that signed an MoU monitoring tools. with Common Service Center e-Governance ✓ Ministry of Social Justice and Services India Limited to facilitate delivery of Empowerment has constituted the National UMANG app services to citizens. Council for Transgender Persons, a ✓ Piyush Goyal has launched the National GIS requirement under the Transgender Persons (Geographic Information System)-enabled (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. Land Bank system. ✓ The Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Arjun ✓ Mahindra & Mahindrahas partnered with Munda has e-inaugurated “Tribes India Israel’s REE Automotive to develop Showroom” in Mumbai. commercial EVs. ✓ Ministry of Tourism has signed an MoU with ✓ Valipe Ramagopal Rao will chair the 5- Travel Agents Association of India member committee constituted by DRDO to 21

www.gradeup.co review charter of duties of 57 DRDO labs on ✓ Next-generation startup Challenge contest has the basis of current and futuristic defence and been launched by the Union Minister of battlefield needs. Electronics and Information Technology ✓ Three-member committee headed by DB (MeitY), Ravi Shankar Prasad-- Chunauti. Shekatkar has been to review the effective ✓ Piyush Goyal represented India in the virtual utilisation of the Armed Forces Headquarters 8th East Asia Summit Economic Ministers’ Civil Services (AFHQ CS) cadre. Meeting (EAS-EMM) chaired by Vietnam. ✓ In partnership with UNDP, Department of ✓ The Union Government is planning to come Economic Affairs (DEA) has launched the up with Mega Bamboo Industrial Park in Sustainable Finance Collaborative (SFC) to Ghati. Promote Sustainable Finance in India. July 2020

✓ Two Maharatna PSUs the South Delhi ✓ ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat App Innovation Municipal Corporation (SDMC) has signed an Challenge’ was announced by PM Narendra MoU for setting up of a Waste to Energy Plant Modi is an initiative of Ministry of Okhla New Delhi -- Indian Oil Corporation Electronics and Information Technology. Ltd. & NTPC Ltd. The prize money for apps is between Rs 20 ✓ The report titled “Towards a Clean Energy lakh and Rs 2 lakh depending on the category. Economy: Post-Covid-19 Opportunities for The app will be evaluated on the basis of ease India’s Energy and Mobility Sectors” released of use, robustness, security features and jointly by NITI Aayog and Rocky Mountain scalability. Institute (RMI). ✓ For the formation of a Joint Venture ✓ SheshNaagnamehas been given to the longest Company (JVC) to develop solar and thermal 2.8 km long freight train operated Indian power assets to the tune of 5000 MW on pan- Railways. India basis the Coal India Ltd signed an Note: Indian Railways created another record agreement with NLC India Ltd. by operating the longest freight train. Indian ✓ DRDO has developed 1000 bed Sardar Railways named it as 'SeshNaag'. The rake Vallabhbhai Patel COVID-19 Hospital in New had a total of 251 wagons which were pulled Delhi in partnership with Tata Sons Private by four electric locomotives which were fitted Limited. in between. ✓ Indian Railways has setup 1.7 MWp Solar ✓ According to the report “Annual Marine Fish Power plant project at Bina to directly power Landings in India for 2019” by Central Marine the Railway Overhead Line. Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) Tamil Note: This project is unique because, for the Nadu state grabbed the top in annual fish first time in the world, the power generated by production. the solar power plant will be directly fed to the ✓ An inter-ministerial scheme called “Accelerate overhead power lines of the national Vigyan” was launched by SERB which is a transporter to power the traction system of the statutory body functioning under Ministry of electric locomotives to run trains. Science and Technology. ✓ Defence Research and Development ✓ Under chairmanship Ranbir Singh, the Organisation (DRDO) is going to establish a Central Committee for reforms in Criminal research cell at II T-Hyderabad to meet the Law has been constituted by Ministry of future defence technological requirements of Home Affairs (MHA). the country. ✓ The CBSE has partnered with social media ✓ India’s rank has released “Sustainable platform Facebook to launch a free and Development Report (SDR) 2020”, including comprehensive training program for teachers the SDG Index and Dashboards by Cambridge and students of its affiliated schools in the first University Press -- 117th. phase. Note: The index has been topped by Sweden.

22

www.gradeup.co ✓ India’s rank in the “INFORM Report 2020: ✓ The National Skill Development Corporation Shared evidence for managing crises and (NSDC) has joined hands with Microsoft disasters” released by research centre India Private Limited Company to enhance INFORM- 31st. the digital skills of the country’s youth. ✓ Under chairmanship of K S Reddy, the ✓ Under chairmanship of Suresh Mathur, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) IRDAI has formed a 9- member working has set up an 11-member expert committee to group to look into the possibility of setting up study impact of Covid-19 on human rights of ‘Pandemic Risk Pool’. individuals. Note: Suresh Mathur, Executive Director, ✓ Ministry of Home Affairs has set up an inter- Irdai, will be the Chairman for the 9-member ministerial committee to coordinate working group with industry representatives as investigations related to three Nehru-Gandhi members.Apart from studying the need for family linked trusts, including the Rajiv such as pool; the group will also recommend Gandhi Foundation (RGF). the structure and operating model. Note: The committee would be headed by ✓ IIT Hyderabad has tie-up with a special director of the Enforcement multinational technology company, NVIDIA Directorate. Congress president Sonia Gandhi to establish India’s 1st ‘NVIDIA AI is the chairperson of RGF and its board has Technology Centre’ (NVAITC). among others former PM Manmohan Singh, ✓ Ministry of Culture released first five Rahul Gandhi, P Chidambaram and Priyanka volumes of Mongolian Kanjur Manuscript Gandhi. recently. ✓ Asia’s Largest and World’s Second Largest Note: In the Mongolian language ‘Kanjur’ Uptime Tier IV Designed Data Centre was means ‘Concise Orders’- the words of Lord inaugurated in Navi Mumbai. Buddha in particular. Note: The Data Centre is named ‘Yotta NM1 ✓ T-Hub company has partnered with Ministry or NM1’ is located inside the 600-Acre of Electronics and Information Technology Hiranandani Fortune City at Navi Mumbai’s (MeitY) and Digital India to lead the scale up Panvel region. Inside the Hiranandani Fortune program of Digital India and Information City, a Data Centre Park named Panvel Data Technology start-ups. Centre Park or Integrated Yotta Data Centre ✓ Kris Gopalakrishnan was the head of the 9- Park has been developed, NM1 is located member committee to study various issues inside the Panvel Data Centre Park. related to non-personal data that called for a ✓ India’s rank in the Global Real Estate new legislation to regulate such information. Transparency Index (GRETI) 2020 released ✓ India’s second VNR 2020 report titled by the US-based Jones Lang LaSalle “Decade of Action: Taking SDGs from Global Incorporated (JLL) - 34th. to Local” was presented by NITI Aayog to the ✓ What is the budget outlay of the Central Sector UN High-level Political Forum. Scheme “Agriculture Infrastructure Fund” ✓ BSE has signed a memorandum of which was approved by the Union Cabinet -- understanding with IIT Alumni Council to Rs 1 lakh crore. encourage listing of start-ups and develop Note: The scheme shall provide a medium - ‘high investor depth’ in its start-up’s platform. long term debt financing facility for ✓ The Ministry of Railways is on a mission investment in viable projects for post-harvest mode with the goal of transforming Indian management Infrastructure and community Railways into Green Railways by 2030. farming assets through interest subvention and ✓ India’s first cable-stayed Indian Railways financial support. Loans will be disbursed in bridge namely “Anji Khad Bridge” is being four years starting with sanction of Rs. 10,000 built by Konkan Railway Corporation crore in the current year and Rs. 30,000 crore Limited. to connect Katra and Reasi in each in next three financial years. Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).

23

www.gradeup.co ✓ India along with Chile and Food and International Centre for Automotive Agriculture Organization (FAO) has co-hosted Technology (ICAT). the official launch of 2021 International Year Note: The portal has been launched to of Fruits and Vegetables. improve the technological capability of Indian ✓ The Airports Authority of India (AAI) signed automotive sector with the help of exchange of an MoU with public sector undertaking knowledge & expertise, to make them self- Bharat Electronics Ltd. to collaborate and reliant and to enable the growth of automobile support the emerging global opportunities in sector including overall socio-economic the airport business. progress of the country. ✓ GMR International Airport, Hyderabad ✓ The Central Board of Secondary Education introduced India’s first ever fully contactless (CBSE) has integrated a new Artificial airport car parking. Intelligence (AI) course for class XI and XII ✓ The length of the Anji Khad Bridge’ being was developed in collaboration with tech giant built by Konkan Railway Corporation which IBM. will connect Katra and Reasi in Jammu and ✓ India’s rank in the Global Manufacturing Kashmir (J&K) -- 473.25 metres. Risk Index 2020– 3rd. ✓ According to the special bulletin on Maternal Note: The annual Global Manufacturing Risk Mortality in India 2016-18, released by the Index (MRI) report was released by the US- Office of the Registrar General’s Sample based property consultant Cushman & Registration System (SRS) the Maternal Wakefield. Mortality Ratio (MMR) in India has declined ✓ The biopharmaceutical company that to 113. announced a global collaboration agreement Note: MMR is defined as the number of with Voluntis to develop and distribute digital maternal deaths per 1, 00,000 live births. therapeutics supporting people with diabetes ✓ India’s largest commercial shipbuilder on biologics therapy -- Biocon Biologics. Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) has signed a ✓ RK Singh inaugurated India’s first public contract to build the world’s first fully Electric Vehicle charging plaza in New Delhi. automatic electric vessel for Norway. ✓ Manodarpan initiative has been launched by ✓ India is developing country’s first and Asia’s the Union Human Resource Development leading trans-shipment port Vallarpadam Minister, Ramesh Pokhriyal to provide Terminal as part of Kochi port of India. psychosocial support to students for their ✓ Central Institute of Petrochemicals mental health. Engineering and Technology (CIPET) has ✓ The acquisition wing of Ministry of Defence been accredited by NABL for Testing and has signed a contract with Bharat Earth Certification of PPE Kit. CIPET works under Movers Limited, BEML for procurement of Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. 1,512 Mine Plough for Tank T-90 S/SK. Note: The PPE kit includes Gloves, Coverall, ✓ The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports have Face Shield, Goggles and Triple Layer partnered with UNICEF to strengthen the Medical masks in line with International youth volunteers in the country to achieve Standards. AtmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. ✓ As per the Railway Ministry private trains are ✓ India began its trial trans-shipment of goods slated to run from 2023. from India to the North East through ✓ Union Environment and Information & Chittagong, Bangladesh port. Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar ✓ US based Zoom Video Communications hailed the KURMA mobile application related announced to open a new technology center in with Indian Turtles. Bengaluru. ✓ An e-Portal named “Automobile Solutions ✓ Kakrapar Atomic Power Plant-3 has reached Portal for Industry, Research & Education its criticality; the plant is located in Gujarat. (ASPIRE)” has been launched by Note: This indigenously designed 700 MWe KAPP-3 reactor is a shining example of Make 24

www.gradeup.co in India. The Kakrapar Nuclear Power Plant over 2,600 academic and research institutions began its commercial nuclear power under UBA.w production in 1993. ✓ Indian Institute of Management (IIM) ✓ Actor SonuSood. has launched an application Kozhikode has developed a wearable hand “PravasiRojgar” for migrant worker to find band Known as the “Veli Band” that helps in right job opportunities. maintaining social distancing. ✓ International Trade Union Confederation ✓ Indian city Hyderabad ranked 16th among (ITUC) published the Global Rights Index the list of top 20 cities with maximum number 2020 according to which India became the of CCTV surveillance cameras installed in a new entrant in the 10 worst countries for survey done on most surveilled cities in the working people in the world. world by the UK-based Comparitech. ✓ AIIMS Nagpur has designed and developed a ✓ The Cotton Corporation of India decided to ‘smart wristband’ for effective tracking and setup set up its own warehouse in Vietnam to monitoring of Covid-19 positive and suspect boost cotton exports. patients. ✓ Bureau of Indian Standard’s Mobile App Note: The new device, a wristband is designed “BIS-Care” has been launched using which the in collaboration with IIT Jodhpur and IIT authenticity of ISI-marked and hallmarked Nagpur looks to overcome the limitations of products can be checked, BIS is working existing online mobile apps used for tracking under Ministry of Consumer Affairs. and monitoring coronavirus patients. ✓ On the occasion of “World Hepatitis Day” the ✓ The Indian Navy's largest solar power plant Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) has been commissioned atEzhimala, Kerala. has organised “2nd Empathy e-Conclave”in Note: It is a 3 MW Solar Power Plant which collaboration with Airport Authority of has been set-up in line with the Indian India (AAI). Government’s initiative of ‘National Solar ✓ As per the update report on India’s Tiger Mission’ which aims to achieve 100GW of Survey from 2018, released by the Union solar power by 2022. Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate ✓ Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Change Prakash Javadekar Madhya Pradesh Federation of India (TRIFED) has entered into has the highest number of tigers. a partnership with IIT, Delhi for the Unnat ✓ Ministry of Earth Sciences has launched a Bharat Abhiyan (UBA). Knowledge Resource Centre Network Note: Tribal entrepreneurs under TRIFED’s (KRCNet)” under the Digital India initiative of Van Dhan Programme will now be able to get Government of India. access to the expertise of the entire network of June 2020

✓ Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a through the National Career Service (NCS) video blogging competition my 'My Life, project. My Yoga' which is a joint by the Indian • Note: The Ministry of Labours Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and announced that around 1 crore job Ministry of AYUSH. seekers and 54000 employers have • Note: The 'My Life, My Yoga' registered with this portal and the contest (also called 'Jeevan Yoga) NCS portal has mobilized more is a joint effort by the Ministry of than 73 lakh vacancies In the AYUSH and the Indian Council for period of lockdown due to COVID- Cultural Relations (ICCR). 19 the NCS has conducted around ✓ Union Ministry of Labour and 76 online Job fairs to reduce the Employment in partnership with TCS gap between the employers and job iON offers free online career skills training seekers.

25

www.gradeup.co • NCS in partnership with HireMee, • Under the scheme, Rs 10,000 of online assessment and hiring credit is to be provided to street service provider, offers creation of vendors. The street vendors shall video profiles for job-seekers. return the amount as monthly ✓ India’s apex food regulator Food Safety installments within a year. and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) ✓ DRDO has developed a disinfection unit comes under the purview of Ministry of called Ultra Swachh. Health & Family Welfare. • Note: The Ultra Swachh Unit • Note: The Appointments houses a catalytic converter that Committee of the Cabinet has makes it environment friendly. It approved the appointment of Arun also holds several safety features Singhal as chief executive officer such as door interlocks, emergency of India’s apex food regulator Food shut down, delay cycle, dual doors, Safety and Standards Authority of leak monitors, etc. India (FSSAI). • The system complies to • Singhal is special secretary, International Standards of department of health and family Industrial, Personal, Occupations welfare. and Environmental Safety. ✓ The Union Govt has announced Minimum ✓ Indian Energy Exchange has launched Support Price List in which how many Real Time Electricity Market (RTM) to Minor Forest produce have been included help discoms plan their power 23. requirements. • Note: Tribal Affairs has notified an • Note: The market will conduct 48 Inclusion of 23 additional Minor auction sessions during the day and Forest Produce (MFP) items and the power will be delivered within stipulation of their Minimum one hour of closure of the bid Support Price (MSP). session. ✓ CHAMPIONS platform has been ✓ The Government has announced that it is launched by the Prime Minister Narendra to provide Kisan Credit Card (KCC) to 1.5 Modi to help the smaller MSMEs by crore Dairy Farmers. solving their grievances, encouraging and • Note: The Department of Animal supporting them to march into the big Husbandry and Dairying in league as national and global companies. association with the Department of • Note: The portal aims to make Financial Services has issued KCC smaller units big by supporting application format to all State Milk them, encouraging, solving their Federation and Milk Unions for grievances, helping and implementing the same on a handholding. It will act as one-stop mission mode.The campaign aims shop solution of all entities of the to provide KCC to 1.5 crore dairy MSME sector. farmers. ✓ PM-SAVNidhi has been launched by the • The campaign is a part of the PM's union government for to provide AtmaNirbhar Bharat package for affordable loans to street vendors. Farmers. • Note: The PM SVANidhi or PM ✓ “Responsible AI for Youth” which will be Street Vendors Atmanirbhar Nidhi run jointly by National e-Governance is a credit facility scheme that will Division of Ministry of Electronics and IT help more than 50 lakh urban and and NASSCOM. rural street vendors. The scheme • Note: Union Minister for will help the street vendors restart Electronics and Information their livelihoods. Technology(IT), Law and Justice 26

www.gradeup.co and Communications Ravi Shankar 2020.he Scheme for Promotion of Prasad launched India’s National Manufacturing of Electronic Artificial Intelligence(AI) Portal Components and Semiconductors called www.ai.gov.in.He also (SPECS) will provide incentive of launched a National Program for 25% on the capital expenditure. the youth, “Responsible AI for • This is extended to certain Youth” during the occasion of the identified lists such as first anniversary of the second semiconductor devices, electronic tenure of the government. goods, display fabrication units, ✓ The Expert Committee on Rationalization etc. of Film Media has submitted its report ✓ To foster the inclusion of LGBTQAI+ recently, the committee is operating under employees of Mahindra Logistics Ltd. Ministry of Information and has launched a five-year plan which aims Broadcasting. at hiring queer people and extending • Note: The committee has benefits to same-sex partners. suggested for an umbrella ✓ The union cabinet has approved to re- configuration with four broad establish the Pharmacopoeia Commission verticals under which the institutes for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy as should work. Subordinate Office under Ministry of • This includes festival, production, AYUSH. heritage and knowledge. • Note: The commission has been set • The verticals are to be headed by up by merging Pharmacopoeia the professionals.The committee Laboratory for Indian Medicine was headed by Bimal Julka. and Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia ✓ Nisarga name has been given to the fast- Laboratory. moving depression in the Arabian Sea • The two central laboratories were which intensified into a severe cyclone. established at Ghaziabad, Uttar ✓ The expert panel constituted by the Pradesh in 1975. Securities and Exchange Board of India • The commission is an autonomous (SEBI) under Ishaat Hussain has body that operates under Ministry recommended to allowNon-profit of AYUSH. It is in operation since Organizations. 2010 • Note: Allowing non-profit ✓ TULIPprogmmme has been launched by organisations to directly list the union government to provide through issuance of bonds in the internship opportunities to thousands of form of zero coupon or zero fresh graduates and engineers of the principal bonds. county under the ‘Smart City’ projects. • Zero-coupon bond is a debt ✓ SWADESH initiative has been launched security that does not pay interest by the Government of India to map the but instead trades at a deep skills of workers returning to India from discount, drawing a profit at overseas under the ‘Vande Bharat maturity, when the bond is Mission’. redeemed for its full face value. • Note: The full form of SWADESH ✓ 25% percent of incentive has been is “Skilled Workers Arrival announced on capital expenditure in the Database for Employment recently launched “Promotion of Support”. Manufacturing of Electronic Components • The exercise, kick-started under the and Semiconductors (SPECS)” scheme. Vande Bharat Mission, aims to • Note: The schemes were approved create a database of qualified by the Union Cabinet in March citizens based on their skillsets and 27

www.gradeup.co experience, which can be tapped learning amongst skill seekers and into to fulfil demand of Indian and will contribute towards foreign companies. strengthening the Skill India ✓ Nagar Van scheme has been launched by mission. the government to develop urban forests ✓ Defence Institute of Advanced across the country. Technology (DIAT) has developed Nano- • Note: Stressing on the substance Technology based disinfectant spray theme of “Biodiversity” by the ANANYA to fight against COVID-19. United Nation’s Environment • Note: The spray has been prepared Programme (UNEP), The Ministry based on Nano-Technology of Environment, Forest and assisted formulation. It will not Climate Change celebrated the day only stop COVID-19 from entering by announcing the initiative of the body but will also kill the virus urban forests in India. Urban forest that comes in direct contact. are seemingly the best way to ✓ IIT Bombay maintains its position as the bridge the gap of climate change. top institution in India in the QS World ✓ ARCI, Hyderabad institution developed a University rankings 2021 released rare-earth-based magnetocaloric material recently. that can be effectively used for cancer • Note: IIT-Bombay still maintains treatment. its position as the top institution in • Note: A magnetocaloric materials India in the QS rankings, but has is a substance in which application slipped 20 places from 152 to 172 and removal of a magnetic field in the global list. causes the materials to become • IISc overtook IIT Delhi to make it warmer or cooler. to the second place, but still ✓ India’s rank in the recently released 12th dropped a rank to 185. edition of the biennial Environment ✓ A Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle Performance Index (EPI Index 2020) (DSRV) Complex was inaugurated in released by the Yale University-- 168th. Vishakhapatnam. ✓ Jaya Jaitlywill chair the task force ✓ IIT-BHU has developed an anti-microbial constituted by the Ministry of Women and five-layered face mask that an annihilate Child Development, GoI to work on the pathogenic microorganisms. issues of women and child development. ✓ The National Fertilizers Limited (NFL) • Note: The task force will examine has signed a Memorandum of the matters pertaining to age of Understanding (MoU) with Industrial motherhood, imperatives of Training Institutes (ITI) Nangal. lowering MMR, improvement of • Note: Under the MoU, ITI’s 12 nutritional levels and related issues. trades will be taught in the NFL & ✓ Adani Green Energy Limited has won the theory will be studied at ITI one of world’s largest solar contract from Nangal. Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) • The MoU was exchanged between to develop 8 GW of solar projects. Ms Renu R P Singh DGM (HR) ✓ Digital learning platform TCS iONhas I/c, NFL Nangal unit and Sh Lalit partnered with the NSDC to provide its Mohan, Principal of ITI, Nangal. training partners access to the Digital Class ✓ Infosys has announced to launch of Room. 'Summer of Ideas' initiative for university • Note: The partnership will students worldwide, an online learning strengthen NSDC’s online content programme. aggregation platform-- eSkill India- • Note: The global eight-week -through which it enables e- ideathon, powered by Infosys' 28

www.gradeup.co digital learning platform Use to be Nice’.This innovation Wingspan, will help the global will help Indian Railways to student and academic community modernise its security measures at overcome the loss of learning the time of covid-19. opportunities as a result of the ✓ Name the National Healthcare Supply disruption caused by COVID- Chain Portal launched by the Ministry of 19.The initiative will allow Health and Family Welfare to provide real- students access to Infosys time availability of critical healthcare mentorship and specially curated supplies _-- Aarogyapath. learning materials virtually. • Note: This national healthcare ✓ India’s rank in the recently compiled by supply chain portal will remove Nature Research, a division of the supply chain bottlenecks during the international scientific publishing Covid-19 pandemic. company ‘Springer Nature’ -- 12th. • The vision of this initiative is to set • Note: The top five positions have up an information management and gone to the United States of forecasting database platform at America, China, Germany, United national level. Kingdom and Japan. ✓ DRDO has developed a sanitizing • The Nature Index is a database of chamber named ‘GermiKlean’ to sanitise author affiliation information uniforms of security forces. collated from research articles • Note: DRDO’s move came after published in an independently Delhi Police gave their requirement selected group of 82 high-quality for sanitizing their uniforms, canes, science journals. cane shields, helmets. ✓ As per the “26th Annual Cost of Living • This chamber is designed to Survey 2020” released by Mercer Indian sanitise 25 pairs of city Mumbai is the most expensive city in uniforms within 15 minutes. The India. sanitizing chamber has been set up • Note: Mercer released its 26th at Parliament Street Police Station. Annual Cost of Living Survey ✓ Construction company NHAI has become 2020. From India, Mumbai city has the first of its kind in the construction been ranked 60th most expensive sector to go fully digital. city globally and also 19th in Asia. • Note: With the launch of cloud- ✓ IIT Bombay has emerged as the top based and artificial intelligence- institutions in the list of ‘overall ranking’ powered big data analytics category in the 5th NIRF Ranking 2020. platform Data Lake and Project • Note: The rankings are being Management Software, the entire announced for India’s best project management workflow universities and institutions in 10 of NHAI has been transformed categories namely- Overall, from manual to the online portal Universities, Engineering, based. Colleges, Management, Pharmacy, • All project documentation, Medical, Dental Architecture, and contractual decisions and approvals Law. are now being done through the ✓ Name the AI enabled robot launched by portal only. Indian Railway to intensify the screening ✓ IIT Kharagpur has developed an and surveillance of railway passengers and Artificial Intelligence-based cyber- railway staff -- ARJUN. physical system to monitor social • Note: The full form of ARJUN is distancing in public places. ‘Always be Responsible and Just 29

www.gradeup.co ✓ An Integrated Flood Warning System • It will suggest and provide (IFLOWS) has been launched for professional support on a request Mumbai. from the IBBI or on its own • Note: Named as 'Boon' and volition on any matter with respect developed for Mumbai it will help to the Corporate Insolvency the people in a "big way" as it can resolution and liquidation dealt predict floods. with by the Board under the • The system was developed by Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code the Ministry of Earth 2016. Sciences and Brihanmumbai ✓ Construction company NHAI has become Municipal Corporation (BMC). the first of its kind in the construction ✓ According to “Poonam Avlokkan” survey sector to go fully digital. the population of the Asiatic lion at the Gir ✓ GermiBANdevice launched by Union sanctuary grew by approximately 29 per Minister of State for Home Affairs G cent. Kishan Reddy that kills viruses & other • Note: The Gujarat Forest germs by sterilising, sanitising & Department has recently disinfecting in large areas. announced that the number of ✓ India’s rank in the annual World Asiatic lions in the state has gone Competitiveness Index 2020 compiled by up till 674 from 523 that were Institute for Management Development reported in a Lion Census done (IMD) -- 43rd. five years ago, which shows almost ✓ According to the SIPRI Yearbook 2020, 29 per cent increase in the India’s position as nuclear weapons holder population. in the world -- 6th. ✓ The 40th GST council meet was held ✓ Integrated Flood Warning System recently virtually, who is the chairperson (IFLOWS) has been launched for Mumbai of the GST council -- Union Finance City. Minister. • Note: Named as 'Boon' and • Note: Union Finance & Corporate developed for Mumbai it will help Affairs Minister Nirmala the people in a "big way" as it can Sitharaman chaired the virtual 40th predict floods. GST Council Meeting. • The system was developed by the • The key outcome of this meet was Ministry of Earth Sciences and further relief on late fee and Brihanmumbai Municipal interest payable on late payments Corporation (BMC). The device as a part of compliance burden of will be very useful, especially if businesses. This was the first people need to be evacuated from meeting after COVID-19 breakout low-lying areas. in India. ✓ Mumbai Municipal Corporation has ✓ Uday Kotak will chair the advisory launched a mobile application “Air-Venti” committee formed by the Insolvency and to provide information on ICU beds, Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) on ventilators. Corporate Insolvency Resolution and ✓ Composite Regional Centre (CRC) for Liquidation process. Skill Development, Rehabilitation and • Note: The new 14-member Employment of Persons with Disabilities committee, formed in August 2017, (PwDs)” has been inaugurated in Ranchi. will be chaired by Uday Kotak, the • This is the 21st Composite Executive Vice Chairman and Regional Centre (CRC) which will Managing Director of Kotak serve to fulfil the needs of Persons Mahindra Bank. with Disabilities in Jharkhand. 30

www.gradeup.co ✓ Amitabh Kant will lead the high-powered national governments in achieving food committee of top executives of technology and nutrition security. companies formed by NITI Aayog to ✓ The Union Cabinet has approved the develop a job platform for migrant labours declaration of the Kushinagar Airport as an who lost their job during lock down. international airport, it is located in Uttar ✓ India’s first nationwide online delivery- Pradesh. based natural gas trading platform, “Indian ✓ The Cabinet Committee on Economic Gas Exchange (IGX)” has been launched Affairs (CCEA) approved additional with headquartered in New Delhi. investment of USD 121.27 million by ✓ Two Indian StartupsStellapps and ONGC Videsh Ltd. in Shwe oil and gas Zestmoneywere featured in the List of project located in Myanmar. Technology Pioneers of 2020, released by ✓ Nitin Gadkari launched the scheme the World Economic Forum(WEF). ‘Distressed Assets Fund- Sub- Ordinate ✓ Indian Railways’ Central Railway zone Debt for MSMEs’ announced as part of has installed 1st of its kind an Automated AtmaNirbhar Bharat Package by GoI. Ticket Checking &Managing Access • Note: The scheme is also called as (ATMA) machine at Nagpur station. Distressed Assets Fund- Sub- ✓ Chartered accountancy firm has been Ordinate Debt for MSMEs. appointed to audit PM Cares Fund -- ✓ As per the data released by the United SARC & Associates. States (US) Treasury Department what is • Note: The appointment is India’s position as a holder of US significant because critics have government securities -- 12th. questioned the rationale for a fund • The country with maximum other than the Prime Minister’s exposure to US government National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for securities is Japan at US$1.266 relief work and have also sought trillion followed by China and the more transparency about the usage United Kingdom (UK) at the of monies from the Fund. second and third positions, ✓ Researchers at IIT Bombay has created a respectively at the end of April chip named ‘Dhruva’ that can be mounted 2020. in smartphones and navigation devices to ✓ A behaviour change campaign named find places and routes within the country. ‘Navigating the New Normal’ has been • Note: The radio frequency receiver launched by NITI Aayog in partnership chip was designed in 18 months by with Melinda Gates Foundation. students and researchers at IIT ✓ As per the Annual Tuberculosis Report Bombay. 2020 released by Ministry of Health and ✓ For reducing the carbon dioxide emission Family Welfare what is the percentage rise caused due to transportation in the country, in TB patient in 2019 –14%. NITI Aayog will launch the project • Note: It should be noted that the ‘Decarbonising Transport in India’ in sustainable goal of eradicating TB collaboration with International globally is 2030, but the Indian Transport Forum (ITF). government is committed to ✓ Prime Minister Narendra Modi has achieve this target in the country by launched ‘Garib Kalyan RojgarAbhiyaan 2025. (GKRA)’ via video conference from ✓ Kempegowda International Airport, Khagariadistrict of Bihar. Bengaluru has become the 1st airport in ✓ The United Nations World Food India to get an indigenously developed Programme (WFP) India has partnered Aviation Weather Monitoring System with IIT Delhi to support state and (AWMS) at both ends of the runway.

31

www.gradeup.co • Note: The technology is developed • Note: This initiative has been by Bengaluru-based CSIR- launched following the call of National Aerospace Laboratories Prime Minister of India Shri (NAL). Narendra Modi to plant at least five ✓ Two Indian Institutes IIT Ropar and IIT trees either in Office campus or Indore secured their ranks in the top 100 wherever it is possible in order to in the “THE Young University Rankings ensure clean and healthy 2020” released by the Times Higher environment of the country. Education. ✓ Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural • Note: The Times Higher Education Gas & Steel, Dharmendra Pradhan (THE) released THE Young virtually inaugurated Battery Swapping University Rankings 2020 for the Facility Quick Interchange Service (QIS) universities which are 50 years old in Chandigarh. or younger. • Note: The battery swapping • The Indian Institute of Science technology provides the best Education and Research (Pune) and alternative to slow charging and Indian Institute of Technology enables drivers to optimize the use Gandhinagar ranked 101-150. of the operational hours. ✓ Ministry of Culture is celebrating the • The model was initiated to target “Sankalp Parva” from 28th June to 12 July the commercial segment like 2020. electric autos, rickshaws, electric 2W and the electric vehicle, which is factory fitted or retrofitted. May 2020

✓ The central government has brought the • Note: The National Science and Cauvery Water Management Authority Technology Management (CWMA) under Jal Shakti Ministry. Information (NSTMIS), • Note: Earlier it was under the Department of Science and Ministry of Water Resources, Technology (DST), has conducted River Development and Ganga a survey on Research and Rejuvenation. Development (R&D) Statistics and ✓ India secured 53rdrank in the 7th edition of Indicators 2019-20. ‘Open Budget Survey 2019’ conducted by • The survey included more than International Budget Partnership (IBP). 6800 S&T Institutions spread • Note: In the survey time New across varied sectors like central Zealand has been topped the list government, state governments, with a score of 87. higher education, public sector ✓ National Council for Science & Technology industry, and private sector Communication (NCSTC) has initiated a industry in the country. programme on health and risk communication ✓ Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated focusing on COVID-19 titled “Year of in the virtual summit of the Non-Aligned Awareness on Science & Health (YASH)”. Movement (NAM) for the first time since ✓ National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has 2014, Azerbaijan presented the group. permitted the use of 98.59 hectares of land ✓ NITI Aayog has launched virtual ‘Surakshit for opencast coal mining project in Dada-Dadi& Nana-Nani Abhiyan’ to ensure DehingPatkai Elephant Reserve in Assam. wellbeing of senior citizens during the ✓ India’s rank in the in scientific publication COVID-19 pandemic in association with in 2018 among the countries -- Third. Piramal Foundation.

32

www.gradeup.co ✓ Operation Samudra Setu has been launched • It will help pilgrims visiting by the Indian Navy as a part of a national Kailash Mansarovar in Tibet as it effort to repatriate Indian citizens from is around 90 kms from the overseas. Lipulekh pass. • Note: The operation aims to • This road, which has an altitude evacuate personnel who repatriate ranging from 6000 to 17060 feet, Indian citizens from overseas. constructed along the banks of ✓ According to the Centre for Monitoring river Kali between India and Indian Economy (CMIE) the country’s Nepal. unemployment rate rose to 27.11%. ✓ India initiated “Mission Sagar” to send ✓ The Defence Ministry has signed a contract medical aid to five Island nations in the with Tata Power for Phase-II of Indian Ocean amid COVID-19 pandemic. Modernisation of Airfield Infrastructure of • Note: In this regard, Indian Naval 37 airfields for Indian Air Force, Indian Ship (INS) Kesari departed for Navy and Indian Coast Guard. Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, ✓ Mission Sagar conducted by the Government Madagascar, and Comoros, to of India to provide assistance to Eastern provide Food items, COVID Indian Ocean Region Nations amid the related Medicines. coronavirus crisis. ✓ Two scientific papers on child survival • Note: Under the mission, Indian published by the India State-Level Disease Naval Ship (INS) Kesari Burden Initiative stated that the under-5 deployed, carrying on board two Mortality Rate in India has dropped by - 49 medical assistance teams, essential percent since 2000. Food Items and COVID related • Note: The India State-Level Medicines and Special Ayurvedic Disease Burden Initiative has Medicines five to Island countries recently published two scientific in the Indian Ocean. papers. • The five countries are Maldives, • The initiative has given its report Mauritius, Seychelles, on district-level trends of child Madagascar and Comoros. growth and child mortality. ✓ Union HRD Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal • The findings show there were 1.04 ‘Nishank’ has launched “Bharosa” helpline million under-5 deaths in 2017, for Central University of Odisha. down from 2.24 million deaths in • Note: This helpline has been 2000. launched with an objective of • The child mortality rate has relieving the student community dropped by 49% between 2000 from the distress caused during the and 2017. troubled time of the COVID-19 ✓ India’s rank in the recently released Global pandemic. Energy Transition Index (GET Index) 2020 ✓ Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh by the World Economic Forum (WEF)-- hasinaugurated 80km strategically crucial 74th. road link connecting Lipulekh pass (China • Sweden has topped the ranking for Border) with Dharchula in Uttarakhand the third consecutive year. through video conferencing. • It was followed by Switzerland • Note: The Border Roads and Finland. Organization (BRO) has ✓ As per the new definition of MSMEs what constructed the road that originates the maximum investment limit for a micro unit from Ghatiabagarh and it ends at is: 1 crore. Lipulekh Pass which is a gateway to Kailash-Mansarovar. 33

www.gradeup.co • Note: The GoI has changed the • Note: The establishment of defence definition of MSMEs. The new testing infrastructure will provide definition has increased the easy access and thus meet the investment limit upwards. testing needs of the domestic • Previously, an enterprise with defence industry. investment up to Rs 25 lakh • The scheme will run for a period of was called a micro unit. 5 years & envisages to set up 6 to 8 • Under the new definition, a new test facilities in partnership firm upto investment of Rs 1 with private industry. crore is to be called Micro ✓ For multi-mode access to digital/online unit, of Rs 10 crore is to be education Government of India has decided to called as small unit and launch PM-eVIDYA programme. investment greater than Rs 20 • Note: Under the programme the crore will be called as medium DIKSHA programme will provide unit. “one nation, one digital ✓ Central Government has set up a new body platform” for school education in Rice Export Promotion Forum to give states/UTs. impetus to rice exports under the aegis of • It will also include the launch of APEDA. Energized Textbooks for all • Note: Centre set up a new body grades. Rice Export Promotion Forum to • One earmarked TV channel will give impetus to rice exports under be launched for per class from 1 to the aegis of Agricultural and 12 following the concept of “one Processed Foods Export Promotion class, one channel”. Development Authority (APEDA). ✓ National Disaster Management Authority ✓ ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan announced has developed “National Migrant by the Prime Minister with an economic Information System (NMIS)” to secure stimulus package worth Rs 20 lakh crores information regarding the movement of which is almost 10% percent of GDP. migrant workers. ✓ Flagship social security scheme of the • Note: An online dashboard Government of India ‘Atal Pension Yojna’ “National Migrant Information has completed five years of its System (NMIS)” has been implementation in May 2020. developed by the National Disaster • Note: The scheme is being Management Authority (NDMA). administered by Pension Fund • The dashboard has been developed Regulatory and Development by NDMA to secure information Authority through National regarding the movement of Pension System (NPS). migrants and to facilitate the • Any citizen of India can join the smooth movement of stranded APY scheme. persons across States. • The age of the subscriber should be ✓ Landing Craft Utility Ship ‘INLCU L57’ between 18-40 years. commissioned into Indian Navy in Port Blair. • The contribution levels would • Note: The “INLCU L57” is the vary and would be low if a seventh LCU Mark IV class subscriber joins early and increases warship. if she joins late. • The primary role of the warship, ✓ Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme being transportation and approved by the Union Defence minister deployment of main battle tanks, Rajnath Singh and allotted Rs 400 crores.

34

www.gradeup.co armored vehicles, troops and ✓ India’s position in manufacturing personal equipment from ship to shore. protective equipment (PPE) body coveralls - • The first ship of the Mark IV LCU - Second. Vessels INLCU L51 was • Note: PPE body coveralls are commissioned into Indian Navy in crucial to safeguard against the March 2017. coronavirus (COVID-19) ✓ Mobile application National Test pandemic. Abhyasdeveloped by the National Testing • China is the world’s leading Agency will help the candidates to take mock producer of PPE body coveralls, tests for exams such as JEE Mains, NEET, etc. crucial to safeguard against the ✓ Sixcities rated 5 stars in Star Rating of COVID-19 pandemic. Garbage Free Cities, for the assessment year ✓ National Health Authority is the nodal 2019-2020. agency for the implementation of Ayushman • Note: In rating Ambikapur, Rajkot, Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Surat, Mysuru, Indore and Navi Yojana (AB-PMJAY). Mumbai were rated 5 Star (6 • The National Health Authority cities). (NHA) is responsible for • 65 other Cities rated 3 Star and implementing the scheme. 70 Cities rated 1 Star out of 141 ✓ Indian Navy has formed PPE kit with cities. innovative breathable fabric material. • He also launched the revised • Note: This PPE kit provides protocol for the Star Rating of comfort to healthcare workers Garbage Free Cities. working against COVID-19 ✓ The Union Cabinet has extended Pradhan pandemic wearing multi-layered Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY) coverall PPE treating patients till year 2023. within the hot and humid condition • Note: It is a social security for quite 12 hours. scheme for senior citizens for • The ability of the material to permit those who are above 60. water vapour to undergo and stop • The government has fixed its the water from entering is annual rate of return at 7.4% for understood as Breathability. financial year2020-21. ✓ The length of the tunnel built by Border • Now, Senior citizens will have Roads Organisation (BRO) on Rishikesh- time till March 31, 2023 to invest Dharasu Highway (NH 94) in Uttarakhand in Pradhan Mantri Vaya -- 440 Km. Vandana Yojana which provides ✓ Tejas Mk-1 FOC aircraft has been inducted higher return than any bank. by the Indian Air Force (IAF) into the ✓ The Ministry of New and Renewable recently resurrected No 18 Squadron the Energy (MNRE) has launched a scheme for “Flying Bullets” at Air Force Station Sulur. 100% solarization ofKonark city of India • Note: Tejas Mk-1 FOC is a single • Note: The scheme has been engine, light weight, highly agile launched to develop the historic and all weather multi role fighter Sun Temple in the town of aircraft. Konark. • The aircraft is capable of air-to-air • Also, the scheme will develop the refueling and hence makes the town into Surya Nagri. Squadron the first in the IAF to • The scheme mainly aims at induct this platform. promoting solar energy.

35

www.gradeup.co ✓ Missile Park Agneeprasthabeing established to Naval personnel and their in Eastern Naval Command (ENS) at INS families. Kalinga, Visakhapatnam. ✓ Swath Sagar has been given to the plan to • Note: Agneeprastha aims to modernize the fisheries sector which is part of capture glimpses of Missile Pradhan Mantri MatsyaSampada Yojana History of INS Kalinga. (PMMSY). • Agneeprastha is to provide a one- • Note: Also, Government will register stop arena for motivation and “Sagar Mitra” and encourage stimulation of people regarding formation of Fish Farmers Producer the missiles and related Organizations (FFPOs) to help achieve technologies, from school children the PMMSY goals by enhancing domestic fish consumption with corresponding health benefits. April 2020

✓ As per revised norms of the central by the COVID-19 outbreak, are government the limit for a person reside in made eligible for 100% deduction J&K to become permanent resident of the under section 80G of the Income UT -- 15 Years. Tax (IT) Act, 1961. • Note: A new definition for • For this, the provisions of the IT domicile for Jammu and Kashmir Act are amended through the was introduced. As per the new Taxation and other Laws definition a person residing in the (Relaxation of Certain Provisions) Union Territory of Jammu & Ordinance, 2020. Kashmir for at least 15 years or has ✓ National Cadet Corps (NCC) has offered studied for a period of seven years its volunteer cadets to assist the civilian in Jammu and Kashmir and authorities to fight COVID-19 under appeared in Class 10 or 12 ‘Exercise NCC Yogdan’. examinations will now be eligible • Note: It has issued guidelines for to be a permanent resident of the the temporary employment of its UT. cadets to enhance the operations of • This new rule was issued under the various organizations involved in Section 3A of the Jammu and relief efforts & fighting the Kashmir Reorganisation pandemic. Adaptation of State Laws Order ✓ To build a portable and lightweight 2020, under the Jammu and emergency ventilator system Sree Chitra Kashmir civil services Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and decentralisation and recruitment Technology (SCTIMST) has partnered Act. with ‘Wipro 3D’. ✓ Indian Council for Cultural Relations • This ventilator system is essentially has launched a competition titled “United a hand held device also called as Against Corona- Express through Art”. AMBU bag or bag-valve-mask ✓ Donations for PM-CARES Fund granted (BVM) to provide positive pressure tax exemption of 100%. ventilation to a corona patients • Note: the donations made under with breathing difficulties with a newly-formed Prime Minister’s controlled rate of expiration, Citizen Assistance and Relief in inspiratory to expiratory ratio, Emergency Situations Fund (PM- Tidal volume etc. CARES FUND) to provide assistance to the persons affected 36

www.gradeup.co ✓ To fight COVID-19 Civil services spread. The preliminary trials were associations form an initiative called conducted at MI Room at NDV, ‘Caruna’. followed by rapid trials at the • Note: Associations representing Naval Hospital INHS Kalyani, officers of Central Civil Services, where it was successfully installed including the Indian Administrative within 30 minutes. Service (IAS) and the Indian Police ✓ Name the official COVID-19 tracking app Service (IPS), have created an that has been launched by the Government initiative called ‘CARUNA. of India -- AarogyaSetu. • The CARUNA stands for Civil • Note: The “AarogyaSetu” app has Services Associations Reach to been developed by the National e- Support in Natural Disasters. Governance Division of the ✓ ‘Operation Sanjeevani’ launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Indian Air Force (IAF) to air-lifted 6.2 Information Technology in tonnes of essential medical supplies to association with the Ministry of Maldives via transport aircraft C-130J as Health and Family Welfare. assistance in the fight against the virus. ✓ To help foreign tourists who are stuck in ✓ To deal with Covid-19 epidemic the various parts of the country the Ministry central government has constituted a 10- of Tourism has launched a portal member group under the chairmanship of ‘Stranded in India’. Amitabh Kant. ✓ Union Cabinet headed by Prime Minister ✓ To help India fight against COVID-19 the (PM) Narendra Modi has approved an Ministry of Civil Aviation has launched ordinance to cut in the salaries of all the initiative called “Lifeline UDAN”. Members of Parliament by 30%. • Note: Under Lifeline UDAN • Note: It also provisioned a two- initiative of Ministry of Civil year suspension (2020-21 and Aviation, 132 cargo flights have 2021-22) of the MP Local Area been operated so far across the Development (MPLAD) scheme so country to transport medical cargo that the amount saved can go to the including to remote and hilly areas. Consolidated Fund of India to fight ✓ Department of Science & Technology, COVID-19. Government of India has approved to set • This announcement was made by up a rapid response centre -- Prakash Javadkar, Union Minister “CAWACH”. for Information and Broadcasting. • Note: CAWACH stands for Centre ✓ National Highways Authority of India for Augmenting WAR with (NHAI) has achieved the highest ever COVID-19 Health Crisis. Rapid highway construction feat with an response centre “CAWACH” has accomplishment of 3,979 km. been set up at a total cost of Rs 56 ✓ The name that has been given to mega Crore at Society for Innovation and ONLINE innovation challenge launched Entrepreneurship (SINE), IIT by the Ministry of Human Resource Bombay. Development (MHRD) -- SAMADHAN. ✓ Naval Dockyard Visakhapatnam has • Note: The innovation cell of the designed ‘Portable Multi-feed Oxygen Ministry of Human Resource Manifold (MOM)’. Development (MHRD) and All • Note: This oxygen manifold is India Council for Technical designed to supply oxygen to Education (AICTE) has launched a multiple patients at a time, which mega ONLINE challenge called could prove helpful in a “SAMADHAN” to fight against contingency created by COVID-19 covid19. 37

www.gradeup.co • Under the “Samadhan” challenge, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to the students and faculty will be answer on behalf of Centre. motivated for doing new ✓ To improve the online education experiments and new discoveries ecosystem of India Union Human and provide them with a strong Resource Development Ministry has base leading to a spirit of launched the campaign -- ‘Bharat Padhe experimentation and discovery. Online’ ✓ iGOT e-learning platform has been • Note: The campaign aims to invite launched by the government of India for all the best brains in India to share all front-line workers to equip them with suggestions or solutions directly the training and updates in coping with with the HRD Ministry, to Pandemic. overcome the obstacles of online ✓ Directorate General of Foreign Trade education while promoting the (DGFT) has removed export restrictions available digital education on 24 pharma ingredients including 12 platforms. active pharmaceutical ingredients, it ✓ Ahmedabad railway station becomes first operates under Ministry of Commerce & station of IR to install sanitizing tunnel. Industry. • Note: The Ahmedabad railway ✓ Name the mobile doctor booth created by station at Kalupur, Gujarat of the West Central Railway’s Coach Western Railway became the first Rehabilitation Workshop (CRWS) -- station of Indian Railways (IR) to CHARAK. install a Walk Through Mass • A viral barrier chamber has been Sanitizing Tunnel to ensure the built in the railway compartment safety of staff and passengers in the itself, through which doctors will view of the COVID-19. be able to examine patients without ✓ Exit from the Lockdown report has been direct physical contact. prepared by CII. ✓ The government of India has approved for • Note: The Confederation of Indian the ‘India COVID-19 Emergency Industry (CII) in its report titled Response and Health System Preparedness “Exit from the Lockdown: A CII Package -- Rs.15000 crores. Strategy” has recommended • Note: The package is to build phase-wise lifting of the lockdown health infrastructure in states and based on the incidence of COVID UTs till March 2024. Of the 15,000 cases. crores, Centre would release ✓ Fit India in collaboration with CBSE for Rs.7,774 crore for immediate first-of-a-kind live fitness session under its COVID-19 Emergency Response Fit India Active Day programme for use till June 2020 and the rest will school children across the country. be set for medium-term support of ✓ The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) 1-4 years. has announced a training program on ✓ The Supreme Court (SC) of India has COVID-19 for intergovernmental extended the tenure of chairperson of organization SAARC. Telecom Disputes Settlement and • Note: It will be carried out by the Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) Justice Central Government’s Indian Shiva Kirti Singh. Technical and Economic • The bench also expressed concern Cooperation (ITEC) programme. over the delay in appointment of • It is to take forward the Prime administrative and technical Minister’s (PM) ‘Prepare Not members of TDSAT and asked Panic’ for ‘SAARC fights Corona’. 38

www.gradeup.co • PM Narendra Modi has suggested (GPMB) estimated that, over $8 that the health professionals of the billion is required to combat the member nations come together to COVID-19 pandemic. fight the coronavirus pandemic at ✓ Vinod Paul and Krishnaswamy Vijay the India-initiated video conference Raghavan will head the high-level task of SAARC leaders on March 15. force for vaccine and drug testing for ✓ Jim Corbett National Park becomes the coronavirus disease. India’s 1st quarantine centre for animals. • Note: The objective of the task • Note: Jim Corbett National Park force is to catalyse national and has become the India’s 1st international efforts towards quarantine centre for animals with vaccine development to treat symptoms of coronavirus (COVID- Covid-19. 19). ✓ Indian Renewable Energy Development ✓ M S Sahoo Committee submitted its Agency Limited (IREDA) has been report on “valuation professionals” and appointed as the implementing agency to proposed an institutional framework for handle the Central Public Sector valuers by setting up National Institute of Undertaking (CPSU) Scheme Phase-II by Valuers (NIV). the Ministry of New and Renewable ✓ Nirmala Sitharaman attended the Plenary Energy (MNRE). Meeting of the International Monetary and • Note: MNRE will timely review Financial Committee (IMFC) of the the maximum permissible VGF International Monetary Fund (IMF) amount & through video conferencing. • The CPSU Scheme Phase II aims • Note: The discussion in the to set up 12,000 MW grid- meeting is based on IMF connected solar PV power projects Managing Director Kristalina under the government producers Georgieva global policy agenda with the VGF support for self-use titled, “Exceptional Times – or by government entities either Exceptional Action”. directly or through discoms ✓ National Institute of Rural Development ✓ Dharmendra Pradhan chaired the and Panchayati Raj, Hyderabad is National Biofuel Coordination Committee training community leaders online to (NBCC) meeting approved & allowed combat COVID-19 in collaboration with Food Corporation of India (FCI) to convert UNICEF. the available surplus rice to ethanol. ✓ The ministry of finance has increased the ✓ Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (SVP) coverage of lender’s loss in case of loan Institute of Medical Science and default under the Credit Guarantee Fund Research becomes the 1st authorized for Micro Units (CGFMU) scheme to study centre in the country to carry out the 75%. plasma research under trial in view of • The lender’s burden under the COVID 19. scheme has reduced from the first ✓ Ravindra H Dholakia chaired the 5% of the amount in default to 3%. committee formed by the central ✓ Dr. Harsh Vardhan attended G20 Health government that suggested a complete Ministers Meeting held via video revamp of how states collect and compile conference to control COVID-19. data for state-level gross domestic product • Note: An international forum of (GDP) and other estimates. Health Ministers of G20 countries ✓ To invite e-learning content contributions was held on April 19, 2020, via Union Human Resource Development Video Conference. Global Minister, Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ has Preparedness Monitoring Board launched programme VidyaDaan 2.0. 39

www.gradeup.co • Note: The contribution can be to August 14 2020.The next edition made by individuals, teachers, is scheduled in 2022. educationists, subject experts, • It is a biennial three-week schools, government and non- multinational large force government organisations etc after employment exercise conducted registering & nominating primarily from RAAF Base Darwin themselves. and RAAF Base Tindal. • The program will soon be inviting ✓ On the occasion of the World Book Day contributions for Teacher Training the Union Minister of Human Resource material. and Development (HRD), Ramesh ✓ Defense Minister Shri Rajnath Singh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ launched inaugurated Mobile Virology Research #MyBookMyFriendcampaign. and Diagnostics Laboratory (MVRDL) • Note: The World Book Day is which is developed by DRDO. celebrated in the lockdown and he ✓ Swamitva Scheme has been launched by asked the students to read books of the PM Narendra Modi on the occasion of their interest and share about the National Panchayati Raj Day on 24th of book they are reading with him in April 2020. the social media using • Note: On the occasion an #MyBookMyFriend. integrated e-Gram swaraj Portal & ✓ 1st government (govt) hospital in India to Mobile app for accelerating the successfully launch the Convalescent pace of development in India’s Plasma Therapy (CPT) treatment for the villages was also launched. COVID-19 patients -- The King George • The Unified Portal is a new Medical University (KGMU) initiative of Ministry of Panchayati March 2020 Raj which will provide the Gram Panchayats with a single interface ✓ Indian Air Force signed MoU with to prepare and implement their Savitribai Phule Pune University to establish Gram Panchayat Development Plan a ‘Chair of Excellence’ named “Marshal of the (GPDP). The scheme provides an Air Force Arjan Singh Chair of Excellence”. integrated property validation • In order to pay tribute to the solution for rural India. legend and commemorate the ✓ Malini Shankar will head the centenary birth year of the MIAF reconstituted 16-member National (Marshal of the Indian Air Shipping Board (NSB). Force), IAF has named it as • Note: The Ministry of Shipping “Marshal of the Air Force Arjan has given its consent for the Singh Chair of Excellence”. reconstitution of the 16-member ✓ Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla launched National Shipping Board (NSB), ‘Suposhit Maa Abhiyan’ in Kota, the highest advisory body on Rajasthan. matters related to Indian shipping • Note: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and its development or other has launched ‘Suposhit Maa matters arising out of the Merchant Abhiyan’ in his constituency Kota, Shipping Act, 1958. Rajasthan, to provide nutritional ✓ The premier multilateral air combat support to pregnant women and training Exercise Pitch Black 2020 has adolescent girls. been cancelled which was to be conducted • The aim of the campaign is to by the Royal Australian Air Force. preserve & maintain the health of • Note: Exercise Pitch Black 2020 our future generations. scheduled to be held from July 27 40

www.gradeup.co ✓ 108th Indian Science Congress 2021 will be ✓ 5th edition of India Pharma & India held in Pune, Maharshtra. Medical Device 2020 Conference held at • Note: The Indian Science Congress Gandhinagar, Gujarat. association (ISCA) announced that • The conference was organized by the Pune will host the annual session of Department of Pharmaceuticals, 108th Indian Science Congress on Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers January 3-7, 2021 at Symbiosis in association with Federation of International University’s Lavale Indian Chambers of Commerce & campus with the theme,”Science and Industry (FICCI) Technology for Sustainable ✓ The National Water Mission organized the Development with Women inaugural session of the workshop on Empowerment”. “Increasing Water Use Efficiency in • Dr Vijay Laxmi Saxena elected as Industries” in New Delhi. general president of the Indian Science • Note: The National Water Mission Congress, 2020-21 organized the inaugural session of the ✓ National Chambal Sanctuary has received workshop on “Increasing Water Use eco-sensitive zone tag. Efficiency in Industries”. ✓ 11th National Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) • The workshop on “Increasing Water Conference -2020 was held in New Delhi. Use Efficiency in Industries” was • The conference, organized by the held in New Delhi. Indian Council of Agricultural • The National Water Mission organized Research (ICAR), focused on the workshop under the initiative technology-led farming and youth “HarKaamDeshkeNaam”. entrepreneurship through agriculture. ✓ Name the mobile app which has been ✓ Under the Compensatory Afforestation launched by the government for delivery of Fund Management and Planning Authority diesel at doorsteps of Housing societies, hotels (CAMPA), a financial assistance of Rs 1.51 and hospitals in the national capital region -- crore has been sanctioned to Kaziranga ‘Fuel Humsafar’. National Park. ✓ “EKAM Fest” has been organised in New ✓ 35th edition of the International food and Delhi to promote Craftsmanship & Products hospitality fair ‘AAHAR 2020’ commences of Divyang Artisans and Entrepreneurs. in New Delhi. ✓ Indian Coast Guard conducts 9th edition of ✓ An International Conference and rescue exercise ‘SAREX-2020’ in Goa. Exhibition on Smart Energy and Water ✓ Two cities are approved by the Government of India Smart Utility Week 2020 (ISUW) for India as authorised land immigration check Smarter Cities was held in New Delhi. posts to enter or exit India -- Agartala and ✓ Maharashtra Government renamed Ghojadanga. Aurangabad Airport as Chhatrapati • Agartala and Ghojadanga are located Sambhaji Maharaj Airport. along the Indo-Bangladesh border. ✓ International Conference on Nano Science ✓ The Ministry of Women and Child and Technology 2020 (ICONSAT) was held Development (MWCD) & the World Bank in Kolkata, West Bengal. organized a discussion programme on the • The conference provides a platform topic “The Future of Work: Women in India’s for the young researchers & students Workforce” in New Delhi. from within the country and abroad, • Note: The Ministry of Women and with the latest development in the Child Development (MWCD) & the emerging areas of Nano Science and World Bank organized a discussion Technology. programme on the topic “The Future of Work: Women in India’s Workforce” at New Delhi. 41

www.gradeup.co ✓ Odisha becomes the 1st state to own a • EKAM, an acronym for separate department for Self Help Groups Entrepreneurship, Knowledge, named as “Department of Mission Shakti”. Awareness, Marketing, was aimed to ✓ The 6th edition of Economic Times Global showcase products made with extra business summit was held in New Delhi. ordinary determination by the divyang • The theme of the Global Business (differently abled) crafts persons Summit is ‘Collaborate to Create: and entrepreneurs. Sustainable Growth in a Fractured ✓ India post launches India’s 1st digital parcel World’. locker service in Kolkata, West Bengal. ✓ National Conference on Women in Police ✓ New Delhi Railway Station to be converted and CAPFs held in New Delhi. as World Class Station. • The Conference was organized by the • Note: The committee chaired by Bibek Bureau of Police Research and Debroy has recommended concession Development (BPR & D). of commercial operation of train • Smriti Irani also released a hand-out- service like Rajdhani/Shatabdi to ‘BPR & D Mirror- Gender Bender’ private parties. and also the book titled “To Greater ✓ First regional edition of “Divya Kala Shakti Heights”. Event” was held in Chennai, Tamil Nadu • Themes of the Conference 2020: (TN). ‘Cyber Stalking and Bullying of • The event was organised by the Women: Steps for Protection” and National Institute for Empowerment of ‘Challenges faced by CAPF Women Persons with Multiple Disabilities in Operational Areas”. (NIEPMD), in association with the ✓ United Nations Global Compact Network Department of Empowerment of India has organized the 3rd edition of its Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) Gender Equality Summit 2020 in New Delhi. and Ministry of Social Justice and ✓ Andhra Pradesh state ranked 1st in the Empowerment. country for overall implementation of • The Divya Kala Shakti event aims to POSHAN Abhiyaan. provide a platform for the disabled to • Note: Andhra Pradesh (AP) ranked exhibit their talents. 1st in the country for overall ✓ The Mumbai Central Station to be renamed implementation of POSHAN (Prime after Nana Shankarsheth. Minister’s Overarching Scheme for • The Bombay Central is designed by Holistic Nourishment) Abhiyaan as British architect Claude Batley. per September 2019 progress report of • The first railway in India ran over 21 NITI Aayog, “Transforming miles from Bombay to Thane. Nutrition in India: POSHAN ✓ WINGS INDIA 2020 an international Abhiyaan”. exhibition and conference was held in • The 2nd anniversary of POSHAN Hyderabad. Abhiyaan is recognized by celebrating • Note: The conference was held Poshan Pakhwada from 8th-22nd between March 12-15 is a biennial March 2020. event. ✓ Gujarat state ranks first in the list for • The event was themed as ‘Flying for domestic solar rooftop installations, All’ is an International Exhibition & throughout the country with 64 percent of Conference. domestic solar installations. • The exhibition was organized by ✓ A weeklong Exhibition-cum-Fair, the first Ministry of Civil Aviation & “EKAM Fest” organized by National Airports Authority of India (AAI) & Handicapped Finance Development Corporation (NHFDC) in New Delhi. 42

www.gradeup.co Federation of Indian Chambers of to achieve sales of around 70 lakh Commerce and Industry (FICCI). hybrid & electric vehicles by the end ✓ The government proposed masks & hand of 2020. sanitizers under Essential Commodities Act • In 2015 as part of the National 1955. Electric Mobility Mission Plan • Note: The government amended (NEMMP) 2020, Department of Essential Commodities (EC) Act, 1955 Heavy Industry formulated the Faster to declare 2 ply & 3 ply surgical Adoption and Manufacturing of masks, N95 masks & hand sanitizers as Hybrid and Electric Vehicles in India Essential Commodities up to 30th June (FAME India) scheme. 2020. ✓ As per the New & Renewable Energy, • It also issued a consultation under the (MNRE) Ministry till March 13, 2020, Legal Metrology(LM) Act,2009 that Rooftop solar power plants in India installed at under EC law, after consultations with 1,922 MW. manufacturers, states can ask them to • Note: Minister of State Independent increase the production capacity of Charge (IC) of, New & Renewable these products & streamline the supply Energy, (MNRE) and Power, chain, while states can ensure the sale Minister of State of Skill of both products under MRP under the Development & Entrepreneurship LM Act. Raj Kumar(RK) Singh stated till ✓ US $10 million amount has been offered by March 13, 2020, the rooftop solar India in the proposed COVID-19 Emergency plants contain an aggregate capacity of Fund for SAARC Nation by PM Narendra 1,922 MW are installed in the country. Modi. • Out of the total capacity, 346 MW is ✓ As per the Minister of Road Transport & installed in the residential sector. Highways Nitin Gadkari the number of deaths ✓ Banihal to Katra railway link to be caused due to road accidents have been completed by 2022. reduced by 10%. • This completion will pave the way for • Note: Minister of Road Transport & the creation of Indian rail from Highways and Minister of Micro, Kanyakumari to Baramulla. Small and Medium Enterprises Nitin • The Katra-Banihal railway track is a Gadkari revealed that the number of 111-km long stretch which will link deaths caused due to road accidents has Kashmir Valley with the rest of the been reduced by 10% in India after the country by train. Motor Vehicles (Amended) Act 2019. ✓ The central government has included which • From 12 states and union territories, two sites in the Iconic Tourist Sites list -- Tamil Nadu made notable progress in Konark Sun Temple & Statue of Unity. reducing road accidents by 24% which • A total of 17 iconic tourist sites were is the maximum anywhere in the identified by the government of India country. in 2019. It includes- Taj Mahal and ✓ Government targeted to achieve sales around Fatehpur Sikri (Uttar Pradesh), Ajanta 70 lakh hybrid & electric vehicles by the end and Ellora (Maharashtra), Humayun’s of 2020. Tomb, Red Fort and Qutub Minar • Note: The Minister of Environment, (Delhi), Colva (Goa), Amer Fort Forest and Climate Change & (Rajasthan), Somnath and Dholavira Minister of Information & (Gujarat), Khajuraho (Madhya Broadcasting & Minister of Heavy Pradesh), Hampi (Karnataka), industries and Public Enterprises Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu), Prakash Javadekar informed that the Kaziranga (Assam), Kumarakom government has set an ambitious target 43

www.gradeup.co (Kerala) and Mahabodhi Temple ✓ TRIFED launches ‘Tech for Tribals’ (Bihar). program to bring technology to tribal ✓ Indian Railways to electrify all broad-gauge entrepreneurs. routes by December 2023. • Note:A 30- days long capacity- • As a target to electrify 4,310 km of building program called “Tech for BG route in the year 2023-2024 (till Tribal” has been launched by the December 2023), it is planned to Tribal Cooperative Marketing electrify a total of 28,810 km of BG Development Federation of India route. (TRIFED). • As part of its solar mission, it plans to • It was launched in association with source approximately 1000 megawatt IIT-Kanpur, IIT-Roorkee, IIM Indore, (MW) of solar power & to source Kalinga Institute of Social Science, around 200 MV of wind power, based Bhubaneshwar (Odisha) and SRIJAN, on the techno-commercial assessment. Jaipur (Rajasthan) to provide ✓ Agricultural and Processed Food Products entrepreneurship skills to the tribal Export Development Authority (APEDA) people. signed an MoU with Small Farmers ✓ Amidst Coronavirus outbreak India’s 1st AI Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC). summit ‘RAISE 2020’ postponed to October • Note: This MoU aims for better 2020. synergy with this organization for the • Note: The Indian government development of agriculture, allied announced the postponement of the sectors and its exports for bringing country’s 1st summit on Artificial better value to the stakeholders. Intelligence (AI), ‘RAISE 2020– • This collaboration focuses to reach Responsible Artificial intelligence large farmers for improving the (AI) for Social Empowerment’ to production base of agri products October 5-6, 2020. quantitatively and qualitatively. • It was to be conducted between April ✓ Finance Commission sets up committee to 11 & 12, 2020 in New Delhi by the review the fiscal consolidation road map under Ministry of Electronics and the chairmanship of Nand Kishore Singh. Information Technology (MeitY). ✓ Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared • The summit is a drive to India’s vision the formulation of COVID-19 Economic & roadmap for social empowerment, Response Task Force led by Nirmala inclusion & transformation through AI. Sitharaman. ✓ The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) ✓ The proposed new “Draft Defence opened a 360 feet long bailey suspension Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2020” will bridge for traffic over -- Teesta River. come into effect from 1st April 2020. • Note: The bridge constructed will be • Note: Union Defence Minister Rajnath useful for the people residing in Lahen Singh has proposed a new “Draft town, North Sikkim. Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) • The bridge constructed will facilitate 2020”. the movement of logistics for the • It will replace DPP 2016 and would Armed forces deployed in forward remain in force till 31 March 2025. Its areas and also acts as tourist spots. draft has been finalized by a high-level ✓ IIT Madras is to organize India’s 1st Global committee headed by Apurva Chandra, Hyperloop Pod Competition. Director General (DG) Acquisition, • Note: The Competition has been Ministry of Defence that was set up in named as ‘Indian Hyperloop Pod August 2019. Competition’.

44

www.gradeup.co • This is to increase the awareness & • Leaders also agreed to contribute to the enthusiasm about Hyperloop in India. WHO led COVID-19 Solidarity The final round to take place in the Response Fund on a voluntary basis. IIT-Madras campus in July 2020. ✓ Amid the growing coronavirus pandemic, the ✓ Indore becomes the first city in India to use Ministry of Health and Family Welfare drones to sanitize the city. (MoHFW) categorizes which medicine as ✓ Which Initiative has been launched the schedule H1 drug -- Hydroxychloroquine. National Book Trust to encourage people to • Note: It means it can’t be sold without read books while at home -- the prescription of a registered medical #StayHomeIndiaWithBooks? practitioner. • Note: As part of this initiative, it • Now the sale of the drug will be based provides select and best-selling titles on the conditions specified in Schedule for FREE Download of 100+ books, in H1 to the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, PDF format, from the NBT’s its 1945. website. • The Indian Council for Medical • The PDFs are read-only, and no Research (ICMR) recently suggested unauthorized or commercial use is that hydroxychloroquine be used in permitted. high risk cases of coronavirus ✓ 1.70 lakh crores rupees has been provided by (COVID-19). the union government under ✓ Operation Namaste. has been given to the PMGaribKalyanYojana for the poor to initiative launched by Indian Army to protect tackle Corona Virus. 1.3 million strong forces from coronavirus. • Note: The motive behind this is to aid • Note: Indian Army Chief General and support the Poverty-stricken Manoj Mukund Naravane launched people to fight a battle against Corona ‘Operation Namaste’ initiative to Virus. protect 1.3 million strong forces from • Insurance Cover of Rs 50 Lakh per coronavirus and provide all possible healthcare worker workers fighting assistance to the government to control COVID-19 in Govt Hospitals & health the pandemic. centres. • Under ‘Operation Namaste’, the army • PM Garib Kalyan Ann (अꅍन )Yojana; has issued a series of directives to all foodgrain entitlement doubled. its bases to protect the force from the Farmers to get the first instalment of coronavirus & the army headquarters Rs 2000 under PM KISAN in April issued a number of suggestions to deal 2020 with the situation over the past few ✓ Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in weeks. an extraordinary “Virtual Group of 20 (G20) ✓ Japanese government funding agency Leaders’ Summit” which was hosted by Saudi (JICA) has signs an agreement worth Rs Arabia. 15,295 crore with India to provide an Official Development Assistance (ODA) for 3 rail • Note: It was held to discuss the infrastructure projects. challenges created by the COVID-19 and to develop an action plan for • The project aims to cope up the globally coordinated response against increasing demand for freight transport it. in India by setting up a new dedicated freight railway line between Delhi and • G20 leaders agreed to inject over USD Mumbai. 5 trillion into the global economy to ✓ IIT Madras is organizing India’s first Global counter the social and economic Hyperloop Pod Competition named as ‘Indian impact of COVID-19. Hyperloop Pod Competition’.

45

www.gradeup.co ✓ DRDO has designed a casualty evacuation bag Kolkata, West Bengal with the aim to to transport or isolate persons infected with create awareness about the coastal COVID-19. security to the local community & • Note: The bag is water and air-proof understand the navigational and treated to deal with biological complexities in the Sunderban delta agents. DRDO will be procuring an waters. initial lot of 500 such bags. ✓ World Sustainable Development Summit ✓ The Government of India has launched a (WSDS) 2020 was held in New Delhi. coronavirus risk-tracking app called ‘Corona • Note: The Union Minister of Kavach.’ Environment, Forest and Climate ✓ To engage students in creative projects during Change (MoEF&CC) was inaugurated the COVID-19 lockdown ‘Project Isaac’ has a 3-day long World Sustainable been launched by IIT Gandhinagar. Development Summit (WSDS) 2020 • Note: The project aims to enhance the based on the theme “Towards 2030 student’s skills while they are confined Goals: Making the Decade Count” at in their homes. India Habitat Centre in New Delhi • The project is inspired by Sir Isaac from 29-31 January, 2020. Newton, who was similarly sent home • The summit was organized by The by Trinity College, Cambridge, Energy and Resources Institute because of the Great Plague of London (TERI), a research institute specializes in 1665. in the fields of energy. ✓ India’s national Investment Promotion & ✓ The Department of Science and Technology Facilitation Agency, the Invest India has has launched a special scheme for Science and launched ‘The Invest India Business Technology infrastructure in India is called Immunity Platform“. Sophisticated Analytical & Technical Help • Note: The Invest India Business Institutes (SATHI)”. Immunity Platform has been launched • Note: The aim of the scheme is to to assist businesses and investors in create shared, professionally managed getting real-time updates on India’s and strong Science and Technology active response to COVID-19. infrastructure in India. The SATHI • This platform tracks the regular scheme will enable academia, start- developments with respect to the ups, manufacturing, industry and R&D Coronavirus. labs to offer high-end analytical February 2020 testing. • This will help to avoid duplication, ✓ India’s first of its kind fruit train was launched reduce the dependency on foreign by Andhra Pradesh. sources & also foster a strong culture • Note: The fruit train was launched of collaboration between institutions. from Tadipatri Railway Station in ✓ India’s biggest rural technical festival Anantapur district & from Kadapa ‘Antahpragnya 2020’ was held in Telangana. district of Andhra Pradesh. • The festival was held for 3 days from ✓ The first meeting of the Indian National 31st January to February 1,2020. The Commission for Cooperation with theme for the year 2020 was “Spot UNESCO (INCCU) in New Delhi. and encourage rural tech ✓ Indian Navy has carried out 5-day coastal innovators”. security exercise called, ‘Matla Abhiyaan’ in ✓ The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Kolkata, West Bengal. Enterprises (MSME) implemented a new • Indian Navy has carried out 5-day scheme named “Scheme of Fund for coastal security exercise called, ‘Matla Regeneration of Traditional Industries” Abhiyaan’ at Sunderban region in (SFURTI). 46

www.gradeup.co • Note: Under this scheme, financial the planet and we welcome them support will be given to set up Home”. traditional industries clusters viz. ✓ The 11th edition of the Biennial Mega Khadi, Coir & Village industries Defence Exhibition “DefExpo 2020” held in clusters. Lucknow. ✓ According to the recent report published by • Note: The 11th edition of DefExpo- German cybersecurity firm Greenbone 2020, organized by Department of Sustainable Resilience Maharshtra state Defence Production, Ministry of topped hit by global medical data leak. Defence with a support of Government ✓ 15-member trust named ‘Sri Ram Janma of Uttar Pradesh (UP) was held in Bhoomi Tirtha Kshetra trust’ for the Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh (UP) for the construction of Ram Mandir led by Kesava first time from 5th to 9th Feb 2020. Iyengar Parasaran. • The main theme was “India: The ✓ 22nd edition of India International Seafood Emerging Defence Manufacturing Show (IISS), 2020 was held in Kochi, Kerala. Hub” with focus on “Digital • Note: The show was organized jointly Transformation of Defence”. This expo by the Marine Products Export is also termed as “Mahakumbh of Development Authority (MPEDA) defence manufacturing companies”. under Ministry of Commerce and The last two days of the expo was Industry & the Seafood Exporters opened for public. Association of India (SEAI). ✓ The “2nd BIMSTEC Disaster Management • The theme of this year’s show is “Blue Exercise-2020 (BIMSTEC DMEx-2020)” Revolution- Beyond Production to was held at Bhubaneswar/Puri, Odisha. Value Addition”. • Note: The themes of the exercise was ✓ The Union Cabinet has given its in-principle “A cultural heritage site that suffers approval for setting up a new Major Port at severe damage in the Earthquake” & Vadhavan. “Flooding or Storm”. ✓ The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs has • Organized by National Disaster launched Ease of Living Index (EoLI) 2019 to Response Force (NDRF), on behalf of assess quality of life of citizens in 100 Smart the Government of India, BIMSTEC Cities. DMEx-2020 was inaugurated by Chief ✓ Hyderabad Metro Rail Network becomes Minister Odisha, Shri Naveen Patnaik. India’s 2nd largest Metro Rail Network of ✓ The theme of the 20th ‘Hunar Haat’, an total operational distance of 69.2kms. initiative of the Minority Affairs Ministry is • It becomes India’s 2nd largest Metro “Kaushal Ko Kaam”. Rail Network of total operational • Note: The 20th ‘Hunar Haat’, an distance of 69.2kms, only next to Delhi initiative of the Minority Affairs Metro Rail Network having an Ministry, showcases handmade operational distance of 231kms. indigenous products of master artisans ✓ The 4th edition of East Asia Summit and craftsmen are made available to Conference on Maritime Security Cooperation the people, will be held from February 2020 was held in Chennai Tamil Nadu. 13-23, 2020 based on the theme of ✓ For the first time the Hornbill festival was “Kaushal Ko Kaam” at India Gate celebrated in Tripura. Lawns, Rajpath, New Delhi. ✓ 13th Conference of Parties (COP) of the ✓ The Government of India decided to rename Convention on the Conservation of Migratory the National Institute of Financial Species (CMS) of Wild Animals, was hosted Management (NIFM), Faridabad, after by India at Gandhinagar in Gujarat. Arun Jaitley. • The theme for the CMS COP 13 in ✓ The “CLIMISHCON” is a Four-day India is, “Migratory species connect International Conference on changes in 47

www.gradeup.co Hydrological cycle, Ocean ecosystem, ✓ To give passengers the experience of world Fisheries and Food security will be held in class facilities the Indian Railways has Kochi, Kerala. planned to prepare 5- Star Hotel on the tracks • The theme of the conference is in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. ‘Climate Change-Effective Adaptation ✓ Name the Vice-President of the Socialist for a Secure Future’. Republic of Vietnam who visited India -- ✓ India’s largest air quality monitoring network Mrs. Dang Thai Ngoc Thinh. will be established at Mumbai. ✓ ‘Arth Ganga’ project to channelize economic • Note: The Brihanmumbai Municipal activity along Ganga riverbank. Corporation (BMC) will develop an air ✓ South Central Railways (SCR) zone quality monitoring network across 90 becomes the first in India to have 13 energy- locations in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It neutral stations. will be the largest network in India. ✓ Union minister for Ministry of Micro, Small • The project will be completed within and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Nitin next 5 years, funded by BMC and Gadkari flagged off KVIC’s ‘Apiary on private organisations. Wheels’ in New Delhi. ✓ The National Water Conference was held at • Note: Apiary on Wheels is a unique Bhopal. concept for easy maintenance of • The conference is being held to finalize BeeBox and migration of live colonies, the guidelines of “Right to Water designed by KVIC. In accordance with Act” or “Water Rights Act” and also Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi’s discussed the water crisis in the state vision, KVIC’s honey mission was and also making the state a water-rich launched in 2017 and involves training state. of beekeepers, distribution of bee- ✓ The BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for keeping boxes and rural-educated. Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic • Apiary on Wheels is a holistic Cooperation) ‘Conference on Combating Drug approach to meet the challenges faced Trafficking’ was held in New Delhi. by beekeepers & also help reduce the • Note: The Union Minister for Home labor cost of maintenance of bee box Affairs, Shri Amit Shah inaugurated and living bee colonies across India. the two-day long BIMSTEC (Bay of ✓ To investigate the need for separate Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral arrangements for funding defense and internal Technical and Economic Cooperation) security the 15th Finance Commission has set ‘Conference on Combating Drug up a five-member group led by Nand Kishore Trafficking’, in New Delhi. Singh. • It was organized by Narcotics Control ✓ Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Bureau (NCB), Ministry of Home Nitin Gadkari inaugurated the first inter-city Affairs. electric bus service in Maharashtra. • This conference was held on the lines ✓ The National Organic Food festival was of the commitment made by Prime hosted by The Government of India (GOI) in Minister Narendra Modi during the 4th New Delhi. BIMSTEC summit in Nepal’s • The theme of the festival was Kathmandu in 2018. ‘Unleashing India’s Organic Market ✓ The Anti-hijack exercise was conducted at Potential’. Visakhapatnam Airport, Andhra Pradesh. ✓ 3-day long 17th edition of Bio Asia 2020 was ✓ The Ministry of External Affairs announced held in Hyderabad, Telangana. that two Institutions, the Pravasi Bharatiya • Note: It is Asia’s largest Kendra and the Foregin Service Institute have Biotechnology and Life Sciences been named after Sushma Swaraj. Forum with the theme of ‘Today for Tomorrow’. 48

www.gradeup.co ✓ Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin • It was the 17th edition of the flagship Rawat has targeted to establish the 1st international convention – BioAsia, integrated tri-service command called “Air whose CEO is Shakthi Nagappan. Defence Command (ADC)” by June 2020. ✓ The northeast frontier railway construction has • The ADC will unify the air defence constructed India’s tallest railway pier bridge and assets of the Army, Air Force and in Manipur. Navy and jointly provide air defence • Note: The northeast frontier railway cover to the nation. construction has constructed India’s ✓ The 4th National Conference on Review of tallest railway pier bridge. Implementation of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima • It is built across the Makru river in Yojana (PMFBY) held in Udaipur. the Tamenglong district, near Noney • The first three editions were held in of Manipur Lucknow, Bangalore, and Guwahati ✓ 8th edition of the “Ganga Kayak festival” respectively. was inaugurated in Devprayag, Uttarakhand. ✓ According to the GMR Group which airport • In male sprint category, India’s becomes the the 1st airport in India to be Ayodhya Prasad stood first followed completely free of single-use plastic usage by Nepal’s Man Bahadur Kandel, Indira Gandhi International Airport Rishi Rana of India coming 3rd place. (IGIA). • In the women’s category, Elizabeth • It is in line with India’s target to Health of Australia came in first abolish all single-use plastic from India followed by Ekaterina of Russia and by 2022. Anna of Russia in the 3rd position. ✓ Uttar Pradesh state becomes the first in India ✓ India and Myanmar signed an MoU for to enforce Performance regulation act 2019 for regular passenger bus service between Imphal Power department. and Mandalay. • Note: In order to provide timely and • Bus service from Mandalay will end at hassle-free service to electricity the border of Tamu from there Indian consumers, the Uttar Pradesh (UP) bus operators will take passengers to state Government has implemented the Moreh town in Manipur. Performance Regulation Act 2019 for ✓ Council of Scientific and Industrial the power department. Research ranked first in the Nature Ranking ✓ The Central Government has renamed Institute Index 2020 (CSIR). for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) • Numbers in research output are after Manohar Parrikar. designated by total citations in ✓ India to switch to World’s Cleanest petrol and numbers and shares which indicates diesel from April 1,2020. the sharing percentage per article. • Note: India to switch to World’s ✓ Union Minister of State for shipping Mansukh cleanest petrol and diesel from April Mandaviya, inaugurated the India’s first 1,2020, when it proceeds to Bharat floating jetty in Goa. Stage (BS-VI) from BS-IV grades at ✓ The National Organic Food Festival for present. women entrepreneurs was inaugurated at New • India will join the select league of Delhi. nations using petrol & diesel which • It is jointly organized by both the contains 10ppm (parts per millions) of ministries with Confederation of Sulphur which cuts down vehicular Indian Industry (CII) as the industry discharge that is stated to be one of the partner. reasons for pollution. • The theme of the festival is ✓ BioAsia 2020 was held at the life science ‘Unleashing India’s Organic Market capital of India i.e. in Hyderabad. Potential’.

49

www.gradeup.co ✓ Indian Railway Stations Development ✓ NITI Aayog has released SDG India Index Corporation (IRSDC) has installed a India’s and Dashboard 2019. 1st squat machine at Anand Vihar Railway • The Index comprehensively documents Station in Delhi. the progress made by India’s States • Note: It was installed to promote the and Union Territories towards Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi- achieving the 2030 SDG targets. led “Fit India” initiative. • Kerala achieved the first rank in the ✓ The first-ever 2 days long Bharat-Bangla composite SDG Index with a score of Paryatan Utsav 2020 was held in Agartala, 70, followed by Himachal Pradesh at Tripura. 69. ✓ The International Judicial Conference – • Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil “Judiciary and The Changing World” was Nadu ranked at the third position with held in New Delhi. the score of 67. While Bihar is at the • Note: The theme of the conference was bottom of Niti Aayog’s Sustainable “Gender Just World”. Development Goals (SDG) India • The aim of the conference was to Index. facilitate cross fertilisation of ideas ✓ India's second spaceport for launching small between judges of India and those from satellites will be established in Tamil Nadu's abroad. Thoothukudi district. • The Conference discussed the changes • Note: The country's first spaceport is being introduced by the Government of at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh, India to bring Gender Equality in about 90 km northeast of Chennai. recruiting women. • Thoothukudi is about 600 km ✓ Shyama Prasad Mukherji National Rurban southeast of Chennai. The new Mission (SPMRM) has completed four location is ideal for launching smaller years. satellites of less than 500 kg in the sun- • Under this, rural clusters are identified synchronous orbit. in rural areas across India, where ✓ The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) will increasing signs of urbanization such conduct the Asiatic Lion Census in May as increasing urban density, high levels 2020. of non-agricultural employment, ✓ Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated increasing economic activity and other 107th edition of Indian Science Congress in socio-economic scale are being Bengaluru. received. • Note: The theme of ISC 2020 is ✓ World’s largest ‘Export Cold Zone’ to Store “Science and Technology: Rural Agro, Pharma Products has been unveiled in Development”. The event brings Mumbai International Airport Limited together science fraternity across the (MIAL). world to discuss scientific innovation ✓ 13th Conference of the Parties (COP) to the and research. Convention on the Conservation of Migratory ✓ Labour Ministry to launch a portal for the Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP13) was speedy resolution of grievances -- Santusht. held in Gandhi Nagar, Gujarat. • Note: The labour ministry has • Note: The theme of the conference was announced to launch a new portal “Migratory species connect the planet 'Santusht' for the speedy redressal of and together we welcome them home”. workers as well as employer • It was inspired by “Kolam”, a grievances and ensuring effective traditional art form from southern implementation of labour laws at the India. grassroots level. January 2020 ✓ City will host the 14th Global Healthcare Summit 2021 -- Visakhapatnam. 50

www.gradeup.co • The focus of the Global Health • Note: The fifth edition of the Asia Summit is an Indian-centric approach, Pacific Drosophila Research with special events such as global Conference (APDRC5) was held in impact and India’s contribution in Pune. providing cost-effective medicines and • The conference was organized in the addressing the shortage of healthcare country for the first time by the Indian professionals. Institute of Science Education and ✓ HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal has Research (IISER). inaugurated the 28th edition of annual New ✓ India extends USD 75 mn line of credit for Delhi World Book Fair at Pragati Maidan in solar parks in Cuba. New Delhi. ✓ Khadi and Village Industries Commission • Note: As part of Mahatma Gandhiji's (KVIC) has inaugurated the first silk 150 birth anniversary celebrations, the processing plant at Surendranagar in theme of this year is Gandhi:The Gujarat. Writers' Writer. Eminent Gandhian • Note: This would help cut down the scholar Girishwar Mishra is the chief cost of production of silk yarn guest on the occasion. drastically and increase the sale and ✓ Indian Railways launches integrated helpline availability of raw material for number for passengers -- 139. Gujarati 'Patola' sarees locally. • Note: The Indian Railways has ✓ Indian Navy has launched an expedition, to integrated its helpline numbers into a promote the maritime heritage of India in the single number 139 for quick grievance Naval Dockyard – Mumbai, Maharashtra. redressal and enquiries by passengers ✓ Union Home Minister Amit Shah has during their train journeys. released a book on the life of Prime Minister ✓ Twenty-two tableau proposals (16-states Narendra Modi -- Karmayoddha Granth. and 6- Central Ministries) have been short- ✓ Global Investors Meet ‘ASCEND 2020’ will listed for participation in this year's Republic be held in -- Kochi, Kerala. Day parade. ✓ The 31st International Kite Festival was • The tableaux proposals received are inaugurated at Sabarmati Riverfront, evaluated in a series of meetings of the Ahmedabad. Expert Committee comprising of • Note: As a part of the official eminent persons in the field of art, celebration of 'Uttarayan' or 'Makar culture, painting, sculpture, music, and Sankranti', Ahmedabad has been architecture. hosting the International Kite Festival • Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro to since 1989. The festival will continue be the chief guest at India's Republic till January 13 at Sabarmati Riverfront. Day celebrations in 2020. ✓ ‘Census India-2021’ will begin on 1st of ✓ Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated April 2020. the National Traders Convention in New • Note: It will be conducted through a Delhi. mobile phone application, moving ✓ Third international symposium on marine away from the traditional pen and ecosystems – challenges and opportunities paper. (MECOS-3) is to be held in Kochi ✓ Amit Shah has inaugurated the Indian Cyber • Note: Eminent marine scientists, Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and oceanographers, fisheries researchers, dedicated National Cyber Crime Reporting and marine biotechnologists from Portal – ‘www.cybercrime.gov.in’. across the globe are expected to • Note: National Cyber Crime Reporting participate in it. Portal is a citizen-centric initiative that ✓ 5th Global Drosophila Conference held at will enable citizens to report cyber- Pune. crimes online through the portal. 51

www.gradeup.co ✓ Power Minister R K Singh has released the • World Future Energy Summit is the State Energy Efficiency Index 2019. Middle East’s largest future energy • Note: They track the progress of and sustainability event. Energy Efficiency Initiatives in 36 ✓ The Statue of Unity has been included in 8 States and Union Territories. wonders of the Shanghai Cooperation • The index this year incorporates Organization (SCO). qualitative, quantitative and outcome- • Note: The Statue of Unity is the statue based indicators to assess energy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first efficiency initiatives, programs and Home Minister of independent outcomes in five distinct sectors. India. • The index is developed by Bureau of • The 182-meter tall statue is the Energy Efficiency in association with world’s tallest statue that was Alliance for an Energy-Efficient inaugurated by PM Modi on the 143rd Economy. birth anniversary of Sardar ✓ The fifth edition of the Pulses Conclave will Vallabhbhai Patel in October 2018. be held in Lonavala, Maharashtra from -- 12- • The statue was inaugurated on the 14 February 2020. 143rd birth anniversary of Sardar ✓ Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Vallabhbhai Patel in 2018. Thackeray inaugurated 'Advantage ✓ The Henley Passport Index 2020 was Maharashtra Expo 2020' in Aurangabad. released by Henley & Partners. ✓ India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier • Note: The report is being published “Vikrant” likely to be commissioned by every year based on the data obtained 2021. from the International Air Transport ✓ Union Steel Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Association (IATA). has launched a mission to accelerated • According to the index, Indian development of eastern India through passport ranked at the 84th spot among integrated steel hub -- Mission Purvodaya. the world’s most powerful passports • Note: Under the mission, the list, which is a drop by 2 places as it government will enhance capacity ranked 82nd in 2019. through easing the setup of greenfield ✓ Vishakhapatnam will host the International steel plants, develop steel clusters near naval exercise ‘MILAN’ in March 2020. integrated steel plants as well as • India has invited 41 navies of different demand centers. countries of which 30 navies have ✓ Narendra Modi has announced to rename the confirmed their participation in Kolkata Port Trust after -- Shyama Prasad MILAN 2020. Mukherjee. ✓ The 27th edition of South Asian Trade and ✓ ‘Wings India 2020’ to be held at Begumpet Travel Exchange Expo (SATTE) 2020 was Airport Hyderabad in March 2020 held at India Expo Mart Greater Noida – • Note: Biennial International Delhi NCR. Exhibition and Conference on Civil ✓ 12th National Tribal Youth Exchange Aviation Sector, ‘Wings India 2020’ Programme was held in Puducherry. will be held at Begumpet Airport in ✓ Union Minister for Heavy Industries Prakash Hyderabad, Telangana from March 12- Javadekar was inaugurating ELECRAMA 15, 2020. The theme of the exhibition 2020 in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. is “Flying for all”. • Note: Union Minister for Heavy ✓ The World Future Energy Summit 2020 Industries Prakash Javadekar was held in Abu Dhabi. inaugurating ELECRAMA 2020 in • The theme for this year's summit is Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. "Rethinking Global Consumption, Production, and Investment." 52

www.gradeup.co • ELECRAMA is the flagship showcase ✓ The committee set up by Supreme Court to of the Indian electrical industry and a firm up draft legislation to give legal sanctity platform to connect the world with the to disputes settled through mediation is headed Indian industry in respect of by Niranjan Bhat. technology, new trends and innovation ✓ Seismic Hazard Microzonation project in for the future energy transition. major cities of India was launched by The ✓ Union Culture and Tourism Minister Ministry of Earth Science (MoES). Prahlad Singh Patel launched an exhibition • Note: The Ministry of Earth Science titled “Indian Heritage in Digital Space” in (MoES) has launched Seismic Hazard New Delhi. Microzonation project in major cities ✓ The 7th Conference of Commonwealth of India. Parliamentary Association (CPA) India • The project aims to reduce the hazards Region was held in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. of Seismic activities by taking proper • Note: The 7th Conference of measures in major Indian cities and Commonwealth Parliamentary areas falling under high-seismic Zones Association (CPA) India Region will IV and V. start in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Lok ✓ Union Minister of Law and Justice Sabha Speaker Om Birla will (MoL&J) Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad inaugurate the Conference. inaugurated the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in • The main theme of the conference is Blockchain Technology in Bengaluru, the ROLE OF LEGISLATORS. In the Karnataka. Conference, delegates will discuss the • Note: The Union Minister of Law and Capacity Building of Legislators for Justice (MoL&J) Shri Ravi Shankar Scrutinizing Budgetary Proposals and Prasad inaugurated the Centre of Enhancing Focus of Legislators on Excellence (CoE) in Blockchain Legislative Business. Technology set up by the National ✓ The 2nd edition of NIC Tech Conclave- Informatics Centre (NIC) in 2020 held. The Union Minister for Electronics Bengaluru, Karnataka. and Information Technology Ravi Shankar • The CoE has been set up with the aim Prasad will inaugurate this conclave in New of providing blockchain as a service Delhi. and help all stakeholders to benefit • This year conclave theme is from shared learning, experiences and “Technologies for Next-Gen resources. Governance”. ✓ NITI Aayog signed MoU for Development of ✓ A Conference of the Chief Secretaries and Infrastructure Projects in Ladakh. Administrator State and Union Territories ✓ South Central Zone of the Indian Railways has on Census 2021 was held in New Delhi. signed an MoU to provide doorstep banking ✓ PM Narendra Modi and Nepalese PM Khadga with State Bank of India. Prasad Sharma Oli jointly inaugurated the 2nd ✓ 1st Session of India-Norway Dialogue on Integrated Check Post at Jogbani (Bihar, Trade & Investment held in New Delhi. India) – Biratnagar (Nepal) ✓ World’s largest meditation centre was ✓ ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ scheme inaugurated in Hyderabad, Telangana. will be implemented across the country by • Note: World’s largest meditation June 1, 2020. centre was inaugurated at Kanha • Note: ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ Shanti Vanam in Hyderabad, scheme will be implemented by June 1, Telangana. 2020 across the country. • This centre is built to mark the 75th ✓ Panel to create tougher law against sexual anniversary of the formation of Shri harassment at work will be headed by Amit Ram Chandra Mission (SRCM) and Shah. Heartfulness Institute. 53

www.gradeup.co ✓ Indian Railways has commissioned India’s context in India’s neighbourhood 1st governmental waste-to-energy plant in etc.The theme of the conference was Bhubaneswar. India’s “Neighbourhood First” ✓ A festival to celebrate the spirit of India Policy: Regional Perceptions. “Bharat Parv 2020” was celebrated in Red ✓ The Indian Railways has decided to provide Fort, New Delhi. ‘Content on Demand Service on trains and • The objective of Bharat Parv is to railway stations from 2022. encourage people to visit different ✓ The final report submitted by the Committee tourist places of the country and to on Indian Academy of Highway Engineers inculcate the spirit of ‘Dekho Apna (IAHE) headed by Yudhvir Singh Malik. Desh’. ✓ The Assam Rifles (military unit) has ✓ India’s first Mahatma Gandhi convention constructed a war memorial “Veer centre opens in Niger. Samriti” in Nagaland. ✓ Telangana will emerge as Number 1 state in ✓ 1st ever Innovation festival was organized at the ‘Decent work and economic growth’ Arunachal Pradesh. category Sustainable Development Goals • The two days festival aims to (SDG) India index in 2019. encourage the cultural innovation ✓ Swachh Survekshan League 2020: among the people and students of • Among 10 Lakh plus population Arunachal Pradesh. category, Indore secured first place in ✓ India’s 1st Super Fab Lab facility was both the quarters. Madhya Pradesh inaugurated in Kerala. Capital Bhopal got the second and ✓ The 1st edition of Ganga-Volga Dialogue of Surat in Gujarat third spot in first Civilizations 2020 was held in New Delhi. Quarter. • Note: The 1st edition of Ganga-Volga • Rajkot in Gujarat was at the 2nd spot Dialogue of Civilizations 2020 based while Navi Mumbai at third. In one on the theme “Connectivity”, between Lakh to 10 Lakh population category, India & Russia was held in New Delhi. Jamshedpur in Jharkhand got the 1st ✓ France will be the guest of honour at New spot in both quarters. Delhi World Book Fair for the year 2022. • New Delhi Municipal Council and ✓ The Department of Biotechnology has Khargone in Madhya Pradesh got the organized a 2-day long International second and third spots in the first Summit on Women in STEM–“Visualizing quarter in this category. Chandrapur in the Future: New Skylines” in New Delhi. Maharashtra and Khargone got the • The aim of the summit is to increase second and third spots in Quarter 2 in the participation of women in STEM one to ten lakh population categories. (science, technology, engineering and ✓ The Central Government has aimed to math) field for development of achieve objective of Housing for all by 2022. scientific career. • Note: The Central Government has ✓ India’s first e-waste clinic was opened in aimed to achieve objective of Housing Bhopal. for all by 2022 (which coincides with ✓ Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) 75 years of Indian independence) has decided to observe 2020 as the “Year of under Pradhan Mantri Awas Mobility” for the welfare of the troops. Yojana-Grameen (PMAY-G) ✓ India's flagship global conference on scheme. geopolitics and geo-economics Raisina ✓ 12th edition of the South Asia Conference Dialogue held in New Delhi. held in New Delhi. • Raisina Dialogue (fifth edition) • The conference deals with issues jointly organized by the Ministry of related to economic cooperation for External Affairs and the Observer development, changing political Research Foundation. 54

www.gradeup.co

Important News-World

August 2020

• Great Britain is considering minting a coin to gender digital divide, expand business remember Mahatma Gandhi. opportunities and empower women. • Former king of Spain Juan Carlos decided to • India announced a $500 million package to leave his country to protect the monarchy after fund a project in Maldives. a barrage of corruption allegations surfaced Note: An air connectivity “bubble” for against him. travel, a direct ferry service, a submarine cable • Barakah Nuclear Plant of UAE has achieved for telecom connectivity; and assistance for first criticality and successfully started up is the Greater Male Connectivity project located in which country. (GMCP) to connect Male to three neighboring • Russia becomes the first country to officially islands. India has sought to regain diplomatic register a coronavirus vaccine and declare it influence in the islands after a new ready for use. administration led by President Ibrahim Solih Note: The Russian vaccine will be called took power following the defeat of the pro- "Sputnik V" in homage to the world's first China strongman Abdulla Yameen in elections satellite launched by the Soviet Union. The in 2018. vaccine developed by the Gamaleya Institute • The Dragon Endeavour is the spacecraft of in Moscow uses a different virus -- adenovirus space company SpaceX. -- that's been modified to carry genes for the Note: NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and "spike" protein that coats the coronavirus, as a Douglas Hurley are aboard the SpaceX Crew way to prime the body to recognise when a Dragon Endeavour spacecraft as it is lifted real COVID-19 infection comes along. onto the SpaceX GO Navigator recovery ship • Indian origin senator Kamala Harris named shortly after landing in the Gulf of Mexico off as US Vice Presidential candidate for the coast of Pensacola, Florida, Sunday, Aug. Democratic party. 2, 2020. Note: In the United States, Democratic • Israel has successfully tested its advanced Presidential nominee Joe Biden has named missile defence system, “Arrow-2” ballistic Indian-origin senator Kamala Harris as his missile interceptor. Vice-Presidential running mate. Joe Biden Note: The Missile test was conducted in the made history by selecting the first black test site in Central Israel over the woman to compete on a major party's Mediterranean Sea. The Missile Defense presidential ticket. Kamala Harris is currently Agency (MDA) of the United States of the US Senator from California. Former US America along with Israeli Air Force and President Barack Obama has often described Israel Aerospace Industries conducted the her as a trailblazer. testing. • Reliance Foundation has launched the “W- • Intergovernmental organization European GDP Women Connect Challenge” across India Unionhas launched project ’Nirmanshree’ for in association with US Agency for enhancing the women skill towards housing International Development (USAID). construction sector. Note: The “W-GDP Women Connect Note: This is the first-of-its-kind sustainable Challenge” has been launched to bridge the housing on a large scale in India with 1- gender divide as well as the digital divide in million-euro. The project will be implemented India. The Women’s Global Development and in Beed and Osmanabad districts of Prosperity (W-GDP) challenge supports Maharashtra and the Dhenkanal and Jajpur private sector-led approaches that close the districts of Odisha. 55

www.gradeup.co • United Kingdom has launched £3 million Note: Under the initiative, Google will roll out “Innovation Challenge Fund” in India to over 50 new features across products like support scientists in academic arena and Google Meet, Classroom, G Suite and other industry to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and products. Google will launch custom and climate change. blurred backgrounds in Google Meet to Note: The fund invites tech innovators with provide ‘extra privacy’ to the users. connections to the AI-Data cluster in • China has launched its New Optical Remote- Karnataka and the future mobility cluster in Sensing Satellite “Gaofen-9 05” along with 2 Maharashtra to submit research and Smaller Payloads. development proposals for tackling COVID- Note: The satellite, Gaofen-9 05, was sent into 19 or which promote a greener planet. orbit by a Long March-2D carrier rocket.A • Recently, India has signed a cultural multifunctional test satellite and another agreement with Israel that outlines a three- satellite named Tiantuo-5 was also launched year programme of cooperation to further via the rocket. strengthen their strategic bilateral relations. • Indian Institute of Technology’s (IIT) Alumni Note: India and Israel signed a cultural Council has signed an agreement with Russia agreement that outlines a three-year to build the world’s largest and fastest hybrid programme of cooperation to further quantum computer in India. strengthen their strategic bilateral relations Note: The most promising areas for Indo- today. It aims to promote greater people-to- Russian joint projects are Information and people exchanges. Communications Technology, space • UAE became the first Gulf Arab country to exploration, climate change, quantum have active diplomatic ties to Israel. technology and data security. Note: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of • Global telecom company Ericsson has Israel, and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed, partnered with United Nations Children’s Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Fund (UNICEF) to help map school internet Supreme Commander of the United Arab connectivity in 35 countries by the end of Emirates, have agreed for the Israel–United 2023. Arab Emirates peace agreement, or Note: This joint initiative is a part of the Giga the Abraham Accord to establish full initiative launched by UNICEF and diplomatic ties. It is expected that the peace International Telecommunication Union accord will be signed in the White House, US (ITU), in September 2019 to provide internet in early September, 2020. connection to every school and their • The first meeting of the National Coordination surrounding communities. Committees for monitoring implementation of • Singapore will offer free coronavirus tests to mutually agreed projects between India and community groups such as taxi drivers, food Uzbekistan. delivery workers and hawkers as part of Note: Both nations reexamined the activities efforts to expand the COVID-19 testing of bilateral economic and trade cooperation regime. which are in operation or planned for the Note: Singapore will offer free coronavirus future. The Committee was set up under the tests to community groups such as taxi drivers, supervision of the Prime Minister of India food delivery workers and hawkers as part of Narendra Modi and President of Uzbekistan efforts to expand the COVID-19 testing ShavkatMirziyoyev. regime. • Tech giant Google has launched ‘The Anywhere School’ initiative in more than 250 countries around the world. July 2020

56

www.gradeup.co ✓ According to the US-based news agency Annual to Decadal Climate Update for 2020- Associated Press, China has been running a 24” released by the WMO - 1.5°C. number of in-human campaigns to slash the ✓ World Health Organization (WHO) has birth rates among the minority Muslim formulated an independent panel for pandemic population called ‘Demographic Genocide’. preparedness and response to evaluate the ✓ India and Japan have conducted Naval world’s response to the COVID-19 - Helen Exercise ‘PASSEX’ to promote mutual Elizabeth Clark & Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. understanding and for tactical and Note: The Panel will be co-chaired by former communications training. Prime Minister of New Zealand Helen Note: This was the 15th exercise undertaken Elizabeth Clark and former President of by the navies of these two nations in the last Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. three years. The overall content of this ✓ The ADB has entered into a 5-year agreement PASSEX was goodwill training and to with Qatar-based Education Above All promote understanding. Foundation to work jointly for project worth ✓ New Zealand has cancelled the 2021 Asia- of $100 million. Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) due to Note: It will put at least 3.2 lakh out-of- the COVID-19 pandemic and is opting to lead school children, including refugees and a virtual summit. internally displaced children into quality ✓ Uganda became the first African country to primary education. Initially,10 nations have submit the results for Reducing Emissions been selected for projects namely- from Deforestation and forest Degradation Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, (REDD+) to the United Nations Framework Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Papua New Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Guinea, Philippines, and Sri Lanka. ✓ Israel has successfully launched a new spy ✓ Recently UAE has expressed interest to have satellite “Ofek 16” . an Open Sky Agreement with India. Note: Ofek 16 is a small electro-optical Note: Open Sky Agreements are bilateral imaging satellite, which will capture high- agreements that the two countries negotiate to resolution images of the Earth for Israel’s provide rights for airlines to offer international Ministry of Defence. passenger and cargo services. It expands ✓ Fourth edition of “Ministerial on Climate international passenger and cargo flights. Action (MoCA)” was held virtually for the ✓ Kuwait has approved an Expat Quota Bill. first time in view of the ongoing COVID-19 Note: According to the bill, Indians should not pandemic. exceed 15% of the population and if it is ✓ Sri Lanka and Maldives became the first two enacted into law, over 8 lakh Indians could be countries from the South East Asia Region of forced out of Kuwait. WHO to have successfully eliminated both ✓ World's first gold-plated hotel was unveiled in the Measles and Rubella Virus. Vietnam. ✓ Germany become the first industrialized ✓ Russian Gamalei Institute of Epidemiology country to phase out of both coal and nuclear and Microbiology’s COVID-19 vaccine energy. becomes the first in the world to successfully ✓ India’s rank among 10 Asia-Pacific countries completed the Human Clinical Trials. in the “Cancer preparedness in Asia-Pacific: ✓ According to the data released by the United Progress towards universal cancer control” Kingdom, India has become the second prepared by the Economist Intelligence Unit largest Foreign Direct Investor in the United (EIU)-- eighth. Kingdom (UK) after the United States in ✓ Nepal has imposed a ban on all private Indian 2019. news channel. ✓ Iran has dropped India from Chabahar rail ✓ The rise in mean average global temperature project, citing funding delay. in next 5 years as per the report “Global Note: Four years after India and Iran signed an agreement to construct a rail line from 57

www.gradeup.co Chabahar port to Zahedan, along the border Framework Agreement, an initiative led by with Afghanistan, the Iranian government has India to promote sustainable energy. decided to proceed with the construction on its ✓ World Trade Organization (WTO) General own, citing delays from the Indian side in Council has granted the “Observer” status to funding and starting the project. Asian country Turkmenistan. ✓ China has successfully launched “APSTAR- ✓ China has successfully launched “Tianwen-1” 6D” telecommunication satellite via a Long its first independent mission to Mars. March 3B carrier rocket. Note: China had launched an orbiter destined ✓ Elyes Fakhfakh resigned from the post of for Mars on a Russian rocket in 2011, but the prime minister of Tunisia. mission failed because the rocket ✓ UNICEF has partnered with SAP India to malfunctioned. Tianwen-1, whose name improve the employability skills of young means “Questions to Heaven,” is a combined people in a COVID-19 as well as post orbiter, lander and rover that aims to explore COVID-19 era. the Martian environment and search for hints ✓ Pakistan and China signed an agreement for of life. the 700 MW Azad Pattan hydel power project ✓ India handed over 10 Railway Locomotives to being built on Jhelum river of Pakistan Bangladesh to bolster its Neighborhood First Occupied Kashmir (PoK). Policy. ✓ Jordan apex court dissolved the country’s ✓ The World Wildlife Crime Report 2020 is branch of the Muslim Brotherhood, a published by United Nations Office on transnational Islamist movement. Drugs and Crime organization that says that ✓ The first Arab space mission dubbed as India and Thailand are the main source of ‘HOPE Probe’ was launched by United Arab (82%) of illegal shipment of tiger body parts. Amirate (UAE) from Japan. ✓ Kali temple (300 years-old) is being ✓ India and Maldives signed an agreement to reconstructed in Bangladesh with the support establish “Emergency Medical Services” in of India. Male. ✓ Delhi government has launched a free website Note: The Emergency Medical Service is ‘Rozgaar Bazaar 2020’, that will connect the financed by India under grant assistance of 20 job seekers and the recruiters on one platform. million USD for neighbouring countries. This Note: The portal connects the job seekers and will help to increase the collaboration between the recruiters on one platform. The aim of the the countries, especially in the areas of health portal is to boost the economy and care facilities, disaster responses during employment in Delhi. In this website, the critical times, etc. employers and companies can post their jobs ✓ Saudi Arabia hosted the G20 Digital and vacancies. Ministers’ Meet 2020. ✓ Under the aegis of International Solar Alliance ✓ 75th session of United Nations General (ISA) NTPC Ltd planned to establish solar Assembly is to be conducted virtually in 2020 power plants in Sri Lanka. for the first time in its history. ✓ The polycarbonate facility of SABIC in Spain ✓ Nicaragua has become the 87th country to is set to become the world's first large scale join the International Solar Alliance chemical production plant which will run entirely on renewable energy. June 2020

✓ SpaceX become the first private rocket night after a historic launch from company to send astronauts to space. the Kennedy Space Center in • Note: SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft Florida. with two NASA astronauts ✓ The United Nations Security Council successfully docked with the (UNSC) has extended the individual International Space Station last

58

www.gradeup.co sanctions, travel ban and an arms embargo • Only three educational institutes on South Sudan country till May 2021. from India IIT Bombay (172), IISc • Note: An arms embargo is a Bengaluru (185), and IIT Delhi restriction or a set of sanctions that (193) featured in the top 200 list. applies solely to weaponry. ✓ New Zealand has declared that the nation ✓ In association with Costa Rica country the has become free from “Coronavirus”. World Health Organization has launched ✓ Bangladesh has launched an initiative COVID-19 Technology Access Pool (C- named ‘Shohojodha’, an online network to TAP). facilitate plasma exchange between • Note: More than 30 countries have recovered patients of COVID-19. signed up to support this initiative. ✓ United Kingdom has announced ‘Jet C-TAP was first proposed by Costa Zero’ plan to drive down aviation Rican President Carlos Alvarado in emissions and to make carbon-free March 2020. transatlantic flights possible. ✓ India’s rank in the “Countries Global ✓ Western Railway has created a new world Ranking of Startup Ecosystem 2020” benchmark by successfully running first report prepared by Zurich based global Double-Stack Container Train in high-rise innovation mapping and research company in Over Head Equipment electrified StartupBlink -- 23rd. territory on. ✓ South African National Space Agency • Note: This achievement is a first of (SANSA) has partnered with NASA to its kind in the entire world and will host a deep-space ground station, which also boost the ambitious mission will support human spaceflight missions to of Green India. the Moon, Mars and beyond. • The Operations successfully ✓ United Kingdom has hosted Virtual commenced on 10th Global Vaccine Summit 2020. June from Palanpur and Botad stati ✓ Australia signed Mutual Logistics ons in Gujarat. Support Agreement (MLSA) with India to ✓ India has been elected as a non-permanent increase military inter-operability through member of the UN Security Council for a defence exercises between the two two-year term from the Asia-Pacific countries. category for the 2021-22 term. ✓ The theme of the 51st WEF annual summit • Note: Along with India, Ireland, to be held in January 2021 --- The Great Mexico and Norway also won the Reset. Security Council elections held last ✓ An Unmanned submersible of China to night. dived deep down to 10,907 metres to the ✓ India will send 75-member Tri-Service world’s deepest point Mariana Trench, contingent to participate in the military ✓ Kathy Sullivan has become the first parade to Russia on the occasion of the woman and the fifth person in history to 75th anniversary of the victory in the descend to the deepest known spot in the Second World War. world’s oceans called the 'Challenger • Note: The parade will honour the Deep' in the Mariana Trench. heroism and sacrifices made by the • Challenger Deep is the deepest Russian and other friendly people. point in the Earth’s seabed. It is at • Defence Minister of Russia had a depth of 10,902 metres. invited an Indian contingent to take ✓ Massachusetts Institute of Technology part in the Victory Day Parade institute/university maintains its position scheduled to be held on 24th of this as the top institution in world in the QS month. World University Rankings 2021 released ✓ Accordance to the annual report on recently. displacement titled “Global Trends- 59

www.gradeup.co Forced Displacement in 2019″ released by ✓ African country Mali granted the Project the United Nations High Commissioner for Management Consultancy (PMC) contract Refugees (UNHCR) with approx 1.0 per for the development of a 500 MW solar cent of world population faced forced park to NTPC Limited. displacement. ✓ A Tripartite Power Purchase Agreement ✓ China has decided to join the multilateral was signed for the construction of the 1124 Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). MW Kohala Hydro Power Project between ✓ China has successfully launched the last Pakistan, China, and Azad Kashmir. The Satellite of its BeiDou Navigation Satellite Project is built on Jhelum river. System (BDS). ✓ India become the first country to control ✓ Mt. Merapi an active volcano erupted locusts through drones. twice in June, 2020 is in Indonesia. ✓ According to latest study by OECD’s ✓ As a commemorations of the 6th ‘Global Forum on transparency’ and International Yoga Day, world’s first Yoga exchange of information for tax purposes, University outside India was launched in which are top three countries as Exchange Los Angeles United State. of Information partners of Switzerland -- • Note: The university will be India, France and Germany. known by the name- Vivekananda ✓ The theme of the ‘36th ASEAN Summit Yoga University. The University held via video conference under was launched as a part of the chairmanship of Vietnamese Prime commemorations for the 6th Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc -- Cohesive International Yoga Day. and Responsive ASEAN. May 2020

✓ The geological survey ofUSA has released the • Tiangong is the space station first ever digital, unified, global, geological programme of China. map of the moon namely “Unified Geologic Map of the Moon”. • Note: The scientists from United ✓ The World Health Organization (WHO) and States Geological Survey (USGS) the United Nation (UN) postal agency Astrogeology Science Center, in released a commemorative postage stamp on collaboration with NASA the 40th anniversary of the eradication of (National Aeronautics and Space smallpox. Administration) and the Lunar ✓ As per the World Health Organization’s Planetary Institute have virtually Global Nutrition Report, 2020 India is one released the first ever digital, among the 88 countries that are to miss global unified, global, geological map of nutrition targets set for the year 2025. the moon namely “Unified ✓ World Health Organization (WHO) has Geologic Map of the Moon”. released the first “The State of the World’s ✓ Russia to launch its first Arktika-M satellite Nursing 2020” report amid COVID19 for monitoring the Arctic climate and pandemic in partnership with Nursing and environment at the end of the year. International Council of Nurses (ICN). ✓ Iran has decided to change its currency from ✓ Russia hosted the SCO Foreign Ministers Rial to Toman by slashing four zeros from Meeting via video conferencing on COVID- the rial. 19 which was attended by the External ✓ China country has successfully launched a Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. new rocket named “Long March 5B” into • India and Pakistan became the space which will pave the way of its Moon members of the SCO in 2017. landing plans. ✓ Slovenia becomes the first country in Europe to declare an end to its COVID-19 epidemic.

60

www.gradeup.co ✓ India hands over war game center named as Telescope (WFIRST)”, which is set to launch “INDIA” to Uganda. in 2025 in honour of Nancy Grace Roman. • Note: The state-of-the-art military ✓ India hold the chair of the World Health training facility was handover by Organization in May 2020 after Japan the Indian Association Uganda completes its tenure. (IAU), in association with the • Note: India is to hold the chair of Indian Military Advisory and the World Health Organization in Training Team to the UPDF. May 2020 after Japan completes its ✓ NASA has renamed its next-generation space tenure. India will continue to hold telescope “Wide-Field Infrared Survey the chair for the next three years. April 2020

✓ As per the UNCTAD report titled the ✓ In accordance with the Gartner 2019 World will witness recession except India Digital Workplace Survey,India and China. becomes the world’s most digitally ✓ The World Bank in its Economic Update dexterous (skilful) country in the world. for East Asia and Pacific (EAP) titled ✓ South Korea becomes the first country “East Asia and Pacific in the Time of to hold national election amidst COVID- COVID-19” stated that poverty is 19 pandemic. estimated to increase 11 Million. ✓ Annual Global Report on Food Crises ✓ United Nation’s COP 26 climate change titled “2020 Global Report on Food summit postponed till 2021. Crises-Joint Analysis for better • Note: The conference was planned decisions” by United Nation’s World to take place from 9-19 November Food Programme (WFP). 2020, in Glasgow, Scotland in the • The 10 countries faced worst food United Kingdom (UK). crisis in 2019 by number of people ✓ USD 2.9 million amounts has been in Crisis are Yemen, the announced by the aid agency USAID to Democratic Republic of the India to fight against Coronavirus. Congo, Afghanistan, Venezuela, ✓ China has become the world leader in Ethiopia, South Sudan, Sudan, international patent filings via WIPO’s Syria, Nigeria and Haiti. Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). ✓ Lebanon becomes the 1st Arab nation to • Note: China has filled a total of legalise cannabis (also known as 58,990 applications surpassing the marijuana) farming for medicinal & United States (US), which was at industrial use. top spot since the PCT began • As per the United Nations (UN), operations in 1978. Lebanon is the 3rd largest ✓ United States has stopped its funding supplier of cannabis resin in the towards World Health Organization world after Morocco and (WHO). Afghanistan. ✓ South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu ✓ Pakistan hosted the South Asian affected byHarold cyclone for which UN Association for Regional Cooperation releases $ 2.5 million. (SAARC) health ministers virtual ✓ Special ASEAN Summit and special conference. ASEAN plus 3 summits held via video • India was represented by Rajiv conferencing was chaired by Nguyen Garg, the Director General of Xuan Phuc, Prime Minister of Vietnam. Health Services March 2020

61

www.gradeup.co ✓ To restore peace in Afghanistan the United zoos, science and natural history States and Taliban militants have signed museums from around the world to historic peace agreement in Doha, Qatar. boost public awareness about the • Note: The agreement, signed by the nature crisis US special envoy for Afghanistan ✓ India joined the Indian Ocean Commission Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban as the fifth observer. leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar • Note: The other four observers in the in the presence of Michael Richard grouping are Malta, China, European Pompeo,United States Secretary of Union and OIF (International State, would end the 18 years-long Organization of La Francophonie). American war in Afghanistan. India’s • It is important for India to join as an Ambassador to Qatar, P. Kumaran observer at the Commission because, it attend the US-Taliban peace deal in will help India in expanding its plans Doha on behalf of India. in Western Indian Ocean. • This is the first time India has • The Western Indian Ocean officially joined any Taliban related strategically connects South Eastern case. Coast of Africa. ✓ Luxembourg has become the world’s 1st ✓ To contain COVID-19, the Corona Virus what nation to make all public transport free. amount will be provided by the Asian • It became the first country in the world Development Bank is to its members countries to do so. However, this free public 4 million USD. transport system does not include 1st - • Note: The fund is being allocated for class travel tickets on trains and certain buying emergency supplies, assessing night bus services. health systems, improve resilience and ✓ India’s rank in the ‘Freedom in the World respond to animal human disease 2020” report released by the Freedom outbreaks. House, a U.S (United States) -based • The main objective of fund allocation watchdog that conducts research and advocacy is to strengthen immediate response in on democracy -- 83rd. China, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, • Note: According to the ‘Freedom in Myanmar and Vietnam. the World 2020” report, released by ✓ According to the United Nations Global the Freedom House, a U.S (United Compact (UNGC) India study female labour- States) -based watchdog that conducts force participation has declined from 34% in research and advocacy on democracy, 2006 to 24.8% in 2020. India has ranked 83rd in the report • Note: In accordance with the United along with Timor-Leste and Senegal in Nations Global Compact (UNGC) ‘Free’ category. India study, India is the only country • While, Finland topped the list as the among the 153 surveyed countries free democratic country. where the economic gender gap is ✓ The European Commission has launched a larger than the political gap. new global coalition for biodiversity called • If women participation raised in the ‘United for Biodiversity’ in Monaco. labour force same as men, then it can • Note: On the occasion of the World boost India’s GDP (Gross Domestic Wildlife Day on March 3, 2020, the Product) by 27%. Globally, 38.7% of European Commission has launched a employed women are working in new global coalition for biodiversity agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, but called ‘United for Biodiversity’ in only 13.8% of landholders are women. Monaco. ✓ The 5th edition of Bay of Bengal Initiative for • The coalition consists of national Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic parks, aquariums, botanical gardens, 62

www.gradeup.co Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit 2020 to be population & measures social beliefs held in _Colombo, Sri Lanka. that obstruct gender equality in areas • Note: This was informed by like politics, work, and education. BIMSTEC Secretary General (SG) ✓ India’s rank in the Stockholm International Mohammad ShahiduIslam during his Peace Research Institute’s (SIPRI) annual meeting with Sri Lankan Prime report titled “Trends in international arms Minister (PM) Mahinda Rajapaksa. transfers, 2019” -- Second. • The summit will be preceded by the • Note: India is the world’s second 17th Ministerial Meeting and 21st largest arms importer during 2015-19 Senior Officials Meeting by the end of with its global share of 9.2% after 2020. Saudi Arabia, who has topped the ✓ India has joined Indian Ocean Commission ranking with global share of 12%. (IOC) as its 5th observer state. • On the other hand, India ranked 23rd in • Note: India has joined Indian Ocean terms of world’s largest arms exporters Commission (IOC) as its 5th observer with global share of 0.2% and its main state to strengthen its Indo-Pacific clients being Myanmar (46%), Sri vision and also to boost strategic Lanka (25%), and Mauritius (14%). partnership with France, and Vanilla United States (US) topped the list in Islands. this section with a share of 36%. • The decision has been taken during the ✓ In the 2nd edition of global Animal Protection meeting of the Commission’s council Index (API) 2020 released by the World of ministers in Seychell. Animal Protection India gained --- Grade C. ✓ India’s rank in the Inclusive Internet Index • Note: World Animal Protection 2020, released by the Economist Intelligence released the 2nd edition of global Unit (EIU) -- 46th. Animal Protection Index (API) 2020, • Note: Economist Intelligence Unit where India gained C grade with other (EIU) released the 4th iteration of the 8 countries which indicates India is one Inclusive Internet Index 2020 for 100 of the better-performing countries. countries where India is overall ranked Tragically no country gained A grade. in 46th place & Sweden in 1st place. ✓ World Economic Forum (WEF) has initiated • The index aims to measure the extent the creation of the COVID Action Platform to which the Internet is not only with the support of the World Health accessible & affordable, but also Organization (WHO), and Welcome Trust. relevant to all, allowing usage that • Note: The World Economic Forum enables positive social & economic (WEF) has initiated the creation of the outcomes at the individual & group COVID Action Platform with the level. support of the World Health ✓ Pakistan ranks first according to the 1st Organization (WHO), and Wellcome edition of ‘Gender Social Norms Index Trust. (GSNI) 2020’. • This first of its kind platform, • Note: According to the 1st edition of operating globally, is open to all ‘Gender Social Norms Index (GSNI) businesses and industry groups, as well 2020’, released by the UNDP (United as other stakeholders, for integrated Nations Development Programme), and collective business action to about 90 % or 9 in 10 of the world’s mitigate the risk and impact of population has some bias against COVID-19 (Coronavirus). The Forum women. has established a special team to • This index studied 75 countries support the platform’s work. covering over 80 % of the world’s ✓ 3rd edition of WION Global Summit 2020 held in Dubai, UAE. 63

www.gradeup.co • Note: WION (World Is One News), support, and freedom & corruption the India’s first International News income. Channel,has organized its 3rd edition • This year’s report mainly focuses on of Global summit 2020 based on the happiness in the environment theme “Navigating and negotiating especially in social, urban, rural & global imperatives” at The Oberoi, in natural areas and also links happiness Dubai. & sustainable development. • It saw the participation of global • Finland tops the report for the 3rd time. leaders to engage in dialogue on a ✓ India’s rank in the 26th annual edition of common global agenda to underscore Economic Freedom Index 2020 -- 120th. the critical challenges of climate • Note: The Heritage Foundation change, global governance, economic published its 26th annual edition of slowdown, and global crisis that Economic Freedom Index 2020 to threatens to become the new normal. measure the level of economic freedom ✓ First country to close its financial markets due in 186 countries. Singapore (89.4) tops to the COVID 19 (Coronavirus) outbreak -- the index for the 1st time. Philippines. • Hong Kong (89.1) for the 1st time • Note: It resumed its trading on March secured 2nd rank since the 1st 19, 2020. This measure was taken to publication in 1995 ensure the safety of their employees ✓ Singapore has rescheduled the 7th World and the people they interact with. Now Cities Summit (WCS) 2020 to 20 – 24 June the speculations are if other countries 2021. may take similar measures then there is • Note: The summit is organized by a fear of a global recession. Singapore’s Centre for Liveable Cities ✓ The 7th World Cities Summit (WCS) is to be and the Urban Redevelopment held from July 5 to 9, 2020 in Singapore. Authority. • Note: It is organized by Singapore’s • The theme of WCS is Liveable and Centre for Liveable Cities and the Sustainable Cities: Adapting to a Urban Redevelopment Authority. Disrupted World, it was earlier • The theme for WCS 2020 is “Liveable scheduled from July 5 to 9, 2020. and Sustainable Cities: Adapting to a ✓ Canada has become the first country in the Disrupted World”. The WCS 2020 is world to withdraw from Tokyo 2020 held in conjunction with the Singapore Olympics. International Water Week (SIWW) and • Note: The decision has been taken in the Clean Enviro Summit Singapore view of the coronavirus pandemic. (CESG). • The Canadian Olympic Committee • Singapore Government invited Uttar announced that holding the Tokyo Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi 2020 Olympics as per schedule would Adityanath to the WCS-2020. threaten the health of its athletes. ✓ USD 1 million dollars. has been donated by ✓ IMF hasorganization has launched a “Tracker the WhatsApp to Poynter Institute’s of Policies Governments are Taking in International Fast-Checking Network (IFCN) Response to COVID-19”. in order to avoid fake information about the • Note: The policy tracker outlines the disease. key economic responses taken by the ✓ India’s rank in the 8th World Happiness government of various countries in Report 2020 released by the United order to contain the COVID-19 Nations (UN) -- 144th. pandemic. The policy tracker has the • Note: The survey ranks the countries updated data till March 24, 2020 using Gallup World Poll, GDP levels, life expectancy, generosity, social 64

www.gradeup.co February 2020

✓ Maldives has once again become a member of ✓ The 43rd session of the annual Governing the Commonwealth family. Council meeting of the International Fund for • Note: The Maldives became the 54th Agricultural Development (IFAD) 2020 was family member of the Commonwealth held in Rome, Italy. family. • Note: The theme of this year is ✓ Bhutan ends free entry for Indian tourists. “Investing in sustainable food systems • Note: The Government of Bhutan, to end hunger by 2030”. Thimphu decided to implement a daily ✓ Astronaut Christina Koch returned to Earth fee of Rs.1200 ($17) for “regional after record stay in space. tourists” from India, the Maldives, • Note: National Aeronautics and Space Bangladesh from July 2020. Administration (NASA)’s astronaut • The fee is called SDF “Sustainable Christina Koch has returned to Earth Development Fees” in order to after her record stay in space. regulate a new tourism policy • With her 328 days stay in space, she ✓ In the 8th International Intellectual has surpassed Peggy Whitson’s record Property (IP) Index for 2020 India slips to for an American woman on a single 40th rank. spaceflight at 289 days. • Note: The US Chamber of ✓ The Mobile World Congress was cancelled Commerce’s Global Innovation Policy due to coronavirus fears which was scheduled Center has released the 8th edition of to be held in Barcelona. International Intellectual Property (IP) ✓ The 26th session of the Conference of the Index for 2020. Parties (COP 26) to the UNFCCC is scheduled • The index has been topped by the to be held in Glasgow UK. United States (US) followed by UK ✓ UAE becomes the 1st Arab Nation to issue (United Kingdom), Sweden, France license to operate a reactor at its Nuclear and Germany. power plant. ✓ 27-nation International Religious Freedom ✓ Hindi becomes the 3rd most spoken language Alliance is being launched by the United in the world after English & Mandarin. States. ✓ The Worldwide Education for The Future • Note: The Alliance will try to adopt a Index (WEFFI) 2019 ranked India in 35th collective approach in protecting and position. preserving religious freedom across the • The WEFFI report is created by The world. Economist Intelligence unit and ✓ According to the Global Massive Open commissioned by Yidan Prize Online Course (MOOC) Business School foundation. Rankings 2020, the rank of Indian Institute of • The index is topped by Finland, Management Bengaluru (IIMB) is third. followed by Sweden in second place ✓ Fifth Edition of Joint Military Exercise and New Zealand in third place. Ajeya Warrior -2020 is conducted between ✓ Air-launched cruise missile Ra’ad-II has been India and United Kingdom (UK). launched by Pakistan. ✓ The World Health Organization (WHO) has ✓ To combat Climate Change, Amazon CEO officially renamed Coronavirus as ‘COVID- Jeff Bezos has announced the launch of 19. “Bezos Earth Fund” worth $10 billion. • Note: “co” stands for “corona”, “vi” • Note:The Bezos Earth Fund will fund for “virus” and “d” for “disease”, while the scientists, activists, NGOs to save “19” was for the year, as the outbreak Earth to tackle the issue of climate was first originated in China’s Wuhan change. area in December 2019. 65

www.gradeup.co ✓ Ashraf Ghani has won the Presidential • The aim of the meet was to chart future elections of Afghanistan and will become the strategic directions for global road President of Afghanistan for the 2nd time. safety and to share successes and ✓ The Paris based Financial Action Task Force lessons from implementation of the (FATF) continue to keep Pakistan in Grey Global Plan for the Decade of Action List. for Road Safety 2011–2020. • Note: Islamabad (Pakistan) continues • It should be noted that United Nations to remain on grey list & If it does not (UN) has set a goal under the UN curb the financing of terrorism by June Decade of Action of reducing road 2020, it will be put on the blacklist. crashes by 2030. ✓ The 3rd Global Ministerial Conference on ✓ 9th Defence and Security Expert Working Road Safety was held in Stockholm, Sweden. Group meeting of SCO held in Islamabad, Pakistan. January 2020

✓ Piyush Jaiswal has been awarded the Global ✓ The 10th edition of World Future Energy Bihar Excellence Award 2019. Summit (WFES) 2020 was held at Abu • Note: The award was given for Dhabi, UAE. contribution towards social welfare, • The theme for the year 2020 was women empowerment and introducing “Rethinking Global Consumption, new talent in the field of arts and Production, and Investment”. culture. ✓ World Health Organisation (WHO) released ✓ Indian Army to sign MoU for AK-203 the Global challenges for 2020 and identified assault rifles with Russia. health challenges in this decade. ✓ Naval Exercise 'Naseem-Al-Bahr' will be ✓ As per the 9th edition of Tomtom Traffic conducted in Goa. Index 2019 which city is emerged as the worst • Note: 12th edition of the Indo-Oman traffic congested cities in the world -- bilateral naval exercise ''Naseem-Al- Bengaluru. Bahr' will be conducted in Goa. ✓ Britain has launched a £4 Mn (about Rs 37 ✓ 50th Annual Meeting of the World crore) ‘Innovation Challenge Fund’ in Economic Forum (WEF) was held in Davos, India. Switzerland. • The fund is focused on 2 main tech • This year 50th Annual Meeting of the platforms including artificial World Economic Forum theme will intelligence (AI) and big data in be “Stakeholders for a Cohesive and Karnataka and future mobility in Sustainable World”. Maharashtra. ✓ Microsoft company has announced that it ✓ The Pacific nation of Palau has become the would become “carbon negative” by year first country in the world to ban sunscreen that 2030. is harmful to corals and sea life. ✓ Robert Abela elected as 14th prime minister of Malta Important News: Economy

August 2020

66

www.gradeup.co ✓ SIDBI in association with TransUnion ✓ Country’s national bank Bahrain, National CIBIL Limited launched a comprehensive Bank of Bahrain (NBB)has decided to adopt financial education and one-stop knowledge the Finacle Cash Management Suite of Infosys platform for micro, small and medium Finacle to digitally transform its transaction enterprises “MSMESaksham” for MSMEs. banking business. Note: The portal is focused on two key pillars ✓ AI-powered multilingual voice bot AXAA has of financial knowledge and access to credit. been launched by Axis Bank to resolve The portal will have a consolidated list of all customer queries. the schemes launched by the Centre and state Note: The BOT has been launched in governments for MSMEs. It will be a collaboration with Bengaluru startup knowledge hub with informative articles, Vernacular.ai, an AI-based SaaS voice business insights to help entrepreneurs and automation platform. AXAA will optimise business owners start or grow businesses. voice AI solutions and help automate customer ✓ The National Digital Conference on “Easing interactions through intelligent human-like Doing Business for Atmanirbhar Bharat” dialogue. organised by Confederation of Indian ✓ Mozambique, Export-Import (EXIM) Bank Industry (CII). has to improve the power supply quality of the ✓ Payment system MobiKwik. has launched country. mpay.me, a UPI payment link service that ✓ International Financial Corporation (IFC) allows users to send and receive money from entities committed to invest Rs 75 crore in any UPI payment app. Endiya Partners Fund II. Note: Through mpay.me, users and merchants Note: In addition to this, IFC has also can set up a personalized link using their committed an additional USD 10 million for mobile number. The link can be created direct co-investments. The partnership will through the MobiKwik app or the MobiKwik provide financial and strategic support to website and can be shared anywhere with Endiya portfolio companies, resulting in anyone over chat, SMS, email etc. increased access to growth opportunities and ✓ Indian Power Company Reliance Power and sustainable scalability. Japanese energy major JERA have inked a ✓ National Payment Corporation of India pact with a group of banks for financing their (NPCI) has launched ‘nth Rewards’, a new gas-fired thermal power generation business intelligence and analytics enabled project in Bangladesh. omni-channel multi-branded loyalty platform. Note: Both partners will develop a new 745 Note: This platform enables users to earn ‘nth’ MW natural gas combined-cycle power (denoting infinite possibilities) points through project in Meghnaghat in Bangladesh.In various bank transactions and redeem them September, 2019 Reliance Power inducted instantly on various products, such as e- JERA as a partner for the 750 mw-gas based vouchers, donations, hotel and flight bookings. combined cycle power project in Bangladesh The platform aims to become a one stop shop as a part of its understanding with the country for the bank which will enable them to retain in 2015 to set up a total of 3,000 mw. and grow their customer base. ✓ As per the revised Securities Contracts ✓ Paytm has launched India’s 1st Pocket (Regulation) Rules, 1957, list entities will get Android POS (Point of Sale) Device for 3 years to meet criteria of minimum public contactless ordering and payments in India. shareholding of 25 per cent. Note: It is an effort to digitise and empower a Note: listed entities get one more year to large number of Small and Medium comply with the rules of MPS, benefitting Enterprises (SMEs). The company aims to more than three dozen PSUs (public sector issue over 2 lakh devices within the next few undertakings) who have been unable to meet months which will generate over 20 million this requirement amid COVID-19. transactions per month.

67

www.gradeup.co ✓ Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched Note: It has decided to maintain a contingency the platform “Honoring the Honest” for risk buffer of 5.5 percent at the minimum Transparent Taxation. threshold recommended by the Jalan Note: In a major reform the Central Board of committee to review RBI's capital Direct Taxes (CBDT) has carried out several framework.The central board approved the major tax reforms in direct taxes in recent dividend at its 584th meeting through video years. Last year, the Corporate Tax rates were conferencing to discuss the financial reduced from 30 per cent to 22 per cent and operations and the balance sheet for the for new manufacturing units, the rates were financial year 2019-20 . reduced to 15 per cent. Dividend distribution ✓ Multi Commodity Exchange of India tax was also abolished. (MCX)exchanges is going to launch India’s ✓ The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has first bullion index named “Bulldex”. announced to introduce a mechanism of Note: Bullions, viz. gold and silver are already ‘Positive Pay’ feature for all cheques of value being traded as individual commodities on the of Rs 50,000 and above. country’s premier commodity exchange. With Note: This feature helps to avert cheque gold and silver as underlying, Bulldex will frauds. The limit of Rs 50,000 will cover have a market lot size of 50 and be cash- approximately 20 per cent of transactions by settled futures contract. MCX had tested volume and 80 per cent by value.The Reserve bullion index futures trade in mock trading Bank of India (RBI) has announced to exercises in July. introduce a mechanism of ‘Positive Pay’ ✓ Indian company Biological E announced the feature for all cheques of value Rs 50,000 and acquisition of Akorn India, a subsidiary of above. U.S. firm Akorn Inc. ✓ The National Agricultural Higher Education Note: The acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, Project (NAHEP) was funded by Government comes days after BE entered into an of India and World Bank (WB). agreement with Johnson & Johnson firm Note: The Government of India-World Bank- Janssen Pharmaceutica, whose COVID-19 funded National Agricultural Higher vaccine candidate (Ad26.COV2.S) is Education Project is designed for undergoing clinical trials. strengthening the national agricultural ✓ Fino Payments Bankhas launched an education system in the country.The overall Aadhaar Authentication based digital savings objective to provide more relevant and high- account Jan BachatKhata (JBK). quality education to the agricultural university Note: Under the JBK, customers can transact students that are in tune with the New at a Fino branch or merchant point with Education Policy – 2020. fingerprint and OTP combination, while at ✓ Punjab National Bank has launched non-Fino points they need Aadhaar ‘DIGITAL APNAYEN’ campaign to authentication. Earlier, Fino Payments Bank encourage customers to use digital banking had introduced Shubh and Bhavishya, channels. subscription-based savings accounts targeted Note: The campaign launched by the bank’s at specific customer segments. Managing Director S SMallikarjuna Rao on ✓ Asian Development Bank has approved a the occasion of Independence Day is till total of 1 billion USD loan to provide March 31, 2021. PNB encourage customers to assistance for the construction of modern, use digital channels and participate in the high-speed Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid noble cause of donating to the PM CARES Transit System. Fund for COVID-19. Note: ADB’S finance will include the ✓ Reserve Bank of India has decided to transfer construction of railway tracks, station as dividend Rs 57,128 crore. to the central buildings, maintenance facilities, and traction, government accounting year 2019-20. and power supply. The project aims at smoothening regional connectivity by 68

www.gradeup.co establishing transit options across the densely Note: The satellite data with demographic and populated sectors of the National Capital financial details provides strong information Region connecting Delhi to Meerut in the state on the land asset of the farmers. Usage of this of Uttar Pradesh. technology will help farmers with existing ✓ Lakshmi Vilas Bankhas launched ‘DigiGo’, credit to expand their eligibility and help new- a digital initiative to enable the opening of to-credit farmers to get better access to formal savings account instantly. credit. Note: LVB’s new initiative will help people to ✓ NABARD has introduced, ‘Structured avail the most required banking services Finance and Partial Guarantee Program instantly through the website. As a Lakshmi for Non-Banking Finance Companies DigiGo customer, one can visit the nearest (NBFC)-Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs). LVB Branch and convert his/her “Lakshmi Note: It is a dedicated debt and credit DigiGo”, account to a fully-featured regular guarantee product to ensure uninterrupted flow account of choice and avail cheque book, debit of credit to the last mile in rural areas hit by card and a host of other facilities. the COVID-19 pandemic. ✓ The Asian Development Bank has approved ✓ Axis Bank has ‘Liberty Savings Account’ USD 1 billion package to support the for the Indian Youth, to address the ever- construction of the modern, high-speed Delhi- changing lifestyle needs of young and digitally Meerut regional rapid transit system, a first of interested Indians. its kind in India. Note: It offers a complimentary hospital cash Note: The transit system project aims to help insurance cover of up to Rs 20,000 per year, decongest the city and improve regional which covers hospital expenses incurred under connectivity by establishing transit options COVID -19, which makes this a 1st of its kind through densely populated sections of the savings account to cover the pandemic. NCR connecting Delhi to Meerut in Uttar ✓ The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its Annual Pradesh. Report for 2019-20 projected India’s growth at ✓ Axis Bank has launched a new initiative what percent for 2020-21-- minus 4.5%. named ‘Gig-a-Opportunities’ to attract Note: It is the Report of the Central Board of skilled talent that can work with the bank Directors on the working of the Reserve Bank remotely. of India (RBI) for the year ended June 30, Note: The initiative aims to attract skilled 2020 submitted to the Central Government in talent that can work with the bank remotely, terms of Section 53(2) of the Reserve Bank of from anywhere in the country. This hiring India Act, 1934. In the report, RBI projected model comprises two working patterns. that India’s growth at minus 4.5% for 2020- ✓ Tata Group has launched “super app”, an e 21. commerce app with an aim to take on Amazon ✓ The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its Annual and Reliance Industries in the country's Report for 2019-20 has decided to dissolve booming e commerce sector. Banking Codes and Standards Board of Note: The app will offer food and grocery India (BCSBI). ordering, fashion and lifestyle, consumer Note: It was set up in February 2006 as an electronics and consumer durables, insurance independent and autonomous body for and financial services, education, healthcare formulating codes of conduct to be adopted by and bill payments. The app will put the banks voluntarily for ensuring fair treatment of conglomerate in competition with giants of the customers.BCSBI, in collaboration with the region like Reliance Industries and global Indian Banks’ Association (IBA), has evolved titans like Amazon. two codes – Code of Bank’s Commitment to ✓ ICICI Bank becomes the first bank in India to Customers and the Code of Bank’s use satellite data to assess the creditworthiness Commitment to Micro and Small Enterprises. of farmers. ✓ The Innoviti Payment Solutions Pvt. Ltd. has partnered with Visa to develop an instalment 69

www.gradeup.co platform, which will enable the issuers to its kind technology service in the insurance extend credit to their cardholders at face-to- industry. face Point of Sale (PoS) in India. Note: It helps the customers to know about Note:Theinstallments platform with the suite product details while enjoying virtual of platform capabilities leveraging assistance and maintaining social distance Innoviti’suniPAYNEXTplatform and Visa’s protocol. It is the latest in the series of APIs, provides shoppers the ability to choose initiatives by Bajaj Allianz Life to enhance the how they pay during the purchase. customer experience by digitizing its ✓ Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company operations, making them easy-to-use and Limited has launched ‘Smart Assist’, a 1st of completely secure

July 2020

✓ World Bank has approved a USD 750 million the classification of Lower Middle-income Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises economy. (MSMEs) Emergency Response Program to ✓ The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank support severely impacted MSMEs in India (AIIB) would lend $250 million to Pakistan due to COVID-19 crisis. to help the country deal with the effects of the ✓ SAP India has launched the Global Bharat COVID-19 pandemic. program, designed to enable Indian micro, ✓ Amount of rescue package has been small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) announced by the European Union (EU) to become globally competitive by equipping rebuild the bloc’s economies ravaged by them with digital technologies. COVID-19 -- €750 billion. ✓ Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank has ✓ Airtel Payments Bank partnered with the released USD 50 million in the first tranche of National Skill Development Corporation assistance to L&T Infrastructure Finance Ltd (NSDC) to train and skill young people in (LTIF), to fund renewable Energy Projects in rural areas on financial services. India. ✓ As per the Financial Stability Report, July ✓ As per the Reserve Bank of India data Indian 2020 released the Reserve Bank of India what state Tamil Nadu is at the top in market will be the Gross Nonperforming Assets borrowings in the fiscal 2020-21(FY 21). (GNPA) ratio of all scheduled commercial ✓ As per the data from the Union Ministry of banks (SCBs) by March 2021 -- 12.5 per cent. Commerce and Industry, USA remains as the ✓ Asian Development Bank has agreed to top trading partner of India during the partner with Green Climate Fund (GCF) Financial Year 2019-20. toward a 'green recovery' for members Note: This is the second consecutive Financial confronting the harsh economic impact of the Year that the United States has become the top COVID-19 pandemic. trading partner of India. Note: This collaboration focuses on enhancing ✓ Technology giant google announced to invest the steps to reduce the carbon emission and for Rs 75,000 crore in India over the next five to climate-resilient development in Asia-Pacific. seven years with a focus on digitizing the ABD has offered a support package of USD economy and building India-first products and 20 billion for COVID-19. Under the Strategy services. 2030, ADB will ensure that 75% of its ✓ In Andaman and Nicobar Islands NABARD committed projects will support climate has launched development projects of Rs 44 change mitigation and adaptation by 2030. lakhs to strengthen the Atmanirbhar Bharat ✓ The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has signed through rural entrepreneurship. an agreement with Sri Lanka for extending a ✓ In the new World Bank country classifications $400-million currency swap facility till by income level 2020-2021, India remains in November 2020.

70

www.gradeup.co Note: This currency swap is used to boost the improve and support the integrated foreign reserves and ensure the financial development of the Bihad area in the region of stability of the country, which is badly hit by Gwalior-Chambal.In addition to the the COVID-19 pandemic. The currency swap agricultural and environmental development arrangement will remain available till this project will also create employment November 2022. opportunities and will support the substantive ✓ What per cent of Foreign Direct Investment development of this region. (FDI) has been decided by the union ✓ Asian Development Bank has approved USD government in defence sector -- 74 per cent. 3 million (Rs 22 crore) grant to India from the Note: The second draft of the Defence Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund to Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2020, now support India’s battle against COVID-19. renamed as the Defence Acquisition Procedure Note: The grant is financed by the Japanese (DAP) 2020, was put out in public domain for government. It will be used to seek thermal comments from stakeholders and public. scanners, enhancement of disease surveillance ✓ The Central Government in collaboration with and early detection, contact tracing, and World Bank has decided to convert the area treatment. COVID-19 pandemic response of ravines in the region of Gwalior-Chambal option (CPRO) was established to provide belt of Madhya Pradesh into cultivable land. assistance to the member countries’ pandemic Note: Around 3 lakh hectares land of this response. region are non-cultivable, this conversion will

June 2020

✓ Worker population ratio is (35.3%) as per ✓ Small Industries Development Bank of the ‘Annual Report of Periodic Labour India (SIDBI) is the technical partner for Force Survey launched by National implementation of PM Svanidhi, or Statistical Office (NSO). Pradhan Mantri Street Vendor’s ✓ 14 kharif crops the central government has AtmaNirbhar Nidhi scheme launched by announced minimum support price (MSP) the Ministry of Housing and Urban on the recommendation of Commission for Affairs. Agricultural Costs and Prices. ✓ GAIL India Limited has signed a • Note: The Minimum Support Price memorandum of understanding (MoU) of Paddy has been increased by Rs with Energy Efficiency Services Ltd 53 per quintal. The MSP of paddy (EESL) for development of” trigeneration” has been fixed at Rs 1,868 per projects in India. quintal for the year 2020-21. • Note: An equal (50:50) joint • The rates of pulses, oil seeds and venture between the two companies cereals have also been increased. will be incorporated for The MSP of cotton has been undertaking trigeneration projects increased from Rs 5,255 per if the studies made by 2 companies quintal to Rs 5,515 per quintal. are viable. ✓ Grade Baa3 has been given by ratings ✓ As per the 64th survey of Professional agency Moody’s Investors Service towards Forecasters (SPF) on Macroeconomic India’s sovereign rating. Indicators released by RBI in FY 2021 • Note: Baa3 is the lowest India’s gross domestic product (GDP) investment grade in Moody’s growth may contract by 1.5 per cent. rating ladder. This means, India is ✓ The World Bank (WB) has granted loan just one notch above the non- worth of Rs. 1,950 crores to West Bengal investment grade or junk grade. govt. for tackling COVID-19 situation and developmental work.

71

www.gradeup.co ✓ Harsh Vardhan chaired the Committee India’s global position as an economy in on Development of Housing Finance terms of PPPs - 3rd. Securitization Market in India on the ✓ World Bank approved USD 500 million to recommendation of which RBI draft improve the learning outcome and Framework for Securitization of Standard governance of government schools in six Assets. Indian states under STARS Programme. ✓ Growth of India in FY2020-21 as per • Note: The project, Strengthening World Bank’s Global Economic Prospect Teaching-Learning and Results for (GEP) June 2020 - 3.2 per cent. States Program (STARS), will be ✓ According to World bank’s report, global implemented through the Samagra economy will contract by in 2020 - 5.2 per Shiksha Abhiyan, the flagship cent. central scheme, in Himachal ✓ PK Mohanty will chair the committee Pradesh, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, formed by the Reserve Bank of India Maharashtra, Odisha and (RBI) to review the guidelines related to Rajasthan. ownership, governance and corporate ✓ Minimum amount can be invested in the structure of private sector banks. newly launched Floating Rate Savings ✓ Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM Bonds, 2020 (Taxable) Scheme -- Rs Bank) has provided a line of credit (LOC) 1000. of $215.68 million to Malawi country for • Note: The Floating Rate Savings Drinking Water Supply Scheme. Bonds 2020 (FRSB Bonds) will ✓ As per the new framework of the RBI, the have a tenure of 7 years and the National Payment Corporation of India interest rate will keep varying and National Electronic Fund Transfer during the tenure of the scheme. will be treated as Financial Market ✓ The tenure of the Floating Rate Savings Infrastructure (FMI). Bonds 2020 (FRSB Bonds) launched by ✓ In accordance with the weekly statistical the Government of India in of 7.75% data released by the Reserve Bank of India Savings (Taxable) Bonds, 2018 -- 7 years. (RBI), India’s foreign reserves crossed the ✓ World Bank has approved $500 million $500 billion mark. to build road connectivity along the ✓ According to UNCTAD’s World Jashore-Jhenaidah corridor directly Investment Report 2020, the Global connecting Dhaka in Bangladesh with Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows India and Bhutan. are forecast to decrease by up to 40% in • Note: It will also support the 2020. Bangladesh government’s plan of ✓ According to UNCTAD’s World developing a 260 km economic Investment Report 2020 what is the corridor in the western part and position of India as recipient of the foreign benefitting over 20 million masses. direct investment in 2019-- 9th largest. • The Western Economic Corridor ✓ According to the payroll data of EPFO and the Regional Enhancement witnessed 28.6 % increase in formal (WeCARE) Phase I project is the employment in 2019-20. first of a multi-phased $1.4 billion ✓ According to Asian Development World Bank program to upgrade Outlook by the Asian Development the existing 110 km two-lane Bank, in FY 2020-21 Indian economy is highway, Bhomra-Satkhira- projected to contract by 4 per cent. Navaron and Jashore-Jhenaidah, to ✓ As per the new Purchasing Power Parities a safer and climate-resilient four- (PPPs) released by the World Bank, lane highway in western Bangladesh.

72

www.gradeup.co May 2020

✓ According to Mercom India Research’s ‘India policy for insurance intermediaries that can be Solar Market Leaderboard 2020’ report7.3 issued by all the insurers-- Yegnapriya Giga Watt (GW) solar energy generation Bharat. capacity India has added during calendar year ✓ Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has 2019. organized the digital conference, RE-START ✓ Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) India – ‘Reboot the Economy through Science, Private Limited has started the production of Technology and Research Translations is Coal for the first time. association with Technology Development ✓ Under chairmanship the Insurance Board (TDB) Regulatory and Development Authority of ✓ World Bank has approved 1 billion USD to India (IRDAI) has set up a committee to increase India’s COVID-19 Social Protection frame standard professional indemnity response Program.

April 2020

✓ Asian Development Bank (ADB) has Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) up signed a loan agreement worth of $60 to one crore. million with affordable housing loan • Note: The SIDBI Assistance to providerAavas Financiers Ltd. Facilitate Emergency response ✓ Standard & Poor Global Ratings has against coronavirus (SAFE) loan slashed down India’s growth forecast for limit has been increased to 2 crores financial year 2020-21 to 3.5%. from Rs 50 lakhs.It is a financial ✓ The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in assistance program launched by consultation with the Government of India SIDBI for (Micro, Small & (GoI), has hiked the limit of Ways and Medium Enterprises) MSMEs that Means Advances (WMA) for the first engage in the manufacturing of half of the financial year 2020-21 for the products (hand sanitizers, masks, centre to Rs 1.2 lakh crore. gloves, head gear, bodysuits, shoe ✓ The United Nations (UN) Department of covers, ventilators, goggles, among Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) others) or offer services to combat World Economic Forecasting Model the novel coronavirus. estimates that the global economy could ✓ According to the United Nations shrink by 1%. Economic and Social Commission for ✓ According to the Fitch Solutions India’s Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) report fiscal deficit is expected to go up to what India’s GDP growth for FY 20-21 is likely per cent of GDP -- 6.2 %. to be declined to 4.8%. ✓ Asian Development Bank (ADB) in its ✓ The rate of interest in the “Sovereign Asian Development Outlook (ADO) Gold Bond Scheme 2020-21” to be 2020 has forecasted a slowdown in Indian launched by the RBI on behalf of GoI-- economic growth to 4%. 2.50 per annum. ✓ The Small Industries Development Bank ✓ International Monetary Fund (IMF) in of India (SIDBI) has announced to its “World Economic Outlook, April provide emergency working capital to 2020” has decreased India’s GDP growth rate to 1.9%.

73

www.gradeup.co ✓ The Reserve Bank of India has increased ratings irrespective of the entity’s size the limit for Ways and Means Advances & the quantum of the loans is 90 days. (WMA) for Central Government to Rs • Small Industries Development Bank of 2,00,000 crores. India (SIDBI) has received Rs 15,000 • Note: RBI has increased the limit for crore from the Reserve Bank of India Ways and Means Advances (WMA) by (RBI) to provide financial aid to 66% for Central Government to Rs MSMEs. 2,00,000 crore from Rs 1,20,000 crore • The central bank provided the capital for the remaining part of first half of through a Special Liquidity Facility the financial year 2020-21 to tackle the (SLF). SIDBI will provide the financial crisis arisen due to COVID- financing to MSMEs through banks, 19 pandemic. non-banking finance companies ✓ World Bank has approved Rs 585 cr for (NBFCs) and micro-finance Himachal Pradesh State Roads institutions (MFIs). Transformation Project. ✓ Transcorp International Ltd (TIL) ✓ SIDBI has launched special liquidity becomes the 1st non-bank company to schemes to support MSMEs due to receive Reserve Bank of India (RBI) nod lockdown. to enter into co-branding arrangements for • Note: The schemes will cover all prepaid Instruments. eligible entities with investment-grade March 2020

✓ The Employees Provident Fund mainly focuses on 4A’s – Automation, Organisation (EPFO) has cuts interest rate to Artificial Intelligence, Analytics and 8.5%. Augmentative Technologies. • Note: The EPFO has declined interest • It is a Business to Business (B2B), rate on EPF deposits for 2019-20 to Business to Government (B2G), seven years low by 0.15% or 15 basis Business to Consumer (B2C) solution points from 8.65% to 8.5%. platform which connects solution • The decision has been taken during the providers to solution seekers and an meeting of EPFO’s apex decision innovative platform for Startups and making body, Central Board of SME companies. Trustees (CBT) chaired by Minister of ✓ 39th GST Council meet on ‘Know your State (MoS) for Labour and Supplier’ was held in New Delhi. Employment Santosh Kumar Gangwar • Note: It was headed by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. During in New Delhi. the summit several decisions have been ✓ Name the world’s first Digital Solutions taken regarding the GST mechanism Exchange Cloud launched in India -- on particular sections. GOKADDAL. • One of the decisions includes • Note: GOKADDAL, the World’s first calculation of delayed GST payment Digital Solutions Exchange in Cloud, on the net tax liability w.e.f. 1st July was launched in India on March 11, 2017, the day the GST came into force. 2020. www.gokaddal.com, a cloud- based solution exchange platform 74

www.gradeup.co • Net cash tax liability is arrived at after • Already, RBI infused Rs 10,000 crore deducting the input tax credits through open market operations, last available from gross tax liability. week. ✓ An ‘Innovate for accessible India • RBI will purchase securities with a campaign’has been launched by Microsoft India and NASSCOM Foundation. coupon rate of 6.84 per cent (maturity • Note: It is a nation-wide innovation December 19, 2022); 7.72 per cent challenge aimed at empowering people (May 25, 2025); 8.33 per cent (July 9, with disabilities with the new 2026) and 7.26 per cent (January 14, technologies required for better 2029). integration into society and access to ✓ Asian Development Bank will invest 100 equal opportunities. million US Dollars in India’s infrastructure • The campaign was launched in partnership with the Department of sector through the government-promoted Empowerment of Persons with National Investment and Infrastructure Fund Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of (NIIF). Social Justice & Empowerment, • Note: With this, the National Department of Science & Technology Investment and Infrastructure Fund has (DST), Ministry of Science and now received a total of $700 million in Technology and National Research and commitments. Education Network (NREN). ✓ For Research in Cybersecurity Programs L&T • The investment comes at a time when Technology Services has signed with IIT- India’s economy is expected to suffer Kanpur. huge losses due to the coronavirus • Note: L&T Technology Services (COVID-19) epidemic. (LTTS) signed a multi-year • This will help in increasing the capital Memorandum of Understanding of domestic private equity funds in (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT) to India. It will also contribute a great collaborate on research industrial and deal in providing long term growth infrastructure cybersecurity. financing for private sector companies, • The MoU is signed between Dr social infrastructure development and Keshab Panda, Chief Executive Officer economic development. and Managing Director of LTTS and ✓ Fitch Ratings Inc has lowered India’s GDP Professor Manindra Agarwal, Padma (Gross Domestic Product) growth forecast to - Shri Awardee, Deputy Director at IIT- Kanpur. - 4.6%. ✓ RBI has injected 30,000 crores rupees • Note: It cuts the rate due to weak through open market operations (OMOs) in domestic demand and private the economy. consumption, which put pressure on • Note: The RBI will purchase the investment amid the coronavirus government securities under OMOs in (COVID-19) outbreak. two tranches of Rs 15,000 crore each. • Earlier on March 2, 2020, Fitch has • OMO is the sale and purchase of lowered India’s GDP growth forecast government securities and treasury to 4.9% for the fiscal year –FY20 bills by the central bank of the country. (2019-2020) ending March 31, 2020 from 5.1% due to coronavirus and supply disruptions.

75

www.gradeup.co February 2020

✓ Union Cabinet Approves Amendments to “agricultural dominance of the Banking Regulation Act to regulate Urban country”. Co-Operative banks. ✓ “We Think Digital” Programme to provide • These amendments will apply to the digital literacy training to 1 lakh women urban co-operative banks and multi- launched by Facebook. state cooperative banks. ✓ The Government of India (GoI) has signed a $ ✓ The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will 450 million (mn) loan agreement to support conducted the “Financial Literacy Week Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY) with the World Bank. 2020” from February 10 to February 14, • The main aim of this agreement is to stop 2020. the decreasing level of ground water in • Note: The theme of the Financial India and strengthen the institutions related Literacy Week 2020 is “Micro, Small to ground water. and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)”. ✓ To promote UPI as Easy, Safe, and Instant ✓ As per the notified ‘Printing of One Rupee mode of payment a campaign named “UPI Currency Notes Rules, 2020, the currency Chalega” has been launched by NPCI. • The “UPI Chalega” campaign is aimed to notes of rupees one to have pink green guide users towards the right usage of colour. Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and help • The pink green colour note will have a create a habitual change, use of UPI in design of grains, which depicts the their daily life.

January 2020

✓ India may overtake Germany to become the • Note: According to World Gold fourth-largest economy by 2026. Council(WGC) report titled “Outlook • Note: The report titled 'World 2020: Global economic trends and Economic League Table 2020' their impact on gold”, the Reserve was released by the UK-based Bank of India (RBI) became the sixth Centre for Economics and Business largest buyer when it purchased 25.2 Research (CEBR). tonnes in first 10 months of 2019 to According to the “Global Investment Trend hedge government’s sovereign gold Monitor report 2020” released by United bond issue. Nations Conference on Trade and Development ✓ The National Payments Corporation of (UNCTAD) what is India’s rank in attracting India (NPCI) has launched a platform to FDI in 2019 -- 8th make payments fast & secure -- “Vajra ✓ The Reserve Bank of India has been ranked at Platform”. 6thposition in buying gold abroad among the central banks of the world. Awards and Honours

August 2020

✓ Sunil Ydv SS has been conferred with the United Nations and International Karmaveer Chakra Award instituted by the Confederation of NGO (iCONGO). 76

www.gradeup.co Note: He received the award for his relentless Note: The work has been published in Nano contribution to society through his Telegram Letters, a high-impact journal in the field, and channel “SS Motivation.” He addresses social the innovation has been patented by them. The issues and motivates people every day through same award was presented separately to his channel. The awards he won last year another team of the IIT Kharagpur for include RastraPrerna, Iconic Personality of addressing the problem of energy conservation India, Incredible Indian Icon and and thermal management in wearable and Humanitarian Excellence. flexible electronic devices. ✓ Defence Institute of Advanced Technology ✓ Nitin Sethihas won the Asian College of (DIAT) has won the first prize in the Smart Journalism’s award 2019 for investigative India Hackathon (SIH) 2020, a national-level journalism. digital product building competition. Note:The awards ceremony was conducted Note: It was jointly organized by MHRD and online due to the ongoing COVID-19 All India Council for Technical Education pandemic. Sethi won in the investigative (AICTE) at Noida Institute of Engineering & journalism category for his six-part series Technology (NIET), Uttar Pradesh. The team titled "Paisa Politics" published by The of DIAT named as ‘Age of Ultron’ had six Huffington Post India. members under Dr. Sunita Dhavale . Prize ✓ Shiv Sahay Singh has won the Asian College Money: Rs 1 Lakh of Journalism’s award 2019 the K P Narayana ✓ Moothonfilm has won the Best Film Award in Kumar Memorial Award for social impact the 20th edition of New York Indian Film journalism. Festival (NYIFF) of Indo-American Arts Note: He won the inaugural social impact Council (IAAC). journalism award for his story titled "Death by Note: It was conducted as a virtual event with digital exclusion: On faculty public the celebrities of the film industries and award distribution system in Jharkhand" published in winners participating from all across India and The Hindu. the United States. Nivin Pauly starring film ✓ AkshayKumaris the only Indian actor to be Mothoon was directed by Geetu Mohandas. listed among the top 10 world’s highest-paid The movies portray the story of a 14-year-old actors of 2020. who travel in search of Moothon (elder Note: Akshay is placed at sixth place in the brother) Akbar who left Lakshadweep for list. Most of his income came from product Mumbai”. endorsements. The list takes into account the ✓ United Nations Educational, Scientific and earnings between June 1, 2019, and June 1, Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) recognized 2020. The list has been topped by Wrestler- Venkatraipur and Noliasahi, villages of turned-movie star Dwayne Johnson, for a Odisha as ‘Tsunami Ready’ for their overall second straight year, with the total earning of preparedness to face the tsunami. $87.5 million. Johnson is also known by his Note: With this recognition, Odisha became ring name The Rock. the first state in the India and India became ✓ Indian origin physician Ravi Solanki is the 1st Country in the Indian Ocean region to among 19 winners of the UK’s Royal achieve the honour from the Academy of Engineering President’s Special Intergovernmental Oceanographic Awards for Pandemic Service. Commission (IOC) of UNESCO. Note: Ravi Solanki, a physician working on ✓ The researchers from IIT Kharagpur neurodegenerative diseases, along with institutions has won the Gandhian Young Raymond Siems, an engineer working in Technological Innovation (GYTI) Awards machine learning, were awarded for their 2020 for developing a mechanism for volunteer work to help build a secure and fully generating electricity from wet clothes left functioning website for a new National Health under sunlight to dry. Service (NHS) charity HEROES.

77

www.gradeup.co ✓ Rohit Sharma, VineshPhogat, Manika Batra ✓ NLCIhas bagged the “Swachhta Hi Seva and M Thangavelu were recommended for award” for transforming Neyveli Township Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award 2020 into a plastic-free, green campus. award by the National Sports Awards selection Note: The award was conferred to three units committee. of the PSU - Township administration office Note: Rohit Sharma will be the fourth (First rank), Thermal Power Station -I (second cricketer after legendary Sachin Tendulkar, rank) and Mines Sub-stores (third MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli to be conferred the rank).NLCIL implemented the Swachhta Hi award. Tendulkar was awarded the Khel Ratna Seva programme in two phases -- the first in 1998, Dhoni got it in 2007 and Kohli phase from September 11 to November 2, received in 2018.In a first, this year’s National 2019 and the second phase from October 3 to Sports Awards ceremony is likely to be held 27, 2019. virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ✓ Neelakantha Bhanu Prakash has won the ✓ St Christopher School of Nagalandhas won first ever Gold Medal for India in Mental the Gold Award along with cash prize of Rs.1 Calculations World Cup (MCWC). Lakh from the first ever Pallikkutam National Note: Bhanu Prakash had secured the gold Award for Innovation in Education instituted medal with a score of 167, Lebanese by Rajagiri Media. contender Mohammed El Mir secured the Note: The St Christopher School won the Silver Medal with a score 102 and Asmita Pal award for ensuring a seamless class for the from the UAE bagged the Bronze medal with students with the limited infrastructure and a score of 100 points. resources in the rural area. The Prize money ✓ Tenzin Priyadarshi and Zara Houshmand for Gold Award is Rs.1,00,000.The rural has authored the book titled ‘Running toward school provided a balanced online and offline Mystery: The Adventure of an Unconventional activities for the students over the Life’. whatsapp.The award was sponsored under the Note: The book provides an account of how CSR initiative of the Federal Bank Ltd. the Dalai Lama traced his Spiritual Teacher ✓ Indore city became India’s cleanest city for Khunu Lama in India. Tenzin Priyadarshi is the fourth year in a row in the Swachh the President and CEO of The Dalai Lama Survekshan 2020 awards. Center for Ethics and Transformative Values Note: Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology announced the Swachh Survekshan 2020 (MIT) and Zara Houshmand is an Iranian result at the Award Ceremony ‘Swachh American author and literary translator. Mahotsav’ in the national capital being ✓ Marieke Lucas Rijneveldhas been adjudged organised by the Ministry of Housing and as the winner of the International Booker Prize Urban Affairs (MoUHA). This is the fifth 2020. edition of the annual cleanliness survey of the Note:The book was first published in Dutch in country. A total of 129 awards will be handed 2018 and eventually translated into English by out to the top-performing cities and states. Michele Hutchison. The £50,000 prize ✓ Water technology company VA Tech Wabag ($66,000) will be split equally between the Ltd. has won the prestigious Global Water author and translator to give equal recognition Award for its 45 million liters a day Tertiary to both. Treatment Reverse Osmosis Plant. ✓ “Nayi Disha” is the HR initiative of SBI bank Note: The plant has won the distinction award has been awarded with Brandon Human under the category of ‘wastewater project of Capital Management (HCM) Excellence the year’.The plant is one of the largest and Award 2020. technologically advanced water treatment Note: The award is also known as the plants in India. Academy Awards of Learning & Development 2020. The SBI has been awarded with the global recognition for its HR initiative, ”Nayi 78

www.gradeup.co Disha”. The award winners will be honored at Excellence Conference, January 26-28, 2021 Brandon Hall Group’s annual HCM at the Hilton West Palm Beach, Florida.

July 2020

• Raghuram Rajan has been conferred with the Outstanding Accomplishment in Corporate first Prof. P C Mahalanobis Award in Official Excellence Category. Statistics for lifetime achievements. • Kezang D Thongdok has won the prestigious • Ravindra Jadeja has been named as the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2020. India’s ‘Most Valuable Player’ (MVP) of the Note: Kezang D Thongdok won the 2020 21st century by Wisden. Dada Saheb Phalke Award for his • Name the Indian-American who were listed documentary “Chi Lupo”. among the 38 immigrants to be honoured as • Edappadi K Palaniswamihas been honored the ‘2020 Great Immigrants’ by the Carnegie with Paul Harris Fellow recognition. Corporation -- Dr Siddhartha Mukherjee Note: The recognition is in the honor of and Prof Raj Chetty. Rotary founder, Paul Harris who contributed • Government announced to release to The Rotary Foundation. The Paul Harris commemorative stamp to honour PV Fellow recognition is conferred to honour the Narasimha Rao. efficient service of people who provide • Mon District of Nagaland state received 2020 drinking water, sanitation, prevention of SKOCH awards under three categories in the diseases, environment, world peace etc. to its 65th SKOCH summit 2020. people. • A new category of awards titled ‘PrerakDauur • Ashok Kumar has been honoured with the Samman’ has been announced as a part of Lifetime achievement award by the football Swachh Survekshan 2021. club – Mohun Bagan Athletic Club. Note: The PrerakDauur Samman has a total of • Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) Chairman five additional subcategories namely, Divya Mukesh Ambani in the Bloomberg (Platinum), Anupam (Gold), Ujjwal (Silver), Billionaires Index as the world’s richest man - Udit (Bronze) and Aarohi (Aspiring). In - 6th Swachh Survekshan 2020, cities are evaluated • Parkash Dudeja has been awarded with on the criteria of ‘population category’ but for coveted ‘Infra Business Leader of the Year’ 2021, they will be categorised on the basis of award for 2020. six select indicator wise performance criteria Note: He is the vice chairman of Rail Land • Freya Thakral has received the 2020 Diana Development Authority (RLDA). Award for her “Recycler App”. • N Chandrasekaran has been awarded the • Chhattisgarh state’s Darpan Portal and 2020 USIBC Global Leadership Award along Mobile app, which contains the details of the with Lockheed Martin CEO Jim Taiclet. schemes of the government received the Elites • Amal Clooney has been awarded with the Excellence Awards 2020 by the IT institution Gwen Ifill Press Freedom Award 2020. Elites Technomedia under the Digital India • Greta Thunberg has been awarded with the Initiative. ‘Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity 2020’. • Sachin Awasthi has been honoured with the • Arnab Chaudhuri has been conferred with “Top Publicist” award in the Global ‘Legend of Animation’ award instituted by the Humanitarian Awards 2020 held as a webinar Toonz Media Group (TMG) as part of the over a virtual platform in London. Animation Masters Summit (AMS) 2020. • NTPC Limited has won the prestigious CII- ITC Sustainability Award 2019, under

June 2020

79

www.gradeup.co ✓ Virat Kohli has become the only cricketer ✓ Rattan Lal has been conferred with and the only Indian to feature in the prestigious World Food Prize 2020. Forbes’ Top 100 highest paid athletes of ✓ Shobha Sekhar has been chosen for the 2020. ‘Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). ✓ Kritika Pandey is the author of the book ✓ Angad Singh Rana has been adjudged as ‘The Great Indian Tee and Snakes’ for the winner of New Zealand’s first ‘Virtual’ which she bestowed with Commonwealth Chef competition – the ‘Quality NZ short story prize 2020 for Asia region. Culinary Cup’ held in India. ✓ The World Health Organization (WHO) ✓ Deccan Development Society (DDS) has has accorded the “World No Tobacco Day won the Biodiversity award 2020 of Prince Award 2020” to SEEDS NGO. Albert II of Monaco Foundation. ✓ Akshay Kumar is the only Indian ✓ Jammu and Kashmir has been conferred celebrities to find a place in the Forbes 100 with three prestigious DeenDayal list of world's highest paid celebrities Upadhyay SashaktikaranPuraskar for its during June 2019 to May 2020. outstanding contribution to the socio- ✓ Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has been named economic development of the Gram as EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year Panchayats across the state/UTs. 2020. ✓ Amartya Kumar Sen has been selected ✓ Indian Airport received Platinum for the 2020 Peace Prize of the German Recognition in ACI Asia-Pacific Green Book Trade. Airports recognition 2020 -- Rajiv ✓ Priyanka Chopra and Anurag Kashyap Gandhi International Airport, named among the 50 ambassadors at 45th Hyderabad. edition Toronto International Film Festival ✓ Javed Akhtar becomes the first Indian to (TIFF) 2020. receive the prestigious Richard Dawkins ✓ Beyonce has received the Humanitarian Award for 2020 for critical thinking. Award at 20th edition of annual BET ✓ India’s first solar-powered ferry which has Awards 2020, for her long-standing been shortlisted for the Gustave Trouve philanthropic work, including her recent Award -- Aditya. COVID-19 relief efforts. ✓ Australian player Michal Clarke has been ✓ GulabbaiSangamnerkar has been appointed an officer in the Order of conferred with VithabaiNarayangaokar Australia, an honour for achievement or lifetime achievement award by meritorious service. Maharashtra Government. ✓ The Ramon Magsaysay awards, regarded ✓ Madhuvanti Dandekar has been as Asia’s version of the Nobel Prize, have conferred with Annasaheb Kirloskar award been cancelled this year due to the by Maharshtra government. coronavirus pandemic, the award ✓ KK Shailaja has been honoured with foundation is located at Manila, United Nations Awards for her efforts to Philippines. fight the coronavirus pandemic in her ✓ Renjith Kumar has been honoured with state. “NASA Distinguished Service Medal” for his administration to NASA. May 2020

✓ Shobhana Narasimhan has been elected as ✓ Kim Jong Un has been honoured with a an International Honorary Member to the commemorative World War II medal to American Academy of Arts and Science. mark the 75th anniversary of victory over ✓ Sania Mirza has become the first Indian to Nazi Germany by Russian President be nominated for the Fed Cup Heart Award Vladimir Putin. from the Asia/Oceania zone.

80

www.gradeup.co ✓ Indian journalist Siddharth Varadarajanhas ✓ Indian American inventor Rajiv Joshi has been named for Deutsche Welle Freedom of bagged the prestigious “Inventor of the Year Speech Award 2020. award” in recognition of his pioneering work ✓ Indian airport Kempegowda International in advancing the electronic industry and Airport, Bengaluru has won this year’s improving artificial intelligence capabilities. SKYTRAX Award for Best Regional Airport ✓ Suman Gawanihas been selected for the in India and Central Asia. prestigious United Nations Military Gender ✓ Akshay Kumar has been conferred with the Advocate of the Year Award (2019) along Vice Admiral G.M. Hiranandani Memorial with Brazilian Naval Officer Commander Rolling Trophy for the year 2020. Carla Monteiro de Castro Araujo. ✓ Vice Admiral Vinay Badhwar has been ✓ QuarraishaAbdool Karim has been awarded awarded the Alexander Dalrymple Award Christophe Merieux Prize 2020 for finding a 2019. topical gel could stop many women catching ✓ Naomi Osaka becomes the highest paid the HIV. female athlete in the world. April 2020

✓ Manufacturing unit of Indian Railway ✓ Female cricketer Ellyse Perry has been Chittaranjan Locomotive Works has set named the Wisden’s Leading Female the Limca Book of Records for producing Cricketer in the World 2020. record 431 locomotives in the financial ✓ Power company Tata Power haswon the year 2019-2020. Edison Award for social innovation. ✓ NGO ‘ARMMAN’ has been awarded the ✓ Algerian NovelistAbdelouahabAissaoui Skoll Award for Social has won the 13th International Prize for Entrepreneurship 2020 in recognition of Arabic Fiction (IPAF) 2020 for his novel its exceptional work in the maternal and ‘The Spartan Court’. child health space in India. ✓ Adam Higginbotham has won the ✓ Naveen Patnaik has been conferred with William E. Colby Award 2020 for his ‘Hero to Animals Award’ by animal rights book “Midnight in Chernobyl: The Untold body PETA India. Story of the World’s Greatest Nuclear ✓ Ben Stokes has been named as the leading Disaster”. cricketer of the world in 2020 by Wisden. March 2020

• SarbanandaSonowalhas been honoured with • ‘There Is No Evil’ film won the Golden Bear the Dr.Syama Prasad Mukherjee award for prize 2020 for the best picture at the Berlin politics. International Film Festival 2020. • Note: Assam’s Chief Minister • Note: The 70th edition of Berlin SarbanandaSonowal was honoured International Film Festival 2020 was with Swarajya Awards 2020 under the held in Berlin, Germany from 20 category, Dr.Syama Prasad Mukherjee February–1 March 2020. Award for Politics at the 6th India • It was the first under the leadership of Ideas Conclave at Tent City Narmada new Berlin Film Festival heads, in Gujarat. business administration director • The award is instituted by India Mariette Rissenbeek and artistic Foundation & Indic Academy & director Carlo Chatrian. presented by External Affairs Minister • The Opening film of the festival was S Jaishankar and Speaker of People’s ‘My Salinger Year’& the Closing film Majlis of Maldives Mohamed was ‘There Is No Evil’. Nasheed.

81

www.gradeup.co • Jadav Payenghas been named as the 128th • On August 18, 1978 ICG was Commonwealth Points of Light Award established by the Coast Guard Act, winner. 1978 of the Parliament of India as an • Note: Jadav Payeng, an environmental independent armed force of India and activist of Assam also known as the is operated under the Ministry of “Forest man of India” named as 128th defence. winner of Commonwealth Points of • It is an armed forces and multi-mission Light Award. organisation, which conducts real life • He had spent 30 years of his life for operations at sea round the year. planting trees. He was honored by the • President Ram Nath Kovind honoured ‘Nari Head of Commonwealth the Queen Shakti Puraskar’ for 2019 to 15 women. Elizabeth II for his exceptional • Note: The award is conferred annually volunteer service in environmental to eminent women and institutions in conservation. recognition of their service towards the • In the Time Magazine’s ‘100 women of the cause of women empowerment & year’ to recognize selected women or groups social welfare. to represent each year from 1920 to 2019 • This award is an initiative of the former prime minister Indira Gandhi will be Ministry of Women and Child honored as ‘Women of the Year’ for 1976. Development(MWCD) to acknowledge • Note: TIME Magazine created 100 the achievements of women for the New Covers for the Project ‘100 nation & recognize their contributions women of the year’ to recognize towards society. selected women or groups to represent • The theme of the 4th Edition of the Women each year from 1920 to 2019. Transforming India (WTI) Awards 2019 -- • India’s freedom fighter Amrit Kaur Women and Entrepreneurship. will be honored as ‘Women of the • Note: On the occasion of International Year’ for 1947 & Former prime Women’s Day (March 8, 2020), NITI minister Indira Gandhi for 1976. Aayog in collaboration with United • PV Sindhu has been adjudged as the Nations (UN) in India has organized Sportsman of the year in the 4th edition of the 4th Edition of the Women Times of India Sports Awards 2019. Transforming India (WTI) Awards • Note: The 4th edition of TOISA 2019 in New Delhi. (Times of India Sports Awards) awards • The theme for WTI awards 2019 was honoured the best Indian in 2019 “Women and Entrepreneurship”. sports in New Delhi, India. • The awards were conferred by Defence • The event was powered by BHIM-UPI Minister of India (or Raksha Mantri), (Bharat Interface for Money- Unified Rajnath Singh who was the chief guest Payments Interface). of an event. • Rohit Sharma was named as the • Manpreet Singh Pawar and Rani Cricketer of the year and PV Sindhu Rampalhave won the Hockey India Dhruv was named as the Sportsman of the Batra Player of the Year Award 2019 for Men year as she won gold at the World and Women respectively. Championships in Basel, Switzerland. • Note: The captain of India men’s • Nupur Kulshrestha becomes the 1st woman national field hockey team, Manpreet to be promoted as Deputy Inspector General Singh Pawar (27) & Captain of Indian (DIG) of Indian Coast Guard. Women Hockey Team, Rani Rampal • Note: She joined Indian Coast Guard (25) have won the Hockey India Dhruv in 1999. Batra Player of the Year Award 2019 for Men and Women respectively.

82

www.gradeup.co • Apart from the trophy, they also • 34 key performance indicators under collected a prize money of Rs 25 lakh eight major categories were assessed each. Harbinder Singh, who was a during the survey & Indian Airports member of the Tokyo Olympics 1964 under the Airport Authority of India gold medal winning team, was honored (AAI) have won many awards under with Major Dhyan Chand Lifetime Asia-Pacific region in “2019 Airport Achievement Award 2019, which Service Quality (ASQ) awards”. carries prize money of Rs 30 lakh and • The award is given by the Airports a trophy. Council International (ACI). • V Praveen Rao. Has won the 7th edition of • Dr JaimantiBakshi has won Best Citizens of Dr MS Swaminathan Award for the period India Gold medal Award. 2017- 2019. • Note: Dr JaimantiBakshi, Professor & • Note: V Praveen Rao, Vice-Chancellor Unit Head II, Department of (VC) of Professor JayaShankar Otolaryngology and Head Neck Telangana State Agricultural surgery at PGIMER (Post Graduate University (PJTSAU), won the 7th Institute of Medical Education & edition of Dr MS Swaminathan Award Research), Chandigarh was awarded for the period 2017- 2019. with “Best Citizens of India”. • The award will be conferred on him in • The award was given by “GEPRA” June 2020. The award was constituted (Global Economic Progress and by Retired Indian Council of Research Association) during the Agricultural Research Employees National Unity conference held in Association (RICAREA) and Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN). Nuziveedu Seeds Limited (NSL). • Indian woman has been included in • PV Sindu has been named as BBC Indian ‘Influential Women in Sport’ list for 2020 -- Sportswoman of the year 2019. Nita Ambani. • Note: Indian Badminton player Pusarla • Note: Sports business network, Venkata Sindhu, 24 years old, won iSportconnect released the ‘Influential BBC (British Broadcasting Women in Sport’ list for 2020, which Corporation) Indian Sportswoman of named Nita Ambani, Serena Williams the year award 2019 and former & Simone Biles along with 7 other sprinter PilavullakandiThekkeparambil women. Usha was awarded with Lifetime • Nita Ambani led her Mumbai Indians Achievement award. franchise to become the most • The BBC award ceremony was held in successful in IPL history & is in many New Delhi. Union Sports Minister sports projects across different sports Shri Kiren Rijiju was the guest of in the country. honour and Tony Hall, BBC Director • Tennis player, Serena Williams’s General hosted the awards ceremony overall impact both on the court, (the event. greatest female player of all time), & • Kempegowda International Airport has as a businesswoman. been adjudged as best Airport in Airport • Indian journalistArfa Khanum Sherwani and Service Quality awards 2019. Rohini Mohan have won the “Chameli Devi • Note: Annual Airport Service Quality Jain Award 2019” for outstanding Women (ASQ) Awards recognize and reward media persons. the best airports in the world according • Note: Arfa Khanum Sherwani is a to ACI’s ‘ASQ Departure Survey’ and senior editor of the news website ‘The the ‘ASQ Arrivals Survey’. Wire’. While Rohini Mohan is freelance journalist.

83

www.gradeup.co • The annual award recognises social • Note: The award is given by The concern, dedication, courage and Norwegian Academy of Science and compassion all over India from the Letters.They are awarded for their print, broadcast and online media “pioneering use of methods from category. probability & dynamics in group • Arfa Khanum Sherwani was selected theory, number theory and for her reporting from conflict combinatorics”. situations in Kashmir and Uttar • They used probabilistic methods & Pradesh (UP). Rohini Mohan has been random walks techniques to solve deep chosen for her reportage on NRC problems in diverse areas of (National Register for Citizens) mathematics. exercise in Assam & set a new • Ruchika Tomarhas won the 2020 benchmark for investigative PEN/Hemingway Award for Debut Novel, for journalism. “A Prayer for Travelers”. • Prachi Salve and Pradeep Dwivedi has won • Note: The novel was published on July the won the Road Safety (RS) Media 9, 2019. The Novel states about the Fellowship 2019. friendship of 2 women which grows • Note: Centre for Media Studies (CMS) complicated until the relationship announced that Prachi Salve of breaks apart and one of the friends IndiaSpend and Pradeep Dwivedi of disappear. DainikJagran as the first winner of • Ruchika Tomar hails from California Road Safety (RS) Media Fellowship & is currently working as a lecturer at 2019, for their work in contribution Stanford University. towards reporting on road safety. • Zoya Akhtar has been honored with IIFTC • Centre for Media Studies (CMS) Tourism Impact Award 2020. supported by the World Health • Note: She has promoted tourism Organization (WHO), conducted a through her films like 2011 ‘Zindagi three-month program for journalists to Na MilegiDobara’ which was shot in work on road safety issues in 2019. Spain, and 2015 comedy-drama • This program is conducted to ‘DilDhadakne Do’ shot in Turkey. Strengthen the capacities of the • Asia’s largest film tourism event, 8th journalists. India International Film Tourism • Hillel Furstenberg and Gregory Margulis Conclave (IIFTC) was held in has been awarded with Abel Prize 2020. Mumbai, Maharashtra. February 2020

• The Most Promising Brand of the Year • 1st Mathrubhumi book of the year 2020 award Award 2019 was won by Amulya Mica. won by Vinod Shukla. • Madhya Pradesh state has won the 1st • Note: He was awarded for his position for its implementation of Pradhan translated book ‘Blue Is Like Blue’. Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY). • National Kishore Kumar Samman of the • Indore (Madhya Pradesh) has also won Madhya Pradesh (MP) government for the 1st place for better performance in year 2018 was awarded to Waheeda Rehman. PMMVY. • Transport Minister’s Road Safety Award • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) 2018-19 was awarded to Delhi Transport GovernorShaktikanta Das was awarded the Corporation (DTC). ‘Central Banker of the Year 2020’, Asia- • The award was given for its lowest Pacific by The Banker magazine. accident rate.

84

www.gradeup.co • Film ‘1917’ won the Best Film award, in the • Ranveer Singh for Gully Boy won the best 73rd British Academy of Film and Television Actor award at the 65th edition of Amazon Arts (BAFTA) Awards 2020 ceremony. Filmfare Awards 2020. • President of India Shri. Ram Nath Kovind • 20th edition of Laureus World Sports Awards presented the International Gandhi Awards for 2020 was held in Berlin, Germany. Leprosy to Dr. N.S. Dharmashaktu. • Laureus World Sports Awards is known as • 1st Indian to receive International Olympic ‘Oscars of Sport’. Committee’s Coaches Lifetime Achievement • Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw won Ernst & Young Award -- Pullela Gopichand. Entrepreneur of the year 2019. • Kaamya Karthikeyan becomes the youngest • PV Sindhu received the ‘sportsperson of the Girl in the World to climb South America’s year 2019 female at the ESPN Multi-Sport Highest Peak Mt. Aconcagua. Annual Awards 2019. • Parasite film has been bestowed with best • Saurabh Chaudhary received the original screenplay award at the 92nd ‘sportsperson of the year 2019 male at the Academy Awards ceremony 2020. ESPN Multi-Sport Annual Awards 2019. • Dr. Vasant Narsimhan has been conferred • Winner of the 2019 Kate Webb Prize by the with the Genome Valley Excellence Award of Agence France-Presse -- Ahmer Khan. BioAsia 2020. • Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah • The President of India Ram Nath Kovind Naidu presented the Ideal Legislative awarded President’s Colour to INS Shivaji. Assembly Speaker/ Ideal Legislative Council • The award ranks high among the Chairman Award 2019 to P Ramakrishnan. honour bestowed upon a military unit • Winner of Miss Diva Universe 2020 -- in recognition of the exceptional AdlineCastelino. service rendered to the nation, in peace • Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival or war. Awards 2020 announced in Mumbai, • Rajendra Indraman Singh has been Maharashtra. bestowed with Indian Achievers Award (IAA). • Hrithik Roshan bagged the Best Actor • Manpreet Singh Pawar has been selected as award for film “Super 30”. the FIH Men’s Player of the Year 2019. • Film editor has entered Limca Book of • Note: The captain of India men’s Records -- Sreekar Prasad national field hockey team selected for • Note: Sreekar Prasad, a veteran film the award by the International Hockey editor has entered Limca Book of Federation (FIH). Records for 'films edited in the greatest • Film ‘Gully Boy’ has won the best film award number of languages'. at the 65th edition of Amazon Filmfare Awards • Jadav Payeng will be awarded with Swami 2020. Vivekananda Karmayogi Award 2020. • The 65th edition of Amazon Filmfare Awards 2020 was held at Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati, Assam. January 2020

✓ Sanjay Gupta has been honoured with ✓ Ministry of Science and Technology has Lokmanya Tilak journalism award. awarded Swarna Jayanti Fellowships to 14 • The award is given to recognize the scientists to pursue basic research in frontier work of an individual, which he or she areas of science and technology. has carried out for the larger good of • A research grant of five lakh rupees the journalistic field. for five years is also being provided in addition to their salary.

85

www.gradeup.co ✓ India-born author has bagged a coveted ✓ e-Governance Award of Excellence 2019 United Kingdom’s Costa Children’s Award was won by --‘cVIGIL’ and ‘Voter Helpline 2019’ -- JasbinderBilan. app’. • Note: She won the award for her ✓ Australia has conferred its highest civilian debut novel ‘Asha and the Spirit honour, the Order of Australia honour to Bird’. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw. • ''Asha and the Spirit Bird'', aimed • The award is given to foreign nationals at readers aged nine years and who have extraordinarily contributed above, beat competition from three to Australia or for humanity. other shortlisted books to be named ✓ Priya Praksah has won the Global citizen the winner of the 2019 Costa prize: Cisco Youth Leadership award for Children's Award this week. 2019. ✓ Indian pacer JaspritBumrahwill receive the • The award was given for her school Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s health program that provides Polly Umrigar Award. healthcare support to children. • Leg-spinner Poonam Yadav will be ✓ Prestigious French honour of ‘Chevalier given the best international dans lOrdre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight cricketer (women) award. of the Order of Arts and Letters) has been ✓ The 29th ‘Saraswati Samman 2019’ conferred to Sanjana Kapoor. conferred to _VasdevMohi. • for her outstanding contribution to the • The literary award is given for his field of theatre. short stories collection- ✓ Nobel laureate Abhijit Vinayak Banerjee ‘Chequebook’. The short story talks conferred with honorary Doctor of Letters about the sufferings of the (D.Litt.) by Calcutta University. marginalized sections in society. • Banerjee, who was awarded the Nobel ✓ 17th edition of Crossword Books Awards Prize in 2019 along with two others held in Mumbai the Popular Best Fiction for “their experimental approach to Award was won by -- Twinkle Khanna. alleviating global poverty. • Twinkle Khanna won the Popular ✓ Assam state Tableaux has won the 1st prize at Best Fiction Award for her novel the Republic Day Parade, 2020 among the ‘Pyjamas Are Forgiving’. States/Union Territories. • Krishna Trilok won the Popular • The theme of Assam’s tableau was award in the Biography category for “Land of unique craftsmanship and Notes of a Dream: The Authorized culture”, displaying bamboo and cane Biography of AR Rahman. work and Bhortal Nritya performed ✓ Madhya Pradesh government 2018National by Xattriya dancers. Lata Mangeshkar Award was conferred to -- ✓ Dr N Kumar has been conferred with the Kuldeep Singh. ‘HaritRatna’ Award 2019. • They have been chosen for this award • Note: This award is organised by the for their contribution in the field of All India Agricultural Students music and will be awarded in February Association. 2020 at an event in Indore, Madhya ✓ N Ram has been selected for Kerala National Pradesh. Media Award.

86

www.gradeup.co • sThe award was instituted for fearless ✓ Dubai-based Indian girl who can sing in 120 and brilliant journalistic work at a languages wins Global Child Prodigy Award national level. The award carrying a -- Sucheta Satish. cash prize of ₹1 lakh, citation and ✓ Best Motion Picture (Drama) in ‘Golden sculpture were announced as part of Globe Awards 2020’ the academy’s 40th-anniversary • Highlights:The 77th Golden Globe celebration. Awards, which honor the movies and ✓ Priya Prakash has won the Global Citizen American Television were distributed Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award for on 6th January 2020 at the Beverly 2019. Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, • The award was given for her school California. health program that provides • Best film – drama: 1917 healthcare support to children. The • Best actress in a film – drama: Renee prestigious award honours an Zellweger, Judy individual aged 18 – 30 who is • Best actor in a film – drama: Joaquin bringing about a positive change in the Phoenix, Joker world by solving some of its biggest • Best film – musical or comedy: Once global challenges. The award includes Upon a Time in Hollywood a US $250,000 prize. • Best score – film: Joker ✓ Yusuf Jameel has won the 2019-20 PEN • Best director – film: Sam Mendes, Gauri Lankesh Award for Democratic 1917 Idealism for his outstanding contribution in • Best song – film: I’m Gonna Love Me journalism. Again, Rocketman ✓ Rani Rampalbecomes the 1st ever hockey player to win the 2019 ‘World Games Athlete of the Year’ award. Important Events: Sports

August 2020

✓ GermanFamous footballer BenediktHowedes November 1 to 10 in UAE.Dubai, Abu Dhabi retired recently. and Sharjah will be the three venues of the Note:He was one of the 3 players who had tournament. No spectators to be allowed in the played every minute for the team in the initial phase of the tournament tournament.BenediktHowedes has played 44 ✓ India has withdrawn from the women’s world times for German National Team from 2011- team Squash championship scheduled to be 17.In September 2007, German Football held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Association honored him with the Fritz Walter Note: India has withdrawn from the women’s Medal, under-19 Gold Medal which is given world team Squash championship scheduled to the best youth players. in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 15th to 20th ✓ The Indian Government has provisionally December, due to lack of preparation, time granted permission for the 13th edition of and match-readiness of its players. Squash Indian Premier League’s (IPL’s) 2020 to be Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) has rescheduled in UAE. decided to withdraw from the championship. Note: BCCI has also decided to host a ✓ Lewis Hamilton won the British Grand Prix Women’s T20 Challenge to be held from (GP) 2020.

87

www.gradeup.co Note: It is officially known as the Formula 1 ✓ Max Verstappen has won the 70th Pirelli British Grand Prix 2020. The Anniversary Grand Prix. tournament was held at the Silverstone Circuit Note: His victory ended Mercedes dominant in Silverstone, United Kingdom(UK).This is Formula 1 season. 70th Anniversary Grand his 7th time to win this title. He is the only Prix 2020 was the 5th race of 2020 Formula 1 racer to win most in British GP. season and was held at Silverstone, United ✓ Sports Authority of India with CISCE and Kingdom CBSE, will host an online program for ✓ Indiawill host the ICC Men’s T20 World cup training of Physical Education (PE) Teachers 2021. on "Khelo India Fitness Assessment of School Note: While the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Going Children". 2020 that was postponed due to Covid-19 will Note: The program will target 7500 be held in Australia in 2022.Cricket’s participants across 2615 CISCE schools. It governing body has also decided to postpone will assess the fitness levels of the school the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2021 in children and identify potential future New Zealand till February – March 2022 champions. Khelo India Fitness because of the impact the Covid-19 pandemic Assessment through Khelo India Mobile App has had on cricket globally. (KIMA) will be done. The session is ✓ Suresh Raina announced his retirement from titled ‘Whole School Approach to Fitness’. Cricketsport. ✓ Indian umpire KN Ananthapadmanabhan Note:He made his international debut against has been included in ICC’s international panel Sri Lanka in 2005 and represented India in 226 of umpires. ODIs, 78 T20Is and 18 Tests in his cricketing Note: Ananthapadmanabhan played 105 career that spanned over 13 years. He scored First-Class and 54 List A games for Kerala, 7,787 runs across all the formats in taking 344 and 87 wickets respectively. international cricket. He also claimed 167 Ananthapadmanabhan has officiated in all catches in his international career, setting the major domestic events including the IPL. bar high with his athleticism on field.Suresh ✓ INOXcompany will be the official sponsor Raina is the first Indian batsman who has Indian team for the rescheduled Tokyo scored a century in all three formats of the Olympic. game. Note: The Tokyo Olympics was rescheduled ✓ Lewis Hamilton has won the Formula One to next year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Spanish Grand Prix 2020 held at Circuit de It will be held from July 23 to August 8 in Barcelona-Catalunya, Spain. 2021.As part of the partnership the Group will Note: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-Great also support team's promotions through its Britain) has won the Formula One Spanish entertainment company -- INOX Leisure Grand Prix 2020 held at Circuit de Barcelona- Limited, which owns a chain of multiplexes in Catalunya, Spain. This was his 4th win of the the country. season and the 88th win of his career. Max ✓ “Fit India Freedom Run” would be organised Verstappen (Red Bull–Netherlands) came by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports second followed by Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes- from 15th August to 02nd October 2020. Finland) at third. Note: The ministry is organising “Fit India ✓ The Asian Boxing Championship has been Freedom Run” to mark the 74th Independence postponed to next year owing to the disruption Day of India on August 15 to 151st birth caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on October 2. tournament was scheduled to be held in India. This would be the largest country-wide run, Note:India last hosted the men’s Asian meet targeted to encourage fitness among the back in 1980 in Mumbai before conducting the masses while following the COVID-19 women’s event in 2003 in Hisar. The protocols. tournament became a combined event for men and women last year.The COVID-19 88

www.gradeup.co pandemic has thrown sporting calendars Note: The government has announced the haywire the world over with several big National Sports Awards 2020.Rohit events, including the Olympics and the T20 Sharma(Cricketer), World Cup of cricket, postponed. MariyappanThangavelu(Para-Athlete), Manika ✓ Dream 11has bagged the title sponsorship Batra (TT player), VineshPhogat (Wrestler) rights of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. and Rani Rampal (Hockey) will receive the Note: Dream 11 has bagged the rights as Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award. Expression of Interest (EOI) was invited by ✓ Former cricketer Lisa Sthalekar has been the Board of Control for Cricket in India inducted into the International Cricket (BCCI) for IPL 2020’s title sponsorship after Council’s Hall of Fame, she held from the Chinese mobile phone brand, Vivo, pulled Australia. out of it. The title rights bagged by the fantasy Note: Former Australian captain Lisa gaming start-up “Dream 11” are valid Sthalekar were inducted into the International till December 31, 2020. Cricket Council’s Hall of Fame in a virtual ✓ Famous cricketer Laura Marsh of Englandhas ceremony along with Legendary South announced her retirement from all forms of African all-rounder JaquesKallis and Pakistan cricket. batting great Zaheer Abbas.Pune born Note: In her international career, Marsh Sthalekar represented Australia in eight Tests, played 9 Tests, 103 ODIs and 67 T20Is. She 125 ODIs and 54 T20s. Sthalekar is the 27th managed to score 1,588 runs across all formats from Australia and the ninth woman player in and also registered 217 wickets. The 33-year- the list, which includes five from her country. old announced her retirement from ✓ Sophia Popovhas won the Women’s British international cricket in December and has now Open 2020 title in Golf. decided to call time on her domestic career as Note: German Golfer Sophia Popov won the well. Women’s British Open 2020 title (rebranded ✓ All India Football Federation (AIFF)has as 2020 AIG Women’s Open) by defeating signed an Memorandum of Understanding Thailand’s Jasmine Suwannapura by two (MoU) with International Professional strokes at Royal Troon in Scotland.Sophia has Scouting Organization (IPSO) to conduct now become the first female golfer from online Scouting Workshops throughout India. Germany to win the LPGA Tour’s major title. Note: Under the agreement, IPSO will ✓ Football club Bayern Munichhas won the conduct online workshops which will provide UEFA Champions League 2019-20 title. a number of courses and webinars with Note: Bayern Munich has become the first regards to scouting in India.The workshop will European Cup winners who won all their be a starting point to become a scout or an matches during the tournament. This is the analyst and will also help anyone to sixth European Champions League title for understand the foundations and protocols in Bayern Munich. talent identification, scouting & analysis. ✓ Famous all-rounder Cameron White was ✓ Football team Sevillahas won the Europa playing for Australia announced his League for a sixth time. retirement from all forms of professional Note:Italy’s wait for a first European trophy in cricket. a decade, and Inter’s nine-year trophy drought, Note: He represented Australia in 4 Test goes on after Lukaku could not stop Carlos’s matches, 91 ODIs and 47 T20Is. He also led spectacular strike.It is Europe's secondary club the Australian limited-overs team in 7 football tournament organised by UEFA, and international games. He amassed 146 runs in the 12th season since it was renamed from the tests, 2072 runs in ODIs and 984 runs in UEFA Cup to the UEFA Europa League. T20Is. ✓ Table tennis player Manika Batra has been ✓ Table Tennis player Poulomi Ghatak selected for Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award announced her retirement. 2020. 89

www.gradeup.co Note: Poulomi Ghatak belongs to the state of ✓ Indiawill host BRICS Games 2021. West Bengal. She won three junior national Note: This announcement came after Sports championships as well as seven senior national Minister Kiren Rijiju attended a meeting of championships between 1996 and 2016. Sports Ministers of the BRICS nations (Brazil, ✓ James Anderson became the first-ever fast Russia, India, China and South Africa). India bowler to take 600 wickets in Test Match will get the chairmanship of the five-nation Cricket. independent international group in 2021. Note: Overall, he is the 4th bowler to take 600 ✓ Brothers pair, Mike Bryan and Bob Bryan test wickets after 3 spinners Muttiah have announced their retirement from the Muralitharan, Shane Warne, and Anil sport. They are associated with Tennis sport. Kumble.Anderson, who made his Test debut Note: They are the most successful men’s in 2003 against Zimbabwe, had become the doubles pair in tennis history. The brother’s highest wicket-taker among seamers in 2018 pair captured an Open Era record with 119 when he dismissed Mohammed Shami against trophies in 26 seasons which comprises all India at The Oval to go past Glenn McGrath’s four Grand Slams, all nine ATP Masters 1000s tally of 563 Test wickets. as well as the Olympic gold medal.

July 2020

✓ Kiren Rijiju has launched the National Anti- ✓ The International Olympic Committee has Doping Agency’s first mobile app named as postponed the Dakar 2022 Youth Olympic “NADA App”. Games to year 2026 due to COVID 19 ✓ G. Akash has become the country’s 66th Pandemic. Grandmaster. ✓ Sports person Marcus Rashford becomes the ✓ Quinton de Kock was named the men’s youngest ever recipient of an honorary degree ‘cricketer of the year’ at Cricket South from The University of Manchester is Africa’s (CSA) annual awards ceremony. associated with Football. ✓ Valtteri Bottashas won the Austrian Grand ✓ Lewis Hamilton has won the Formula-1 Prix 2020. Hungarian Grand Prix 2020 at Hungaroring, ✓ China’s two-times Olympic badminton Mogyoród, Hungary. champion Lin Dan announced his retirement. ✓ World cup winner famous footballer Andre ✓ Valtteri Bottas has won the Formula One‘s Schurrle has announced retirement from the season opening Austrian Grand Prix 2020. sport held from Germany. ✓ Egyptian Raneem El Welily is associated with ✓ Fabio Quartararo has won the Moto Grand Squash announced her retirement recently. Prix 2020. ✓ JoshnaChinappa is associated with Squash ✓ Football Club Real Madrid has been crowned sports who secured 10th position in World with the La Liga Champions for the 34th time Women’s Ranking 2020. after defeating Villarreal 2–1 at Estadio ✓ Lewis Hamilton has won the Styrian Grand Alfredo Di Stefano. Prix 2020 at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, ✓ Due to COVID-19 the ICC Men’s T20 World Austria. Cup has formally been postponed to 2022. ✓ Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has announced ✓ India’s 2018 Asian Games mixed relay medal to postpone the Asia Cup cricket tournament upgraded to gold after disqualification of until June 2021. Bahrain. ✓ Mile Jedinak is associated with soccer sports ✓ Haryana state will host 4th edition of the who has announced his retirement. Khelo India Youth Games after the 2021 ✓ Australian sportsperson Mile Jedinak is Tokyo Olympics. associated with Soccer sports who has ✓ Jamie Vardy has won the Premier Leagues announced his retirement. Golden Boot award after netting 23 goals across the 2019/20 season.

90

www.gradeup.co ✓ Bangladesh bowler KaziAnik Islam has been fans about the, “time to start believing, again,” banned for two years by the national cricket in an obvious reference to Mohun Bagan’s board for failing a dope test in 2018. recent amalgamation with the ISL champion ✓ Mohun Bagan became the country’s first-ever ATK. football club to feature on NASDAQ ✓ Rajat Bhatia associated with Cricket sports billboards in New York’s Times Square. has announced his retirement. Note: The billboard announcing “131 years of unmatched legacy” of the club also reminded June 2020

✓ Cricketer Rohit Sharma has been ✓ Lightweight boxing champion Oleksandr nominated by the BCCI for the Rajiv Gvozdyk also known as “The Nail” Gandhi Khel Ratna Awards 2020. announced his retirement held from ✓ Indian long-distance player Kiranjeet Ukraine. Kaur has been slapped with four year ban ✓ The 4th edition of Asian Youth Para by the World Anti-Doping Agency Games to be held in Bahrain in December (WADA). 2021. ✓ In association with National Sports ✓ ShakhriyarMamedyarov has won the Federations (NSF) the Sports Authority World Stars Sharjah Online International of India (SAI) has launched India’s 1st - Chess Championship 2020. ever national-level open online coaching ✓ Indian tennis player Niki Poonacha has and education programme called “Khelo been elected as a player member to ITF India e-Pathshala”. World Tennis Tour Player Men’s panels. ✓ India will host Asian Football ✓ Football club Liverpool has won the Confederation (AFC) Women’s Asian Cup English Premier League 2019-20. 2022. ✓ Wicketkeeper-batswoman Rachel Priest of ✓ The Athletes Integrity Unit (AIU) of the New Zealand has announced her World Athletics has imposed a four-year retirement from International Cricket. ban on which Indian player who won the ✓ Indian umpire Nitin Menon has been gold medal in 2019 Asian Athletics inducted into International Cricket Championships -- GomathiMarimuthu. Council’s Elite Panel of Umpires. ✓ The doping charge against Indian ✓ Germany footballer Mario Gomez has sportsperson has been dropped due to announced his retirement from the sport. "non-conformities" in the handling of her ✓ Australia and New Zealand will host the sample -- K SanjitaChanu. FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. ✓ Spain’s sports council has accepted the ✓ Rahul Dravid has been declared as the change in status for the competitions, greatest Indian Test batsman of all time, which will also be valid for men’s and according to a poll conducted by Wisden women’s futsal. India. ✓ Former European high jump champion, ✓ Kiren Rijiju has launched the National Alexander Shustov banned for four years Anti-Doping Agency’s first mobile app by Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), named as “NADA App”. he held from Russia.

May 2020

✓ Sports organization FIFA has launched the ✓ The governing body of swimming the campaign “#WeWillWin” to pay a special Federation Internationale de Natation tribute to health workers and other (FINA) has postponed the 2021 aquatics professionals.

91

www.gradeup.co world championships to 2022. The tournament ✓ The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) is scheduled to be held in Japan. provisionally suspended Savita Kumari and ✓ Sandeep Kumari has been given a 4-year ban Ankit Shisodia for violating anti-doping rules. by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) They are associated with Powerlifting sports. after failing a drug test, she is associated with ✓ Tennis player Jamie Hampton announced her Discus throw sport. retirement from the professional tennis belong ✓ Tennis player Youssef Hossam awarded to UAS. lifetime ban by the Tennis Integrity Unit ✓ The World Health Organization (WHO) has following his conviction on multiple match partnered with International Olympic fixing and associated corruption charges. Committee (IOC) to work together to ✓ Remy Di Gregorio has been banned for 4 promote health through sport and physical years for using a form of banned blood- activity. boosting hormone EPO (Erythropoietin) is ✓ Sri Lankan cricketer ShehanMadushankahas associated with Cycling. been suspended from all forms of cricket with ✓ China has won the 1st edition of FIDE immediate effect for alleged possession of Chess.com Online Nations Cup. heroin. ✓ India will host the FIFA U-17 Women’s ✓ Indian sprinter Kiranjeet Kaur has been World Cup in 2021 which was postponed due banned for four years by the World Athletics’ COVID 19 pandemics. anti-doping body for testing positive for a ✓ Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna awardee Deepa banned substance. Malik announced her retirement, she is ✓ Spanish Famous footballer Aritz Aduriz has associated with Shot-put. announced his retirement citing medical ✓ The Bundesliga of Germany becomes the reasons. world’s first major sports event to resume after COVID-19 lock down. April 2020

✓ Grand Slam tournament Wimbledon 2020 countries Malaysia & Thailand from has been cancelled for the first time since participating in weightlifting events at the World War II due to coronavirus Tokyo Olympics due to multiple doping pandemic. offences. ✓ World Athletics championship shifted to ✓ India’s rank in the latest FIFA Ranking -- the year 2022. 108th. ✓ ‘The Smart Triplets’ will be the mascot • While Belgium ranked first and 19th Asian Games. world champion France is in 2nd • Note: The Olympic Council of place and Brazil is at 3rd spot. Asia has announced the official ✓ India will host Asian Boxing mascots of the 19th Asian Games Championships 2020 in November 2020. to be held in Hangzhou in 2022. ✓ ‘Fei Fei’ will be the official mascot for 4th • The three robots namely Asian Para Games 2022. Congcong, Lianlian and Chenchen • The design inspiration of “Feifei” which are collectively known as comes from the motif of the “The Smart Triplets” will be the ‘Divine Bird’ in the Liangzhu official mascots of the 19th Asian Culture and represent both Games. Hangzhou city’s heritage and its ✓ Kobe Bryant has been inducted into innovation in technology. Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of ✓ According to the International Table Fame. Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Ranking ✓ The International Weightlifting 2020 of senior Indian male players Federation (IWF) has banned two Achanta Sharath Kamal got top rank. 92

www.gradeup.co ✓ The 11th edition of World Games which ✓ Sana Mir announced her retirement from has unveiled an updated logo and title after international cricket held, she held from being delayed a year because of the Pakistan. . Coronavirus pandemic scheduled to be ✓ India lost the hosting rights of 2021 Men’s held in Birmingham, USA. World Boxing Championships to Serbia. ✓ MirabaiChanu and Jeremy Lalrinnunga Quadrennial 50-over Women Cricket World Cup have been qualified to participate in the 2021 to be held in New Zealand. Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, they are associated with Weightlifting sports. March 2020

✓ Rafael Nadal has won the Mexico Open 2020, ranks Indian Hockey men’s team Men’s single title 2020. at 4th position with 2064. • Note: It was the 27th edition of men’s • 14 points for the 1st time & Women’s Mexican Open and 20th for the women team is ranked at 9th with 1543 points. with a prize money of ATP The men’s list is topped by Belgium (Association of Tennis Professionals) for the first time with 2481.34 & $1,789,445 (USD) & WTA (Women’s women’s list is topped by Netherlands Tennis Association) $ 250,000 (USD). with 2626.03 points. • The tournament was consisted of two ✓ Name the player who won the bronze medal in categories ATP 500 & WTA the Yonex Dutch Junior International 2020 International. Rafael Nadal (33) competition -- Tasnim Mir & Mansi Singh. clinched the 85th ATP Tour title • Note: Young Indian badminton players defeating Taylor Fritz in the final, 6–3, Tasnim Mir (14) & Mansi Singh (14) 6–2. He won the ATP 500 title for the have won historic bronze medal each third time and first since the event in the girls’ singles section of the changed from clay to hard-court in Yonex Dutch Junior International 2020 2014. competition held at B.C. Duinwijck, in ✓ 1st Khelo India University Games 2020 was Haarlem, Netherlands from 26 held in Bhubaneswar. February 2020 – March 1,2020. • Note: The 1st edition of the 2020 • This is the first time India has won two Khelo India University Games (KIUG) bronze medals in this BWF Junior was held from February 22 – March 1, International Grand Prix tournament. 2020 at KIIT University (Kalinga ✓ Badminton Asia Championships 2020 has Institute of Industrial Technology been shifted to Manila, Philippines. University) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. • Note: Badminton Asia confirmed that • The tournament, inaugurated by Prime Badminton world federation (BWF) Minister (PM) NarendraModi,held has shifted the Badminton Asia with the official mascots of ‘Jay and Championships 2020 to Manila, Bijay’. Philippines from Wuhan, China. • Punjab University (PB) emerged as the • It will be conducted in Manila from winner of Khelo India University April 21 to 26, 2020.The Badminton Games 2020 with 45 medals Asia Championship 2020 event is ✓ International Hockey Federation (FIH) World shifted due to the Novel Coronavirus Rankings 2020 ranks Indian Hockey men’s (COVID-19) outbreak and this team in 4th place. championship falls within the Tokyo • Note: Fédération Internationale de 2020 Olympic Games Qualification Hockey or International Hockey window. Federation (FIH) World Rankings • The Philippine Badminton Association (PBA) successfully hosted the Asia 93

www.gradeup.co Team Championships from Feb 11-16 presence of anabolic steroid, 2020, in Manila. Oxandrolone. ✓ Mumbai city will host the International • The provisional suspension starts to Olympic Committee (IOC)session 2023 as apply from February 20, 2020. recommended by IOC Executive Board. ✓ Former Indian opening batsman and a • Note: Mumbai will host the domestic cricket giant has announced his International Olympic Committee retirement from all forms of cricket -- Wasim (IOC) session 2023 as recommended Jaffer. by IOC Executive Board and the • Note: Wasim Jaffer (42) a former decision will be approved at the 136th Indian opening batsman and a IOC session in Tokyo in July 2020. domestic cricket giant has announced • The IOC session was held in 1983 in his retirement from all forms of New Delhi and the session is going to cricket. He hails from Mumbai, be held in India after 40 years. Maharashtra. • The Evaluation Commission had • He is the fifth-highest run-scorer in visited Mumbai in October 2019 to Indian first-class cricket with 10 Ranji study the feasibility of hosting the trophy titles. session & the board selected Mumbai • Wasim Jaffer is the highest run-scorer due to the quality of the facilities at the in the Ranji and Irani Trophy, who Jio World Centre, Mumbai, became the first player to play 150 Maharashtra. Ranji trophy matches and the first ✓ All India Police Athletic Championship batsman to score more than 12,000 2019 was held in Panchkula Haryana. runs in Ranji Trophy with 40 centuries • Note: All India Police Athletic and 89 half-centuries. Championship 2019 has commenced in ✓ Australia has won the 7th ICC Women’s T20 the Panchkula District of Haryana. World Cup tournament. This is the 68th edition of All India • Note: Australia women’s cricket team Police Athletic Championship. defeated the Indian women’s cricket • The championship aims to enhance team by 85 runs and won the title for India’s performance in the Olympics the 5th time. scheduled to be held in 2028. To ✓ Footballer of Malta Andre Schembri has achieve this feat, the Government of announced his retirement from professional India has identified more than 15,000 football. children and has also commenced their • Note: Currently Andre Schembri (33 training. years old) playing for Chennaiyin FC’s • These selected children are receiving (Football Club) announced that he will their training in 284 Sports Authority retire from professional football after of India (SAI) training centres across the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) the country. final against ATK FC in Goa on March ✓ Indian runner who has been provisionally 14, 2020. suspended by the National Anti-Doping • He announced retirement from Agency (NADA) failing doping test --Prachi international football in November Choudhary. 2018 after 94 appearances for his • Note: Indian 400-meter runner Prachi nation. Choudhary from Uttar Pradesh was ✓ The Asian/Oceanian Boxing Olympic tested out of competition and was Qualifiers event 2020 was held in Amman, provisionally suspended by the Jordan. National Anti-Doping Agency • Note: A total of 9 Indian boxers (NADA) on March 6,2020, for the qualified in this event for Tokyo 2020

94

www.gradeup.co Olympics, which is to be held at New ✓ Viktor Axelsen and Tai Tzu Ying have won National Stadium in Tokyo, Japan the men’s and women’s singles title from 24 July 2020 – 9 August 2020. respectively at All England Championship. ✓ Saurashtra team has won the Ranji Trophy • Note: All England Championship was title 2019-20. held in Birmingham, England. This • Note: JaydevDipakbhai Unadkat led was the last badminton event before Saurashtra team and won the maiden the Badminton World Federation’s Ranji Trophy title defeating Bengal suspension of all tournaments due to team at the Saurashtra Cricket the coronavirus pandemic. Association Stadium, Rajkot, Gujarat. • Viktor Axelsen of Denmark defeated • The final of the Ranji trophy is headed Chinese Taipei’s Chou Tien-chen by towards a draw, then the winner 21-13, 21-14 to win the men’s singles Saurashtra is decided on the basis of a title of All England Championship. first-innings lead. • Tai Tzu Ying of Chinese Taipei ✓ ATK FC has won the Indian Super League defeated Chinese Chen Yu Fei by 21- trophy for the 3rd time. 19, 21-15 to win the women’s singles • Note: ATK Football Club won the title of All England Championship. Indian Super League (ISL) trophy for ✓ Two Indian Vrinda Rathi and Janani the 3rd time following a 3-1 win Narayanan. have been named in the against Chennaiyin FC in the final International Panel of ICC Development match held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Umpires. Stadium, Margao, Goa. • Note: 100% Cricket is a 12-month ✓ New Zealand (NZ) all-rounder Andrew campaign which has been launched to Malcolm Ellis has announced his retirement build on the momentum of the ICC from Canterbury cricket. Women’s T20 World Cup 2020. • Note: After Ross Taylor he became the ✓ The International Olympic Committee and 2nd player in NZ to play over 100 Tokyo Olympic organizers agreed to move games in each format. the Tokyo Games to 2021. • He is the only player to be named as • Note: Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Men’s Domestic Player of the Year Abe and the head of the International twice by NZ National Cricket Team, in Olympic Committee agreed to the 2014-15 & 2016-17 seasons. postpone the Tokyo 2020 Games by a • The highlight of his career was the year in an extraordinary move, 2016-17 season, as he raised the unprecedented in peacetime, as the Plunket Shield & The Ford Trophy in world battles the coronavirus his first year as captain. pandemic. ✓ Achanta Sharath Kamal has won the ITTF • It will mark the first time in history Challenger Plus Oman Open men’s singles that the start of an Olympics will be title. delayed to another year. • Note: He beat top-seeded Marcos ✓ Shilpa Shetty has partnered with the Freitas of Portugal 4-2 in the final Government of India’s flagship fitness played in Muscat. movement “Fit India”. • It was in 2010, Sharath bagged a title • Note: The tie-up will provide free last time when he won the Egypt Open. access of the Shilpa Shetty Kundra’s Since then he made two semi-final premium 21-Day Weight Loss appearances (Morocco Open in 2011 Programme during the 21-day and India Open in 2017) but couldn’t lockdown owing to Covid-19 manage to get through it. pandemic.

95

www.gradeup.co • Fit India Movement was launched by • Note: He has been banned for use of a the Indian Prime Minister Narendra prohibited substance and his four-year Modi on the occasion of National suspension starts from July 27, 2018. Sports Day. Chikara won the silver medal in the 2018 ✓ Indian shot-putter who has been suspended for Federation Cup. At the same year, he was runner four years by World athletics body’s -- Navin up in the Inter-State Championship. Chikara. February 2020

✓ Goa 2020National Games unveils official reflects the “universal values” and Mascot as Rubigula. “unifying power of sport”, for the • Note: ‘Rubigula’, Flame-Throated upcoming 2020 Olympics to be held in Bulbul, has been unveiled as the Tokyo, Japan from July 24, 2020 to official mascot for the Goa 2020 August 9, 2020. National Games in Panaji, Goa. • The official Olympic motto is “Citius, • The Flame-Throated Bulbul is the state Altius, Fortius” or “Faster, Higher, bird of Goa. Goa will be hosting the Stronger”, but each host city chooses 36th edition of the National Games its own motto to accompany that from 20th October to 4th November edition of the Games. 2020. ✓ Badminton Asia championships 2020 was held ✓ Novak Djokovic has won the Men’s single in Manila, Philippines. title at Australian Open 2020. ✓ Junior Men’s Hockey World Cup 2021 is ✓ Sofia Kenin won the Women’s single title at scheduled to be held in India. Australian Open 2020. ✓ AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2022 is scheduled ✓ 13th edition of 2020 ICC Under-19 Cricket to be held in India. World Cup won by Bangladesh. ✓ FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup 2020 ✓ ICC Women’s Championship trophy 2020 will be held in India. won by Australia. ✓ Indiawill hostCommonwealth Shooting and • The ICC Women’s Championship has Archery Championship. given hosts New Zealand and four top • Note: India will host the teams a direct place in the World Cup Commonwealth Shooting and 2021. Archery Championships in January ✓ Aditya Mehta has won the men’s title in the Indian National Billiards & Snooker 2022. Championship 2020. ✓ Five-time Grand Slam winner Tennis player ✓ Vidya Viswanathan has won the women’s Maria Sharapova has announced retirement. title in the Indian National Billiards & ✓ Kiren Rijiju inaugurated 1stKhelo India Winter Snooker Championship 2020. Games in Union Territory of Ladakh. ✓ Virat Kohli retained his top position in the • Open Ice Hockey Championship, International Cricket Council Men’s test Figure Skating, Speed Skating will be ranking 2020 released on 11th February 2020. the three winter sports held during the ✓ The 54th All India Bombay Gold Cup Hockey winter games. Tournament title was won by Indian Navy. ✓ Ross Taylor has become the first player in the ✓ The Tokyo Organising Committee of the cricketing world to play 100 matches in all the Olympic and Paralympic games revealed the three formats of the game. official motto, -- “United by Emotion”. ✓ Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched 1st • Note: The Tokyo Organising Khelo India University Games at Jawaharlal Committee of the Olympic and Nehru Indoor Stadium Paralympic games revealed the official motto, “United By Emotion”, which 96

www.gradeup.co ✓ India’s Grandmaster D Gukesh has won the 34th Cannes Open in France. January 2020

✓ The 5th Ice Hockey Association of India ✓ The Indonesia Badminton Masters (IHAI) National Ice Hockey Championship - 2020 women’s singles title held in Jakarta, 2020 held in Leh, Ladakh. Indonesia was won by RatchanokIntanon. ✓ Magesh Chandran has won the Hastings ✓ Sania Mirza (India) and NadiiaKichenok International chess title. (Ukraine) have won the women’s doubles ✓ Bhubaneswar will host the first Edition of title of the WTA International trophy at Khelo India University Games. Hobart, Australia. • Note: The first edition of Khelo India ✓ ICC Under-19 World Cup Cricket 2020 has University Games is scheduled to be begun in South Africa. held at the KIIT University in • Indian team played under the captaincy Bhubaneswar from February 22 to of Priyam Garg. March 1, 2020. • India is the most successful team in the ✓ Saurabh Chaudhary has won gold medal in tournament, having won four titles till men's 10 m air pistol at 63rd National date. India is the defending champions Shooting C'ship. in U19 World Cup 2018. ✓ Cristiano Ronaldo has won best Men’s • Total 16 teams are participating in the Player of the Year at Dubai Globe Soccer tournament, split into four groups of Awards 2019. four. ✓ Weightlifter Sarbjeet Kaur has been slapped ✓ 1st Indian woman to sign up for foreign with a four-year ban for doping by the football club, ‘Rangers FC’ of Scotland --Bala National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). Devi. ✓ Japanese badminton playerKentoMomotahas ✓ Christine Margaret Sinclair becomes the all- won the Malaysia Masters 2020. time top scorer with 185 goals in international ✓ Serbia has won the inaugural 2020 ATP Cup soccer. tennis tournament in Sydney. ✓ The 71st edition of International Boxing • Note: Djokovic (World No. 2) claimed Tournament “Strandja”2020 was held in Sofia, a straight-sets victory over Rafael Bulgaria. Nadal (World No. 1) 6-2, 7-6 (7-4) in • The list was topped by Ukraine with 10 singles. medals (4 Gold, 1 silver, 5 Bronze). ✓ 3rd Khelo India Youth Games started in ✓ EsowAlben won the gold medal in the men’s Guwahati. Keirin individual cycling event of the Six-Day • Khelo India Youth Games event is a Berlin Tournament. National level multidisciplinary games • Note: Indian cyclistEsowAlben has conducted every year. bagged a gold in the men’s Keirin ✓ Ladakh has won the 7th National Ice individual event of the Six-Day Berlin Hockey Championship Women trophy. Tournament. ✓ The Diplomat Cup Cricket Championship ✓ Maharashtra state top in the medal tally of of 2020 held in Sharjah was won by India. the 3rd season of the Khelo India Youth ✓ Indian wrestler who won her first gold medal Games 2020. of the 2020 season at the Rome Ranking Series in Rome isVineshPhogat. 97

www.gradeup.co • Note: The 3rd season of the Khelo 122 medals Shivangi Sharma of India Youth Games concluded. Assam won five gold and two silver in • Maharashtra retained its reign in the swimming. Khelo India Youth Games held in ✓ In the 16th edition of International Cricket Guwahati with 256 medals including Council (ICC) Awards who named ODI 78 gold. cricket of the year -- Rohit Sharma. • Haryana stood second with a total of 200 medals. Delhi finished third with New Appointments

August 2020

✓ Hamed Bakayoko has been appointed as the ✓ Pradeep Kumar Joshihas been appointed as Prime Minister of Ivory Coast. the Chairman of the Union Public Service ✓ Indian economistUrjit Patel has been Commission (UPSC). appointed as the additional and independent Note:His tenure as the chairman of the UPSC director of Great Eastern Shipping Company will be till April 4, 2022.He succeeds Arvind Ltd. Saxena who retires as the UPSC chairman on ✓ Perseverancelaunched by NASA to seek 6th August 2020. signs of ancient life and collect first Martian ✓ Mahinda Rajapaksa took oath as the Prime rock. Minister of Sri Lanka. ✓ Mohamed Irfaan Ali became the President of Note: The 74-year-old Sri Lanka People’s Guyana. Party (SLPP) leader has been appointed as the ✓ Mark Anthony Phillips has been sworn in as PM of Sri Lanka. Prior to this, Mahinda the Prime Minister of Guyana. Rajapaksa was first elected prime minister in ✓ Manoj Sinha has been appointed as the 2004 and again appointed for brief periods in Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Jammu and 2018 and 2019. Kashmir. ✓ Alexander Lukashenko has won the presidential election in Belarus. Note: He will succeed Girish Chandra ✓ Walter Roger Martos Ruiz becomes new Murmu, who resigned recently. Manoj Sinha Prime Minister of Peru. has represented the parliamentary constituency ✓ Mohamed Ould Bilal has been appointed as of Ghazipur in eastern Uttar Pradesh thrice in the new Prime Minister of Mauritania. the Lok Sabha. He also served as ✓ Pramod Bhasin has been appointed as the Communication Minister as well as Minister new Chairman of Indian Council for Research of state for Railways. on International Economic Relations ✓ Girish Chandra Murmu has been appointed (ICRIER). as the new Comptroller and Auditor General ✓ Rakesh Asthana has been appointed as the (CAG) of India. Director General of the Border Security Force ✓ The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (BSF). (ACC), Government of India (GoI), has ✓ Goa Governor Satya Pal Malik has been approved another extension of Ajay Tyagi’s appointed as the new Governor of Meghalaya. term as Chairman of Securities and ✓ Recently, Ashok Lavasa has stepped down Exchange Board of India (SEBI). from constitutional postof Election ✓ Indian cricketers Suresh Raina Commissioner of India. &Harmanpreet Kaurwere appointed as Note: Lavasa is set to join the Philippines- Global brand ambassadors of Win Trade based Asian Development Bank as the vice- Fantasy (WTF) Sports. president from September 2020. He will succeed the incumbent vice-president Diwakar 98

www.gradeup.co Gupta, who is in charge of private sector ✓ RiteshShuklahas been appointed as the Chief operations, and public-private partnerships. Executive Officer (CEO) of the newly ✓ Rohit Sharma has been appointed as the launched NPCI International Payments brand ambassador of Sports eyewear Limited (NIPL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of “Oakley”. NPCI. ✓ Luis Rodolfo Abinader Corona has been ✓ Luis Rodolfo Abinader has been sworn in as sworn in as the 54th President of Dominican the President of Dominican Republic. Republic. ✓ Rajiv Kumarhas been appointed as the ✓ Keith Rowleyhas been appointed as the Election Commissioner of India. Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad ✓ Akinwumi Adesina has been re-elected as the and Tobago for a 2nd consecutive 5-year term. President of African Development Bank. July 2020 ✓ Shyam Srinivasan has been appointed as Financial Services Centre Authority the managing Director and Chief (IFSCA) for a 3 years term. Executive officer of Federal Bank Limited. ✓ Jayant Krishna has been appointed as the ✓ GudniJohannesson was re-elected as first India based Chief Executive Officer president of Iceland. (CEO) of UKIBC. ✓ Indra Mani Pandey has been appointed ✓ Sukhbir Singh has been appointed as the as the Ambassador and Permanent brand ambassador of Luxury Ride the Representative of India to the United multi-brand luxury car showrooms. Nations and other International ✓ The term of Rajkiran Rai as Managing Organizations in Geneva, Switzerland. Director and Chief Executive Officer ✓ Ravinder Bhakar has been appointed as (CEO) of Union Bank of Indiaas been the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of extended for two years. Central Board of Films Certification ✓ Priyanka Chopra has been appointed as (CBFC). the ambassador for Toronto IFF. ✓ Sanjay Dwivedihas been appointed as the ✓ The Incumbent President of Poland, as the Director General of the Indian Andrzej Duda has secured a victory in the Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC). 2020 Presidential Election. ✓ Srikant Madhav Vaidya has been ✓ GyanendroNingombam has been appointed as the new chairman of Indian appointed as the new President of Hockey Oil Corporation. India. ✓ V Suryanarayanan has been appointed as ✓ Hemang Amin has been appointed as the the New Managing Director (MD) of interim chief executive officer (CEO) of Cholamandalam MS General Insurance the Board of Control for Cricket in India Company. (BCCI). ✓ Jean Castex has been appointed as prime ✓ Ashok Lavasa has been appointed as the minister of France. vice president of Asian Development Bank ✓ Injeti Srinivas has been appointed as the (ADB). 1st chairman of the International Financial ✓ Brett Lee has been appointed as the brand Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) for a ambassador of SportsAdda, the news and period of three years. information website for Cricket, Football ✓ G. Srinivasan has been appointed as the and Kabaddi. chairman of the nine-member working ✓ Chandrikapersad “Chan” Santokhi has Group (WG) set up by IRDAI to study the been elected as the President of Suriname. suitability of insurers offering surety bonds ✓ Rose Christiane OssoukaRaponda has for contractors. been appointed as the first woman prime ✓ Injeti Srinivashas been appointed as the minister of Gabon. first chairman of the International ✓ Ashwini Kumar Tewari has been appointed as the new Managing Director 99

www.gradeup.co and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SBI ✓ KulmeetBawa has been appointed as the Card. President and Managing Director of ✓ Aditya Puri has become the highest-paid Systems, Applications & Products in Data banker for FY20 with Rs.18.92 cr in Processing (SAP) for Indian Subcontinent. remuneration. ✓ Alok Misra has been appointed as the ✓ Roshni Nadar Malhotra has been Director and Chief Executive Officer appointed as the new Chairman of IT (CEO) of Microfinance Institutions company, HCL Technologies. Network (MFIN). ✓ Sahil Seth has been appointed as the ✓ Riva Ganguly has been appointed as the honorary adviser of steering committee for secretary of Ministry of External Affairs BRICS Chamber of Commerce and (MEA), GoI. Industry (CCI). ✓ ParthaPratim Sengupta has been ✓ Arun Kumar has been nominated as the appointed as the Managing Director and Vice-Chairman of the International Union Chief Executive Officer of Indian of Railways (UIC). Overseas Bank. ✓ Prakash Chandra Kandpal has been ✓ Thierry Bollore has been appointed as the appointed as the Managing Director and new chief executive officer of Jaguar Land Chief Executive Officer of the Non-life Rover (JLR). insurer SBI General Insurance. ✓ N. Sivaraman has been appointed as the ✓ Sumit Deb has been appointed as the new Managing Director (MD) and Chief Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) Executive Officer (CEO) of ICRA of National Mineral Development Limited. Corporation (NMDC). ✓ Archana Soreng has been named by UN ✓ R Narayanaswamy has been appointed as Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to his the Chairman of the Technical Advisory new advisory group comprising young Committee (TAC) of the National leaders. Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA). ✓ Hardik Satishchandra Shah has been ✓ Ramesh Babu Boddu has been appointed appointed as the Private Secretary (PS) to as the Managing Director & Chief Prime Minister Narendra Modi on co- Executive Officer of Karur Vysya Bank terminus basis. (KVB). June 2020

✓ Anita Kotwanihas been appointed as the solve the difficulties faced in the chief executive officer (CEO) of Media implementation of Rs.3 Lakh crore Agency, Carat India. collateral-free loan for Micro, Small & ✓ PR Jaishankar has been appointed as the Medium Enterprises(MSME). as the Managing Director (MD) of the ✓ Subramanian Sundar has been re- India Infrastructure Finance Company appointed as the Managing Director (MD) Limited (IIFCL) for 3 years. and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ✓ Arun Singhal has been appointed as the Lakshmi Vilas Bank (LVB). chief executive officer of India’s apex food ✓ Uday Kotak has assumed office as the regulator Food Safety and Standards president of the Confederation of Indian Authority of India (FSSAI). Industry (CII) for 2020-21. ✓ TV Mohandas Pai has been appointed as ✓ Krishnendu Majumdar has been named the chairman of the advisory committee on as the new chairman of British Academy service providers by the Insolvency and of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA). Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI). ✓ Virendra Nath Datt has been appointed ✓ Rajnath Singh will chair the committee as the Chairman & Managing Director of constituted by the PM Narendra Modi to National Fertilizers Limited (NFL).

100

www.gradeup.co ✓ Rajeev Topno has been appointed as the ✓ Volkan Bozkirhas been elected president senior advisor to the World Bank of the 75th session of the UN General Executive Director. Assembly. ✓ BrajendraNavnit has been appointed as ✓ Indian American the ambassador to the Permanent Mission SethuramanPanchanathanhas been for India (PMI) at the WTO in Geneva. appointed as the Director of the National ✓ ManushiChhillarhas been appointed as Science Foundation (NSF) by the US the brand ambassador of Adidas to join senate. Indian star Batsman Rohit Sharma and ✓ Gaurav Ganguly and Sunil Chhetri has sprinter Hima Das. been appointed as the brand ambassador of ✓ Ashok Dalwanihas been appointed as the JSW cement. chairman of the rearranged Commodity ✓ Urjit Patel has been appointed as the derivatives advisory committee of SEBI. Chairman of the National Institute of ✓ Rohit Sharma has been appointed as the Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP). first ever brand ambassador of the IIFL ✓ Nirakar Pradhan has appointed as new as Finance. the Chief Executive Officer of the ✓ Nethra has been appointed as ‘Goodwill Professional Risk Managers’ International Ambassador to the Poor’ of the United Association (PRMIA) of its new India Nations Association for Development And office. Peace (UNADAP). ✓ Natarajan Chandrasekaran has been re- ✓ G Kishan Reddy has been appointed as nominated as a Part-Time Non-Official the chairman of the committee for the Director on RBI Central board for 2 years. welfare of the freedom fighters ✓ Wasim Jaffer has been appointed as head reconstituted by the union ministry of coach of the Uttarakhand Ranji team for home affairs. the upcoming season. ✓ Pankaj Tripathi has been appointed as ✓ T Rabi Sankar has been appointed as the the brand ambassador of Patna’s Khadi chairman of the Indian Financial Mall by the Government of Bihar. Technology & Allied Services (IFTAS). ✓ The Reserve Bank of India has approved ✓ Clare Connor has been named as the first the re-appointment of KaizadBharucha as female president of the Marylebone Executive Director of HDFC Bank for a Cricket Club (MCC) in its 233 year-old period of three years. history. ✓ Imtaiyazur Rahman has been appointed ✓ IAS Vini Mahajan becomes 1st woman as the chief executive officer (CEO) of chief secretary of Punjab state. UTI Asset Management Company (AMC). ✓ Micheal Martin has been elected as new ✓ Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta has Prime Minister of Ireland. taken charges as the Chief of Staff of ✓ UP Governor, Anandiben Patel has taken Eastern Naval Command (ENC). additional charges as the governor of ✓ KubatbekBoronov has been appointed as Madhya Pradesh. the Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan. ✓ Lazarus Chakwera was elected as the new ✓ Pralay Mondal has been appointed as the President of Mali after the annulment of President of CSB Bank Limited. the results of the 2019 Presidential Elections following evidence of irregularities. May 2020

✓ Atanu Chakraborty chaired the task force on ✓ Ravi Shankar Prasad attended the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) Extraordinary Virtual G20 Digital which submitted its Final Report to Finance Economy Ministers meeting was held to Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

101

www.gradeup.co discuss the challenges posed by the outbreak ✓ Neeraj Dhawan has been appointed as the of the COVID-19 pandemic. Chief Risk Officer of Yes Bank for a period of ✓ Raj Kumar Singh unveiled e-book titled “A three years. Report on Impact of Energy Efficiency ✓ Ajinkya Madhukar Rahanehas been Measures” for the year 2018-19. appointed as the brand ambassador of Edu- ✓ Dr. Harsh Vardhan has launched the mobile tech firm ELSA Corp for India, Middle East, application 'AYUSH Sanjivani' App and two Australia, New Zealand and SAARC. AYUSH based studies related to COVID-19 ✓ Narinder Batra’s term has been extended as situation. President of FIH until May 2021 by the ✓ Union Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh International Hockey Federation (FIH). recently approved the abolition of 9,304 posts ✓ Kumar Sangakkara has been appointed as in the military engineering services on the the president of Marylebone Cricket Club recommendation of Shekatkar Committee. (MCC) for a second term. ✓ Shikha Sharma has been named advisor to ✓ Indian sportsperson Akhil Kumar has been Google Pay India. re-inducted into the Disciplinary Panel of ✓ GiridharAramane has been appointed as the National Anti-Doping Agency’s (NADA). ✓ V. Vidyavathihas been appointed as the Secretary of the Ministry of Road Transport Director-General of Archaeological Survey of and Highways. India (ASI). ✓ Arvind Kumar Sharma has been appointed ✓ Manoj Ahuja has been appointed as the new as the Secretary of the Ministry of Micro, chairman of the Central Board of Secondary Small and Medium Enterprises. Education (CBSE). ✓ Krishnan Ramachandran has been ✓ Roberto Azevedo decides to resign a year appointed as the Managing Director (MD) and before his term expires as head of international organization WTO. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Max Bupa ✓ Zubair Iqbal has been appointed as new Health Insurance. Managing Director (MD) of Jammu and ✓ Ashok Michael Pinto has been appointed as Kashmir Bank. the US representative to World Bank’s lending ✓ Benjamin Netanyahu has sworn in as the arm International Bank for Reconstruction and prime minister of Israel for the 5th time. Development (IBRD). ✓ Rajesh Goel has been appointed as the ✓ Tarun Bajaj has been appointed as the new director-general (DG) of the Realtors body National Real Estate Development Council director on Central Board of the Reserve Bank (NAREDCO). of India (RBI). ✓ Kevin Mayer has been appointed as the chief ✓ Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has been executive officer of TikTok, the popular video appointed as the chairperson of app owned by China's ByteDance Technology theParliament’s Public Accounts Co . Committee (PAC). ✓ GovindaRajuluChintala has been appointed as the chairman of National Bank for ✓ Dia Mirza has been appointed as the as the Agriculture and Rural Development Goodwill Ambassador of India by UNEP. (NABARD). ✓ Manisha Singh has been nominated as an ✓ Carmen Reinhart has been appointed as envoy to the Organization for Economic Chief Economist and Vice President of the Cooperation and Development (OECD) with World Bank. an Ambassador rank by US President Donald ✓ DilipOommen has been appointed as the Trump. President of Indian Steel Association (ISA). ✓ Mustafa al-Kadhimisworn in as the Iraq’s ✓ Rajesh Bhushan has been appointed as the 6th Prime Minister. chairman of the11-member committee constituted by the Ministry of Health to 102

www.gradeup.co simplify and expedite” the drug approval Channel Commission by International process in India. Olympic Committee (IOC). ✓ Carmen Reinhart has been appointed as the ✓ Leo Puri has been appointed as the chairman new Vice President (VP) and chief economist of JP Morgan South and Southeast Asia after of World Bank. Kalpana Morparia retirement in 2021. ✓ JahnabiPhookan has been appointed as the ✓ Thierry Delaporte has been appointed as the 37th National President of Federation of Chief Executive Officer(CEO) and Managing Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry Director(MD) of Wipro. (FICCI) Ladies Organization (FLO). ✓ Sandip Mukund Pradhan has been given two- ✓ Abhas Jha has been appointed as World year extension as Director General (DG) of Bank’s Practice Manager for Climate Change Sports Authority of India (SAI). and Disaster Risk Management for South ✓ Ravinder Singh Dhillon has been appointed Asia. as the Chairman and Managing Director ✓ Marcos Prado Troyjo has been appointed as (CMD) of State-run Power Finance the President of the New Development Bank. Corporation (PFC). ✓ Anil Kishora has been appointed as the vice ✓ SN Rajeshwari has been appointed as the president of the New Development Bank Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of (NDB). Delhi-based Oriental Insurance Company ✓ Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra has been (OIC). appointed as the member of the Olympic April 2020

✓ D. Lakshminarayanan has been ✓ Raj Vikash Verma has been appointed as appointed as the Managing Director of part-time Chairman of AU Small Finance the Sundaram Home Finance. Bank for the period of one year. ✓ The government extended the tenure of ✓ Sanjay Agarwal has been appointed as National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) the Managing Director (MD) and Chief acting President BSV Prakash Kumar. Executive Officer (CEO) of AU Small ✓ The Government has extended the Finance Bank. appointment of MadhabiPuri Buch as a ✓ Mahabaleshwara M S has been appointed whole time member (WTM) of the SEBI. as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief ✓ UB Pravin Rao has been appointed as the Executive Officer (CEO) of the Karnataka Chairman of the National Association of Bank. Software and Services Companies ✓ Sara Ali Khan has been appointed as the (NASSCOM). brand ambassador of the James Bullough ✓ Shafali Verma has been appointed as the Lansing (JBL)’s campaign –“Live it Real, brand ambassador of PepsiCo for one year. Live it Raw”. ✓ Parag Raja has been appointed as the new ✓ J Packirisamy has been appointed as Managing Director (MD) & Chief Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Executive Officer (CEO) of Bharti AXA Union Bank of India. Life Insurance Company. ✓ Mrutyunjay Mahapatra has been ✓ Anamika Roy Rashtrawarhas been appointed as Officer on Special Duty appointed as the Managing Director (MD) (OSD) in the Canara Bank. & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ✓ MS Dhonihas been appointed as the new IFFCO Tokio General Insurance. brand ambassador of the PokerStars India.

103

www.gradeup.co ✓ Ajay Mahajan has been appointed as the ✓ Noel Quinn has been appointed as the MD & CEO of the Credit Analysis and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Research Limited (CARE) Rating. HSBC Bank. ✓ Rohit Sharma has been appointed as the ✓ PV Sindhu has been appointed as the one new brand ambassador of the of its ambassadors for the “I am CricKingdom. badminton” awareness campaign of ✓ Vineet Arora has been appointed as the BWF. MD and CEO of Paytm General Insurance ✓ Rakesh Sharma has been appointed as the Limited. President of Geneva-based International ✓ Viswanathan Anand has been appointed Motorcycle Manufacturers Association as the ambassador of World Wildlife Fund (IMMA). (WWF) India’s environment education ✓ Shiv Das Meena has been appointed as programme. the Chairman and Managing Director of ✓ N Kamakodi has been appointed as the Housing and Urban Development Managing Director and Chief Executive Corporation (HUDCO) ltd. Officer of City Union Bank. ✓ Rajiv Kumar has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB). March 2020

✓ Muhyiddin bin Haji Muhammad Yassin has ✓ Lt Gen Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon has been been appointed as the 8th Prime Minister of appointed as the Director General, Defence Malaysia. Intelligence Agency. ✓ PekkaLundmarkhas been appointed as the ✓ Kareena Kapoor Khan has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nokia, as the brand ambassador of PUMA for a ✓ Ajay Bhushan Pandey has been appointed as period of two years. the new Finance Secretary of India. ✓ PV Sindhu. has been appointed as the brand • Note: Appointments Committee of the ambassador for Andhra Pradesh government’s Cabinet (ACC) headed by Prime anti-graft helpline or anti-corruption helpline– Minister (PM) Narendra Modi has 14400. approved the appointment of Ajay ✓ Disha Patani and Sanjeev Kapoor has been Bhushan Pandey as the new Finance appointed as the brand ambassador in India for Secretary in Ministry of Finance. the Washington Apple Commission, ✓ Denys Shmygal has been appointed as new ✓ Harbhajan Singh has been appointed as the prime minister of Ukraine, brand ambassador of Indian online leather ✓ Daren Tang has been elected as Director accessory brand Brune&Bareskin. General of World Intellectual Property ✓ Amitabh Bachchan has been appointed as the Organisation (WIPO). first ever brand ambassador of IDFC Bank. ✓ JanezJansa has been elected as the new prime ✓ Salman Khan has been appointed as the minister of Slovenia. brand ambassador of Smartphone brand ✓ Injeti Srinivas has been appointed as the realme. chairman of the 12 members committee to ✓ Akshay Kumar has been appointed as the prepare an investigation manual for the brand ambassador PepsiCo’s snack brand Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO). Kurkure. 104

www.gradeup.co ✓ Virat Kohli has been appointed as the brand Ayodhya land dispute on November 9, ambassador of iQOO (i Quest On and On). 2019. ✓ Bansi Lal Bhat has been appointed as the ✓ Under chairmanship the Insurance Regulation officiating Chairperson of the National and Development Authority (IRDAI) Pravin Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT). Kutumbeinstituted a 16-member committee. ✓ Adnan al-Zurfihas been appointed as the • Note: The committee will further Prime Minister (PM) of Iraq. strengthen IRDAI guidelines on ✓ Former chief justice of India Ranjan corporate governance & will find ways Gogoihas been nominated as the member of Upper House of the Parliament, Rajya Sabha. to improve key functions such as risk • Note: He was nominated by President management and internal audits of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind, under independent of each other. the exercise of the powers conferred by ✓ V K Paul will chair the 21-member high-level sub-clause (a) of clause (1) of article technical committee of public health experts to 80 of the Constitution of India, read guide the people in preventive & control with clause (3) of that article to the activities of COVID-19. Council of States and to fill the vacancy caused due to the retirement ✓ Shivraj Singh Chouhan.has sworn in as the of one of the nominated members. chief minister of Madhya Pradesh after the Ranjan Gogoi will be the successor of resignation of Kamal Nath. K.T.S Tulsi. ✓ Bibhu Prasad Kanungo has been reappointed • Gogoi headed a 5-judge bench, who as the Deputy Governor of RBI for a period of gave the judgement on the sensitive one year. February 2020

✓ The Ministry of External Affairs, Government ✓ Robin Singh has been appointed as the of India (GoI) has appointed as Next High Director of Cricket of the UAE. Commissioner of India to Canada -- Ajay ✓ Ajay H. Patel has been elected as the Bisaria. President of All-India Chess Federation ✓ Arvind Krishna has been appointed as the (AICF). Chief Executive Officer of International ✓ Atul Kumar Gupta has been appointed as the Business Machines (IBM). President of the Institute of Chartered ✓ M. Ajit Kumar has been appointed as the Accountants (ICAI) for the year 2020-21. chairman of the Central Board of Indirect ✓ Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai has been elected as Taxes and Customs (CBIC). the president of Afghanistan. ✓ Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi has been ✓ Supratim Bandyopadhyay has been appointed as the new Prime Minister of Iraq. appointed as the chairman of the PFRDA ✓ Deepa Malik has been appointed as the ✓ Sanjay Kothari has been appointed as the President of the Paralympic Committee of new Chief Vigilance Commissioner (CVC). India. ✓ Bimal Julkahas been appointed as the new ✓ Albin Kurtihas been appointed as the new Chief Information Commissioner in the and 4th Prime Minister (PM) of the Republic Central Information Commission. of Kosovo. ✓ Vijay Adani has been appointed as the as a ✓ Philip Barton has been appointed as the as new chairman of the US-India Business Britain’s New High Commissioner to India. Council (USIBC).

105

www.gradeup.co • Note:USIBC represents the top global ✓ The world’s oldest government leader companies across the United Mahathir bin Mohamad (94) resigned as Prime States,India and Indo-Pacific. Minister of Malaysia. ✓ Rajlaxmi Singh has been elected as the ✓ Faure Gnassingbe has been reelected as the President of Rowing Federation of India. President of the Togo. January 2020

✓ VK Yadav has been re-appointed as Railway the state-owned Housing and Urban Board Chairman for a period of one year. Development Corporation (HUDCO). ✓ The Union government has set up a 7 ✓ Lt Col Yuvraj Malik has been appointed the members Group of Minister (GoM) to Director of the National Book Trust (NBT). review the crop insurance scheme, “Pradhan ✓ Arjun Munda has been elected as President Mantri FasalBima Yojana (PMFBY) headed of the suspended Archery Association of by Rajnath Singh (Defence Minister). India (AAI). • The Pradhan Mantri FasalBima ✓ NripendraMisra has been appointed Yojana (PMFBY) was launched on chairperson of the executive council of the 14th January 2016 to provide financial Nehru Memorial Museum and Library support to farmers suffering from crop (NMML). loss or damage due to an unforeseen ✓ Indian lawyer Harish Salve has been event. appointed into Queen Elizabeth II’s counsel of ✓ Harjeet Kaur Joshi has been appointed as the Senior Advocate. Chairperson and Managing Director of ✓ Bipul Behari Sahahas been elected as a Shipping Corporation of India (SCI). bureau member of the International Union of ✓ Dr. Suresh Chandra Sharma has been Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) for the appointed as Chairman of National Medical period 2020-23. Commission. ✓ The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) appointed ✓ Zoran Milanovic has won the presidential as member of the Monetary Policy election of Croatia. Committee (MPC)-- Janak Raj. ✓ Haitham bin Tariq al-Said took over as • The Monetary Policy Committee of Sultan of Oman. India is responsible for fixing the ✓ Tsai Ing-wen won the Taiwan presidential benchmark interest rate in India. election. ✓ Taranjit Singh Sandhu has been appointed ✓ Noted chemist has been elected as a bureau as thenew Indian Ambassador to the United member (2020-23) of the International Union States. of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) -- ✓ Sunil Mehta has been appointed as the Chief Bipul Behari Saha. Executive Officer (CEO) of the Indian Banks’ ✓ Robert Abela sworn in as the 14th Prime Association (IBA). Minister of Malta. ✓ ChallaSreenivasuluSetty has been appointed ✓ Katerina Sakellaropoulou has been elected as the Managing Director of the State Bank of as the first female president of Greece. India. ✓ M Nagaraj has been appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of

106

www.gradeup.co Obituaries

August 2020

• Renowned personality Sonam Tshering • Renowned personality Mukund Lath passed Lepcha passed away recently; he was a away recently, he was a veteran Culture veteran Folk Musician. Historian. Note: He played a major role in reviving and • Renowned personality Nandi Yellaiah passed promoting the Lepcha Culture which is one of away recently, he was a veteran Politician. the indigenousculture of Sikkim. • Famous personality Manitombi Singh passed • Lee Teng-hui dubbed as “Mr. Democracy” away, he was a veteran Sportsman. passed away recently. He was former • Renowned personality PK Muthusamy passed president of Taiwan. away recently, he was a veteranSongwriter. Note: He was popularly known as “Mr. • Noted personality RahatIndori passed away Democracy” for eradicating the dictatorial rule recently, he was a veteran Urdu Poet. in favour of unbiased pluralism in Taiwan. • Renowned personality GK Menon passed • Famous personality Anil Murali passed away away, recently he was a veteran Journalist. recently.He was a veteran Malayalam Actor. • ChunnakaraRamankutty passed away recently • Former Uttar Pradesh education minister of he was a famous poet and film and drama Kamal Rani Varun passed away due to lyricist of Malayalamlanguage. coronavirus. She served as Minister of • Famous sportsperson Chetan Chauhan passed Technical Education, is the first minister in away recently, he was associated with Uttar Pradesh to die after contracting Cricket. coronavirus. • Noted Carnatic musician Dr B Siva Kumar • Writer and Singer VangapanduPrasada Rao passed away recently, he was proficient in passed away recently. Veenamusical instrument. • Nobel Peace Prize winner, John Hume passed • Renowned personality NishikantKamat passed away. away, he was a veteran Film Director. Note: He was a founding member of the Note: Nishikant had directed some popular Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) Bollywood movies like Force, Drishyam and in 1970 and led the party from 1979 until Madaari. 2001. • Renowned personality Pandit Jasraj passed • PoliticianRam Pradhan passed away recently. away recently, he was a veteran Vocalist. Note: He served as the governor of Arunachal Note: Pandit Jasraj was a recipient of India’s Pradesh during Rajiv Gandhi government.He fourth-highest civilian award, Padma Shri in was an IAS officer of Maharashtra cadre. 1975; Sangeet NatakAkademi Award in 1987 • Renowned politician Shyamal Chakraborty and Padma Bhushan in 1999. In the year 2000, passed away due to COVID-19 infection, he the government of India conferred him with was a former governor of West Bengal. Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian • Renowned personality Shirley Ann Grau honour in the country. passed away recently; she was a veteran • Legendary sportsperson Angela Buxton passed Environmentalist. away recently; she was associated with • Renowned personality Sadia Dehlvi passed Tennissports. away recently, she was a veteranWriter and • Renowned personality Russell A. Kirsch Activist. passed away recently, he was a veteran computer scientist.

July 2020

107

www.gradeup.co • Renowned Actor Carl Reiner passed away “In America,” and his signature fiddle tune recently. “The Devil Went Down To Georgia”, who Note: Legendary comedian, Carl Reiner won his only Grammy Award in 1979. He was passed away. He was a prolific writer, inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame comedian, director and actor. He had a run as in 2016. a movie director with such films as “Oh, • Renowned personality Nagindas Sanghvi God!” (1977) and “The Jerk” (1979). He won passed away recently, he was a veteran several Emmys awards in writing and Journalist. producing. Note: He was 100 and suffering from acute • Renowned personality Saroj Khan passed asthma. Mr. Sangvi was conferred Padma Shri away recently, she was a veteran award in the year 2019. He was in teaching at Choreographer. Bhavan’s College Andheri from 1951 to 1980. Note: In a career spanning over four decades, Later he moved to Ruparel College, Mahim Khan is credited with choreographing more and Mithibai College, Vile Parle for teaching than 2,000 songs, including Dola Re Dola political science. from Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Devdas, Ek Do • Famous footballer Wim Suurbier of The Teen from Madhuri Dixit-starrer Tezaab and Netherlands passed away recently. Ye IshqHaaye from Jab We Met in 2007. Note: Suurbier, who won three European • Famous sportsperson Everton Weekes passed championships with the legendary Ajax side of away recently he was associated with Cricket the same decade, had been in hospital since sports. suffering a cerebral haemorrhage in Note: Everton Weekes made his first-class April.Suurbier was an attacking full-back debut at 19-year-old and his Test debut in whose role epitomised the "Total Football" 1948 at 22. His test career spanned between style pioneered by the Ajax and Dutch 1948 to 1958, where he played 48 Tests & national sides during his heyday. scored 4455 runs at an average of 58.62. • English sports person Jack Charlton passed • Name the Hollywood screen writer, film away recently, he was associated with maker, actor and voice artist passed away Football sports. recently -- Carl Reiner. Note: A member of the England 1966 World- Note: Veteran Hollywood and multi- Cup winning team, Jack Charlton passed hyphenate personality Carl Reiner, a creator away. He was also an integral part of the great and director of several Steve Martin films, Don Revie-managed Leeds United side that died at 98 of natural causes at his Beverly won the 1969 League title and the 1972 FA Hills home. He has won multiple Emmy Cup. Awards, among which 5 awards were backed • Renowned personality Avad Bin Hassan Jami by “The Dick Van Dyke Show” in the 1960s. passed away recently, he was a veteran • Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed Jafri popularly known as cartoonist. Jagdeep passed away recently, he was a Note: His cartoons were published in Gujarati veteran Actor. magazine “Abhiyan” for last over two Note: Jagdeep appeared in around 400 films decades. He had also worked in Gujarati but it is his role as SoormaBhopali in 1975 newspaper Phhulchhab as a cartoonist. He film "Sholay.Better known by his stage name was a drawing teacher at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Jagdeep, the actor also directed the movie Jamnagar and became a full-time cartoonist "SoormaBhopali" with his character as the after retirement. protagonist. • Amadou Gon Coulibaly who passed away • Renowned personality Charlie Daniels passed recently was prime minister of Ivory Coast. away recently. Note: He recently returned from France after Note: He was country music and southern receiving medical treatment. He was also rock icon who entertained fans for decades chosen as the ruling party Rally of with songs like “Long-Haired Country Boy,” Houphouetists for Democracy and 108

www.gradeup.co Peace (RHDP)’s candidate for October’s • Renowned personality Bijay Mohanty passed presidential election. away, recently he was a veteran Actor. • First woman election commissioner of Note: His performance in his debut film, Maharashtra NeelaSatyanarayan passed Chilika Tire, earned him several accolades away recently. including the National Film Award. He is Note: The 1972 batch officer was admitted at most famous for negative roles in films the Seven Hills Hospital, Mumbai after she including Samay Bada Balaban, Naga Phasa, was diagnosed with COVID-19. SahariBagha, DandaBalunga and Chaka NeelaSatyanarayan retired in 2014. She has Bhaunri. penned more than 150 songs. Also, she has • Rajat Mukherjee who passed away recently composed music for several Marathi movies. was a famous Film Maker. • Renowned personality John Lewis passed Note: Rajat Mukherjee directed Urmila away recently, he was a veteran Civil Rights Matondkar, Fardeen Khan, Sonali Kulkarni Activist of US. and Rajpal Yadav in 2001's Pyaar Tune Kya Note: He was also the youngest and last Kiya. He also directed the 2004 film Love In survivor of the Big Six civil rights activists, a Nepal, which starred singer Sonu Nigam, group led by the Reverand Martin Luther King Rajpal Yadav and Flora Saini. Jr that had the greatest impact on the • Renowned personality Juan Marse passed movement. He was best known for leading away, he was a veteran Novelist. around 600 protesters in the Bloody Sunday Note: Spanish novelist, Juan Marse passed march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in away. He was one of Spain’s most-respected Selma, Alabama. novelists over the past few decades and the • Renowned personality Professor C. S. winner of the 2008 Cervantes Prize, the Seshadri passed away recently, he was a Spanish-speaking world’s top literary award. veteran Mathematician. His most important novel was “Úlitmas trades Note: A leader in the field of algebraic on Teresa” (“Last Afternoons with Teresa”) geometry, he made breakthroughs that lie at published in 1965. the base of many branches of this profound • Renowned personality John Saxon passed discipline. Seshadri began his career at the away recently, he was a veteran Actor. Tata Institute of Fundamental Research as one Note: He was born on 5th August 1936 as of the first batches of graduate students. He Carmine Orrico in Brooklyn, New York, moved to Chennai in 1984, to the Institute of United States of America.He was debuted in Mathematical Sciences. In 1989, he got an 1954 and starred in detective and horror shows opportunity to start the School of Mathematics like “A Nightmare on Elm Street”. as part of the SPIC Science Foundation, which • Renowned personality P Achyuta Rao passed has evolved into the Chennai Mathematical away due to COVID-19, he was a Child Institute (CMI). Rights Activist. • Renowned personality Lalji Tondon passed Note: He is known to have helped prevent away recently, he was governor of Madhya child marriages, incidents of child sexual Pradesh. abuse, and child labour. Rao recently filed a Note: Lal Ji Tandon was the governor of Bihar petition in Telangana High Court demanding between August 2018 and July 2019 when he that mid-day meal be served to students in took over as Madhya Pradesh's Governor. In government schools since they have not been 2009, the senior BJP leader and a protege of able to access it due to the pandemic-imposed former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, lockdown. succeeded him as the Lucknow MP. He began • Renowned personality Sonam Tshering his career from his hometown Lucknow in the Lepcha passed away passed away recently, he 1970s and had also served as a state minister was veteran Folk Musician. in Uttar Pradesh several times between 1991 Note: Lepcha was born in Kalimpong in 1928 and 2003. and started his career as a soldier.He travelled 109

www.gradeup.co to various parts of Sikkim and complied a Legend Of Bhagat Singh, Soldier, and Mr. wide range of Indian folk and traditional And Mrs Khiladi. Lepcha songs and played folk music on All • Renowned personality Olivia de Havilland India Radio in 1960. passed away, she was a veteran Hollywood • Renowned personality Somendranath Mitra Actor. passed away recently he was a veteran Note: She was born on 1st July 1916, in Politician. Tokyo, Japan. The actress, who starred in Note: A veteran Congress leader, Somen blockbusters like Captain Blood (1935), The Mitra as he was often referred to, took charge adventures of Robin Hood (1938), Gone with of West Bengal Congress in 2018. He played a the Wind (1939), The Snakepit, The Heiress. crucial role in forging an electoral She unchained the Hollywoods contract understanding of Left parties and Congress in system which was later called as “De the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Havilland Law”. • Renowned personality Kumkum passed away • Renowned personality Amala Shankar passed recently, she was a veteran Actor. away, she was a veteran Choreographer and Note: Her real name was Zaibunnissa. She has danseuse. featured in over 100 Hindi films like Mother Note: She was honored with the West Bengal India, Kohinoor, EkSaperaEkLootera, Naya government’s Banga Bibhusan award in 2011 Daur, Ujala, Raja AurRunk, Lalkar, Aankhen, for her contributions to art. First performance Geet, among others. of Amala Shankar was in Kaliya Daman • Renowned personality Parvej Khan passed which was staged in Belgium in 1931. She away recently, he was a veteran Action also acted in the film “Kalpana” which was Director. released in 1948. Note: He had been working in the film • Renowned personality Annie Ross passed industry since 1986. Some of his well-known away, she was a famous Jazz Singer. films include Andhadhun, Badlapur, Bullett Note: he was born Annabelle McCauley Allan Raja, Fukrey, Ra-One, Johnny Gaddaar, Short in Surrey, England, on July 25, Vishwaroopam, Vishwaroopam 2, Dev. D, 1930. She was a popular jazz singer in Gangster, Sehar, Ab TakChhappan, The the 1950s before crossing over into a successful film career. June 2020

✓ Veteran Music Director Wajid Khan 4x100m relay). He won three gold passed away recently. medals for 100m, 200m and • Note: Wajid Khan was the brother 4x100m relay in the 1956 Olympic of music director Sajid Khan. He in Melbourne. was born in Saharanpur, Uttar ✓ Former Union Minister and three-time Pradesh on July 10, 1977. Congress MP P Namgyal passed away • Wajid along with his brother Sajid recently in Ladakh. served as mentors on singing • Note: Former Union Minister and reality shows “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa three-time Congress MP from 2012” and “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Ladakh, P Namgyal passes away. Superstar”. He has served as the Minister of ✓ Famous sprinter Bobby Morrow passed State for Parliamentary Affairs, away recently. Surface Transport and Chemicals • Note: He is one of the four men and Petro chemicals. (Jesse Owens(1936), Carl ✓ Famous sportsperson turned coach Lewis(1984), Usain Bolt(2012 & JayantilalNanoma passed away recently, 2016)) to win three events at a he was ass8ociated with Archery sports. single game (100m, 200m and 110

www.gradeup.co • Note: Former International Archer entered Lok Sabha from Bhadrak turned coach JayantilalNanoma on a Congress ticket in 1971 and passed away. He was an Asian Cup re-elected in 1980, also on a and Asian Grand Prix medallist in Congress ticket. compound individual and team ✓ Pierre Nkurunziza passed away recently archery in 2010. was President of Brundi. ✓ Renowned personality Basu Chatterjee • Note: He was born on 18th passed away recently, he was a veteran December 1964 in Ngozi Screenwriter. Province.He was a sports graduate • Note: He worked in Hindi & and assistant lecturer at the Bengali cinema and was a dialogue University of Burundi and after the writer and produced a few films. Civil War he became the leader of • He received the National Film Forces for Defence of Democracy Award for Best Film on Family (FDD) in 2001. Welfare in 1992 for his film Durga. ✓ Famous sport person Tony Dunne, passed He was born on January 10, 1930, away recently, he was associated with in Ajmer, British India. Football sports. ✓ Renowned personality Anwar Sagar • Note: He joined Manchester passed away recently; he was a veteran United at the age of 18 in 1960 and Song Writer. debuted on 16th October 1960 • Note: He is best remembered for against Burnley (A) league. He was his hit track WaadaRahaSanam a part of the winning side of the from 1992 Akshay Kumar-starrer European Cup in 1968. Khiladi. The lyricist also has to his ✓ Famous Cricket sportsperson Vasant Raiji credit films like Yaarana, Salaami, passed away recently. Aa Gale Lag Jaa and Vijaypath • Note: A chartered accountant, he among more. was also a well-known chronicler ✓ Renowned personality Chiranjeevi Sarja of cricket, having written books on passed away recently, C.K. Nayudu, Ranjitsinhji, • Note: He has featured in films such Duleepsinhji, L.P. Jai and Victor as Samhaara, Aadyaa, Khaki, Trumper. Sinnga, Amma I Love You, • A Cricket Club of India player, he PremaBaraha, represented Bombay and DandamDashagunam and Baroda.The cricketer-historian was Varadhanayaka among others. He also a founding member of Jolly was last seen in the Kannada Cricket Club in Mumbai. action-drama Shivarjuna. ✓ Former Test cricketer of New Zealand ✓ Ved Prakash Marwah who passed away Matt Poore passed away recently, recently is a former governor of the • Note: He is remembered for Jharkhand, Manipur and Mizoram catching a stray dog during a match states. in Bengaluru in 1955 and • Note: VedMarwah was an alumnus subsequently taking 12 anti-rabies of St. Stephens college.He was the injections. first Secretary of the High • An all-rounder, Poore had a short Commission of India, London. but colourful 14-Test career ✓ Renowned personality Arjun CharanSethi between 1953 and 1956 alongside passed away recently. two greats - Bert Sutcliffe and John • Note: He was Water Resources Reid. Minister in Atal Bihari Vajpayee Cabinet from 2000 to 2004. He 111

www.gradeup.co ✓ Veteran Urdu poet and freedom fighter away recently, he was associated with Anand Mohan Zutshi passed away which language films. recently, • Note: Malayalam Film director, • Note: Anand Mohan Zutshi scriptwriter, and producer K.R. ‘Gulzar’ Dehlvi was the editor of Sachidanandan passed away. His the 1st Urdu science magazine, directorial debut was Anarkali in Science kiDuniya, published by the 2015. He had co-scripted numerous Government of India in 1975. movies with Sethu and later began • He played a prominent role in composing solo contents. Sachy opening Urdu schools across India was a rehearsing legal advisor at & has been a part of a number of the Kerala High Court. mushairas (Poetic symposium), ✓ Renowned Economist B.P.R. Vithal which includes Jashn-e-Rekhta in passes away recently. 2015 and Jigar Fest in 2018. • Note: He also served as the ✓ VeteranActor Sushant Singh Rajput Secretary, Finance and Planning, found dead in his house in Mumbai was a government of Andhra Pradesh, veteran. from 1972 to 1982. • Note: 34-year-old actor committed • B.P.R. Vithal also worked at the suicide & found dead at his home International Monetary Fund as the in Bandra, Mumbai. He was born fiscal adviser to the governments of on 16th January 1986 in Patna, Malawi and Sudan. He also played Bihar. an instrumental role in the • He promoted the Women establishment of Centre for Entrepreneurship Platform of NITI Economic and Social Studies, Aayog which was launched on 8th Hyderabad. March 2018. ✓ Renowned Army Man Lachhman Singh ✓ Renowned Military personnel Raj Mohan Lehl passed away recently. Vohra passed away recently due to • Note: Lachhman Singh Lehl took COVID-19. part within the 1948 war in Jhangar • Note: MahaVir Chakra awardee Lt area of Jammu and Kashmir as a Gen (retd) Raj Mohan Vohra captain and commanded a division passed away due to COVID-19. He within the 1971 war. was a 1971 war hero. Lt Gen Vohra • He received the Vir Chakra, the had received the coveted award in third highest gallantry award in 1972. India for his role as a forward • The MahaVir Chakra is that the observer within the 50 Para country’s second-highest gallantry Brigade. award. It is awarded for acts of ✓ Famous sportsperson Rajinder Goel passed conspicuous gallantry within the away recently he was associated with presence of the enemy whether on Cricket sports. land, at sea or in the air. • Note: He made his ranji debut in ✓ Renowned Journalist Dinu Ranadive 1957-58 and began his first class passed away recently. careen with Patiala (southern • Note: The veteran journalist was Punjab team).He represented Delhi born in 1925 at a tribal hamlet at from 1963 and in 1973 he moved Dahanu near Mumbai, he started to Haryana his journalistic career in 1956. ✓ Famous Basketball K Raghunath passed ✓ Malayalam Film Director, Scriptwriter, away recently, he was associated with and Producer K.R. Sachidanandan passed which sports.

112

www.gradeup.co • Note: Raghunath represented ✓ Renowned Journalist Vishwa Bandhu Indian All-Star team which toured Gupta passed away recently. Sri Lanka in 1962. He played for • Note: He was the chairman and Karnataka with distinction in chief editor of the Tej-Bandhu 1960s. group of publications, The Weekly • He was one of the founding Sun, The North-East Sun, Treasure members of the still-popular monthly and Flash newspaper. Beagles Basketball Club. • He was the President of All India Raghunath’s tryst with basketball Newspaper Editors began in 1958. Conference(AINEC) and one of the ✓ Famous sportsperson PournimaZanane founding members of the Press passed away recently, she was associated Club of India(PCI). with Shooting sports. ✓ Noted Kannada novelist Geetha • Note: She started as a shooter in Nagabhushan passed away. Mumbai and represented India in • Note: She was the first woman numerous ISSF World Cups, Asian writer to bag Kendra Sahitya Championships, Commonwealth Academy and Nadoja awards and Championships.She holds a serve as the chairperson of national record in the 10 m air rifle Karnataka Sahitya Academy. event. • She had presided over 76th Akhil • She started coaching shooters in Bharat Kannada Sahitya 2012 and she was the coach of the Sammelan, a prestigious literary shooters team of Sri Lanka. fest, held at Gadag in 2020. May 2020

• Renowned personality Chuni Goswami, • He received Rajyotsava in 1981, passed away, he was a famous Sportsperson. Padma Shri in 2008 and Pampa Award • Note: Former India football captain in 2017. Subimal Goswami, commonly • Famous personality Dalit Ezhilmalai passed known by his nickname Chuni away recently, he was a veteran Politician. Goswami, passed away at the age • Note: He participated in the Indo-Pak of 82 in Kolkata. War of 1971 as an army officer and • Renowned personality Bijay Mishra passed received SainikSewa Medal for his away, he was a famous Playwriter. meritorious service. • Note: Noted playwright, dramatist, • Renowned personality Hari Shankar scriptwriter and film director Bijay Vasudevan passed away recently, he was a Mishra of Odisha passed away at famous Historian. the age of 83 due to age-related • Note: He served as the Director of ailments in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies under the Ministry of • Renowned personality Nissar Ahmed Culture, Government of India. popularly known as K S Nissar Ahmed passed • Famous sportsperson Manmeet Singh Walia, away, he was a popular Poet and Kannada passed away, he was associated with which writer. sports Table Tennis. • Note: He was the 73rd president of • Note: He became the national Kannada Sahitya Sammelana in the champion in 1989 when he beat S year 2007 held at Shivamogga. Sriram in the men’s singles final in Hyderabad.

113

www.gradeup.co • Renowned personality Shafique Ansari passed • Famous sportsperson of Tennis Ashley John away recently, he was associated with which Cooper passed away at the age of 83 in field Acting. Sydney • Note: TV actor Shafique Ansari passed • Note: Cooper, the former Ranked No.1 away. He was best-known for his player, led Australia’s Davis Cup team appearance in TV series ‘Crime to victory over the United States to Patrol’. retain the title in 1957. • Renowned Writer Ratnakar Matkari passed • A right-handed serve-and-volley away. player, Cooper won 8 Grand Slam • Note: Last week he was tested positive titles- 4 Grand Slam singles and 4 to coronavirus. He was born on 17th Grand Slam doubles titles in the November 1938 in Mumbai, India. amateur era. • He was the director and producer of • Famous Hockey sportsperson Balbir Singh numerous Marathi films and he was a Dosanjh, passed away recently. self-taught artist and writer In the • Note:Balbir Singh Sr. made his 1970’s he wrote many columns for International debut in May 1947 tour multiple newspapers and magazines. of Sri Lanka. • He was known for his acting skills who • He was appointed as the Captain of made his mark in plays like Prem Indian hockey team for the Melbourne Kahani, VinashakadunVinashakade, Olympics in 1956. Lokakatha 78 and State Lote. • He wrote his biography “The Golden • Former JDS MP Raja Rangappa Nayak Hat Trick: My Hockey Days” in 1977. passed away recently. • Renowned Football Coach Gigi Simoni • Note: He had represented the Raichur passed away recently. constituency, Karnataka and was • Note: He was an Italian football elected in the Lok Sabha elections held official, player & manager. in 1996. • Simoni played as an attacking • Veteran Bengali author Debesh Roy passed midfielder for Mantova, Napoli, away recently. Torino, Juventus, Brescia and Genoa. • Note: Debesh Roy was known as a • Noted Classical Singer Shyamala G. Bhave writer who broke the set patterns in the passed away. fictional world of Bengali literature. • Note: Her father, late Govind • His famous works includes VitthalBhave, trained her in Hindustani TistaParerBrittanto, BorisalerJogen music, while she was tutored in the Mondal, ManushKhun Kore Keno and Carnatic stream by noted vocalists A SamayAsamayerBrittanto. He won the Subbaraya and B Doreswamy. Sahitya Akademi award for his novel • Renowned Author Mujtaba Hussain passed ‘TistaParerBrittanto’ in 1990. away recently. • Padma Bhushan recipient Bangladeshi • Note: Hussain was described as the professor Anisuzzaman passed away recently. Mark Twain of Urdu. He began his • Note: He was born on February 18, literary career from “Siasat”, a leading 1937, in Calcutta, Bengal Presidency, Urdu daily published from Hyderabad. British India and shifted to Bangladesh • Famous Football R. Shanmugam passed soon after the partition in 1947. away. • He made an immense contribution to • Note: Shanmugam played for Mohun Bangla language & literature through Bagan in 1968, Indian Railways in the his research and writings. 1969 Nowgong senior Nationals, Tamil Nadu in the 1970 Jalandhar & ’71 Chennai senior Nationals. 114

www.gradeup.co • Famous personality Stanley Ho passed away. • In 1998, Jogi was elected as a Lok • Note: Stanley Ho is one of the richest Sabha member from Raigarh, men in Asia and the head of Sociedade Chhattisgarh and became a de Jogos de Macau (SJM) holdings and spokesperson of the Indian National famously known as the Casino kingpin Congress (INC) party. of Gambling. • Famous personality associated with Indian • First chief minister of Chhattisgarh Ajit cinema passed away recently, he was a veteran Pramod Kumar Jogi passed away. lyricist. • Note: Jogi studied Mechanical • Note: Famous Indian Lyricist and Engineering at the Maulana Azad writer Yogesh Gaur, commonly known College of Technology & also won the as Yogesh in the film industry passed University Gold Medal. away at the age of 77 in Mumbai, • He served as a lecturer at the National Maharashtra. Institute of Technology (NIT), Raipur • He wrote the lyrics of hit songs and was also a successful IAS (Indian “Kahinduur jab din dhal jaye” and Administrative Service) officer. “Zindagikaisihaipaheli” that defined the superhit film Anand (1971).

April 2020

✓ Professor Arjun Dev passed away ✓ Libya’s former Prime Minister Mahmoud recently; he was a veteran Historian. Jibril el-Warfallypassed away due to • Note: He served as a historian at Coronavirus. the National Council of Education • Note: He served as the interim Research and Training (NCERT). Prime Minister (PM) of Libya for ✓ Nobel Prize- winning physicist who almost a year during the Libyan expanded the world’s understanding of Civil War in 2011, chairing the magnetism, superconductivity and the executive board of National structure of matter, passed away -- Philip Transitional Council and later Warren Anderson. killed Moammar Gaddafi in 2011. ✓ Padma Shri awardee and ✓ Malayalam Music Composer M.K. former “HazooriRaagi” at the Golden Arjunan passed away recently. Temple, passed away -- Bhai Nirmal • Note: He tuned about 700 songs, Singh Khalsa. many of them among the biggest ✓ World renowned virologist Gita hits of all time. Ramjeepassed away in Johannesburg, • He was awarded Kerala State South Africa. award for the best composer in • Gita was born on April 8, 1956, in 2017 for Jayaraj’sBhayanakam. Kampala, Uganda. She served as ✓ Famous sportsperson Radomir Antic the Clinical Trials Unit Principal passed away recently. Investigator and Unit Director of • Note: Radomir Antic, Serbian the HIV Prevention Research Unit football manager and player, the of the South African Medical only man to have coached Research Council (SAMRC) Barcelona, Real Madrid and offices in Durban. Atlético Madrid, passed away at the age of 71 in Madrid, Spain. 115

www.gradeup.co ✓ Two-time Grammy award winner & was born on 12th September 1928 Grammy lifetime achievement award in Maralawadi in Ramanagara winner American folk singer John District, Karnataka. Prinepassed away recently. ✓ Famous sportsperson Zafar Sarfaraz ✓ Famous Indian American passed away recently. BrahmKanchibotla passed away due to • Note: Former Pakistani first-class coronavirus. cricketer, Zafar Sarfaraz ,50 years, • Note: In recent years, he has been who tested positive to COVID-19 writing for two Indian-American passed away in a hospital at publications, the Indian Panorama Peshawar, Pakistan. He was born and the South Asia Times. on 30th October 1969 in Peshawar, • During his 28-year career in the North West Frontier Province, US, he worked for 11 years as a Pakistan. content editor for Merger Markets, ✓ Renowned personality Ranjit a financial publication, and also Chowdhrypassed away recently. worked for News India-Times • Note: He was well known for his Weekly. performance in classic comedies ✓ Famous Shanti Hiranand Chawla passed like Baton Baton Mein as away recently. SabhiPerreira and Khubsoorat as • Note: Shanti was trained in thumri, JaganGupta.His mother Pearl dadra and ghazal singing by Padamsee, was a Jewish descent Begum Akthar. With the passing of and a well-known drama teacher Shanti Hiranand the Begum Akthar and stage and film actress and his era is formally over. stepfather AlyquePadmsee, was a ✓ Legendary sportsperson Sir Stirling Moss theatre actor, director and head of passed away recently. an advertising company in • Note: Moss was widely regarded Mumbai. as the greatest driver never to win • He started his film career with the Formula One drivers’ world “KhattaMeetha” as RussieMistry. championship. ✓ Luis SepúlvedaCalfucura, the best- ✓ Famous sportsperson Peter Bonetti passed selling Chilean writer and journalist passed away recently. away due to coronavirus complications. • Note: He was part of England’s • Note: He was with Chile’s 1966 World Cup-winning team but Communist Youth and socialists was unused throughout the working against Pinochet regime tournament. and in 1973 he was arrested and ✓ Renowned Politician M V Rajasekharan imprisoned for treason for 2 and passed away recently. half years and freed after the • Note: He was former Union intervention of Amnesty Minister of State of planning and International. statistics and veteran Congress ✓ The former prime minister of Fiji, leader. He was also agriculture and Laisenia Qarase passed away recently. rural development consultant. He

116

www.gradeup.co • Note: The founder of the • He was the winner of the 2018 SoqosoqoDuavata Ni Lewenivanua Vazquez Montalban International Party & former Fiji Prime Minister Journalism Award. (2000-2006) Laisenia Qarase ✓ Renowned personality Irfan Khan passed passed away at 79 in Oceania away. Hospital, Suva due to an illness. • Note: The actor was admitted to ✓ Renowned personality Eugene Merril Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai Deitch passed away recently. after suffering from colon • Note: He was one of the directors infection. behind world’s most popular • He has acted in several remarkable cartoons and directed 13 episodes movies like Maqbool, Paan Singh of Tom and Jerry. Tomar, The Lunchbox, Haider, • He also won the ‘Academy Award’ Piku, Hindi Medium, Slumdog for his Best Animated Short Film Millionaire, Jurassic World, The named “Munro” in 1960. Amazing Spiderman and Life of Pi. ✓ Name the Indian theatre director-actor and • He was honoured with various activist Usha Gangulypassed away awards along with Padma Shri recently. which is the fourth highest civilian • Note: Usha Ganguly, was an award of India. Indian theatre director-actor and ✓ Renowned Actor Rishi Kapoor passed activist, most known for her work away. in Hindi theatre in the 1970s and • Note: Rishi breathed his last at the 1980s, passed away at the age of 75 Sir HN Reliance Foundation in Kolkata, West Bengal. Hospital in Mumbai. His wife and • She was born in Jodhpur, actor Neetu Kapoor was by his Rajasthan in 1945. side. ✓ Famous sportsperson Michael John • Born in the first family of Hindi passed away recently, he was associated cinema, Rishi Kapoor was the son with Football. of the man India call the showman, • Note: Former Republic of Ireland Raj Kapoor, and grandson of the and Liverpool forward footballer famous Prithviraj Kapoor. Michael John Robinson passed • Rishi was the second son of Raj away at the age of 61 in Marbella, and the sibling of Randhir, Ritu Spain. Nanda, Rima Jain and Rajeev Kapoor. March 2020

• Padma Shri awardee Balbir Singh Kullar • Former chairman & CEO of General Electric passed away, he was associated with Hockey. (GE) Company John Francis Welch Jr • Dronacharya awardee coach Joginder Singh passed away at the age of 84. He was also Saini passed away, he was associated with known as “Neutron Jack. Athletics. • Former UN Chief & Prime Minister of Peru Javier Perez de Cuellar passed away recently. 117

www.gradeup.co • Name the Buddhist religious leader in • Veteran Actor Kenneth Ray Rogers passed Bangladesh passed away -- away recently SuddhanandaMahathero. • French comic book artist, scriptwriter, the co- • Name the famous Swedish Actor Carl Adolf creator and illustrator of the “Asterix and von Sydowpassed away recently. Obelix” who passed away -- Alberto • Santu Mukhopadhyay or Santu Mukherjee AleandroUderzo. passed away recently, he was associated with • Name the former India football player and Cinema. 1970 Asian games bronze medallist passed • Former Czechoslovak javelin-thrower Dana away recently -- Abdul Latif. Zatopkovapassed away recently. • Nawab Banoo alias Nimmi passed away • Dr Puthussery Ramachandran passed away recently was a famous Bollywood actress. recently, he was a veteran Malayalam poet. • Nemai Ghosh passed away recently, was a • Former world champion boxer and trainer veteran Photographer. Roger Mayweather passed away. • RajyoginiDadiJanki passed away recently, she • Pradip Kumar Banerjee passed away at the age was chief of which spiritual organization of 83 in Kolkata, he was associated with Football. BrahmakumarisSansthan. • Meenakshisundaram Ramasamy Viswanathan, • ParavaiMuniyamma who passed away popularly known as Visu passed away recently, was a famous Tamil Folk Singer. recently, he was a veteran Actor. February 2020

• Noted Social activist, feminist writer and • Note: Giriraj Kishore was best known journalist passed away –Vidya Bal. for his novel “PehlaGirmitiya” (for • Eminent Punjabi writer and Sahitya Akademi which he received Padma Shri in 2007) Awardee Jaswant Singh Kanwal passed and “DhaiGhar”. away. • Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) • Renowned personality Rabi Singh died Veteran, Orator and Philosophical Author P. recently, he was a veteran Odia revolutionary Parameswaran passed away. poet and freedom fighter. • Journalist Nandu R Kulkarani passed away in • Padma Shri awardee and renowned Punjabi Mumbai, Maharashtra. novelist passed away recently isDalip Kaur • Note: He was the bureau chief of the Tiwana. Kolkata- based newspaper “The • Daniel Arap Moi passed away recently; he Statesman” in 1992 & also reported on was former President of Kenya. a wide range of subjects including • Famous cricket journalist and film historian politics & business. Nandu Kulkarni Raju Bharatanpassed away recently. started his career with “The Indian • He is also the writer for Thehindu and Express” in 1976 & reported on Sportstar and also a popular radio economic offenses. commentator for India’s cricket • Renowned personality Wendell matches. Rodrickspassed away in Goa, he was a • Hindi Novelist Giriraj Kishore passed away famous Fashion designer. recently. • M.S. Mani who passed away at the age of 79 was a famous journalist.

118

www.gradeup.co • Former Lok Sabha MP (Member of Cup in 1965 and 1966, passed away recently – Parliament) and wife of Netaji Subhas Ashok Chatterjee. Chandra Bose’s nephew Sisir Kumar Bose, • Muhammad Hosni El Sayed Mubarak who passed away recently – Krishna Bose. passed away recently was former President of • India Footballer who was a part of India’s Egypt. bronze-medal winning teams in the Merdeka January 2020

✓ Senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) ✓ On January 20, 2020 Shamsher Singh leader DP Tripathi passed away in New Surjewala passed away after in AIIMS, New Delhi, Delhi, he was a renowned Politician ✓ Noted Assamese theatre personality Ratna (Congress Chief of Haryana). Ojha passed away. ✓ Senior Journalist and former Bharatiya Janata ✓ Irani Gen Qassem Soleimani killed in US Party (BJP) Member of Parliament (MP) airstrike on Baghdad airport. Ashwini Kumar Chopra passed away at a ✓ Former Karnataka Governor T N Chaturvedi private hospital in Gurgaon. passes away. ✓ Noted Urdu poet Ajmal Sultanpuripassed ✓ The King of Oman Sultan Qaboos bin Said away at the age of 97 in Sultanpur, Uttar passed away due to years-long struggle with Pradesh. was awarded the “LifeTime an illness. Achievement Award” by Uttar Pradesh (UP) ✓ Former Indian cricketer Man Mohan Urdu Academy in March 2016 for his Soodpassed away at 80 years. contribution to Urdu poetry. ✓ Sunanda Patnaik (85) passed away in ✓ Famous social worker, environmentalist, Kolkata, West Bengal, she was Indian educationist & writer passed away at 85 years Classical Singer. in Kolkata Tushar Kanjilal. • She was famously known as ‘Guruma’ in ✓ Jameela Malik passed away recently at 73 the classical music circle. She is the years, she was a veteran Actress. daughter of renowned Odia poet ✓ Veteran player Sunita Chandra passed away in Baikunthanath Patnaik and had composed her hometown Bhopal, she was associated many bhajans (devotional songs) both in with Hockey. Odia and Hindi. ✓ American legendary player Kobe Bean ✓ On January 17,2020 Bryant and his daughter dies in a helicopter RameshchandraGangaramBapu Nadkarni crash. He was a veteran player of Basketball. passed away in Mumbai, Maharashtra, he was a renowned Cricketer.

Environment and Ecology News

119

www.gradeup.co September 6. Punjab government has launched ‘I Rakhwali’ app 1. World Wildlife Fund (WWF) released Living for Environment Protection. Planet Report 2020: Note: With this new initiative, the state govt aims to Note: It showed reduction of 68 % in global wildlife safeguard the state forest area by making people a population between 1970 and 2016.75 % of the stakeholder in this process.The state govt came up Earth’s ice-free land surface has been altered by the with the concept of the app to encourage people to conversion of pristine habitats into agricultural come forward and contribute to the protection of the systems with 85% loss of wetlands. Highest environment. biodiversity loss due to land use change: Europe and Central Asia, followed by North America, Latin August America and Caribbean, Africa and Asia. Largest wildlife population loss: Latin America. India, with 1. 6th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting was held over 45,000 species of plants in only 2.4 % of the under the presidency of Russia. world’s land area, has lost six plant species. Note: Prakash Javadekar, Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change 2. International Solar Alliance (ISA) organized first (MoEF&CC) participated in the meeting. The BRICS World Solar Technology Summit nations called the initiative to improve the Note: environment and promote the circular economy in • Aim: Accelerate affordable and sustainable clean national plans for economic recovery after COVID-19 green with next generation technologies in solar power. 2. National portal SURAKHSYA is being launched by • Tripartite agreement between India’s Ministry the Ministry of Environment and Forest on Human- of New and Renewable Energy, World Bank and Elephant conflict to collect real-time information and ISA inked during the summit will also manage conflicts on a real-time basis. • The summit observed launching of ISA’s Note: He will also launch portal on Human Elephant technology journal, Solar Compass 360. Conflict on the eve of World Elephant Day, 2020. The World Elephant Day is observed every year on 12th 3. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has signed a August to spread awareness about the animal. Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation in the field of geology and mineral resources with its 3. The Central Water Commission (CWC) of India has counterpart of Finland. launched the flood forecasting initiatives across India in association with tech giant Google. 4. The first World Solar Technology Summit 2020 held Note: The Central Water Commission is the first virtually was attended by 149 countries. governmental partner of Google to measure water Note: The summit was inaugurated by Prime Minister levels on an hourly basis using around 1000 stream of India Narendra Modi. The main objective of the gauges across India. Under the flood forecasting summit is to pay attention to state-of-the-art initiatives, Google has sent out numerous public alerts technologies and next-generation technologies. to people in flood-impacted regions of India. 4. Greenko Energies Private Limited entered into an 5. ‘Streets for People’ challenge has been launched by MoU with NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam (NVVN) to Union Housing and Urban Affairs (HUA) explore renewable energy power supply solution and Ministry. energy storage. Note: The objective of CSCAF is to provide a clear Note: This comes under the framework of India’s roadmap for cities towards combating Climate World largest clean energy programme, a part of Change while planning and implementing their global climate change commitments, which aims to actions, including investments. have 175 GW of clean energy by 2022. NTPC Vidyut 120

www.gradeup.co Vyapar Nigam (NVVN) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of NTPC limited. 3. Two Maharatna PSUs the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) has signed an MoU for setting 5. Mahindra & Mahindra has partnered with Israel’s up of a Waste to Energy Plant Okhla New Delhi -- REE Automotive to develop commercial EVs . Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. & NTPC Ltd. Note: The corner modular architecture of REE Note: In Delhi, Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) integrated with the design, engineering, sourcing, Management has been a major issue for the local ecosystem and production capacity of Mahindra will Municipal Authorities, the Waste to Energy Plant will provide zero emission vehicles, including the help in addressing the issue and also will lead us autonomous vehicles. This will improve the towards a more energy-efficient and greener future. mahindra’s capabilities in the Electric Vehicle(EV) The Plant in Delhi will serve as a demonstrative sector. model, the success of which will further help in establishing such Plants in other cities of the country. 6. Uttarakhand state is set develop India’s first Snow Leopard Conservation centre. 4. The report titled “Towards a Clean Energy Economy: Note: The main aim of the centre is to conserve and Post-Covid-19 Opportunities for India’s Energy and restore Himalayan ecosystems. It also aims to Mobility Sectors” released jointly by NITI Aayog and conserve elusive snow leopards and other endangered Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI). Himalayan species. A number of snow leopards have Note: The report has recommended specific actions been spotted in the districts of Pithoragarh and and laid down four principles as a framework by Uttarkashi. However, the actual figures are unknown. which India can revive two of our economic So far, the state government has concluded that there powerhouses – the transport and power sectors from are 86 snow leopards in the state. the COVID-19 effect that has impacted their demand and supply.

July 5. According to the report “Annual Marine Fish Landings in India for 2019” by Central Marine 1. Sustainable Development Report 2020: Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) Tamil Nadu Note: The report has SDG Index of 166 nations and state grabbed the top in annual fish production. Dashboards for all UN member states.It is published by Cambridge University Press and prepared by 6. India’s rank in the “INFORM Report 2020:Shared independent experts at Sustainable Development evidence for managing crises and disasters” released Solutions Network (SDSN) and Bertelsmann Stiftung. by research centre INFORM -- 31st. India has been placed at 117th in SDG index 2020. Note: The report ranked the countries based on The index is topped by Sweden followed by Denmark “INFORM Risk Index” which has been topped by and Finland. Somalia with an inform risk of 8.9. The report has analyzed 191 countries.Notably, this report is 2. India ranked third among ‘Global E-waste produced by the United Nations Office for the Monitor 2020’ report:- Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA) Note: United Nations ‘Global E-waste Monitor 2020’ on behalf of all INFORM Partners. report showcased India as the third largest contributor to e-waste in the world in 2019. At world level, 53.6 7. Union Environment and Information & Broadcasting million tonnes of e-waste is generated in 2019, out of Minister Prakash Javadekar hailed the KURMA which just 17.4 percent was recycled. China was the mobile application related with Indian Turtles. biggest contributor to e-waste, followed by United States. Together these three countries accounted for 8. As per the update report on India’s Tiger Survey from nearly 38% of the world’s e-waste in 2019. 2018, released by the Union Minister of Environment, 121

www.gradeup.co Forest and Climate Change Prakash Javadekar and forest Degradation (REDD+) to the United Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of tigers. Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Note: India has 2,967 tigers, a third more than in (UNFCCC). 2014, according to results of a census made public on Note: Uganda became the first African country to July 29 last year. The present survey is a more submit the results for Reducing Emissions from granular estimate of these numbers. Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate 9. Uttar Pradesh government has launched a mega Change (UNFCCC), which has opened the way for plantation programme ‘Mission Vriksharopan-2020’. potential results-based payments to Uganda. The submitted documents will help Uganda to claim the 10. Assam’s DehingPatkai Wildlife Sanctuary is being funds through the Green Climate Fund’s forest upgraded to a National Park is located in which state conservation scheme. of India. Note: It is located within the larger DehingPatkai 15. What will be the rise in mean average global Elephant Reserve, spreading across the coal- and oil- temperature in next 5 years as per the report “Global rich districts of Upper Assam (Dibrugarh, Tinsukia Annual to Decadal Climate Update for 2020-24” and Sivasagar). After upgradation, DehingPatkai will released by the WMO -- 1.5°C. be the 6th national park in Assam. The other five are Kaziranga, Nameri, Manas, Orang and Dibru- 16. Fourth edition of “Ministerial on Climate Action Saikhowa. (MoCA)” was held virtually for the first time in view of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 11. Poba Reserve Forest would be upgraded to a wildlife Note: From India, Union Minister of Environment, sanctuary in Assam. Forest and Climate Change, Prakash Javadekar Note: Assam Chief Minister, SarbanandaSonowal has participated in meet. The meet was co-chaired by announced, Poba Reserve Forest in Dhemaji district European Union (EU), China and Canada. would be upgraded to a wildlife sanctuary. The announcement was made during a meeting with senior 17. Germany become the first industrialized country to officials of Lakhimpur, Dhemaji and Majuli districts phase out of both coal and nuclear energy. at Jonai. Poba Reserve Forest declared in 1924 with Note: This phase out is a part of Germany’s “energy an area of 10,522 hectares is home to a large number transition” to reduce the use of fossil fuels and to of flora and fauna. support the use of renewable resources. German closed its last coal mine in 2018 and committed to 12. Andhra Pradesh government has announced close its nuclear power plants by 2022. Renewable Energy Export Policy 2020, which permits the sale of power to the other states of India. 18. The World Wildlife Crime Report 2020 is published by United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime 13. Mizoram becomes the first state in the country to organization that says that India and Thailand are the implement the Green-Agriculture (Green-Ag) project main source of (82%) of illegal shipment of tiger body funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). parts. Note: It was launched by Agriculture minister of Mizoram C Lalrinsanga. Mizoram is first among the 5 19. Nicaragua has become the 87th country to join the states where the project is to be implemented. The International Solar Alliance Framework Agreement, other states are Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan an initiative led by India to promote sustainable and Uttarakhand. energy. Note: The ISA is an alliance of 121 countries, most of 14. Uganda became the first African country to submit them being sunshine countries which lie either the results for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation 122

www.gradeup.co completely or partly between the Tropic of Cancer 6 GW capacity will be added in 2 GW annual and the Tropic of Capricorn. increments through 2025.

20. Under the aegis of International Solar Alliance (ISA) 4. An Integrated Flood Warning System (IFLOWS) has NTPC Ltd planned to establish solar power plants in been launched for Mumbai. Sri Lanka. Note: Named as 'Boon' and developed for Mumbai it will help the people in a "big way" as it can predict 21. The polycarbonate facility of SABIC in Spain is set to floods.The system was developed by the Ministry of become the world's first large scale chemical Earth Sciences and Brihanmumbai Municipal production plant which will run entirely on renewable Corporation (BMC). energy. Note: Once the solar plant is operational, SABIC's 5. The colour of water in Lonar lake has changed to pink customers including the ones from automotive and due to salinity and presence of algae in the water constructive sectors will have access to polycarbonate body. The lake is located in Maharashtra. solutions produced with 100 per cent renewable Note: The lake was formed after a meteorite hit the power. Earth some 50,000 years ago. Located around 500 km from Mumbai, the Lonar lake is in Buldhana district June of Maharshtra. The lake, which is a notified national 1. Environmental Performance Index (EPI) 2020: geo-heritage monument, has saline water with pH of Note: It is released by Yale, Columbia University 10.5. along with WEF providing state of sustainability around 180 countries using 32 performance indicators. 6. Maharashtra government has decided to rename the India is ranked 168th.The index is topped by Denmark state’s Environment Ministry as ‘Environment and (82.5%), followed by Luxemburg (82.3%) and Climate Change Ministry’. Switzerland (81.5%). Note: The decision to change the name comes just weeks after the state was hit by a severe cyclonic 2. Nisarga has been given to the fast-moving depression storm Nisarga on June 3, 2020. Maharashtra is one in the Arabian Sea which intensified into a severe among a few states like Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, cyclone. Haryana in India which have a dedicated department Note: As per the India Meteorological Department, to address climate change. the impact of the cyclone is likely to be felt in Maharashtra and Gujarat.There is a concern about the 7. The forest department of Uttarakhand state has impact of the cyclonic storm on the battle against developed India’s first lichen park. Covid-19, as the rain and flooding may set back social Note: Lichens are found in the Himalayas up to 5000 distancing and other necessary measures at evacuation metres are important species as they are the best centres, and even at some Covid-19 facilities located bioindicators of the pollution levels. Uttarakhand has in low-lying areas. more than 600 species of lichens followed by Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir with 503 3. Adani Green Energy Limited has won one of and 386 species respectively. world’s largest solar contract from Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) to develop 8 GW of solar 8. Western Railway has created a new world projects. benchmark by successfully running first Double-Stack Note: Based on the award agreement the 8 GW of Container Train in high-rise in Over Head Equipment solar development projects will be implemented over electrified territory on. the next five years. The first 2 GW of generation Note: This achievement is a first of its kind in the capacity will come online by 2022 and the subsequent entire world and will also boost the ambitious mission of Green India. The Operations successfully 123

www.gradeup.co commenced on 10th rivers have also been brought under the ministry, June from Palanpur and Botad stations in Gujarat. which was earlier under the same ministry as CWMA.

9. India become the first country to control locusts 5. According to Mercom India Research’s ‘India Solar through drones. Market Leaderboard 2020’ report 7.3 Giga Watt (GW) solar energy generation capacity India has Jan-May added during calendar year 2019.

1. StartupBlink's Ecosystem Ranking Report 2020 6. Name the webinar organized by the National Mission ranked 1,000 cities across 100 countries: for Clean Ganga and National Institute of Urban Note: As per the report, India has dropped to 23rd Affairs on theme “The future of River Management” - rank in 2020 from 17th rank in 2019. US has topped - IDEAthon. the report, followed by UK, Israel, Canada, and Germany. The ranking is based on Quantity, Quality 7. As per International Energy Agency (IEA) “Global and Business Environment. Only 4 Indian cities are Energy Review 2020 due to COVID 19 India’s energy placed in top 100: Bengaluru (14th rank), Delhi demand falls by 30%. (15th), Mumbai (22nd) and Hyderabad (96th) Note: It means that with each additional week of lockdown, India’s annual energy demand is reduced 2. World Economic Forum released Global Energy by 0.6%. The impact on Q1 2020 energy demand in Transition Index: India was modest, with demand increasing by 0.3 Note: It is a fact-based ranking to enable relative to Q1 2019.In India, energy demand would policymakers and businesses across the world to plot decline for the first time, following on from low a successful energy transition. India is ranked 74th. demand growth in 2019.The report is based on an Index is topped by Sweden followed by Switzerland analysis of around 100 days of real-data of2020. and Finland 8. Public sector oil companyOil India Ltd(OIL) will get 3. NTPC & ONGC to set up JVC for Renewable the environmental clearance for extension drilling and Energy Business testing of hydrocarbons at 7 locations inside the Note: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has Assam’s Dibru-Saikhowa National Park (NP). been signed by NTPC Limited, and Oil and Natural Note: The clearance was given as part of the Centre’s Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) to set up a Joint target to reduce 10% imports and the Northeast Vision Venture Company for Renewable Energy 2030.And the commercial production from this area business. This partnership will enable both the shall also enable OIL to meet the same centre’s target companies to accelerate their mark in the field of Renewable Energy. 9. Electric mobility company Ola Electric Mobility has acquired Amsterdam-based electric scooter-maker 4. The central government has brought the Cauvery Etergo. Water Management Authority (CWMA) under Jal Note: It would leverage Etergo’s design and Shakti Ministry. engineering capabilities to build its smart electric two- Note: Earlier it was under the Ministry of Water wheeler for international and Indian markets.Ola Resources, River Development and Ganga Electric aimed to launch its global electric two- Rejuvenation. This decision is a formality of business wheeler in India in 2021. allotment, which means that the authority must report to the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The move will have no 10. Uttarakhand become the first state to release report impact on the independent nature of the functioning of on conservation of endemic, threatened floras. the authority. Water management authorities of other Note: The project aims at Germplasm conservation so that species remain conserved with the forest 124

www.gradeup.co department & also to promote conservation of plant 3. Dharmendra Pradhan chaired the National Biofuel species among the general public so as to end plant Coordination Committee (NBCC) meeting approved blindness. The report is one of the largest repositories & allowed Food Corporation of India (FCI) to convert of conserved plants & is carried out by the research the available surplus rice to ethanol. wing of the state forest department. Note: Recently the government has also allowed sugar companies and distilleries to make hand 11. FAO organization has released Global Forest sanitizers using ethanol. By using the surplus rice for Resources Assessment (FRA) 2020. ethanol, it will address about 750 million litres from Note: According to the Global Forest Resources the total capacity of 2 billion litres of grain-based Assessment(FRA) 2020 released by the United distillery capacities lying idle Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the forest loss rate in 2015-2020 has declined to an 4. Tamil Nadu state topped in the all-India level for estimated 10 million hectares (mha), down from 12 micro-irrigation (MI), under Pradhan Mantri Krishi mha in 2010-2015.The world has lost 178 mha of Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY). forest since 1990, an area the size of Libya. 5. Gujarat government has approved the 3rd edition of his government’s ‘SujalamSufalam Jal Sanchay Abhiyan’ (SSJA). Note: The scheme will continue till June 10, 2020 1. Jim Corbett National Park becomes the India’s 1st with a focus on deepening of lakes, check dams and quarantine centre for animals. rivers by removing silt. It will be done with people’s Note: Jim Corbett National Park has become the participation as well as under Mahatma Gandhi India’s 1st quarantine centre for animals with National Rural Employment Guarantee Act symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). It is India’s (MNREGA).The scheme will create employment oldest forested wildlife sanctuary located in the opportunities for the rural population amid the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. At least 10 quarantine lockdown. centers are being set up within the complex to handle the corona virus prey animals & Cameras will be installed in the park to monitor the cold and cough symptoms of animals. 1. The World Wildlife Day is celebrated around the world on 3rd March. 2. Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Note: The World Wildlife Day (WWD) has been Limited (IREDA) has been appointed as the celebrated based on the theme “Sustaining all life on implementing agency to handle the Central Public Earth”. The day aims to celebrate the beautiful and Sector Undertaking (CPSU) Scheme Phase-II by the varied forms of wild fauna and flora & raises Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). awareness for conservation of wildlife.The main Note: MNRE will timely review the maximum objective of this day is to familiarize the common permissible VGF amount & will reduce if the cost people with the diverse forms of wildlife and flora. At difference comes down. In Case of the existing clause, the same time people have to create awareness about the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) handled the many benefits for their conservation the scheme on behalf of the ministry. The CPSU 2. The International Day of Forests (IDF) is observed Scheme Phase II aims to set up 12,000 MW grid- annually on 21st March. connected solar PV power projects under the Note: This day is celebrated to raise awareness of the government producers with the VGF support for self- importance of all types of forests and of trees outside use or by government entities either directly or forests. The theme of the day this year is “Forests and through discoms Biodiversity”.

125

www.gradeup.co 3. National Chambal Sanctuary has received eco- over the world. The of this year day is “Wetlands and sensitive zone tag. Biodiversity”. The theme highlights the importance of Note: Centre notified 870 sq km around the National biodiversity conservation, which conveys nearly 40% Chambal Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh(MP) as eco- of the world’s plant & animal species live or breed on sensitive zone (ESZ) to prohibit polluting activities wetlands. like industries, major hydroelectric project,mining, stone quarrying & big construction within the ‘no-go 2. The World Pangolin Day was observed across the area’ for the purpose of conservation of water bodies, world on 15th February (3rd Saturday of Feb). unique geographical features(ravines), flora & fauna. Note: The 9th World Pangolin day was observed on February 15, 2020. The Madhya Pradesh forest 4. Under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund department & Wildlife Conservation Trust has radio- Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA), a tagged an Indian Pangolin for the first time in order to financial assistance of Rs 1.51 crore has been know its ecology and develop an effective sanctioned to Kaziranga National Park. conservation plan

5. Government targeted to achieve sales around 70 lakh 3. World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) hybrid & electric vehicles by the end of 2020. 2020 was held in New Delhi. Note: The Minister of Environment, Forest and Note: The Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change & Minister of Information & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) was inaugurated a 3- Broadcasting & Minister of Heavy industries and day long World Sustainable Development Summit Public Enterprises Prakash Javadekar informed that (WSDS) 2020 based on the theme “Towards 2030 the government has set an ambitious target to achieve Goals: Making the Decade Count” at India Habitat sales of around 70 lakh hybrid & electric vehicles by Centre in New Delhi from 29-31 January, 2020. The the end of 2020. In 2015 as part of the National summit was organized by The Energy and Resources Electric Mobility Mission Plan(NEMMP) 2020, Institute (TERI), a research institute specializes in the Department of Heavy Industry formulated the Faster fields of energy. Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles in India (FAME India) scheme. 4. 13th Conference of Parties (COP) of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) of 6. Jharkhand becomes the third state in India to launch Wild Animals, was hosted by India at Gandhinagar its “Star Rating Program”. in Gujarat. Note: The state government of Jharkhand will launch Note: It is an Environment Treaty Supported by its “Star Rating Program” on June 5, 2020, to rate United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). industries based on the amount of pollutants generated logo is to Portray Important Migratory Species in by them. With this, it became the 3rd state in India to India like Amur falcon, Humpback Whale and Marine launch this system for industries after Maharashtra Turtles, the Great Indian Bustard (Gibi) is chosen as &Odisha.The program will be implemented by the official Mascot. The theme for the CMS COP 13 in Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board (JSPCB) in India is, “Migratory species connect the planet and we association with the University of Chicago Trust (UC welcome them Home”. Trust). 5. India to switch to World’s Cleanest petrol and diesel from April 1,2020. Note: India to switch to World’s cleanest petrol and diesel from April 1,2020, when it proceeds to Bharat 1. The World Wetlands Day was observed on February Stage (BS-VI) from BS-IV grades at present. India 2, 2020. will join the select league of nations using petrol & Note: World Wetlands Day (WWD) was observed to diesel which contains 10ppm (parts per millions) of spread awareness and to conserve the wetlands all 126

www.gradeup.co Sulphur which cuts down vehicular discharge that is • Ozone is a strong oxidizing agent that can stated to be one of the reasons for pollution. destroys viruses 2.India successfully tested indigenous Hypersonic 6. In accordance with the “2019 World Air Quality Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV) Report-Region & City PM2.5 Ranking” compiled by About HSTDV: IQAir AirVisual, India’s rank as most polluted country -- 5th. • HSTDV was tested from APJ Abdul Kalam Note: Bangladesh emerged as the most polluted Launch Complex, Odisha coast country for PM2.5 exposure. • Developed by Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) 7. NTPC has signed an MoU with Central Pollution • It is an unmanned scramjet demonstration Control Board to provide financial support for aircraft for hypersonic speed flight installation & commissioning of Continuous Ambient 3. SCTIMST developed Deep Vein Thrombosis Air Quality Monitoring Stations. (DVT) prevention device

Note:

8. To combat Climate Change, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos • DVT: It is a serious condition that occurs has announced the launch of “Bezos Earth Fund” when a blood clot forms in a vein of human worth $10 billion. body resulting in life threatening complications. • The device is cost effective and will facilitate Important S&T, Defence, Health News flow of blood from the veins in the legs Science and tech: preventing and giving relief from DVT 4. CSIR-CMERI developed World’s Largest Solar September Tree to generate 12,000-14,000 units of Clean and 1. IIT Delhi incubated startup ‘Chakr Green Power annually in Durgapur, West Bengal Innovation’ launches ChakrDeCoV’ to Note: decontaminate N95 masks. • It ensures maximum exposure of each Solar About ChakrDeCoV: PV Panel to Sunlight. • Designed in the shape of cabinet with an • One solar tree comprises of 35 Solar PV innovative decontamination mechanism using Panels having a capacity of 330 wp each. penetrability of Ozone gas for cleaning the • It can be used for agricultural activities like pores of the N95 mask, ensuring complete High Capacity Pumps, e-Tractors and e- decontamination of its intricate layers. Power Tillers.

August 1. NASA launched its Mars 2020 Perseverance • It is a part of America's Moon to Mars rover aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas exploration and will explore geology and V rocket climate of Mars and seek signs of ancient life Note: on the Red Planet. • It was launched from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in 2. DRDO-lab has developed an automated Florida. currency sanitization device titled as • The rover will land in Mars' Jezero Crater NOTESCLEAN

127

www.gradeup.co Note: Note: • It is a device where one has to just place the • Pavitrapati: Ayurvedic based Biodegradable loose currency notes at the input slot of the Face Mask which will act as a virus device, and the device make the currency to neutraliser and will be made available on pass through UVC lamps for complete Amazon, Flipkart etc. disinfection • Aushada tara: Anti-microbial body suit 3. VSSUT, Odisha became 1st university to set up which comprises of superhydrophobic, Space Innovation-cum-Incubation Centre with breathing, anti-microbial, comfort feeling ISRO properties. Note: 6. IIT Kanpur develops indigenous seed balls • Under this, ISRO will offer technical titled ‘BEEG’ consultancy support and financial assistance About BEEG: of Rs.50 lakhs for development of • BEEG (Bio-compost Enriched Eco-friendly infrastructure at VSSUT. Globule) is developed for the safety of people 4. China launches optical remote-sensing satellites and farmers during Corona named Gaofen-9 05 • It comprises of indigenous variety of seeds, Note: compost, and clay that don’t need digging pits • It was launched from Jiuquan Launch Centre, for planting saplings Northwest China along with Tiantuo-5 • They are to be thrown at aimed places and satellite by Long March-2D carrier rocket will germinate after coming into water’s • They are civilian China High-resolution Earth contact Observation System (CHEOS). 5. DIAT launches ‘Pavitrapati’ & ‘Aushada tara’ in fight against COVID-19 July

128

www.gradeup.co 1. DST-SERB along with INSA launches photo & 5. China launches communications satellite film competition APSTAR-6D that will work like GPS system Note: Note: • It is a 1-minute film competition with theme • It is launched by Long March 3B carrier “Science through My Eyes” and various sub- rocket from Xichang Satellite Launch Centre. themes like science in the lab, kitchen, sports, • It is a high-power broadband communications hospital, etc. geostationary satellite into orbit to provide • It will help people to understand and broadband internet service. appreciate science around them fostering and • It will be operated by APT Mobile SatCom promoting the scientific spirit Limited to provide services for airborne, • It is open to Indian nationals only without any shipborne, vehicle-borne, and other entry fee applications for users across Asia-Pacific 2. Govt launches Drug Discovery Hackathon 2020 region. Note: 6. HRD Minister launches COVID-19 Diagnostic • It is a joint initiative of Council of Scientific Kit ‘Corosure’ and Industrial Research and All India Council Note: for Technical Education for developing • It is developed by IIT, Delhi and has received COVID-19 drug along with students, ICMR and Drug Controller General of India academicians, researchers, and professionals (DCGI) approval • MyGov portal will be used for participation • It is cost-effective and faster covid-19 test kit. and works. 7. Android malware titled ‘BlackRock’ discovered 3. Imagineering Laboratory dept of IIT Kanpur About BlacRock: develops Ultraviolet (UV) sanitizing device • It steals data like password and credit card ‘SHUDH’ details from 337 apps including Gmail, About SHUDH: Amazon, Netflix, Uber, etc through • It stands for Smartphone operated Handy ‘Overlays’ technique Ultraviolet Disinfection Helper • It is based on the leaked source code of • It has six UV lights of 15 Watts and can another malware strain ‘Xerxes’ disinfect a 10x10 squared feet room in about • It basically detects when a user interacts with 15 minutes. a legitimate app and places a fake window on • It’s on/off, speed, and location can be top that asks for login and credit card details controlled remotely using available android before the user enters the actual app. application. 8. IIT Madras startup named ‘Modulus Housing’ 4. VNIR Biotech launches fluorescence probes & develops Portable Hospital Unit ‘MediCAB’ PCR mix for RT-PCR detection of COVID-19. About MediCAB: Note: • It is foldable and is composed of 4 zones: • It is a fully indigenous molecular probe that doctor’s room, an isolation room, a medical will be used in COVID test kit room/ward, and a twin-bed ICU at negative • PCR based test kit has three critical pressure. components: oligos, enzymes and molecular • It can be installed anywhere within 8 hours by probes. 4 people and is very cost-effective that can work well for far flung areas.

129

www.gradeup.co 9. UAE launches its first space mission to Mars • ‘Tainwen-1’ or ‘Questions to Heaven’ will titled as ‘HOPE’ from Japan carry several scientific instruments and will About HOPE: deploy a rover for 90 days • It will provide complete picture of the 14. DST launches India-Russia Joint Technology Martian atmosphere Assessment Programme • It is an unmanned mission which is launched Note: by H2A rocket from Japan’s Tanegashima • It is being launched by Federation of Indian Space Center for 7-month journey Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) 10. CSIR-CMERI rolls out COVID Protection and FASIE of Russian Federation. System (COPS) for Workplace • It will connect Indian, and Russian Science & About COPS: Technology led SMEs and Start-ups for joint • It has solar Based Intelligent Mask Research and development (R&D) for Automated Dispensing Unit cum Thermal technology development and adaptation Scanner (IntelliMAST) that identifies the 15. AIIMS Nagpur with IIT Jodhpur, IIIT body temperature, Face Mask; Touchless Nagpur develops smart wristband for tracking Faucet (TouF); 360° Car Flusher COVID-19 11. Comet NEOWISE approaches closest to the Note: Earth • It is fully indigenously device that uses geo- About NEOWISE: fencing to provide real time warning on any • It is the brightest comet that can be seen with breach in quarantine zone to local authorities naked eye in Earth’s night sky and is visible and officials only after 6800 years gap • It provides real data like temperature, pulse • It was first spotted by NASA's Near-Earth rate, respiratory rate and the oxygen Object Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer saturation, so that the quarantined person will (NEOWISE) mission get a health alarm thus helping them seek 12. SpaceX launches South Korea's military early medical help. communication satellite ANASIS-II 16. IIT Kharagpur develops COVID-19 Rapid About ANASIS-II: Test technology • It stands for Army/Navy/Air Force Satellite Note: Information System 2 • It can be conducted in an ultra-low-cost • Launched by Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket at Cape portable device with test results available in a Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida customized smartphone app within an hour • It is a secure communications satellite for without requiring manual interpretation. Defense Development and will supplement • It deploys a disposable simple paper-strip for the Koreasat-5/ANASIS-I satellite, a chemical analysis and visualization of test combined civilian and military results. communications satellite launched in 2006. • It will cost around Rs 400 per test 13. China successfully launches unmanned mission to Mars ‘Tianwen-1’ About Tianwen-1 June • It is the first independent mission of China to IIT-Bombay develops radio frequency receiver another planet chip ‘Dhruva’ to find locations

130

www.gradeup.co About Dhruva: • New Space India Limited will reorient space • It can be used in smartphones and navigation activities from a “supply driven” model to devices to find locations and routes within the demand driven for optimum utilisation of country in all-weather condition nation’s space assets. • It will receive signals from India’s NAVIC 5. ISRO receives patent for Liquid Cooling and navigation satellites (built by ISRO) and GPS Heating Garment (LCHG) • It can receive signals in multiple frequency About LCHG: bands and handle weak signals • It is a protective garment made up of 2. NASA headquarters to be renamed as Mary W. biocompatible fabrics that can be used in Jackson space, military applications, firefighting, and Note: personal cooling-heating purposes shielding • Headquarters of NASA at Washington, D.C for long term without skin irritation will be named after Mary W. Jackson, the • It has a system for circulating temperature first African American female engineer at controlling fluid into and out of the garments NASA. through tubes inside the garment. • It will be now called as Mary W. Jackson 6. India witnessed rare Annual Solar Eclipse NASA Headquarters. Note: • Mary W. Jackson starter her career at NASA • It is also known as ‘ring of fire’. in 1951 as a human computer, a • It coincides with the summer solstice mathematician who performed hand • Solar eclipse occurs when the moon comes in calculations for NASA missions. between the sun and the earth • She was posthumously awarded with the • In this, Moon is at the farthest point allowing Congressional Gold Medal in 2019 the sun’s disc to be visible while covering the • NASA Administrator: Jim Bridenstine other parts that results in narrow band of light causing ‘ring of fire’ visible. 3. DST unveils official logo for Golden Jubilee 7. June 21 marks Summer solstice in the Northern Commemoration Year Hemisphere Note: Note: • It will be printed on stationery items, social, • It is the longest day of the year in the digital, and print documents of DST along Northern Hemispheren and sun reverses its with its representation on any conference held direction on this day. under the banner of DST. • The sun reaches its farthest point north of the • Department of Science & Technology (DST) celestial equator with maximum tilt in the sky was established on 3rd May 1971 on this day. 4. Cabinet approves creation of IN-SPACe for • Arctic Circle experience continuous daylight space sector reform for 24 hours on June 21. Note: 8. Central Indian Railways launches AI enabled • IN-SPACe: Indian National Space Promotion Captain Arjun robot and Authorization Centre Note: • It will boost private sector participation in • Arjun stands for Always be Responsible and Indian space infrastructure through various Just Use to be Nice policies and regulatory environment.

131

www.gradeup.co • It is effective for screening and surveillance 13. ISRO to organize online ISRO Cyberspace of passengers and staff along with keeping a Competitions-2020 for young minds watch on anti-social elements. Note: • It is equipped with motion sensor, one PTZ • It involves drawing competition for Class 1 to camera (Pan, Tilt, Zoom Camera) and one 3 students, model making competition for Dome Camera with voice and video mode Class 4 to 8 and Essay competition for Class and speaks in local language. 9 and 10th students. • The robot has a floor sanitisation facility with • Essay competition is organized with space good battery backup quiz contests in Hindi and English will be organised for class 11 and 12. 9. Home Affairs launches GermiBAN device 14. IIT Guwahati develops Flyzy mobile app About GermiBAN: Note: • It is developed by Atal Incubation Centre & • It is developed for seamless and contactless Association of Lady Entrepreneurs of India air travel that supports multi-currency Women Entrepreneurs (ALEAP-WE) HUB. payments • It kills 99.9% of surface and air microbes and • It provides contactless boarding, easier will be useful for quarantine centres and all baggage drop, manageable parking, better general places shopping experience, flight notification, etc 10. India’s first infectious disease diagnostic lab is • The app has smart UI assistant for easy access all set to start to elderly people. Note: 15. DIAT develops ANANYA disinfectant spray to • It is a rapid response mobile laboratory built combat COVID-19 with the support of Department of About ANANYA: Biotechnology in a record time of 8 days • It is a water-based non-toxic 24 hours spray • It has BSL-2 facility with onsite Elisa, rRT- that can be used on masks, PPEs, hospital PCR test and Biochemistry analysers. linens, and other contaminated surfaces like 11. MoHFW Harsh Vardhan launches India’s medical instruments, elevator buttons, first COVID-19 testing mobile lab ‘Infectious doorknobs, corridors, and rooms. Disease Diag Lab (I-LAB)’ • It has shelf life of more than 6 months. Note: 16. DoNER Minister launches COVID BEEP • It is developed by Department of About COVID BEEP: Biotechnology and will be deployed in the • It stands for Continuous Oxygenation & Vital interior, inaccessible parts of the country. Information Detection Biomed ECIL ESIC • It has the capability to perform 25 RT-PCR Pod and 300 ELISA tests per day. • It is India’s first indigenous, cost effective, 12. DRDO developed sanitizing chamber wireless physiological parameters monitoring ‘GermiKlean’ to sanitise uniforms of security system for COVID-19 patients. forces • It is developed by ESIC Medical College Note: Hyderabad along with IIT Hyderabad and • It has been set up at Parliament Street Police Department of Atomic Energy. Station. 17. ISRO signs MoU with ARIES for Space • It is a dry heat treatment chamber Situational Awareness

132

www.gradeup.co Note: • It is designed to meet the requirement as per • The MoU will be helpful in safeguarding the patient’s parameter that responds to the Indian space assets from critical threats from fluctuating variables of a patient space debris. • It will cost around Rs 80,000 to Rs 90,000. • It will help in tracking, analysis, and space 20. SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft landed at weather studies paving way for future International Space Station along with 2 establishment of optical telescope astronauts observational facilities. Note: 18. U.K Archaeologists using LiDAR data for • It was launched from Kennedy Space Center research amid coronavirus in Florida with NASA’s astronauts Bob Note: Behnken and Doug Hurley after traveling 19 • Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) is a hours. remote sensing method that works on laser, a • With this, SpaceX became the first private scanner, and a specialized GPS receiver company to launch people into the orbit. generating 3D information about Earth’s 21. DRDO develops Ultra Swachh for disinfection shape and its surface of materials • The team has found two Roman roads and Note: It will disinfect materials like PPEs, electronics around 30 prehistoric large embanked items, fabrics, etc that uses double layer Ozonated settlement enclosures and can locate around Space Technology for disinfection. 20 prehistoric burial mounds and remains • It also has catalytic converter for environment 19.CSIR-CMERI develops new indigenous friendly exhaust that operates on 15 Ampere, ventilator 220 Volts, 50 Hertz power supply. Note: • It also has safety features such as emergency shutdown, door interlocks, dual door, delay cycle, and leak monitors, etc. January- May

1. NASA renames Wide Field Infrared Survey • The satellite will be launched by Soyuz -2,1b Telescope (WFIRST) as Nancy Grace Roman carrier rocket with frigate booster. Space Telescope • The remote sensing Artika-M will monitor the Note: meteorological conditions in the polar region. • It is a next-generation space telescope set to 3. DRDO develops Ultra-Violet Disinfection launch in 2025 to investigate long-standing Tower ‘UV blaster’ astronomical mysteries like universe Note: expansion, distant plants, etc. • It is developed for rapid and chemical free • The renaming is initiated to honor Nancy disinfection of high infection prone areas for Grace Roman (mother of NASA's Hubble high tech surfaces like electronic equipment, Space Telescope) who is the US space computers and other gadgets agency's first chief astronomer and paved the • The product is also effective for areas with way for broader universe space telescopes. large flow of people such as airports, 2. Russia to launch first satellite ‘Arktika-M’ to shopping malls, metros, hotels, factories, monitor Arctic climate this year offices, etc. Note: 133

www.gradeup.co • This sanitizer switches off on accidental manifold & coupler” and Highly Efficient opening of room or human intervention. Particulate Air Filter. 4. NIAB develops portable coronavirus detection • It is cost effective, compact, and configured kit with saliva samples‘eCovSens’ with majority of indigenous components. Note: 9. Delhi Police along with Indian Robotics • It gives results within 30 seconds and consists Solution launches Thermal Corona Combat of carbon electrode and coronavirus antibody. Headgear • It is a portable bio-sensor antibody, which is Note: capable of binding with spike protein found • It will help police personnel and frontline on the outer layer of the virus and can be warriors to detect temperature of various connected via Bluetooth. people from 10-15 metres and will sent live 5.China successfully launches Long March-5B imagery to centralized control centre. along with a prototype deep-space spacecraft. • 'Thermal Corona Combat Drone-(TCCD)' Note: which is fitted with day-vision as well as • It took off from Wenchang launch site on the night utility camera and a disinfectant tank is southern island of Hainan. also launched to sanitize an area, loudspeaker • The rocket is a massive vehicle with four and medical box. strap-on boosters that provide extra thrust at 10. CSIR-CMERI develops mobile indoor liftoff was a special prototype spacecraft like disinfection sprayer units the deep-space Orion capsule NASA. Note: 6. ICMR-NIV develops indigenous antibody-based • Units are named as Battery Powered COVID KAVACH ELISA test kit Disinfectant Sprayer (BPDS) and Note: Pneumatically Operated Mobile Indoor • It has displayed high sensitivity and Disinfection (POMID). accuracy in the validation tests at different • It will be used for cleaning and disinfecting sites. pathogenic micro-organism from touched • It can test around 90 samples in surfaces such as tables, doorknobs, light approximately two and half hours. switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, 7. DRDO develops DRUVS to sanitize electronic keyboards, toilets, faucets, sinks, and gadgets, papers and currency notes cardboards. About DRUVS: 11. LISA technique for lung treatment of • It will sanitize mobile phones, iPads, laptops, newborns launched in Jaipur currency notes, challans, paper, envelopes and About LISA: Bundles of currency notes • Less invasive surfactant administration • It provides 360-degree exposure of (LISA) technique is protective strategy for Ultraviolet to the objects placed inside the respiratory management and mechanical cabinet. ventilation causing damage to the preterm 8. CSIR-NAL develops Non-Invasive Ventilator lungs of infants. named as ‘BiPAP’ to treat COVID-19 patients • Its regular application would save the lives of Note: premature babies. • It is a microcontroller-based precise closed- 12. CSIRO, Australia develops ‘heat resistant’ loop adaptive control system with “3D printed corals to fight bleaching

134

www.gradeup.co Note: health preparedness to combat the pandemic • It is built using ‘directed evolution’ will scenario like COVID-19 outbreak which has manipulate the microalgae, which is a key posed concerns and challenges around the globe. factor in the coral's heat tolerance. 16.CISF has launched ‘e-karyalay’ an electronic • This came in the wake of threat over coral office application to enable the movement of files reefs due to global warming. and documents without physical touch. 13. CSIR-IIIM & RIL to develop RT-LAMP Note: It is designed by CISF in-house technical based test for Coronavirus team for the usage of the 1.62 lakhs personnel & Note: it resembles each and every function of • Reverse Transcriptase-Loop Mediated traditional file movement. It has digital signature Isothermal Amplification (RT-LAMP) is a features to handle various securities related rapid (45-60 min), accurate and cost-effective concerns and keep pace with existing standards. test that can be done with indigenous App’s ‘Dak’ or letters management section components with minimal expertise and handles all sorts of communication between instrumentation. various levels of functional hierarchy & it enables • It is a nucleic acid-based test that will be to transfer the dak (snail mail) directly to the file carried out from nasal or throat swab sample. noting. 14. CSIR approves project to develop ‘hmAbs’ 17. Vehicle manufacture Mahindra & Mahindra that can neutralize SARS-CoV-2 Ltd. has announced the launch of ‘Own-Online’, an Note: end-to-end online vehicle ownership solution. • It is approved by CSIR through its New Note: Mahindra Own-Online will be a one-stop Millennium Indian Technology Leadership available 24X7 where customers can finance, Initiative (NMITLI) programme. insure, exchange, accessorise and own a • Aim: To anticipate future adaptation of the Mahindra vehicle in four steps, without having to virus and generate hmAbs clones that can visit a dealership.This platform has been neutralize the mutated virus so that could be launched by (M&M) to offer its customers a readily used for combating future SARS-CoV transparent, seamless and contactless experience infections. from selection to the delivery of the vehicle. Through this platform, a customer can own a • Implemented by: National Centre for Cell Mahindra vehicle in four simple steps, from their Science (NCCS), IIT-Indore and PredOmix Technologies Pvt. Ltd. with Bharat Biotech homes, in few clicks. International Ltd. (BBIL) 18. (HRD) Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ 15.National Council for Science & Technology announced various modifications in the Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) Scheme. Communication (NCSTC) has initiated a programme on health and risk communication Note: The modification will be done to boost focusing on COVID-19 titled “Year of Awareness on research in the country & to enable more students Science & Health (YASH)”. to avail the benefit under the scheme. The scheme Note: Its aim is to convey authentic best practices is designed to improve the quality of research in various higher educational institutions in the to the general public to minimize the risk of transmission of virus at all levels, in the absence country & with attractive fellowships it seeks to of vaccines and cure for COVID-19. This attract the best talent into research through programme will provide scientific awareness and realizing the vision of development by innovation. 135

www.gradeup.co 19. Two scientific papers on child survival published 24. Indian software company TCS has launched by the India State-Level Disease Burden Initiative ‘Ignio’ an AI Digital Workspace solution. stated that the under-5 Mortality Rate in India has 25. Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad has dropped by what percent since 2000 -- 49 per cent. developed an AI-based Attendance application Note: The India State-Level Disease Burden (AINA) which allows non-contact-based personnel Initiative has recently published two scientific verification, using facial features of the person in the papers. The initiative has given its report on wake of COVID-19 pandemic district-level trends of child growth and child 26.IIT Madras has developed magnesium alloy to mortality. The findings show there were 1.04 replace steel, aluminium in cars. million under-5 deaths in 2017, down from 2.24 Note: There has been an excellent deal of million deaths in 2000. The child mortality rate specialising in lowering the carbon footprint of has dropped by 49% between 2000 and 2017. vehicles by using light-weight material in their 20. For the first time the Indian Meteorological bodies. Lighter vehicles consume less fuel to run Department (IMD) has included which region of and are therefore play a strategic role in POK in its weather forecast -- Gilgit-Baltistan and increasing energy-efficiency. Vehicular emissions Muzaffarabad. alone contribute 27 per cent of total CO2 Note: The department taken this decision as it emissions currently. says that it is a part of India and the country always maintains its position that PoK belongs to 1.iGOT e-learning platform has been launched by India. The agency has included the regions as part the government of India for all front-line workers to of its meteorological sub-division of Jammu and equip them with the training and updates in coping Kashmir (J&K) in its daily forecast for ‘north- with Pandemic. west India’. 2.Name the mobile doctor booth created by the West 21.Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru Central Railway’s Coach Rehabilitation Workshop has developed a low-cost device to detect the (CRWS) -- CHARAK. presence of melamine (adulterate) in milk and dairy 3. Uttar Pradesh becomes the 1st state with a products. software-based in-house facility of virtual courts. Note: The techniques currently used to detect the Note: As per an apex court directive to develop presence of melamine are time-taking and video conferencing system for hearing cases and typically require expensive and sophisticated also for maintaining social distancing, Allahabad equipment and highly trained personnel. With the High Court has developed a new software by help of a newly developed fluorometer device. which multiple court proceedings at the High Researchers were able to detect up to 0.1 parts Court and district courts across the state can be per million (ppm) of melamine in water and milk, conducted through virtual courts within the court which is much lower than the acceptable limit of premises without any internet connectivity. 1 ppm. 4.China has become the world leader in international 22.The Indian Railways operationalized the first patent filings via WIPO’s Patent Cooperation Treaty 12,000 HP electric locomotive built in Electric (PCT). Locomotive Factory, Madhepuralocomotive 5. In accordance with the Gartner 2019 Digital establishment. Workplace Survey India becomes the world’s most 23. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy digitally dexterous (skilful) country in the world. (MNRE) has launched a scheme for 100% Note: India has a vast Gen Z workforce who are solarisation of Konark city of India keen to learn new digitally powered skills in the 136

www.gradeup.co workplace. India is followed by the United ✓ An International Conference and Exhibition on Kingdom (UK) and United States (US). It should Smart Energy and Water India Smart Utility be noted that Generation Z or Gen Z are the ones Week 2020 (ISUW) for Smarter Cities was held born between 1995 and 2009. in New Delhi. 6.The international day of human space flight is Note: New Delhi based India Smart Grid Forum observed across the world annually on 12th April. (ISGF)has been organizing India Smart Utility 7. The geological survey of USA has released the Week 2020 (ISUW)as an International first ever digital, unified, global, geological map of Conference and Exhibition on Smart Energy and the moon namely “Unified Geologic Map of the Water for Smarter Cities in New Delhi from Moon”. March 3-7, 2020.India and European Union (EU) 8.Russia country will launch its first Arktika-M called upon the Integrated Local Energy System, satellite for monitoring the Arctic climate and in which they will jointly work upon clean environment at the end of the year. energy.India and Sweden are also agreed to 9. Chak-Hao, the black rice of which state gets jointly work on Smart Grids Programme, which is Geographical Indication (GI) tag -- Manipur. to be funded by Department of Science and 10. Terracotta work of which place has been granted Technology (DST) with the Geographical Indication (GI) tag -- ✓ International Conference on Nano Science and Gorakhpur (UP). Technology 2020 (ICONSAT) was held in Kolkata, West Bengal. ✓ 108th Indian Science Congress 2021 will be held Note: The event was supported by the in Pune, Maharshtra. Department of Science and Technology (DST) Note: The Indian Science Congress association and organized by S.N. Bose National Centre for (ISCA) announced that Pune will host the annual Basic Sciences, Kolkata. The conference was session of 108th Indian Science Congress on held from March 5 to 7, 2020.The conference January 3-7, 2021 at Symbiosis International provides a platform for the young researchers & University’s Lavale campus with the students from within the country and abroad, with theme,”Science and Technology for Sustainable the latest development in the emerging areas of Development with Women Empowerment”. Dr Nano Science and Technology Vijay Laxmi Saxena elected as general president ✓ 5th edition of India Pharma & India Medical of the Indian Science Congress, 2020-21 Device 2020 Conference held at Gandhinagar, Gujarat. ✓ 11th National Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Note: The 5th edition of India Pharma 2020 and Conference -2020 was held in New Delhi. India Medical Device 2020 Conference & Note: A 3-day long 11th National Krishi Vigyan Exhibition will be held at Gandhinagar, Gujarat Kendra (KVK) Conference -2020 based on the from March 5 to 7, 2020. The conference was theme ‘Empowering Youth for Technology Led organized by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Farming’. It was inaugurated by Union Minister Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers in for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Rural association with Federation of Indian Chambers Development & Panchayati Raj, Shri Narendra of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) Singh Tomar. The conference, organized by the ✓ Name the mobile app which has been launched Indian Council of Agricultural Research by the government for delivery of diesel at (ICAR),focused on technology-led farming and doorsteps of Housing societies, hotels and youth entrepreneurship through agriculture. 137

www.gradeup.co hospitals in the national capital region --‘Fuel scheme will enable academia, start-ups, Humsafar’. manufacturing, industry and R&D labs to offer ✓ TRIFED launches ‘Tech For Tribals’ program to high-end analytical testing. This will help to bring technology to tribal entrepreneurs. avoid duplication, reduce the dependency on Note:A 30- days long capacity-building program foreign sources & also foster a strong culture of called “Tech for Tribal” has been launched by the collaboration between institutions. Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development 2. India’s biggest rural technical festival Federation of India (TRIFED). It was launched in ‘Antahpragnya 2020’ was held in Telangana. association with IIT-Kanpur, IIT-Roorkee, IIM Note: The festival was inaugurated by M Indore, Kalinga Institute of Social Science, Prashanthi, District Collector of Nirmal, Bhubaneshwar (Odisha) and SRIJAN, Jaipur Telangana. The festival was held for 3 days from (Rajasthan) to provide entrepreneurship skills to 31st January to February 1,2020. The theme for the tribal people. the year 2020 was “Spot and encourage rural ✓ Indore becomes the first city in India to use tech innovators”. drones to sanitize the city. 3. According to the recent report published by ✓ IIT Madras is organizing India’s first Global German cybersecurity firm Greenbone Sustainable Hyperloop Pod Competition named as ‘Indian Resilience Maharashtra state topped hit by global Hyperloop Pod Competition’. medical data leak. Note: The competition is aimed at increasing Note: The analysis was made after data of around awareness and enthusiasm about Hyperloop in 120 million Indian patients were leaked and made India. The competition is open globally and the freely available on the internet. Maharashtra was final round will take place in the IIT Madras followed by Karnataka in 2nd place with campus in July 2020. Team Avishkar from IIT 1,82,865 data leaks giving access to 1,37,31,001 Madras was the only team from Asia to qualify images. for the finals of 2019 Hyperloop Pod 4. The “CLIMISHCON” is a Four-day International Competition, developing India’s first self- Conference on changes in Hydrological cycle, Ocean propelled Hyperloop Pod. ecosystem, Fisheries and Food security will be held 10. Gujarat state Police becomes first in India to in Kochi, Kerala. introduce taser guns. 5. India’s largest air quality monitoring network will 11. Gujarat state government has signed an MoU be established at Mumbai. with Dutch Flying car-maker PAL-V. Note: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Note: A Dutch Flying car-maker, PAL-V (Personal (BMC) will develop an air quality monitoring Air Land Vehicle) will set up a manufacturing plant network across 90 locations in Mumbai, in Gujarat. Maharashtra. It will be the largest network in India.The project will be completed within next 5 1. The Department of Science and Technology has years, funded by BMC and private organisations. launched a special scheme for Science and 6. The National Water Conference was held at Technology infrastructure in India is called Bhopal. Sophisticated Analytical & Technical Help Note: The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Institutes (SATHI)”. Shri Kamal Nath has inaugurated the National Note: The aim of the scheme is to create shared, water conference at Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. professionally managed and strong Science and The conference is being held to finalize the Technology infrastructure in India. The SATHI guidelines of “Right to Water Act” or “Water 138

www.gradeup.co Rights Act” and also discussed the water crisis in to 30th November , 2019. Numbers in research the state and also making the state a water-rich output are designated by total citations in state. numbers and shares which indicates the sharing 7. 3-day long 17th edition of Bio Asia 2020 was held percentage per article. in Hyderabad, Telangana. 9. India’s 1st Artificial intelligence summit, RAISE Note: It is Asia’s largest Biotechnology and Life 2020 will be held in New Delhi. Sciences Forum with the theme of ‘Today for 10. To launch the artificial intelligence (AI) based Tomorrow’.BioAsia 2020 was held at the life science module including AI kits across Atal Innovation capital of India i.e. in Hyderabad. Mission (AIM) has collaborated with NASSCOM. 8. Council of Scientific and Industrial Research ranked first in the Nature Ranking Index 2020 (CSIR). Note: All the institutions are ranked on the basis of total research output from december 01, 2018 Defense:

September 1. Indian Navy war game named 'INDRA 2020' 2. Iranian Navy conducted Zolfaghar-99 exercise conducted Note: Note: • Iranian navy conducted exercise Zolfaghar-99 • India conducted 2-day war-game named in Sea of Oman near the strategic Strait of 'INDRA 2020' with Russia in the southern Hormuz, deploying an array of warships, Bay of Bengal on 4th and 5th September. drones and missiles. • It is the 11the edition of `Indra-Navy’ • Aim: To devise tactical strategies for exercise safeguarding territorial waters and shipping • India was represented by guided-missile lanes. destroyer INS Ranvijay, stealth frigate INS • Surface-to-surface and shore-to-sea cruise Sahyadri and fleet tanker Shakti, along with missiles and rocket-launching systems will be integral helicopters. tested August 1. Rs 2580 Cr contract for Pinaka Missiles to 2. India withdraws from Russia’s multilateral Indian Army military exercise Kavkaz 2020 Note: Note: • Ministry of Defence signed Rs 2580 Cr • India has withdrawn its participation from the contract with Bharat Earth Movers Ltd. multilateral Military Exercise Kavkaz 2020 to (BEML), Tata Power Company Ltd. (TPCL) be held in Russia between 15th to 26th and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for supplying September 2020. Six Pinaka Regiments to the Regiment of • The reason for this has been cited as the Artillery of Indian Army, designed by DRDO COVID-19 Pandemic and consequent • It comprises of 114 launchers with Automated difficulties in exercise, including Gun Aiming & Positioning System (AGAPS), arrangements of logistics. 45 Command Posts, and 330 Vehicles. • Kavkaz 2020 would be held in Astrakhan province of Southern Russia where member countries of Shanghai Cooperation 139

www.gradeup.co Organisation (SCO) and Central Asian and indigenisation for achieving self-reliance countries would be participating. in defences sector • Other countries that would participate in this • Technology Development Acceleration Cell exercise are- China, Pakistan, Russia, (TDAC) has also been created Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, • Indian Navy’s Indigenisation perspective Uzbekistan, Mongolia, Syria, Iran, Egypt, plans titled ‘SWAVLAMBAN’ was also Belarus, Turkey, Armenia, Abkhazia, South released Ossetia, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan. 5. Defence Minister bans import of 101 defence 3. Indian Coast Guard launches Offshore Patrol items Vessel ‘Sarthak’ Note: Note: • The banned list was prepared by Department • It is developed by Goa Shipyard Limited of Military Affairs, Ministry of Defence under ‘Make In India’ to enhance maritime (MoD) to enhance indigenisation of Defence security. production in India boosting Aatmanirbhar • It is fitted with Navigation, Communication Bharat. sensor and machinery and is 105 metre in size • Banned Import Items: Artillery guns, • It has speed of 26 knots, with an endurance of assault rifles, corvettes, sonar systems, 6000 Nautical Miles transport aircraft, light combat helicopters 4. Naval Innovation and Indigenisation (LCHs), radars, etc Organisation (NIIO) 6. Indian Coast Guard (ICG) launches Interceptor Note: Boat ‘ICGS C-454’ • Defence Minister launched 3-tiered About ICGS C-454: organisation ‘NIIO’ with apex level headed • Built by Larsen and Toubro (L&T). by Naval Technology Acceleration Council • It is 27-meter-long boat and has a maximum (N-TAC) speed of 45 nautical miles (83 kilometres per • It will have structures to interact with hour) and has excellent seakeeping, academia and industry fostering innovation manoeuvrability and endurance range of 500 nautical miles. July • It is conducted for the goodwill training and to promote understanding between two 1. India and Japan conduct PASSEX naval nations exercise towards Malacca Strait in Indian 2. Israel launches new spy satellite ‘Ofek 16’ using Ocean Region (IOR) Shavit-2 rocket About PASSEX About Ofek: • It was the 15th passing exercise by the two • It is launched to keep rack on the potential nations in last 3 years threats. • Rajput-class destroyer INS Rana and Kora- • Ofek is an electro-optical reconnaissance class missile corvette INS Kulish of India JS satellite with advanced capabilities that can Shimayuki and JS Kashima of Japan capture high-resolution images of the Earth participated in the exercise • Developed by Israel’s Ministry of Defence and Israel Aerospace Industries.

140

www.gradeup.co • Launched from Palmachim air base in central 5. India anti-tank guided missile ‘Dhruvastra’ Israel into space. developed by DRDO 3. ISRO launches Brazil’s Amazonia-1 satellite Note About the satellite: • ‘Dhruvastra’ or helicopter-launched Nag • Launched by Polar Satellite Launch vehicle Missile (HELINA) is tested from Integrated (PSLV) Test Range at Chandipur in Odisha. • First satellite for Earth observation designed • It is a 3rd generation fire and forget class anti- for observing and monitoring the tank guided missile system mounted on deforestation of Amazon Region and will help Advanced Light Helicopter in the agricultural and vegetation areas. • It has a range of 7 Km and is equipped with • It will not be a hitch-hiking satellite. four foldable wings and has a length of 4. Indian Navy conducted Passex exercise with US 1.85m, diameter of 0.20m, wingspan of 0.4m Note: and weight of 43kg. • It was conducted by Indian Navy ships Rana, 6. DRDO launches innovation contest ‘Dare to Sahyadri, Shivalik and Kamorta together with Dream 2.0’ USS Nimitz (CVN 68), USS Princeton (CG Note 59), USS Sterett (DDG 104) and USS Ralph • Contest launched on the 5th death anniversary Johnson (DDG 114). of former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. • USS Nimitz is a nuclear-powered aircraft • It was an open challenge to encourage carrier. individuals &startups for innovation in • It will be deployed in the Gulf region from defence and aerospace technologies the South China Sea. • The winners will be awarded with prize • Indian Navy had also recently conducted money of Rs 10 lakh for startup and Rs 5 lakh similar joint exercises with Japanese and to individual category. French Navy.

June 1. Defence Minister launches NOC portal for Clearance with effective, speedy and exploration projects transparent mechanism. Note: 2. Navy Inducts Indigenously Developed • Portal for No Objection Certificate (NOC) Advanced Torpedo Decoy System issue of power projects and Research Survey Note: Exploration Exploitation (RSEE) activities in • Indigenously designed and developed by the Indian Territorial Waters and Exclusive DRDO labs (NSTL and NPOL). Economic Zone launched • Capable of being fired from all frontline • Developed by National e-Governance warships. Division (NeGD), Bhaskaracharya Institute • Its induction was jointly done by Indian Navy for Space Applications and Geo-informatics and DRDO. (BISAG) and NIC. 3. India sent 75 Tri-Service members in Victory • Aim: Facilitate the applicants in submitting Day Parade of World War II in Moscow their proposals online for seeking Security Note:

141

www.gradeup.co • The parade was held on June 24, 2020 to • It will include 4 Pre-Production Prototypes honour the heroism and sacrifices made by and will be cheaper. the Russian and other countries in World War 5. IAF inducted indigenous Airborne Rescue Pod II. Isolated Transportation (ARPIT) • India’s participation will mark tribute and About ARPIT: solidarity to Russia • Utilized for the evacuation of critical patients 4. Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) with infectious diseases including COVID-19 Complex inaugurated at Vishakhapatnam from high altitude areas, isolated and remote About DSRV Complex: places. • Designed to accommodate the newly inducted • Lightweight transparent and durable isolation Submarine Rescue System with DSRV assets system having life support, monitoring storage in a Rescue-Ready state. instruments and other essential kits. • Has Remote Operations Vehicle, Side Scan • Generates high constant negative pressure Sonar, Diver Decompression Chambers, and that will prevent crew from infection. associated equipment. 6. India and Australia signs Mutual Logistics • Mobilized by air or road to facilitate Support Agreement submarine rescue operations even at distant • Agreement is signed to allow logistics support locations in a virtual bilateral summit to provide 5. Ministry of Defence cleared Twin Engined Deck reciprocal access to military logistics Based Fighter (TEDBF) jet program facilities, allow more complex joint military About TEDBF jet program: exercise, and improve interoperability • Jets will be developed indigenously under between two nations. Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) • Support the rules-based maritime order in the project to operate from the deck of INS Indo-Pacific region facilitating scaling up of Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant overall defence cooperation. January- May 1. Western Naval Command develops Ultraviolet • Vision behind OSOWOG is “The Sun Never Disinfection Facilities Sets" and is constant at some geographical Note: location, globally, at any given point of time. • It will be used for decontamination of tools, • It will encourage sharing of solar resources clothes, and other items to control the spread among more than 140 countries of West Asia of coronavirus at entry/ exit points to prevent and South East Asia in the first phase. COVID-19 3. Indian Air Force IAF inducted Tejas Mk-1 • Large common room will be converted into a FOC aircraft UV bay by fabrication of aluminium sheets Note: electrical arrangements for UV-C lighting. • It is inducted into resurrected No 18 Sqn, the 2. Govt invites bid for One Sun One World One “Flying Bullets” at Air Force Station Sulur Grid (OSOWOG) enhancing the operational capability of the Note: Air Force. • It will set up a framework for global • It is built under ‘Make In India’ initiative. ecosystem of interconnected renewable energy resources.

142

www.gradeup.co • Tejas Mk-1 FOC is a single engine, light • The project will give a boost to over 250 weight, highly agile, all weather multi role MSMEs that will be directly benefitted under fighter aircraft capable of air-to-air refuelling. phase II. 4. US Navy tested laser weapon that can destroy • It is a turnkey project that includes aircraft mid-flight in Pacific Ocean installation and commissioning of modern Note: airfield equipment like Cat-II Instrument • Laser weapons system demonstrator (LWSD) Landing System (ILS) and Cat II Air Field will provide defence against drones or armed Lightning System (AFLS) etc. small boats. 8. Defence Minister abolished 9,304 post in • Directed Energy Weapons are military engineering services on the electromagnetic systems capable of recommendation of Shekatar Committee converting chemical or electrical energy to Note: radiated energy and focusing it on a target, • It will enhance combat capability and resulting in physical damage that degrades, rebalance defence expenditure of the Armed neutralizes, defeats, or destroys an adversarial Forces as almost 70% of the budget is used capability. for payment of salaries and allowances. 5. India sets up military war game centre for • It will also equip MES with leaner workforce, Ugandan People Defence forces (UPDF) well equipped to handle complex issues in the Note: emerging scenario in an efficient and cost- • The war game centre is named as 'INDIA'. effective manner. • It is a type of strategic game that simulates 9. Indian Army to launch Three Years Short warfare realistically, as opposed to abstract Service scheme or Tour of Duty (ToD) strategy games such as chess. About the scheme: 6. Indian Navy launches Operation ‘Samudra • 100 officers and 1,000 men will be initially Setu’ evacuation programme tested for recruitment and will be a voluntary Note: engagement of civilians catering the shortage • Indian Naval Ships Jalashwa and Magar are of defence personnel presently enroute to the port of Malè, • Tax-free 3-year period experience and will be Republic of Maldives to commence given preference in public sector jobs as well evacuation operations. as post-graduate courses. • The evacuated personnel will be disembarked 10. Defence Minister commissioned 105-metre- at Kochi, Kerala and entrusted to the care of long indigenously made Coast Guard ship 'Sachet' State authorities. About ICGS Sachet: • This operation is being progressed in close • It will carry twin-engine helicopter, 4 high coordination with Ministries of Defence, speed boats and 1 inflatable boat for swift External Affairs, Home Affairs, Health and boarding and search & rescue operations and various other agencies of the Government of can have a speed of 26 Knots with 6.000 India and State governments. nautical miles endurance 7. Defence Ministry signs pact with Tata Power to • It is also capable of carrying limited pollution modernize 37 Airfields for Indian Air Force, response equipment to undertake oil spill Indian Navy, and Indian Coast Guard. pollution response at sea. Note: 11.Indigenously developed Utility Ship ‘INLCU L57’ commissioned into Indian Navy in Port Blair 143

www.gradeup.co Note: essential medical supplies to Maldives via • INLCU L57 is built by the Garden Reach transport aircraft C-130J as assistance in the fight Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited and can against the virus. carry 160 troops and can be used for Note: Medicines including influenza vaccines, transporting and deploying main battle tanks anti-viral drugs such as Lopinavir arid Ritonavir like Arjun, T72, etc. & other useful items were purchased by the • It can also carry out multiple activities like Maldives’ State Trading Organisation (STO) search & rescue, disaster relief operation, from 8 suppliers in India. But due to the 21-day supply and replenishment and evacuation lockdown imposed due to the COVID-19 from distant islands. epidemic, it could not be possible to take them to Maldives by any other means. ✓ Border Roads Organisation has constructed 430 feet long bailey “Daporijo bridge” in Arunachal 5. Naval Dockyard Visakhapatnam has designed Pradesh. ‘Portable Multi-feed Oxygen Manifold (MOM)’. Note: The bridge was inaugurated by Arunachal Note: This oxygen manifold is designed to Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu over video supply oxygen to multiple patients at a time, conferencing.The bridge is built over Subansiri which could prove helpful in a contingency River the largest tributary of Brahamputra.The created by COVID-19 spread. The preliminary new bridge will provide adequate movement of trials were conducted at MI Room at NDV, supplies for 451 villages and approximately 3,000 followed by rapid trials at the Naval Hospital security force personnel deployed along the INHS Kalyani, where it was successfully India-China border. The bridge replaced an older installed within 30 minutes. The Navy personnel bridge in Daporijo, which was constructed in from the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) have 1992. developed a ‘Portable Multi-feed Oxygen Manifold (MOM)’ using a six-way radial header 2. North Korea test fired anti-ship cruise missiles fitted to a single cylinder. as a part of military exercises recently. Note: The missiles were of short range and test 6. Defense Minister Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated fired into the sea.The missiles were test fired to Mobile Virology Research and Diagnostics celebrate the birth anniversary of Kim II Sung. Laboratory (MVRDL) which is developed by He was the grand father of the current North DRDO. Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The missiles were Note: This mobile lab has the testing capacity of capable of travelling 150 kilometres. According more than 1000 to 2000 samples daily. The to the South Korean officials, multiple missiles Mobile Viral Research lab is the combination of a were test fired. Bio-Safety Level (BSL)-3 and a BSL-2 lab essential to carry out activities. The Mobile lab 3. National Cadet Corps (NCC) has offered its was set up in a record time of 15 days which volunteer cadets to assist the civilian authorities usually takes about 6 months to fight COVID-19 under ‘Exercise NCC Yogdan’. 7. The premier multilateral air combat training Exercise Pitch Black 2020 has been cancelled 4. ‘Operation Sanjeevani’ launched by the Indian which was to be conducted by the Royal Air Force (IAF) to air-lifted 6.2 tonnes of Australian Air Force. 144

www.gradeup.co 1. Indian Navy has carried out 5-day coastal security exercise called, ‘MatlaAbhiyaan’ in 1) Indian Air Force signed MoU with Savitribai Kolkata, West Bengal. Phule Pune University to establish a ‘Chair of Note: Indian Navy has carried out 5-day coastal Excellence’ named “Marshal of the Air Force security exercise called, ‘MatlaAbhiyaan’ at Arjan Singh Chair of Excellence”. Sunderban region in Kolkata, West Bengal with 2) Note: Indian Air Force (IAF) and Savitribai the aim to create awareness about the coastal Phule Pune University (SPPU) signed security to the local community & understand the a MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) to navigational complexities in the Sunderban delta establish a ‘Chair of Excellence’ at Department waters. Indian Navy has carried out 5-day coastal of Defense& Strategic Studies at Pune, security exercise called, ‘MatlaAbhiyaan’ at Maharashtra. In order to pay tribute to the legend Sunderban region in Kolkata, West Bengal with and commemorate the centenary birth year of the the aim to create awareness about the coastal MIAF (Marshal of the Indian Air Force), IAF has security to the local community & understand the named it as “Marshal of the Air Force Arjan navigational complexities in the Sunderban delta Singh Chair of Excellence”. waters. 3) National Conference on Women in Police and 2. The 4th edition of East Asia Summit Conference CAPFs held in New Delhi. on Maritime Security Cooperation 2020 was held 4) The proposed new “Draft Defence Procurement in Chennai Tamil Nadu. Procedure (DPP) 2020” will come into effect Note: The conference was jointly organized by from 1st April 2020. the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). 5) Note: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has 3. The 11th edition of the Biennial Mega Defence proposed a new “Draft Defence Procurement Exhibition “DefExpo 2020” held in Lucknow. Procedure (DPP) 2020”. It will replace DPP Note: The 11th edition of DefExpo-2020, 2016 and would remain in force till 31 March organized by Department of Defence Production, 2025. Its draft has been finalized by a high-level Ministry of Defence with a support of committee headed by Apurva Chandra, Director Government of Uttar Pradesh (UP) was held in General (DG) Acquisition, Ministry of Defence Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh (UP) for the first time that was set up in August 2019. from 5th to 9th Feb 2020. It’s main theme was 6) The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) opened a “India: The Emerging Defence Manufacturing 360 feet long bailey suspension bridge for traffic Hub” with focus on “Digital Transformation of over -- Teesta River. Defence”. This expo is also termed as Note: The bridge constructed will be useful for “Mahakumbh of defence manufacturing the people residing in Lahen town, North Sikkim. companies”. The last two days of the expo was The bridge constructed will facilitate the opened for public. movement of logistics for the Armed forces 4. The “2nd BIMSTEC Disaster Management deployed in forward areas and also acts as tourist Exercise-2020 (BIMSTEC DMEx-2020)” was spots. held at Bhubaneswar/Puri, Odisha. 7) Operation Namaste. has been given to the Note: The themes of the exercise was “A cultural initiative launched by Indian Army to protect 1.3 heritage site that suffers severe damage in the million strong forces from coronavirus. Earthquake” & “Flooding or Storm”.Organized by National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), on behalf of the Government of India, BIMSTEC 145

www.gradeup.co DMEx-2020 was inaugurated by Chief Minister Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Belarus attended the Odisha, Shri Naveen Patnaik. The first similar meeting as the observer state. kind of exercise took place in 2017. 5. The Anti-hijack exercise was conducted at Visakhapatnam Airport, Andhra Pradesh. Health Note: The Anti-hijack exercise was conducted on February 12,2020 by creating a mock situation September using a naval Dornier aircraft by INS Dega, (a naval air station of the Indian navy) at • Russia becomes the first country to officially Visakhapatnam Airport, Andhra Pradesh and the register a coronavirus vaccine and declare it main objective of the exercise was to test the ready for use. plans and procedures handled by various agencies Note: The Russian vaccine will be called during hijack threats. "Sputnik V" in homage to the world's first 6. The Central Government has renamed Institute satellite launched by the Soviet Union.The for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) after vaccine developed by the Gamaleya Institute in Manohar Parrikar. Moscow uses a different virus -- adenovirus -- 7. 5-day long 5th edition of India-UK bilateral air that's been modified to carry genes for the "spike" exercise “Indradhanush-V” 2020 was held in Air protein that coats the coronavirus, as a way to Force Station Hindan in Uttar Pradesh (UP). prime the body to recognise when a real COVID- 8. Fifth Edition of Joint Military ExerciseAjeya 19 infection comes along. Warrior -2020 is conducted between India and • India and Maldives signed an agreement to United Kingdom (UK). establish “Emergency Medical Services” in Male. 9. Air-launched cruise missile Ra’ad-II has been • Assam government has launched Kitchen Garden launched by Pakistan. to promote nutritious food, as part of the Note: The Ra’ad-II weapon system is equipped PoshanMaah. with state-of-the-art guidance & navigation Note: Kitchen Garden or Nutri garden will be set systems ensuring of engagement targets with high up at Anganwadi Centres and Government precision. Ra’ad-II missile is planned to be Primary Schools across the state. PoshanMaah is attached to Mirage aircraft or F-16 fighter jets of India’s flagship programme, launched in March the Pakistan Air Force. The cruise missile with a 2018 to improve the nutritional status of children range of 600 km significantly enhances air up to 6 years, adolescent girls, pregnant women delivered strategic standoff capability on land and and lactating mothers. at sea. • Tamil Nadu government has launched a portal 10. 9th Defence and Security Expert Working Group for eye donation. meeting of SCO held in Islamabad, Pakistan. Note: He also pledged to donate his eyes as part Note: The conference was to discuss different of the National Eye Donation Fortnight.The aspects of cooperation between the SCO member portal will enable persons who wish to pledge to states and regional security. They have agreed on donate their eyes - www.hmis.tn.gov.in/eye- joint training and military exercises. The event donor. was hosted by Pakistan as part of the ‘SCO

Defence & Security Cooperation Plan – August 2020’.India has attended this meet along with

China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, 146

www.gradeup.co ✓ Madhya Pradesh state government has launched secretary, department of health and family a public awareness campaign “Ek Mask- welfare. AnekZindagi” from August 1-15. 2. DRDO has developed a disinfection unit Note: The Scheme will spread awareness about called Ultra Swachh. wearing masks as prevention from Covid-19 3. The union cabinet has approved to re- infection. Establishment of Mask Banks, where establish the Pharmacopoeia Commission for people can donate masks which in turn will be Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy as distributed free to poor people. Citizens can also Subordinate Office under Ministry of donate masks through NGOs in every AYUSH. district/urban body. 4. Name the National Healthcare Supply Chain ✓ Madhya Pradesh has launched the ‘Ek Sankalp Portal launched by the Ministry of Health and – Bujurgoke naam’ campaign for the elderly Family Welfare to provide real-time people living alone in homes during the global availability of critical healthcare supplies _-- pandemic COVID-19. Aarogyapath. ✓ India collaborated with Israel country to develop 5. DRDO has developed a sanitizing chamber rapid testing for COVID-19 in under 30 seconds. named ‘GermiKlean’ to sanitise uniforms of security forces. July 6. A Five-day Virtual Healthcare & Hygiene 1. India’s rank among 10 Asia-Pacific countries in Expo was organized by industry bodies the “Cancer preparedness in Asia-Pacific: FICCI. Progress towards universal cancer control” Note: The event is to create a self-reliant prepared by the Economist Intelligence Unit ecosystem in the Pharmaceuticals and Health & (EIU)-- eighth. Hygiene Sector by ramping up domestic 2. Zimbabwe has signed a Memorandum of production. In our resolute fight against the Understanding (MoU) with India on Cooperation COVID-19 pandemic, this sector has a greater in the field of Traditional Systems of Medicine significance. and Homeopathy. 7. Uttar Pradesh becomes the first state in the 3. Manodarpan initiative has been launched by the country to prepare one lakh beds for COVID- Union Human Resource Development Minister, 19 patients. Ramesh Pokhriyal to provide psychosocial 8. Chhattisgarh has launched a special support to students for their mental health. campaign “Spandan” to check mental stress and depression among its police personnel. June 9. Gujarat Govt. occupied top position in the ‘Food Safety Index 2019-20 released by the 1. India’s apex food regulator Food Safety and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) comes (FSSAI) among the larger state. under the purview of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. Jan-May Note: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Arun 1. Dr.Harsh Vardhan has launched the mobile Singhal as chief executive officer of India’s apex application 'AYUSH Sanjivani' App and two food regulator Food Safety and Standards AYUSH based studies related to COVID-19 Authority of India (FSSAI). Singhal is special situation. 147

www.gradeup.co Note: The app was developed by the Ministry of Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, (AB-PMJAY). and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) and Ministry of Note: Union Minister of Health and Family Electronics and Information Technology Welfare(HFW), Harsh Vardhan to mark 1 crore (MEITY). The AYUSH Sanjivani mobile app treatments(milestone) of the Ayushman Bharat will help to generate data on acceptance and Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana(AB- usage of AYUSH advocacies and measures PMJAY).The National Health Authority(NHA) is among the population and its impact on the responsible for implementing the scheme. prevention of COVID-19. It is expected to reach 6. Uttar Pradesh government has launched the out to a target of 50 lakh people. AyushKavach app that will provide health- 2. Bengaluru cities has launched “Pranavayu related tips and information about ayurvedic Programme” to create awareness about the medicines amid the COVID-19 pandemic. respiratory health of the residents. 7. World Health Organization (WHO) has 3. To send medical aid to five Island nations in released the first “The State of the World’s the Indian Ocean amid COVID-19 pandemic Nursing 2020” report amid COVID19 India has initiated -- “Mission Sagar”. pandemic in partnership with Nursing and Note: In this regard, Indian Naval Ship (INS) International Council of Nurses (ICN). Kesari departed for Maldives, Mauritius, Note: In accordance with the report, there are 28 Seychelles, Madagascar and Comoros, to provide million nurses worldwide but still, there is a Food items, COVID related Medicines including global shortfall of 5.9 million. Countries facing Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) Tablets and Special the greatest shortfall of nurses are in Africa, Ayurvedic Medicines with Medical Assistance South East Asia and the WHO Eastern Teams. For Maldives, 600 tonnes of food items Mediterranean region as well as some parts of will also be provided and for Comoros medicines Latin America. Between 2013 and 2018, nursing related to dengue would be given. This mission is numbers increased by 4.7 million. More than launched in coordination with the Ministry of 80% of the world’s nurses work in countries that Defence (MoD) and Ministry of External Affairs are home to half of the world’s population. (MEA), and other agencies of GOI. 8. Italy country has developed ‘iFeel-You’ 4. Two scientific papers on child survival bracelet for social distancing. published by the India State-Level Disease Burden Initiative stated that the under-5 Mortality Rate in India has dropped by what percent since 2000 -- 49 per cent. 1. The COVID- 19 National Preparedness Note: The India State-Level Disease Burden Survey 2020 was conducted in 410 districts. Initiative has recently published two scientific Note: The COVID-19 National Preparedness papers. The initiative has given its report on Survey 2020 was conducted in 410 Districts in district-level trends of child growth and child the Country within 3 working days beginning on mortality.The findings show there were 1.04 March 25, 2020. The survey was conducted with million under-5 deaths in 2017, down from 2.24 responses from 410 civil servants who are million deaths in 2000. The child mortality rate providing field level leadership. has dropped by 49% between 2000 and 2017. 2. To fight COVID-19 Civil services 5. National Health Authority is the nodal associations form an initiative called agency for the implementation of Ayushman ‘Caruna’. 148

www.gradeup.co 3. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has divided the health centres into 3 categories namely- COVID Care Centre, Dedicated COVID Health Centre and Dedicated COVID Hospital. 4. Name the mobile doctor booth created by the West Central Railway’s Coach Rehabilitation Workshop (CRWS) -- CHARAK.

1. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla launched ‘Suposhit Maa Abhiyan’ in Kota, Rajasthan. 2. Andhra Pradesh state ranked 1st in the country for overall implementation of POSHAN Abhiyaan. Note: Andhra Pradesh (AP) ranked 1st in the country for overall implementation of POSHAN ( Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nourishment) Abhiyaan as per September 2019 progress report of NITI Aayog, “Transforming Nutrition in India: POSHAN Abhiyaan”. The 2nd anniversary of POSHAN Abhiyaan is recognized by celebrating PoshanPakhwada from 8th-22nd March 2020. 3. Uttar Pradesh government has set up “Team-11” comprising of as many inter- departmental committees to fight the coronavirus spread. 4. First country to close its financial markets due to the COVID 19 (Coronavirus) outbreak -- Philippines.

149

www.gradeup.co

Important Days

August 2020

✓ World Lung Cancer Day is being observed ✓ United Nations observes the International Day on 1st August to raise awareness about the of the World’s Indigenous Peoples every year causes and treatment of lung cancer. on 09th August. Note:August 1 to raise awareness about the Note: The day is being observed to raise causes and treatment of lung cancer.The awareness of the needs of indigenous peoples. campaign was first organized in 2012 by the The theme of International Day of the Forum of International Respiratory Societies World’s Indigenous Peoples 2020 ✓ The theme of the World Breastfeeding is “COVID-19 and indigenous peoples’ Weekcelebrated annually in the first week of resilience”. Augustfrom 1st to 7th of August-- “Support ✓ The World Biofuel Day is observed globally Breast feeding for a healthier planet”. every year on 10th August. Note: The day is celebrated to encourage Note:The World Biofuel Day is observed breastfeeding and improve the babies’ health every year to aware about the importance of around the world. The day was commenced non-fossil fuels as an alternative to after signing the Innocenti Declaration in conventional fossil fuels. The day also August 1990. highlights the various actions taken by the ✓ The World Sanskrit Day was observed Government in the Biofuel sector. annually on Shravan Purnima (3rd August ✓ International Youth Dayis being celebrated 2020). very year on 12th August. Note: On the occasion Prime Minister Note:This day is celebrated to recognize the Narendra Modi thanked everyone involved in efforts put in by the youth for the betterment promoting, teaching and using Sanskrit of society. The Day aims to promote the ways language. Sanskrit is a beautiful language to engage the youth and make them more which has made India a repository of actively involved in their communities through knowledge for many years. positive contributions. ✓ Annually World Heroshima Day is observed ✓ The theme of the International Youth Day every year on 6th August. (IYD) 2020 --Youth Engagement for Global Note: Annually 6th of August marks the Action. anniversary of the atomic bombing Note: This day is celebrated to recognize the in Hiroshima during World War II. The efforts put in by the youth for the betterment horrific incident took place on August 6, of society. The Day aims to promote the ways 1945, when the United States dropped an to engage the youth and make them more atomic bomb named “Little Boy”, on the town actively involved in their communities through of Hiroshima in Japan. positive contributions. ✓ National Handloom Day is being celebrated ✓ The ‘World Elephant Day’ is observed every every year on 7th August. year across the world on 12th August. Note: 7th August was chosen as the National Note:The day focuses on bringing the world Handloom Day to commemorate the Swadeshi together to help elephants and also inform Movement which was launched on the same people and organisations about the threat that date in the year 1905. The objective is to an elephant faces.On 12 August, 2012, the first generate awareness about the Handloom international Elephant Day was celebrated. Industry among the public and its contribution Since then, it is observed annually and this day to socio-economic development. is dedicated to the huge animal protection and preservation.

150

www.gradeup.co ✓ The World Organ Donation Day is observed Indian National Congress instituted Rajiv globally every year on 13th August. Gandhi Sadbhavana Award in 1992, a year Note: This day is celebrated to raise after his death. Every year this day is awareness about the importance of organ celebrated in the memory of the late Rajiv donation and motivate people to donate organs Gandhi who was the youngest Prime Minister after death. of India at the age of 40 years. ✓ The World Lizard Day is observed every year ✓ World Mosquito Day is observed annually on on 14th August. 20th August. Note: Most celebrations of this holiday occur Note: The Day is celebrated to raise at the local level, through events organized by awareness about the Causes and Prevention of schools, natural history or science museums, Malaria and to commemorate the discovery zoos, national parks, conservation NGOs etc. made by British Doctor Sir Ronald Ross in World Lizard Day has not yet been taken up 1897 that female Anopheles mosquitoes for serious conservation work by international transmit Malaria between humans. agencies or organizations like the IUCN or ✓ The World Senior Citizen Day is observed WWF, and is focused on creating awareness of globally every year on21st August. the reptiles, apparently mostly as pets. Note: This day is celebrated to raise ✓ The World Humanitarian Day (WHD) is awareness about issues affecting older people, observed globally every year on 19th August. such as deterioration with age and the abuse of Note:This day is celebrated to pay tribute to the elderly and support, honour and show humanitarian personnel and those workers appreciation to seniors and to recognize their who lost or risked their lives while doing achievements. The World Senior Citizen’s humanitarian service. This year is the 11th Day also recognises and acknowledges the edition of World Humanitarian Day. contributions of older people to society. ✓ The World Photography Day also known as ✓ International Day of Remembrance and World Photo Day is observed annually on Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism observed 19th August. globally every year on21st August. Note: The Day is celebrated to inspire Note: The day is observed to pay tribute to the photographers across the globe to share a individuals across the globe who have been single photo with a purpose of sharing their attacked, injured, traumatized or lost their world to the world. The day celebrates the arts, lives because of terrorist attacks. This year, the crafts, science and history of Photography. 3rd commemoration of the day will focus on ✓ Indian AkshayUrja Day or Renewable Energy the response to the pandemic and cancellation Day is observed on every year on 20th of many memorials and commemorations, it is August. critical to take the time to remember and Note: It is significant to promote awareness honour the victims of terrorism. about renewable resources among people who ✓ The International Day for the Remembrance of are ignorant about the subject. Indian the Slave Trade and its Abolition observed AkshayUrja Day was established in 2004 to globally every year on 23 August. support renewable energy development Note: The Day is observed to inscribe the programs and promote its use instead of tragedy of the slave trade in the memory of all traditional sources of energy. The very first peoples. The day was designated by UNESCO event relating to AkshayUrjaDiwas was to memorialize the transatlantic slave trade. organized in New Delhi. ✓ The World Water Week 2020 is observed as ✓ Rajiv Gandhi birth anniversary is celebrated the World Water Week at Home (WWWeek at as SadbhavanaDiwas or Harmony Day on 20th Home) from 24th to 28th August 2020. August every year. Note: The theme for World Water Week 2020 Note: This year on 20th August 2020, we are at Home is ‘Water and Climate change: going to celebrate the 76th birth anniversary of Accelerating Action’. former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. The 151

www.gradeup.co ✓ The Women’s Equality Day is being observed Note: The day aims to increase awareness in the United States on 26th August. about the effects of nuclear weapon test Note:This was 100th anniversary of the explosions or any other nuclear explosions and Women’s Equality Day.The day is celebrated the need for their cessation as one of the to commemorate American women getting the means of achieving the goal of a nuclear- constitutional right to vote. weapon-free world. ✓ The National Sports Day is observed every ✓ The International Day of the Victims of year on 29th August. Enforced Disappearances observed every year Note: The first National Sports Day was on 29th August. celebrated on 29th August 2012, on the birth Note: The day is being observed to express anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand who was deep concern about the rise in enforced or the star of hockey team of India. involuntary disappearances in different ✓ The International Day against Nuclear Tests is regions of the world including the incidents of observed globally on 29th August. arrest, detention and abduction. July 2020

✓ National Postal Worker Day is observed every ✓ World Day for International Justice is year on 1st July. observed every year on 17th July. ✓ National Charted Accountants Day is ✓ United Nations celebrates World Chess Day celebrated every year on 1st July. globally every year on 20th July. ✓ The theme of the National Doctor’s Day 2020 ✓ To mark the anniversary of man’s first historic which is celebrated every year in the country landing on the moon the Space Exploration on 1st July-- Lessen the mortality of COVID Day is celebrated every year on 20th July. 19. ✓ Nelson Mandela International Day is Note: The theme for National Doctor’s Day celebrated every year on 18th July by the 2020 is “Lessen the mortality of COVID 19” United Nations. and includes awareness about asymptomatic ✓ National Broadcasting Day is observed every hypoxia and early aggressive therapy. year all over India on 23rd July. ✓ World Sports Journalists Day is observed ✓ Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed every year on globally every year on 2nd July. 26th July. ✓ The United Nations celebrates the ✓ The theme of the 2020 World Hepatitis Day International Day of Cooperatives every year (WHD) celebrated every year on 28th July -- on the first Saturday of July. Hepatitis-Free Future. ✓ International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) ✓ In a bid to promote conservation, raise celebrated Dharma Chakra Day on 4th July. awareness and encourage sustainability, every ✓ World Chocolate Day or International year World Nature Conservation Day is Chocolate Day is observed every year on 7th observed on 28th July. July. However, this year a global theme has not ✓ World Population Day is observed globally been decided due to the pandemic. every year on 11th July. ✓ International Tiger Day is observed every year Note: This year theme of World Population on which date across the globe to create Day 2020: Putting the brakes on COVID-19: awareness about tiger conservation -- 29th Safeguarding the health and rights of women July. and girls. ✓ United Nations observes 30th July every year ✓ The United Nations celebrates World Malala as World Day Against Trafficking in Day to honor the young activist, Malala Persons days. Yousafzai every year on 12th July. Note: The 2020 theme for the World Day ✓ World Youth Skills Day is observed every Against Trafficking: “Committed to the Cause year on 15th July. – Working on the Frontline to End Human Trafficking”.

152

www.gradeup.co ✓ The International Day of Friendship is ✓ The International Day for the conservation of observed every year on 30th July. Mangrove Ecosystem is observed every year on 26th July. June 2020

✓ World Milk Day 2020 observed every • Theme of the 5th anniversary of globally on 1st June 2020. International Albinism Awareness ✓ The theme of the Global Day of Parents Day is "Made to Shine." 2020 celebrated every year on 1st June-- ✓ The World Blood Donor Day is observed Appreciate all parents throughout the on every on 14th June. world. • This year (2020) the World Blood ✓ World Bicycle Day is celebrated every Donor Day is celebrated under the year on 3rd June. theme ‘Safe Blood Saves Lives’. ✓ International Day of Innocent Children ✓ Every year, the World Elder Abuse Victims of Aggression is observed Awareness Day is celebrated on 15th June. globally every year on 4th June. • The theme of the ‘World Elder ✓ The theme of the World Environment Day Abuse Awareness Day 2020 is 2020, celebrated every year on June 5 -- "Lifting up Voices". Celebrate Biodiversity. ✓ World Wind Day or Global Wind is • the day was hosted by China under observed every year on 15th June. the theme “Air Pollution”. NThe International Day of Family ✓ Every year June 2nd is celebrated as the Remittances is observed every year on International Sex Workers Day. 16th June by the United Nations. ✓ The International Day for the Fight against ✓ World Day to Combat Desertification and Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated th Drought 2020 observed every year on 17th Fishing 2020 is celebrated on 5 June. June. The theme of 2020 is Food. ✓ World Pest Day or World Pest Awareness th Feed.Fibre. – the links between Day is celebrated every year on 6 June. consumption and land. ✓ United Nations Russian Language Day is th ✓ Sustainable Gastronomy Day is observed celebrated every year on 6 June. globally every year on 18th June. ✓ The World Ocean Day is celebrated every th ✓ World Hydrography Day is observed year on 8 June. globally every year on 21st June. • This year, the World Oceans Day is • World Hydrography Day 2020 celebrated under the theme theme is “Hydrography enabling ‘Innovation for a Sustainable autonomous technologies”. Ocean’. ✓ World Music Day is observed globally ✓ World Brain Tumour Day 2020 was th every year on 21st June. observed on 8 June. ✓ The theme of the International Day of ✓ 9th June of Every year is celebrated as the Yoga 2020 -- Yoga for Health – Yoga at World Accreditation Day. Home. • The Theme of World Accreditation • The theme of International Day of Day 2020 is “Accreditation: Yoga 2020 is “Yoga for Health – Improving food safety” Yoga at Home”. ✓ The World Day against Child Labour is th ✓ The United Nations Public Service Day is observed every year on 12 June. observed globally every year 23rd June. • Note: The theme this year is, ✓ The International Widows Day is observed “COVID-19 - Protect children from globally every year on 23rd June. child labour now, more than ever". ✓ The theme of Day of the Seafarer, 2020 ✓ International Albinism Awareness Day is celebrated every year on 25th June -- observed every year on 13th June. Seafarers are Key Workers. 153

www.gradeup.co ✓ The theme of the International Day against ✓ National Statistics Day 2020’ celebrated Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2020 every year on 29th June. observed every year globally on 26th June • "Good Health and Well Being and -- Better Knowledge for Better Care. Gender Equality", is the theme for ✓ International Day in Support of Victims of National Statistics Day 2020. Torture is observed every year on 26th ✓ The UN’s International Day of June. Parliamentarism is observed globally every year on 30th June. May 2020

✓ International Labours day or May Day is ✓ World Migratory Bird Day is observed celebrated every year on 1st May. globally every year on 9th May. ✓ World Tuna Day is observed globally • This time the theme of World every year on 2nd May. Migratory Bird Day 2020 is “Birds ✓ World Press Freedom Day is observed Connect Our World”. globally every year on 3rd May. ✓ Mother’s Day is celebrated every year on • The theme of World Press Freedom Second Sunday of May (9th May 2020) Day 2020 is “Journalism without ✓ National Technology Day is celebrated Fear or Favour”. every year on 11th May. ✓ International Firefighters’ Day is observed ✓ International Nurse Day is observed globally every year on 4th May. globally on every year 12th May. ✓ International Day of the Midwife is ✓ Armed Forces Day is observed every year observed globally every year on 5th May. on ____third Saturday in May (16th May • The theme for 2020 International 2020). Day of the Midwife is Midwives ✓ The International Day of Light is with women: celebrate, celebrated every year on 16th May. demonstrate, mobilise, unite – our ✓ World Telecommunication and time is NOW! Information Society Day is observed ✓ World Hand Hygiene Day observed globally every year on 17th May. globally on 5th May. • The theme of World • The theme of the campaign is Telecommunication and “SAVE LIVES: Clean Your Information Society Day of 2020: Hands”. “Connect 2030: ICTs for the ✓ World Asthma Day is observed every year Sustainable Development Goals on 1st Tuesday of May. (SDGs)” • The theme for 2020 is ‘Enough ✓ World Hypertension Day is observed Asthma Deaths’.World Asthma globally every year on 17th May. Day is annually organized by the ✓ International Museum Day is celebrated Global Initiative for Asthma every year on 18th May. (GINA). • The International Museum Day ✓ The World Athletics Day is observed 2020 was celebrated with the every year on 7th May. theme “Museums for Equality: ✓ To increase awareness about athletics and Diversity and Inclusion”. to encourage youth to take up sports World ✓ World Bee Day is observed globally every Athletics Day is observed every year on year on 20th May. 7th May. ✓ International Tea Day is observed globally ✓ World Red Cross Day is observed globally every year on 21st May. every year on 8th May. ✓ World Metrology Day is observed globally ✓ World Thalassaemia Day is observed every year on 20th May. globally every year on 8th May. 154

www.gradeup.co ✓ Anti Terrorism Day 2020 is observed ✓ International Missing Children’s Day is every year in India on 21st May. observed globally every year on 25th • Note: The day marks the death May. anniversary of India’s seventh ✓ World Thyroid Day is observed globally Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on 21 every year on 25th May. May 1991. ✓ International Day of UN Peacekeepers is ✓ World Day for Cultural Diversity for observed globally every year on 29th May. Dialogue and Development is celebrated • The Theme of day for 2020 is every year on May 21. “Women in Peacekeeping: A Key ✓ The United Nations celebrates to Peace”. International Day for Biological Diversity ✓ International Day of Action for Women’s every year on 22nd May. Health is observed globally every year on ✓ The United Nations observes International 28th May. Day to End Obstetric Fistula every year on ✓ World Hunger Day is observed globally 23 May. every year on 28th May. • The theme for International Day to ✓ International Everest Day is being End Obstetric Fistula 2020 is “End observed every year on 29th May. gender inequality! End health ✓ World Health Organization (WHO) inequities! End Fistula now!”. celebrates World No Tobacco Day every ✓ World Turtle Day is being celebrated year on 31st May. every year on 23rd May. April 2020

✓ World Autism Awareness Day is • Theme of the day this year 2020 is observed every year on April 2. “Enhancing the scope of • The theme for 2020 is “The Homeopathy in Public Health”. Transition to Adulthood”. ✓ The Play True Day is observed every year ✓ The International Day for Mine on 9th April. Awareness and Assistance in Mine • Note: The World Anti-Doping Action is observed every year on 4th Agency (WADA) celebrated the April. Play True Day 2020. ✓ The 57th Edition of National Maritime • The theme of this year is ‘Play Safe Day (NMD) was celebrated on April 5, on Play True Day 2020’. 2020. ✓ National Safe Motherhood Day (NSMD) ✓ The International Day of Conscience is celebrated annually on 11th April. (IDC) is observed for the 1st time on 5th ✓ The international day of human space April 2020. flight is observed across the world ✓ The International Day of Sport for annually on 12th April. Development and Peace (IDSP) is ✓ National Pet Day is celebrated every year celebrated every year on 6th April. on 11th April. ✓ The International Romani Day is observed ✓ The World Voice Day (WVD) is every year on 8th April. celebrated every year on 16th April. • Note: The day is observed annually • The Theme of the day for the year to raise awareness of the issues 2020 is “FOCUS ON YOUR faced by Romani people and to VOICE”. celebrate Romani culture. ✓ The International Day of Mathematics ✓ The World Homeopathy Day is (IDM) was celebrated for the first time on celebrated every year on 10th April. March 14, 2020. • Theme for the year 2020 is “Mathematics is Everywhere”. 155

www.gradeup.co ✓ World Haemophilia Day is celebrated ✓ The World Day of Laboratory Animals worldwide on 17th April. has been observed annually on 24th April. • The theme of the World ✓ National Panchayati Raj Day (NPRD) is Haemophilia Day 2020 is observed annually on 24th April. “Get+involved”. ✓ Every year 25th April is celebrated as ✓ The World Art Day is celebrated every World Malaria Day. year on 15th April. • The theme of World Malaria Day ✓ World Heritage Dayis celebrated every 2020 is “Zero Malaria Starts with year on 18th April. Me” • Theme for the year 2020 is ✓ World Intellectual Property Day “Shared Culture, Shared established by the World Intellectual Heritage and Shared Property Organization (WIPO), is Responsibility”. celebrated every year on 26th April. ✓ World Liver Day (WLD) is observed • The theme of this year is every year on 19th April. “Innovate for a Green Future” ✓ World Creativity and Innovation Day ✓ International Chernobyl Disaster (WCID) is celebrated all across the world Remembrance Day is observed every year on April 21. on 26th April. ✓ The National Civil Service Day is ✓ 25th April of every year is celebrated as celebrated every year on 21st April. World Penguin Day. ✓ Mother Earth Day is celebrated every ✓ The World Day for Safety and Health at year on 22nd April. Work (WDSHW) is observed every year • The theme for Earth Day 2020 is on 28th April. “Climate Action”. • Theme of the Day for the year ✓ World Book and Copyright Day is 2020 is Stop the pandemic: Safety celebrated every year on 23rd April. and health at work can save lives. ✓ Every year the United Nation Celebrates the UN English Language Day and UN Spanish Language Day on 23rd April. March 2020

✓ The Zero Discrimination Day 2020 was • Note: The World Wildlife Day observed globally on 1st March 2020. (WWD) has been celebrated based on • The theme for 2020 is “Zero the theme “Sustaining all life on Discrimination against Women & Earth”. Girls”. ✓ The World Hearing Day (WHD) is observed ✓ The World Civil Defence Day was observed annually on 3rd March. on 1st March 2020. • Theme of WHD 2020: Hearing for life: • Note: To create awareness on the self- Don’t let hearing loss limit you. The protection & preventive measures to be theme ensures that the people with taken in the event of disasters or hearing loss are able to achieve their accidents and pay tribute to the efforts, full potential. sacrifices of the national services ✓ The National safety day is observed every year responsible for the fight against on 4th March. disasters. • The Theme of National Safety day • Theme of the WCDD 2020: “Civil 2020 is “Enhance Health &Safety Defence and a first aider in every Performance by Use of Advanced home”. Technology“. ✓ The World Wildlife Day is celebrated around the world on 3rd March. 156

www.gradeup.co ✓ Janaushadhi week was celebrated throughout • The theme this year is “Happiness for the country from 1st March to 7th March All Together”. 2020. ✓ The World Poetry Day is observed every year • Note: The main aim of the week is to on 21st March. provide various activities like health ✓ The International Day for the Elimination of checkup Camp, free doctor Racial Discrimination is observed annually on consultation, free medicine distribution 21st March. is hosted by Jan AushadhiKendras. ✓ The International Day of Forests (IDF) is ✓ The International Women’s Day (IWD) 2020 observed annually on 21st March. was observed globally on March 8, 2020. • Note: The theme of the day this year is • The 2020 theme for IWD was “I am “Forests and Biodiversity”. Generation Equality: Realizing ✓ The World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is Women’s Rights”. observed annually on 21st March. ✓ The Central Industrial Security Force • Note: The day has been observed (CISF) Raising Day is observed every year based on the theme ‘We Decide’ by on 10th March. the UN. ✓ The World Kidney Day is observedglobally on ✓ The World Puppetry Day is observed annually 12th March. on 21st March. ✓ The World Sleep Day was observed on • Note: The day was celebrated with the 13thMarch 2020. aim to raise interest and encourage the • The theme of the year 2020: “Better kids and youngsters towards the Sleep, Better Life, Better Planet”. comic-art-entertainment form. ✓ The Pi Day is celebrated every year on 14th ✓ The International Day of Nowruz was March. celebrated on 21st March. • Pi (Greek letter “π”) is the symbol used • Note: The word Nowruz (new day) is in mathematics to represent a constant the name of the Iranian new year or and its value up to five decimal places Persian new year which is celebrated 3.14159. Coincidentally, March 14 is worldwide by various ethnolinguistic also Physicist Albert Einstein’s groups. birthday. ✓ The World Water Day is observed globally ✓ The World Consumer Day2020 was observed every year on March 22. on March 15, 2020. • Note: The day is observe to highlight • The theme of the year 2020 is ‘The the importance of freshwater.Theme of Sustainable Consumer.’ the year 2020: “Water and Climate ✓ National Vaccination Day is observed every Change”. year on 16th March 2020. ✓ The World Meteorological Day (WMD 2020) ✓ The Global Recycling Day 2020 was observed is observed every year on 23rd March. on 18th March 2020. ✓ The theme of WMD 2020 is “Climate and • The Global Recycling Foundation Water”. announces “Recycling Heroes” as the ✓ The World Tuberculosis Day is observed theme for third Global Recycling Day. globally on 24th March. The main aim of the day is to turn ✓ The International Day of Remembrance of the ‘waste’ into a valuable resource. Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave ✓ World Sparrow Day (2020) is observed every Trade is observed on 25th March. year on March 20. • Note: The 2020 Theme of the day is ✓ The theme of the World Sparrow Day 2020 is “Confronting Slavery’s Legacy of I LOVE Sparrows. Racism Together”. ✓ The “International Day of Happiness” is ✓ World Theatre Day (WTD) is celebrated every celebrated worldwide every year on 20th year on 27th March. March. 157

www.gradeup.co • The theme of “Theatre and a Culture of Peace”. February 2020

✓ The World Wetlands Day was observed on prevalence of parasitic worms in the February 2, 2020. intestine. • Note: World Wetlands Day (WWD) ✓ The World Pulses Day was observed on Feb was observed to spread awareness and 10. to conserve the wetlands all over the • Note: World Pulses day was world. The of this year day is established by the Food and “Wetlands and Biodiversity”. Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the • The theme highlights the importance of United Nations to recognize the biodiversity conservation, which importance of pulses (dry beans, conveys nearly 40% of the world’s lentils, dry peas, chickpeas, lupins) as plant & animal species live or breed on global food. wetlands. • World Pulses day has been designated ✓ The World Cancer Day was observed on on Feb 10 every year since 2019 by the February 4. 73rd session of the United Nations • Note: The World Cancer Day is (UN) General Assembly on December organized by the Union for 20, 2018. International Cancer Control (UICC), ✓ International Day of Women and Girls in Geneva, Switzerland, every year on Science was observed on February 11. February 4 to raise awareness to • Note: The day was celebrated to encourage cancer’s prevention, achieve equal participation & access to detection and treatment. women’s and girls in science. • The primary goal of World Cancer Day • The theme of this year is “Investment is to reduce the illness & death caused in Women and Girls in Science for by cancer. The theme of WCD from Inclusive Green Growth”. 2019-21 is “I am and I will”. • The theme aims to encourage women ✓ International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female and girls to opt for science. Genital Mutilation 2020 was observed on ✓ The World Unani Day was celebrated on February 6, 2020. February 11. • Note: The International Day of Zero • Note: The day marks the birthday of Tolerance to Female Genital great Unani scholar and social Mutilation (FGM) was observed. reformer “Hakim Ajmal Khan”. • It was observed since 2003, as part of • Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh the UN’s efforts to eradicate Female was the chief guest of the 4th Unani Genital Mutilation. day function organized by AYUSH • The day spreads the awareness about (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, FGM which is a violation of the human Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy) rights of girls and women. Ministry, New Delhi, India. ✓ The National Deworming Day (NDD) was ✓ National Productivity Day 2020 was observed observed across the country on February on February 12, 2020. 10,2020. • National Productivity Council (NPC) • Note: The day was organized by the comes under the Ministry of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Commerce & Industry. (MoHFW). • NPC increases productivity, • This will be followed by the mop-up competitiveness, profits, augments day on February 17, 2020. The safety and ensures better quality. objective of the day is to deworm children and adolescents to reduce the 158

www.gradeup.co ✓ To commemorate the birth anniversary of the ✓ The International Mother Language Day father of evolutionary biology Darwin Day (IMLD) is observed annually on 21st was observed on 12th February. February. • Note: Darwin Day was celebrated to • Note: International Mother Language commemorate the birth anniversary of Day (IMLD) is observed annually on the father of evolutionary biology, February 21 since 2000 as a worldwide Charles Darwin. observance of UNESCO (United ✓ The World Radio Day (WRD) was observed Nations, Educational, Scientific and on February 13. Cultural Organisation). • Note: World Radio Day (WRD) is • The day creates an awareness on celebrated all over the world with the linguistic, cultural diversity and to theme “Radio and Diversity”. promote multilingualism and in India • In the year 1924, Radio was 1st the day is observed as introduced to India by Madras ‘MatribhashaDiwas’. Presidency Club. • Theme of IMLD for the year 2020 is ✓ National Women day was observed on “Languages without Border”. February 13. ✓ The World Thinking Day is celebrated on 22nd • Note: To commemorate the birth February. anniversary of independence activist, • Note: Each year on February 22 Girl Sarojini Naidu (also named Scouts and Girl Guides from 150 Nightingale of India), every year India countries celebrate World Thinking observes February 13 as it is National Day. Women day. • The theme of World Thinking Day • It should be noted that the 2020 is “Diversity, Equity and International Women’s Day is Inclusion”. observed on 8th March annually. ✓ The Central Excise Day is celebrated every ✓ The World Pangolin Day was observed across year on 24th February. the world on 15th February (3rd Saturday of ✓ Right to Protein, a national-level public health Feb). initiative, has launched India’s 1st Protein Day ✓ Soil Health Card Day was observed across on 27 February 2020. the country on 19th February. • Note: It is to raise awareness about the • The scheme aims at issuing soil health health benefits of protein. cards to farmers every 2 years to • Theme of the Protein Day 2020: identify the nutritional deficiencies in ProteinMeinKyaHai. The theme aims the soil. to include proteins in our every meal. ✓ World Day of Social Justice is observed ✓ World Non-Governmental Organization Day annually on 20th February. was observed annually on 27th February. • Note: The day creates awareness • Note: The human Right activists & all against social injustice regarding individuals celebrated World NGO gender, age, race, ethnicity, religion, Day 2020, to raise awareness about the culture or disability. NGO sector and to encourage people • Theme of this day this year is “Closing worldwide who are involved & the Inequalities Gap to Achieve Social dedicatedly working for a good cause. Justice”. ✓ National Science Day (NSD) was observed all • The theme aims to uphold the over India on February 28, 2020. principles of social justice by • Note: This day marks the discovery of promoting gender equality, or the the Raman effect by Indian physicist rights of indigenous people or Sir ChandraShekhara Venkata Raman migrants. (also called Sir C V Raman) on 28th

159

www.gradeup.co February 1928 for which he was Disease Day, which was observed on awarded the Nobel Prize in 1930. February 29, 2020. • In 1986, the Government of India • The day creates an awareness of rare (GOI) declared Feb 28 as National diseases and improves access to Science Day. Theme of the NSD 2020: treatment and medical representation “Women in Science”. for individuals with rare diseases & ✓ Rare Disease Day (RDD) is an observance their families. held on the last day of February. • Slogan of RDD 2020: “Rare is Many. • Note: This year marked the 13th Rare is Strong. Rare is Proud”. observance of International Rare January 2020

✓ The World Braille Day is observed across the ✓ The 15th raising day of National Disaster world every year on 4th January. Response Force (NDRF) observed on 19th • Note: The day marks the birth January 2020. anniversary of Louis Braille. He was ✓ National Immunization Day (NID) also the inventor of Braille script or Braille known as ‘Polio Ravivar’ was observed on code. 19th January 2020. ✓ National Youth Day (YuvaDiwas) is ✓ The National Martyr’s Day is observed celebrated in India on 12th January. annually on 30th January. • The theme of the 23rd National Youth • This day also marks the 72nd death Festival 2020 is “FIT YOUTH FIT anniversary of India’s Father of the INDIA”. nation Mahatma Gandhi who was ✓ The National Youth Festival will increase the assassinated on Jan 30, 1948 by EK BHARAT SHRESTHA BHARAT Nathuram Vinayak Godse. bonding and it will prove as a The World ✓ The National Voters’ Day is celebrated every Hindi day being celebrated across the world year in India on 25th January. every year on 10th January. • The theme for the 10th edition of • Note: Hindi is the fourth most spoken National Voters’ Day is ‘Electoral language in the world. Literacy for Stronger Democracy’. • The first World Hindi Conference was ✓ World Leprosy Day is observed annually on organized in Nagpur on 10th January last Sunday of January. 1975. • This year, the day was observed on ✓ The National Hindi Divas is being observed January 26, 2020. In India, it is on 14th September every year across India. celebrated on January 30 every year to learning platform for everyone. commemorate the death of Mahatma ✓ Armed Forces Veterans Day is celebrated Gandhi who was assassinated on this every year on 14th January. day in 1948. • Every year, January 14 is marked as • This year’s theme is “Leprosy isn’t Armed Forces Veteran Day as the what you think” Field Marshal KM Cariappa, the first ✓ India celebrates National Girl Child Day Commander-in-chief of Indian Armed every year on 24th January. Forces retired on the day. • The day was observed for the first time ✓ In India, the Indian Army Day is observed in 2008 as an initiative by the Ministry every year on 15th January. 160

www.gradeup.co of Women and Child Development and the Government of India.

Important Committees and Commissions in India

✓ Committees and commissions are formed for studying a problem/issues and then putting forth recommendations to resolve those issue. The govt can either accept or reject the findings/recommendations of the committee/ commission: Committee/Commission Head Objective

Justice Mukandakam Sharma Justice Mukandakam The aim is to review the draft of the Committee Sharma National Code for Good Governance in sports. General Shekatkar Committee General Shekatkar Committee of Experts on rebalancing defence expenditure. Naresh Chandra Committee Naresh Chandra Report on the Taskforce on National security Prakash Tandon Committee(1994) Prakash Tandon Unification of existing railway service

Rajat Bhargav Committee Rajat Bhargav Panel on petrochemical investment Committee H R Khan Committee H R Khan Committee Code for responsible lending in Micro Credit Tapan Ray Committee Tapan Ray It will review the regulatory guidelines and supervisory framework of Core Investment Companies (CIC) Harsh Vardhan Committee Harsh Vardhan It will examine the existing state of mortgage securitization in India and Development of Housing Finance Securitization Monetary Policy Shaktikanta Das It will accelerate the GDP growth of the Committee/Shaktikanta Das country Committee High-level Committee/Nandan Nandan Nilekani It will suggest measure to strengthen the Nilekani Committee safety and security of digital payments in the country High-level and Bezbaruah M.P. Bezbaruah It will review the implementation of clause Committee 6 of the Assam Accord Expert Committee/UK Sinha UK Shina It will look into the various challenges Committee faced by MSMEs National Implementation Rajnath Singh It will look into the multiple challenges Committee/Rajnath Singh faced by MSMEs Committee

161

www.gradeup.co Rajiv Kumar Committee Rajiv Kumar It will look at selling as many as 149 small and gas fields of state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and Oil India Ltd (OIL) to private and foreign companies to boost domestic output. Injeti Srinivas High-Level Injeti Srinivas It will review the existing framework and committee guide, and formulate a roadmap for a coherent policy on Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR) Ethics Committee /Lal Krishna Lal Krishna Advani It is a Committee of Lok Sabha which Advani examines complaints related to any unethical conduct by members of Lower House of Parliament Bhaskar Ramamurthy Committee Bhaskar Ramamurthy It will suggest changes to JEE(Advanced)in the wake of an inadequate number of candidates qualifying the entrance test. B Sesikeran Committee B Sesikeran To review food labelling standards

High-level Empowered Committee Cabinet Secretary It will suggest measures to address issues of Stressed Thermal Power Projects. Sub-Committee/Dr. Dr NilimaKshrisagar It will evaluate 324 irrational FDCs in NilimaKshrisagar Committee three months Group of Minister(GOM)and High- Rajiv Gauba It will deliberate and make a Level Committee/Rajiv Gauba recommendation for a separate penal provision on incidents of mob violence 13-member Committee/Ravinder H Ravinder H Dholakia. It will review Sub-National Accounts to Dholakia Committee upgrade the norms for the computation of economic data. Sunil Mehta Committee Sunil Mehta It will examine setting up of Asset Reconstruction /Management Company for faster resolution of stressed assets of PSB Minorities Commission and S.C., Mohammed For Minorities and S.C., S.T. S.T. Commission Qamaruddin 14-member panel/Umesh Sinha Umesh Sinha It will study the use of social media and Committee other digital platforms in the voting and give suggestions on how to adapt the Model Code of Conduct to these changes. Manmohan Juneja Committee Manmohan Juneja The panel will revisit "Schedule VII of Companies Act, 2013, based on references received from stakeholders, including ministries and department of centre and states, members of Parliament, member of state legislatures and civil societies".

162

www.gradeup.co Defense Planning AjitDoval It will suggest measures to reform the Committee(DCP)/AjitDoval process of higher defence planning and Committee national security strategy. Injeti Srinivas Committee Injeti Srinivas It will suggest improvements in the National Sports Development Code and functioning of Sports Federations Negotiation Committee A representative from On Mahanadi & its Tributaries Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation Timothy Gonsalves Committee Timothy Gonsalves The committee suggested creating 20% reservation seats for the girl students in IITs Vinod Rai Committee Vinod Rai To manage the Indian cricket board

N.S Kang Committee N.S Kang It will frame uniform rules for the states to avoid delay in the fast implementation and reduce hindrance of the Rights of Person with Disabilities (RPD) Act in the country N.K. Singh Committee N.K. Singh It will review the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management(FRBM) Amitabh Chaudhry Committee Amitabh Chaudhry To analysis the existing framework of IRDA-kinked and non-linked insurance product regulation Afzal Amanullah Committee Afzal Amanullah It suggests ways to improve India's Haj policy. It also looks into the issue of subsidy to the pilgrimage. H. R. Nagendra Committee H. R. Nagendra The objective is to prepare a Yoga Protocol for Diabetes Control Dr Pritam Singh Committee Dr. Pritam Singh The aim is to study the setting up of a Defence procurement organization Meena Hemchandra Committee Meena Hemchandra It reviews the threats inherent in the existing and emerging technology also consider the adoption of various security standards and protocols, interface. Partha Mukhopadhyay Committee Partha Mukhopadhyay It suggests the necessary legal and policy framework protecting the interests of the migrants in the country. Arvind Panagariya Committee Arvind Panagariya It will examine the working of the regulatory bodies Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM) and Central Council of Homeopathy(CCH) AK Bajaj Committee AK Bajaj It will address issues related to the management of the waters of Krishna

163

www.gradeup.co River between warring Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Lt. Gen. D.B. Shekatkar Committee Lt. Gen. D. B. It will Reform the military and improve Shekatkar financial management. Justice Shri Girdhar Malviya Justice Shri Girdhar To prepare draft Ganga Act Committee Malviya Kewal Kumar Sharma Committee Kewal Kumar Sharma To review the recommendations made by the University Grants Commission (UGC)panel on implementation of the 7th pay commission in educational institutions Mr Ashok Dalwai Committee Mr Ashok Dalwai To establish a regulated wholesale agri- market at a distance of every 80 km Dr R B Barman Committee Dr R B Barman The objective is to lay down technical (Chairman of the standards for the performance of core national statistical services and other services Commission) Arvind Panagariya Committee Arvind Panagariya To compute timely data on the employment situation in the country Madhav Chitale Committee Madhav Chitale The objective is to recommend measures for de-siltation of river Ganga Smt. Rina Mitra Committee Smt. Rina Mitra It examines the rules which allow free Special movement of Indians and Myanmar secretary(internal Citizen. security )in the ministry of Home affairs. Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan Krishnaswamy To draft the national education Committee Kasturirangan Uday Kotak Committee Uday Kotak It will suggest improvement in the standards of corporate governance of listed companies Pradeep Kumar Committee Pradeep Kumar It will look at the stressed assets of the banking sector CK Khanna Committee CK Khanna The objective is to support staff of the Indian team and then decide in the contracts that will hand over to the coaches Pradeep Kumar Shina Committee Pradeep Kumar Sinha To select the national anti-profiteering authority Usha Nath Banerjee Committee Usha Nath Banerjee Deal with the players' transfer dispute.'

164

www.gradeup.co Justice B N Srikrishna Committee Justice B.N. Srikrishna It is an expert committee to study various issues relating to data protection. Renuka Chowdhury Committee Renuka Chowdhury According to the committee, Genetically modified(G.M.) crop should be introduced only after biosafety, socio-economics evaluation TarunRamadorai Committee TarunRamadorai Rights-based privacy framework in household finance

India’s Ranking in various Indices

Top Ranking Indexes Released by India’s Rank Country Human Capital Index Human Capital Index is released by the World 115 Singapore 2019 Bank as a part of The World Development Report. Global Talent It is launched by INSEAD, a partner and sponsor Competition Index, of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development 72 Switzerland 2019 Goals (SDGs), Davos, Switzerland. Norway, The Human Switzerland, United Nations Sustainable Development Development Index 129 Ireland occupied Solutions Network. (HDI),2019 the top three positions UN World Happiness Sustainable Development Solution Network 144 Finland Report, 2020 Ease of Doing Published by World Bank 63 New Zealand Bussiness,2019 Global Gender Gap Published by the World Economic Forum (WEF) 112 Iceland Report, 2020 Global Competitive Published by the World Economic Forum (WEF) 68 Singapore Report,2019 This year it has analyzed the impact of COVID-19 on the world World Economic economy. International Monetary Fund (IMF) ---- Outlook, 2020 According to this report, India’s growth is expected to dip to 1.9% in 2020 and rebound o7.4%

165

www.gradeup.co in 2021. Global Peace Released by Australian think tank Institute for 141 Iceland Index,2019 Economics & Peace Published by Cornell University, INSEAD and Global Innovation The UN World Intellectual Property Organisation 52 Switzerland Index, 2019 (WIPO) New Delhi Global Liveability Published by Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) lowest Rank Vienna (Austria) Index 118 Travel and Tourism India is on the Spain secured Competitiveness World Economic Forum (WEF) 34th place the top spot Index, 2019: Key Points: The world had 2,153 billionaires in 2019 Global Inequality Oxfam international ---- Crisis Report The world’s richest 1% have more than twice as much wealth as 6.9 billion people. World Press Freedom Reporters Sans Frontieres 142 Norway Index Corruption Perception Transparency International 80 Denmark Index, 2019 India 7th worst Global Terrorism Institution of Economic and Peace Terrorism ---- Index, 2020 affected country. Global Hunger Index, Released by Concern Worldwide and Welt 102 ---- 2019 Hunger Hilfe The US, UK, International Germany, Released by US Chamber of Commerce’s Global Intellectual Property 40 France and Innovation Policy Center index, 2020 Sweden are top five economies Global Democracy Released by Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) 51 Norway Index, 2019

Global Climate Risk Worst affected Germanwatch 5 Index,2019 country Japan, Philippines and

166

www.gradeup.co Germany Top 3 spots have remained unoccupied as none of the countries Climate Change The CCPI is published by Germanwatch, Climate assessed is Performance Index, Action Network International and the New 9 already on a 2019 Climate Institute. path compatible with Paris Climate Targets. Sweden on 4th Spot International Institute for Management The United World Digital Development (IMD) World Competitiveness 48 States of Competitiveness, 2019 Center America Released by the Department of Administrative Good Governance Reforms and Public Grievances, and the Centre 112 Iceland Index for Good Governance. Global Energy World Economic Forum(WEF) 74 Sweden Transition Index, 2020 The United States remained Asia Power Index Lowy institute 4 to be pre- eminent power in Asia Inclusive Internet Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) 46 Sweden Index,2020 Global Social Mobility 76 out of 82 World Economic Forum(WEF) Denmark Index, 2020 countries India ranked 5th in the most polluted cities in the world, World Air Quality and It is released by IQAir and Greenpeace Report, 2019 Bangladesh is the most polluted country in the world.

Military Exercises

Name of Exercise Few Points to Remember Indo–Thai CORPAT • Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy. 167

www.gradeup.co • IN Dornier arrived in Bangkok, Thailand, on September 5, 2019, for the conference for the 28th cycle of Indo-Thai CORPAT. • The CORPAT is genuinely reflective of the strong desire for the peaceful Indian Ocean safeguarded through good maritime order in the region.

SITMEX 2019 • Maritime exercise amongst Singapore, Thailand, and India. • It is being held from May 16 to May 22, 2019. It was first initiated in 1993. • The aim is to enhance interoperability, strengthen mutual trust, and build greater synergy to address shared maritime concerns among both navies.

MAITREE-2019 • Joint military exercise between India and Thailand. • India and Thailand conducted the military exercise from 16-29 September at Foreign Training Node, Umroi, in Meghalaya • The contingents of Indian Army and Royal Thailand Army (RTA) comprising of 50 soldiers each will participate in the exercise.

YudhAbhyas 2019 • Joint military exercise between Indian and U.S. armies from 05-18 September 2019. • This will be overall 15th edition of the joint exercise hosted alternately between the two countries • It will result in a higher degree of joint manship that will further facilitate interoperability between forces of both countries to meet any unforeseen situation.

Tiger Triumph • The first-ever tri-service joint exercise between India and the United States. • The exercise is being conducted from 13th-21st November 2019. • The exercise will be conducted off Visakhapatnam and Kakinada coasts in Andhra Pradesh • It aims to develop interoperability for conducting HADR operations.

Malabar 2019 • Maritime exercise between India, Japan, and the United States. • It is the 23rd edition of the Trilateral Maritime Exercise MALABAR. • It began in 1992 as a bilateral exercise between India and the U.S. • Then it got permanently expanded into a trilateral format with the inclusion of Japan in 2015.

Counter-Terrorism • First counter-terrorism exercise for "Quad" countries (U.S., India, Japan, and Table-Top Exercise Australia). Between November 21, 2019, and November 22, 2019. (CT-TTX) TSENTR 2019 • Part of the Russian Armed Forces' annual training cycle. • Along with Russia, military contingents from China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan will take part. • The exercise aims at evolving drills of the participating armies and practising them in the fight against international terrorism, thereby ensuring military security in the strategic Central Asian region. • It will comprise two modules. • The first module will include counter-terror operations, repelling airstrikes, reconnaissance operations, and defensive measures, while the second will

168

www.gradeup.co focus on offensive operations.

Nomadic Elephant • India-Mongolian joint military training exercise. • The 14th edition of India-Mongolia joint military exercise is being held from 5th to October 18 at Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh. • The Mongolian ArmyArmy is being represented by officers and troops of the elite 084 Airborne-Special Task Battalion while Indian ArmyArmy is being represented by a battalion of the RAJPUTANA RIFLES Regiment • It evolves various tactical drills in counter-terror environments such as Convoy Protection Drill, Room Intervention Drills, Ambush & Counter Ambush Drills.

BIMSTEC-DMEx • The second BIMSTEC Disaster Management Exercise is a three-day exercise 2020 • It was attended by five out of seven member countries of BIMSTEC • The objective of the exercise is to discuss, standardization of protocol, formulation of policy and guidelines for the protection of heritage sites during a disaster and their conservation post-disaster • National Disaster Response Force Hosted BIMSTEC-DMEx 2020

Exercise SHAKTI • Biennial exercise between armies of India and France. • The edition will be conducted from October 31, 2019, to November 13, 2019, in Rajasthan, India. • The exercise aims at enhancing understanding, cooperation, and interoperability between the two Armies. • The exercise will focus on Counter-Terrorism operations in a semi-desert terrain under United Nations Mandate. • The exercise will also have a 36 hours long validation, which involves neutralization of terrorists in the village hideout.

Exercise Garuda-VI • Exercise between Indian and French Air Force. • It was hosted by French Air Force (FAF) from 01 to July 12 19 at Mont-de- Marsan France, was successfully completed. • The participating aircraft included four Su-30 MKI fighters besides one IL-78 and two C-17 aircraft. • It fosters a closer relationship between India and France so as to promote interoperability through the exchange of knowledge and experience. • It was unique, fascinating, and timeless learning at the exercise for the IAF contingent.

Exercise Surya • Joint military exercise between India- Nepal. Kiran- XIV • It is conducted in Nepal from 3rd- 16th December 2019. • The 13th edition of the exercise was held in Uttarakhand, India.

Exercise Mitra • Joint military exercise between India-Sri Lanka. Shakti-VII • The 7th edition of India-Sri Lanka joint military training exercise Mitra Shakti– 2019 was conducted in Pune from December 1, 2019, to December 14, 2019. • The exercise aims to build and promote positive relations between armies of India and Sri Lanka for counter-insurgency & counter-terrorism operations in the urban and rural environment under the United Nations mandate. 169

www.gradeup.co • The Mitra Shakti exercise began in 2013 • The exercise is conducted annually as a part of military diplomacy and interaction between the armies of India and Sri Lanka.

SLINEX 2019 • Maritime exercise between India and Sri Lanka. • It commenced on September 7, 2019, and will go on till September 14. • Sri Lankan Navy has sent two offshore patrol vessels, namely SLNS Sindurala and SLNS Suranimala, to India to participate in the seventh annual Joint Indo-Lanka Maritime Fleet Exercise- SLINEX 2019.

Exercise • Military exercise between India and Bangladesh. SAMPRITI-IX • It was conducted at Umroi, Meghalaya from 3rd-16th February 2020 • The 8th edition of the exercise was held at Tangail, Bangladesh.

Exercise Za'ir-Al- • Joint maritime exercise between the navies of India and Qatar. Bahr • It was being conducted between November 17 and November 21, 2019. • It was held for the first time. The exercise will include Air defense, Surface action, interdiction operation, maritime surveillance, and anti-terrorism.

Dustlik-2019 • It is a first-ever joint military exercise between India and Uzbekistan. • The exercise will be held at Chirchiq Training Area, Uzbekistan, between November 4 and November 13, 2019. From India, a 45-member contingent has been trained for this.

Hand in Hand • Military exercise between India and China. • The 8th India-China joint training exercise Hand-In-Hand 2019 is being conducted at Umroi, Meghalaya, from 7 to December 20, 2019.

Indra • Joint Tri-Services Exercise between India and Russia. • It was conducted in India from 10th-19th December 2019 simultaneously at Babina (near Jhansi), Pune, and Goa.

Exercise • The exercise was conducted between the Indian Air Force and Royal Air Indradhanush - V Force of the United Kingdom. • The 5th edition of India-UK joint Air Force Exercise ‘Indradhanush' began at Air Force Station, Hindan (Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh) on February 24, 2020.

Ajeya Warrior-2020 • Joint Military Exercise between India and the United Kingdom. It was conducted at Salisbury Plains, the United Kingdom from 13th-26th February 2020

IndSpaceEx • India's first-ever simulated space warfare exercise. It was held last week of July 2019.

MILAN 2020 • Multilateral naval exercise hosted by the Indian navy. • MILAN (11th edition) was held in Visakhapatnam from 18th - 28th March 2020. • More than 40 countries were expected to participate in the exercise in 2020.

170

www.gradeup.co Operation Him • Conducted by the Indian Army to test offensive capabilities against China in Vijaya Arunachal Pradesh. • The first phase was held between October 7 and October 10, 2019. The second phase was held between October 20 and October 24, 2019.

Exercise Eastern • The exercise is conducted between the Indian Air force and Royal Air force Bridge of Oman • The Joint exercise was held in Oman

Sport Events

1. Asian Games - The Asian Games, also known as Asiad is a Pancontinental multi-sport event held every four years among athletes from all over Asia. The Games were regulated by the Asian Games Federation (AGF). Note: First Asian games were held in New Delhi, India in 1951.

• Venue of Asian Games 2014 – Incheon, South Korea. • Venue of Asian Games 2018 - Jakarta-Palembang, Indonesia. • Venue of Asian Games 2022 – Hangzhou, China. • Venue of Asian Games 2026 – Nagoya, Japan.

2. Commonwealth Games (CWG) - The Commonwealth Games is an international multi-sport event involving athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations held every four years. Note: The first Commonwealth Games held in 1911 in London, England.

• Venue of CWG 2010 – New Delhi, India. • Venue of CWG 2014 – Glasgow, Scotland. • Venue of CWG 2018 – Gold Coast, Australia. • Venue of CWG 2022 – Birmingham, England.

Note: The 2022 Commonwealth Games will no longer take place in Durban, South Africa as the South African government failed to give financial guarantees for the event. 3. Olympics Games - The Olympic Games are held every four years, with the Summer and Winter Games alternating by occurring every four years but two years apart. Note: i. The first modern Olympics games were held in Athens, Greece, in 1896. ii. International Olympic Committee (IOC) headquarters - Lausanne, Switzerland. iii. IOC President - Thomas Bach. Summer Olympic -

• Venue of Summer Olympic Games 2016 – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. • Venue of Summer Olympic Games 2020 – Tokyo, Japan. • Venue of Summer Olympic Games 2024 – Paris, France.

Winter Olympic – 171

www.gradeup.co • Venue of Winter Olympic Games 2014 – Sochi, Russia. • Venue of Winter Olympic Games 2018 – Pyeongchang, South Korea. • Venue of Winter Olympic Games 2022 – Beijing, China.

4. ICC World Cup Cricket - The ICC Cricket World Cup is the international championship of One Day International (ODI) cricket. The event is organised by the International Cricket Council (ICC), every four years. Note: i. The first World Cup was held in England in June 1975. West Indies won the title by defeating Australia in the final. ii. India won the first World Cup title in 1983 by defeating West Indies in the final. iii. Australia won the World Cup title in 2015 after defeating New Zealand in the final. iv. Australia has been the most successful team in the World Cup, with 5 titles and 2 runners-up. v. International Cricket Council (ICC) headquarter - Dubai, United Arab Emirates. vi. President of ICC – Zaheer Abbas. vii. Chairman of ICC – Shashank Manohar. viii. CEO – David Richardson.

• Venue of ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 – India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh. • Venue of ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 – Australia & New Zealand. • Venue of ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 – England, Wales. • Venue of ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 – India.

5. ICC World Cup T20 – The ICC World Twenty20 is the international championship of Twenty20 cricket. It is organised the International Cricket Council (ICC). Note: i. The first T20 World Cup was held in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2007. ii. India won the first T20 world cup title in 2007 after defeating Pakistan in the final. iii. West Indies won the title in 2016 after defeating England in the final. iv. West Indies won the T20 World Cup title two times.

• Venue of World Cup 2014 – Bangladesh. • Venue of World Cup T20 2016– India. • Venue of World Cup 2020 – Australia.

6. ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup – The ICC Women's Cricket World Cup is the oldest and most prestigious international women's cricket tournament. Note: i. The first Women’s World Cup was held in England in 1973, two years before the inaugural men's tournament. England won the title by defeating Australia in the final. ii. England won the Women’s World Cup in 2017 by defeating India in the final. iii. Australia has been the most successful team in the Women’s World Cup, with 6 titles and 3 runners-up.

172

www.gradeup.co • Venue of ICC Women Cricket World Cup 2013 – India. • Venue of ICC Women Cricket World Cup 2017 – England. • Venue of ICC Women Cricket World Cup 2021 – New Zealand.

7. ICC Women’s World Cup T20 - The ICC Women’s World Twenty20 is the international championship for Women’s Twenty20 cricket. It is organised the International Cricket Council (ICC). Note: i. The first Women’s T20 World Cup was held in England in 2009. England won the first T20 world cup title after defeating New Zealand in the final. ii. West Indies won the title in 2016 after defeating Australia in the final. iii. Australia has been the most successful team in the Women’s World Cup, with 3 titles and 1 runners-up.

• Venue of World Cup 2014 – Bangladesh. • Venue of World Cup T20 2016– India. • Venue of World Cup 2020 – Australia.

8. Hockey Men’s World Cup – The Hockey World Cup is an international field hockey competition organized by the International Hockey Federation (FIH). It is held every four years, bridging the four years between the Summer Olympics. Note: i. The first Men’s Hockey World Cup was held in 1971 Barcelona, Spain. Pakistan won the title after defeating Spain in the final. ii. Australia won the title in 2014 after defeating Netherlands in the final. iii. Pakistan has been the most successful team in the World Cup, with 4 titles from 6 appearances in the final. iv. International Hockey Federation (IHF) headquarters - Lausanne, Switzerland. v. President of IHF - Narinder Batra.

• Venue of Hockey Men’s World Cup 2010 – New Delhi, India. • Venue of Hockey Men’s World Cup 2014 – The Hague, Netherlands. • Venue of Hockey Men’s World Cup 2018 – Bhubaneswar, India.

9. Hockey Women’s World Cup - The Women’s Hockey World Cup is an international field hockey competition organized by the International Hockey Federation (FIH). It is held every four years, bridging the four years between the Summer Olympics. Note: i. The first Women’s Hockey World Cup was held in 1974 in Mandelieu, France. Netherlands won the title after defeating Argentina in the final. ii. Netherlands won the title in 2014 after defeating Australia in the final. iii. Netherlands has been the most successful team in the World Cup, with 7 titles from 11 appearances in the final.

• Venue of Hockey Women’s World Cup 2010 – Rosario, Argentina. • Venue of Hockey Women’s World Cup 2014 – The Hague, Netherlands.

173

www.gradeup.co • Venue of Hockey Women’s World Cup 2018 – London, England.

10. FIFA (Football) World Cup – The FIFA World Cup is an international association football competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of Fédération International de Football Association (FIFA). It is held every four years. Note: i. The first FIFA World Cup was held in 1930 in Uruguay. Uruguay won the title after defeating Argentina in the final. ii. Germany won the title in 2014 after defeating Argentina in the final. iii. Brazil has been the most successful team in the World Cup, with 5 titles from 7 appearances in the final. iv. Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) headquarter - Zürich, Switzerland. v. President of FIFA - Gianni Infantino.

• Venue of FIFA World Cup 2014 – Brazil. • Venue of FIFA World Cup 2018 – Russia. • Venue of FIFA World Cup 2022 – Qatar.

11. FIFA Women's World Cup – The FIFA Women's World Cup is an international football competition contested by the senior women's national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). It is held every four years. Note: i. The first FIFA Women’s World Cup was held in 1991 in China. The United States won the title after defeating Norway in the final. ii. The USA won the title in 2015 after defeating Japan in the final. iii. The USA is the most successful nation in the tournament's history, with 3 titles and 1 runners-up.

• Venue of FIFA World Cup 2015 – Canada. • Venue of FIFA World Cup 2019 – France.

12. FIFA (U-17) World Cup – The FIFA U-17 World Cup, founded as the FIFA U-16 World Championship, later changed to its current name in 2007, is the world championship of association football for male players under the age of 17 organized by Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). It is held every two years. i. The first FIFA (U-17) World Cup was held in 1991 in Italy. Ghana won the title after defeating Spain in the final. ii. Nigeria won the title in 2015 after defeating Mali in the final. iii. Nigeria is the most successful nation in the tournament's history, with five titles and three runners-up.

• Venue of FIFA (U-17) World Cup 2015 – Chile. • Venue of FIFA (U-17) World Cup 2017 – India.

174

www.gradeup.co Highlights of the UP Budget:

Gross State Domestic Product

• The Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) for 2020-21 (at current prices) is estimated to be Rs 17, 91,263 crores. • This is on the basis of the estimate that the state’s economy will grow at a rate of 6% from the year 2019-20. • GSDP ( 2019-20) is estimated to grow at a rate of 14% over the previous year.

Expenditure

• The expenditure for 2020-21 is estimated to be Rs 5, 12,861 crores which shows a 13.5% increase over the revised estimate of 2019-20. • The revised expenditure for 2019-20 is Rs 27,873 crore, about (5.8%) lower than the budgeted estimate.

Total receipts

• Total receipts (excluding borrowings) for 2020-21 are estimated to be Rs 4, 24,768 crore which is 13% more as compared to the revised estimate of 2019-20. • In 2019-20, total receipts (excluding borrowings) are estimated to fall short of the budgeted estimate by Rs 21,469 crore which is about (5.4%).

Fiscal deficit

• The Fiscal deficit for the year 2020-21 is targeted at Rs 53,195 crore (2.97% of GSDP). • As per the revised figures in 2019-20, it is estimated to increase by Rs 3,494 crore to 2.98% of GSDP, as compared to the budgeted 2.97% of GSDP. • The sector such as Housing and Urban Development (26%), Police (19%), and Health and Family Welfare (16%) shows the highest increase in allocations. • The highest decrease was shown in the allocation of the Energy sector (15%).

New Scheme / Policy in Budget 2020-2021

• Apprenticeship scheme o This scheme has been proposed to encourage youth to work as apprentices in industries by providing them apprenticeships, along with a monthly stipend. o For this scheme a sum of Rs. 100 crore has been proposed.

• YUVA hubs o The Scheme Yuva Udyamita Vikas Abhiyaan has been proposed with the aim of making more than one lakh young trained person self-reliant. o It will be set up in all districts to provide financial and operational assistance to startups for a one-year period, starting from the planning stage. o Rs 50 crore has been proposed to set up these hubs.

• State National Institution for Transforming India ( NITI ) Aayog

175

www.gradeup.co o State Planning Commission will be replaced by the State NITI Aayog. o Functions of State NITI Aayog ▪ Preparation of a road map for the integrated and sustainable development of the state. ▪ Developing a mechanism for the preparation and consolidation of plans at the district level.

Sector-wise expenditure Education

• 13.6% of Govt expenditure allocated for education in 2020-21 which is much lower than the average expenditure (15.9%) allocated for education by other states (using 2019-20 BE). • A total of Rs 18,363 crore has been allocated for Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan and Rs 2,660 crore for the Mid-Day Meal scheme.

Transport

• For the Ganga Expressway project and the Noida International Greenfield Airport project at Jewar, Rs 2,000 crore each has been allocated.

Rural Development

• For Rural Development (in 2020-21): 6.6% of Expenditure is allocated which is higher than the average allocation by other states (6.2%). • For the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural), the sum of Rs 6,240 crore has been allocated. • The scheme like Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural) and Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGS) has been allocated Rs 5,791 crore for and Rs 4,800 crore respectively.

Housing and Urban Development

• Amount to be allocated for under Housing and Urban Development are • PM Awas Yojana (Urban): Rs 8,241 crores • Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT ) Scheme and Smart Cities Mission: Rs 2,200 crore and Rs 2,000 crore respectively. • Finance Commission will be granted Rs 4,695 crore for urban local bodies.

Health and Family Welfare

• The government has allocated 5.5% of its expenditure on health in 2020-21, which is marginally higher than the average allocation for health by other states (5.3%). • The National Rural Health Mission: Rs 3,845 crores allocated

Social Security and Welfare

• A total expenditure of Rs 3,578 crore is planned from the State Disaster Response Fund.

Agriculture and allied activities

• Agriculture and Allied Activities (in 2020-21): 2.7% of Govt expenditure allocated in this sector. It is significantly lower than the average allocation by states (7.1%). 176

www.gradeup.co • Rs 1,200 crore has been provided for the payment of electricity dues of farmers.

Receipts in 2020-21

• The total revenue receipts for the financial year 2020-21 are estimated to be Rs 4,22,568 crore which is 14.1% more than that of the revised estimate of 2019-20.

How will they raise these receipts?

• 45% of the revenue receipts will be raised through the state’s own resources. • 55% of the revenue receipts will be in the form of central transfers, i.e. state’s share in central taxes and grants-in-aid from the central government.

Devolution

• In 2020-21, receipts from the state’s share in central taxes are estimated to get increased by 13% over the 2019-20 revised estimates. • However, in 2019-20, devolution is estimated to decrease by 11.5% as compared to the budgeted estimate. • This may be due to a 19% cut in the union budget for devolution to states at the revised stage.

Own tax revenue

• Total tax revenue of Uttar Pradesh Government is estimated to be Rs 1,58,413 crores in 2020-21 (Which is 37% of the revenue receipts). • It is 24.1% higher than the revised estimate of 2019-20. • The own tax to GSDP ratio is targeted at 8.8% in 2020-21, which is much higher than the revised estimate of 7.6% in 2019-20. • This implies that growth in the state’s tax collections is expected to be higher than the GSDP growth rate.

Expenditure in 2020-21 Capital Expenditure:

• Proposed Capital expenditure for 2020-21: Rs 1,17,744 crore (9.2% higher than the revised estimate of 2019-20). • Capital expenditure consists of expenditure that affects the assets & liabilities of the state, such as o Capital outlay: It is defined as expenditure which leads to the creation of assets (such as bridges and hospitals). o Repayment as well as the grant of loans by the state government. • In 2020-21, estimated capital outlay is higher than the revised estimate of 2019-20 by 2.8%. • Sectors that receiving most of the allocation for capital outlay in 2020-21: o Transport (30% of total Capital outlay) o Energy (14%) o Housing & urban development (11%).

Subsidies:

177

www.gradeup.co • In 2020-21, subsidies by the state Government are estimated to be 5.4% more than that of the revised estimate of 2019-20. Under this: o Power subsidy: 54% o Various subsidies in agriculture: 17% • In 2019-20, the state’s expenditure on subsidies is estimated to an increase of 6.9% from the budgeted stage to that of the revised stage. It is primarily due to increase of Rs 1,000 crore in power subsidy.

Revenue expenditure:

• Proposed Revenue expenditure for 2020-21: Rs 3, 95,117 crores (14.9% higher than the revised estimate of 2019-20). • Revenue expenditure is 77% of the total expenditure in 2020-21. • The rest 23% of the total expenditure comprises of capital outlay (16%), and repayment and grant of loans (7%). • Examples of revenue expenditure are - o Subsidies o Payment of salaries o Pension o Interest

Highlights of India’s Union Budget 2020-21 The 2020-21 Union Budget presented by the Union Finance Minister 'Nirmala Sitharaman' in Lok Sabha.

• This is the second budget being presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Union Budget:

• The annual financial statement of a government, the Union budget gives details about the revenue and expenditure of the Centre in the past and estimated spending and projections for the coming year.

Following are the highlights of 'Mrs Sitharaman' Budget speech:

• The themes of this Budget: Aspiration, development, compassion o Aspirational India in which all sections of the society seek a better standard of living o Economic development for all o Caring and compassionate: Ours shall be a caring society:

Sector-wise highlights Gross Domestic Product (GDP):

• The nominal GDP growth for the year 2020-21 estimated at 10%, on the basis of trends available • Accordingly, receipts for 2020-21 estimated at 22.46 lakh crore rupees • Expenditure at 30.42 lakh crore rupees • Revised expenditure estimate at ₹ 26.99 Lakh Cr for FY 21 • Estimate Fiscal deficit at 3.8% vs target of 3.3% of GDP • Corporate tax at 15% lowest in the world

178

www.gradeup.co • The turnover threshold for audit raised to ₹ 5 Crore from ₹ 1 Crore

Agriculture

• Finance Minister listed a 16-point action plan for farmers, towards the goal of doubling farmers' income by 2022 • Agricultural credit target has been set at Rs 15 lakh crore. NABARD Refinancing Scheme to be further expanded. • Will encourage state governments who implement following model laws: Model Agricultural Land Leasing Act of 2016; Model Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing Act of 2017; • Model Agricultural Produce and Livestock Contract Farming and Services Promotion and Facilitation Act of 2018 • Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evem Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM) to be expanded to provide 20 lakh farmers in setting up standalone solar pumps • 2.83 lakh crore rupees allocated for agriculture and allied activities, irrigation and rural development • Encourage balanced use of all fertilizers, a necessary step to change the incentive regime which encourages excessive use of chemical fertilizers • Village Storage Scheme run by SHGs, will provide holding capacity for farmers, women in villages can regain their status as Dhaanya Lakshmi • Krishi UDAN will be launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation on international and national routes, improving value realization in North East and tribal districts • Milk processing capacity to be doubled by 2025 • Indian Railways will set up Kisan Rail through PPP arrangement, for transportation of perishable goods • Fish production to be raised to 200 lakh tonnes by 2022-23

Education

• A medical college to be attached to a district hospital in PPP mode, viability gap funding to be set up for setting up such medical colleges • Rs 3,000 crore for skill development • IND-SAT exam to be held in African and Asian countries, for benchmarking foreign candidates who wish to study in India • Degree-level full-fledged online education programme to be offered by institutes in top 100 in National Institutional Ranking Framework • Government announces Rs 99,300 crore outlay for education sector in 2020-21 • New Education Policy to be announced soon • Urban local bodies across the country to provide internships for young engineers for a period of up to one year • 8,000 crore rupees over five years to be provided for quantum technologies and applications

Health

• The Budget provides an additional Rs 69,000 crore for the health sector. • Proposes to expand Jan Aushadhi Kendras in all districts of the country to provide medicines at affordable rates.

Finance 179

www.gradeup.co • Deposit Insurance Coverage to be increased from 1 lakh rupees to 5 lakh rupees • Enshrine in the statute a taxpayers' charter. • I would like to reassure taxpayers that we remain committed to taking measures to eliminate tax harassment • To achieve higher export credit, a new scheme being launched which provides higher insurance cover, reduced premium for small exporters and simplified procedure for claim settlements • 27,300 crore rupees for the development of industry and commerce • Investment Clearance Cell to set up through a portal, will provide end-to-end facilitation, support and information on land banks • Amendments to be made to enable NBFCs to extend invoice financing to MSMEs • Government proposes to sell a part of its holding in LIC by initial public offer.

Energy

• All states and UTs to replace conventional energy meters by pre-paid smart meters in 3 years, this will give consumers the freedom to choose supplier and rate as per their requirements. • 22,000 crore rupees to be provided to power and renewable energy sector in 2020-21 • India to provide Rs. 273 billion or promotion of industry and commerce

Infrastructure

• 100 more airports to be developed by 2024 to support the UDAN scheme • 1.7 lakh crore rupees to be provided for transport infrastructure in the coming financial year • More Tejas-type trains to connect iconic destinations • Accelerated development of highways will be undertaken. Delhi-Mumbai expressway and two other projects to be completed by 2023. Monetization of 12 lots of highway bundles of over 6,000km before 2024 • National Logistics Policy will soon be released, creating a single-window e-logistics market • Project Preparation Facility to be set up for preparation of infrastructure projects, actively involving young engineers and management graduates • Fibre to Home connections under Bharat Net will be provided to 1 lakh gram panchayats this year itself, 6,000 crore rupees provided for Bharat Net • Soon, policy for the private sector to build Data Centre Parks throughout the country • National Gas Grid to be expanded from 16,200 km to 27,000 km

Women & Nutrition

• Gross Enrolment Ratio is now higher for girls than for boys at all levels under 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' • 28,600 crore rupees provided for programmes which are specific to women • 35,600 crore rupees for nutrition-related programmes in 2020-21 • Over 6 lakh Anganwadi workers have been equipped with smartphones to upload the nutrition status of 10 crore households.

Other Sectors

• 85,000 crore rupees for Scheduled Castes and Other Backward Classes in 2020-21 53,700 crore rupees for Scheduled Tribes Enhanced allocation of 9,500 crore rupees for Senior citizens and Divyangs • Five archaeological sites to be developed as iconic sites 180

www.gradeup.co • 2,500 crore rupees to be allocated for tourism promotion, in 2020-21 • 3,150 crore rupees to be provided for culture ministry in 2020-21 • Parameters and incentives to be provided to states who take measures for cleaner air in cities above 1 million population - 4,400 crore rupees allocated for this • India will host G20 Presidency in 2022, 100 crore rupees to be allocated for making preparations for this historic occasion, where India will drive global economic agenda

Skill India initiative

• The government proposed ₹3,000 crores for 'Skill India' to provide relevant skill training to the youth in the country, said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday. • "There is a huge demand for teachers, paramedical staff and caregivers in foreign countries. However, their skills do not match in accordance to demand by employers. So, my government proposes ₹3,000 crores for skill development," she said during the 90th Budget presentation. • -Government to sell govt stake in IDBI Bank to private investors

Indian Railways

• 4 station redevelopment projects in railways via PPP models • To develop solar capacity in Indian railways • Plan more Tejas like trains to connect tourist locations • Govt to launch Rs. 18,600 crore worth Bengaluru Suburban Transportation project

Ayushman Bharat

• Union Budget 2020 allocated Rs. 69,000 crore for the healthcare sector. • Out of the total amount, Rs. 6,400 crore will be sanctioned for Ayushman Bharat Yojna. • Ayushman Bharat scheme provides health assurance cover of up to ₹5 lakh per family and is targeted to cover over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families.

Connecting India

• -Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said ₹6,000 crore allocated for BharatNet programme • - Around 1 lakh gram panchayats to be linked with BharatNet this year

To clean air and pollution-free cities

• Power plants with emissions above prescribed limits will be asked to close down. • India's commitment towards tackling climate change made at the Paris conference kick starts from January 1, 2021. • FM said ₹Rs. 4,400 crore has been allocated for states that work towards clean air.

Transport sector:

• Cente to provide 20% equity for Bengaluru Suburban Transportation Raj • 100 more airports to be developed by 2024 to support the Central government's "Udaan" scheme

TAX

• 100% tax exemption on Sovereign Wealth Funds' Indra Investment. 181

www.gradeup.co • Concessional 5% withholding tax entended to municipal bonds, Nirmala Sitharaman FM Nirmala Sitharaman on the new tax regimes: Lowest, simplest, smoothest • On DDT: Dividend Distribution Tax to be removed, companies will not be required to pay DDT, dividend to be taxed only at the hands of recipients at applicable rates • Propose to bring a personal income tax regime, where income tax rates will be reduced.

The proposed changes in tax slabs are listed in the following table: Taxable Income Slab (Rs.) Existing Tax Rates New Tax Rates 0-2.5 Lakh Exempt Exempt 2.5-5 Lakh 5% 5% 5-7.5 Lakh 20% 10% 7.5-10 Lakh 20% 15% 10-12.5 Lakh 30% 20% 12.5-15 Lakh 30% 25% Above 15 Lakh 30% 30%

20th Livestock Census Various species of animals (sheep, goat, pig, horse, cattle, buffalo, donkey, camel, Mithun, yak, pony, mule, dog, rabbit and elephant)/poultry birds (duck, fowl and other poultry birds) possessed by the households, non-household enterprise and household enterprises were counted at that site.

• The total Livestock population is 53.6 Crore in the country showing an increase of 4.6% over Livestock Census during 2012. • West Bengal observed the highest increase of 23%, followed by Telangana (22%). • The increase is mainly driven by a sharp increase in crossbred cattle and higher female indigenous cattle population. • Uttar Pradesh has a maximum decrease in cattle population.

182

www.gradeup.co

By comparing to previous Livestock Census, the percentage share of goat and sheep and population has increased whereas the percentage share of Buffalo, Cattle and pig has marginally reduced.

Livestock Population (Top three State):

• Uttar Pradesh • Rajasthan • Madhya Pradesh

Poultry:

• The total poultry population has increased by 16.81% and the total poultry is 851.81 million during 2019. • Top three state in Poultry Population:

1. Tamil Nadu 2. Andhra Pradesh 3. Telangana

Cattle:

• The total Cattle Population in the Country is 19.2 Crore in 2019 and increased by 0.8 % over the previous livestock census. • Around 36% of the total Livestock population is contributed by cattle. • Top three state in Cattle Population:

1. West Bengal 183

www.gradeup.co 2. Uttar Pradesh 3. Madhya Pradesh

Buffalo:

• The total Buffalo population in the country is 109.85 million during 2019. • Top three state in Buffalo Population:

1. Uttar Pradesh 2. Rajasthan 3. Gujarat

Sheep:

• The total Sheep population in the country is 74.26 million during 2019. • Top three state in Sheep Population:

1. Telangana 2. Andhra Pradesh 3. Karnataka

Goat:

• The total Goat Population in the country is 148.88 million during 2019. • Top three state in Goat Population:

1. Rajasthan 2. West Bengal 3. Uttar Pradesh

Pig:

• The total Pig Population in the country is 9.06 million during 2019. • Top three state in Pig Population:

1. Assam 2. Jharkhand 3. Meghalaya

Camel:

• The total Camel Population in the country is 0.25 million during 2019. • Top three state in Camel Population:

1. Rajasthan 2. Gujarat 3. Haryana 184

www.gradeup.co 10th Edition of Agriculture Census 10th Edition of Agriculture Census Data for 2015-16 Released By Ministry of Agriculture. The Agriculture Census in India is conducted at 5 yearly intervals to collect data on structural aspects of operational holdings in the country. The Agriculture Census programme is carried out in 3 phases at five-yearly intervals with the cooperation of States/Union Territories. The first Agriculture Census in the country was conducted with from 1970-71. The current Agriculture Census was conducted in 2015-16 is 10th in the series. Objectives

• It provides statistical data on land utilization, operational holdings, irrigation, the irrigated and unirrigated area under different crops, use of agricultural machinery and implements, agricultural credit, use of fertilizers, seeds etc. • To provide data for formulating new agricultural development programmes and for evaluating their progress. • To provide a basic structure of operational holdings of agriculture land for carrying out future agricultural surveys and for developing an integrated programme for current agricultural statistics.

Definitions Operational Holding:

• All land which is used by person partly or wholly for agricultural production and is operated as one technical unit by one person alone or with others without regard to the title, legal form, size or location.

Technical Unit:

• An area of land which is under the same management and has the same means of production such as machinery, labour force and animals.

Operated area:

• The operated area includes both uncultivated areas, cultivated and provided part of it is put to agricultural production during that period. Consider an operational holding of agriculture land consists of six survey numbers out of which one survey number is put to non-agricultural uses, the total area of the operational holding will be equal to the total geographical area of all the six survey numbers.

Operational holder:

• A person who perform agriculture activity and has the responsibility for the operation of the agricultural holding and who exercises the technical expertise and is responsible for its operation. The operational holder may be Individual/Joint/ Institutional.

Individual Operational holder: If the holding is being operated either by one person or by a group of persons who are the members of the same household, such holding will be considered as an individual holding.

185

www.gradeup.co Joint Operational holder: If two or more persons belonging to different households share jointly as partners in the technical and economic responsibility for the practice of an agricultural holding, such holding will be considered as joint holding. Institutional Operational holder: Holdings such as government farms, farms of sugarcane factories, cooperative farms, lands managed by trusts would be treated as institutional holdings. Size classes and Size groups of Holdings: S.No. Group Group Classes (in Ha.) 1. Below 0.5 ha I Marginal 2. 0.5<1.0 ha II Small 3. 1.0<2.0 ha 4. 2.0<3.0 ha III Semi-Medium 5. 3.0<4.0 ha 6. 4.0<5.0 ha IV Medium 7. 6.0<7.5 ha 8. 7.5<10.0 ha 9. 10.0<20.0 ha V Large 10. and above Highlights

• The highest number of operational holders belonged to Uttar Pradesh followed by Bihar, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka and in a total of 146.45 million operational holdings in the country, • Compared to the 1.15-hectare average size of operational holding in 2010-11 has declined to 1.08- hectare in 2015-16. • The share of female operational holders has increased from 12.79% in 2010-11 to 13.96% in 2015-16 • The small and marginal holdings taken together (0.00-2.00 hectare) constituted 86.08% of the total holdings in 2015-16. • As per the latest data, women participation in the farming sector with an overall increase of small and medium land holding farmers and tillers. • Agricultural Census showed a decline of 1.53% of the total operated area to 157.14 million hectares as compared to 159.59 million ha in 2010-11 data & in terms of operated area participation of women increased from previous 10.36% to 11.57% • By the number of people tilling the land, Uttar Pradesh topped the chart followed by Bihar and Maharashtra. • According to Agricultural Census in terms of total operated area: Rajasthan comes first followed by Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka. • The total operational holdings aggregate to over 146 million hectares an increase of 5.33 per cent from 138 million in 2010-11. • Goa has witnessed the sharpest fall and Manipur had the lowest in a number of operational holdings.

186

www.gradeup.co • In terms of the operated area, 14 states hold for 88.08% of operational holdings. They are West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Karnataka, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, and Kerala. • Comparing this to the farmers holding 10 hectares and more account for just 0.57% and had a share of 9.04 per cent in the operated area. • Semi-medium and medium operational holdings (2-10 ha) in 2015-16 were 13.22 per cent, with 43.61 per cent of the operated area. • The individual, joint and institutional operational holder have shown growth of 5.04%, 7.07% and 10.88%, respectively. • The average size of farm holding was the lowest in Kerala at (0.18 hectare) and the highest in Nagaland at (5.06 hectares). Indian State of Forest Report, 2019 (ISFR) The forest survey of India released the India state of forest report for the year 2019. It publishes the India state of forest report biennially. Forest Survey of India is a premier national organization under the Union Ministry of Environment and monitoring of the forest resource of the country. 2019 report is the 16th edition of the India state of forest report. Forest Survey of India published the 1st report in 1987

Indian State of Forest Report, 2019 (ISFR): Terminologies; Key Findings; Points to note for Prelims

Terminologies related to Forest report

• Forest Cover: Forest Cover refers to all lands more than one hectare in area, with a tree canopy density of more than 10% irrespective of ownership and legal status. It also includes orchards, bamboo, and palm. • Tree Cover: Tree patches outside the recorded forest areas exclusive of forest cover and less than the minimum mappable area of one hectare. • Open Forest includes lands with forest cover having a canopy density between 10 to 40%. • Dense Forest includes lands with a forest cover having a canopy density of 40% and above. • Moderately dense Forest includes all lands with forest cover having a canopy density between 40- 70% • Very Dense Forest Includes lands with forest cover having a canopy density of 70% and above. • Growing Stock: It is the sum (by number or volume) of all the trees growing/living in the forest or a specified part of it

Key Findings of the report

• The total forest cover in our country is 7,12,249 sq km. • It is 21.67% of the geographical area of the country. • The tree cover of India is approximately 95,027 Km • It is 2.89% of the geographical area. • The total Forest and Tree cover of India is 8,07,276 sq km. • It is 24.56% of the geographical area of the country. In the last assessment, it was 39%. • The current report shows an increase of 3,976sq km of forest cover, 1,212 sq km of tree cover, and 5,188 sq km of forest and tree cover. • Very Dense Forests (VDF), which represents the lushest vegetation and has canopy density above 70%, increased by 1,120 sq km over the assessment of

187

www.gradeup.co • Forest cover within the Recorded Forest Area (RFA) / Green Wash (GW) has shown a slight decrease of 330 sq km (0.05%), but there is an increase of 4,306 sq km of forest cover outside the RFA/GW when compared with ISFR 2017. • Forest cover in all the hill districts of India is 2,84,006sq km. • It is 40.30% of the total geographical area of all these districts. Overall, there is an increase of 544 sq km (0.19%) in 140 hill districts of the country • There is an increase in the bamboo area as compared to ISFR 2017 • Except for Assam and Tripura, all the states in the northeastern region shows a decrease in the forest area. • In the tribal district, there is a decrease of 741 sq km of forest cover within the RFA/GW and an increase in 1922sq km outside.

POINT TO NOTE FOR PRELIMS

• States where there is an increase in the forest area in descending order o 1) Karnataka (1025 sq km) 2) Andhra Pradesh (990 sq km) 3) Kerala (823 sq km) 4) Jammu & Kashmir (371 sq km) 5) Himachal Pradesh (334 sq km) • States where there is a loss in the forest area in descending order o 1) Manipur (499 sq km) 2) Arunachal Pradesh (276 sq km) 3) Mizoram (180 sq km). • States having forest cover area in descending order o 1) Madhya Pradesh 2) Arunachal Pradesh 3) Chattisgarh 4) Orissa 5) Maharashtra • States having forest cover area as a percentage of the total geographical area in descending order o 1) Mizoram (85.41%) 2) Arunachal Pradesh (79.63%) 3) Meghalaya (76.33%) 4) Manipur(75.46%) 5) Nagaland (75.31%).

Mangrove Cover:

• There has been a net increase of 54 sq km in the mangrove cover of the country as compared to the 2017 assessment. • The mangrove cover in the country is 4,975 sq km, which is 0.15% of the country's total geographical area. • West Bengal has 42.45% of India's mangrove cover, followed by Gujarat 23.66% and A&N Islands 12.39%. • About 40% of the world's Mangrove Cover is in South East Asia and South Asia. India has approximately 3% of the total Mangrove cover in South Asia. • All the coastal states have mangroves cover.

Wetlands:

• Among the big States, Gujarat has the largest area of the wetlands within RFA in the country, followed by West. • Among the smaller States/UTs, Puducherry, followed by Andaman & Nicobar (A&N) Islands, have large areas of wetlands within. • In India, 62,466 wetlands are covering 3.83% of the area within RFA/GW of the country, and nearly 8% of the total number of wetlands is within the RFA/GW.

Forest Fire

188

www.gradeup.co • In India, about 21.40% of forest cover of the country is highly prone to extreme fire. • Most of the fire-prone forest areas are in the northeastern region and central part of the country • Most of the forest fires have occurred in open forests followed by moderately dense

Carbon Stock

• India’s total carbon stock was approximately 7,124.6 million. There is an increase of 42.6 million tons from 2017. • India’s NDC goal is to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3.0 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover by 2030. • The Soil organic carbon contributes 56% to the total forest carbon stock of India, which is the largest pool of carbon stocks in the forest.

Biodiversity

• Tropical wet evergreen and semi-evergreen forest of Western Ghats shows maximum Biodiversity. • In terms of states, maximum biodiversity is in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, followed by northeastern states. • In terms of species richness for trees, Karnataka is on the top • In terms of species richness for shrubs, Arunachal Pradesh is on top • In terms of species richness for herbs, Jammu Kashmir is on the top • Combining all the three types of species richness, Arunachal Pradesh is in the first position, followed by Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Bamboo Cover

• In India total bamboo bearing area is 1,60,037sq km. • There is an increase of 3,229 sq km as compared to 2017 estimates. • Madhya Pradesh has a maximum bamboo bearing area followed by Maharashtra, Arunachal Pradesh, and Odisha.

Dependence of fuelwood on forest

• Maharashtra has the highest dependence on fuelwood in the forest. • In terms of fodder, small timber, and bamboo, dependence is highest in Madhya Pradesh.

Growing stocks

• In India, the total growing stock of wood is approximately 5,915.76 million cubic meters. • The average growing stock per hectare in the forest is 55.69 cum. List of Important GI Tags • A geographical indication (GI) is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.

189

www.gradeup.co • Here is the list of important Geographical tags that have a high tendency to appear in the latest examination. So far, 363 products have been given GI Tags in India with Terracotta and black rice being the latest ones. List of GI Tags State Kandhamal Haladi Odisha

Kodaikanal Malai Tamil Nadu Poondu-Pawndum Mizoram Ngotekherh Mizoram Hmaram(Handicraft) Mizoram

Gulbarga Tur Dal Karnataka

Khola Chilli Goa

Idu Mishmi (Textile) Arunachal Pradesh

Dindigul Locks Tamil Nadu

Kandangi Saree Tamil Nadu

Srivilliputtur Palkova Tamil Nadu

Kaji Nemu Assam

Palani Panchamirtham Tamil Nadu

Tawlhlohpuan and Mizo Puanchei Mizoram Tirur Betel leaf Kerala

Palani Panchamirtham (a 'prasadam' or religious Tamil Nadu

190

www.gradeup.co offering in temples)

Tawlhlohpuan, ( a fine quality fabric) Mizoram

Mizo Puanchei ( a shawl, is considered the most Mizoram colourful textile)

'Odisha rasagola' Odisha Tirur betel vine Kerala

Terracotta Gorakhpur Black Rice or Chak-Hao Manipur

191

www.gradeup.co Note:

192